57 - New Rules

The air in the stadium crackled with tension as Jiraiya and Minato strode past the Chunin candidates. Like toy soldiers, the young ninjas lined up in neat rows. Chiba's eyes darted to Kayami Hyuga, noting the arrangement: twenty-two people in seven rows, with one lone figure at the end of the last column.

Behind him stood unfamiliar faces, ninjas Chiba couldn't place. As if drawn by an invisible thread, Kayami's gaze met Chiba's. Their eyes locked, an almost tangible spark of rivalry igniting between them.

Minato observed this silent exchange, his brow furrowing. 'This isn't good,' he mused. "Kushina's stubbornness forced my hand. I had to ask Jiraiya-sensei to make me a proctor. If things escalate, I'll need to intervene. Kayami's look... it's murderous."

Jiraiya, meanwhile, cast a sidelong glance at his disciple. 'What's going through your mind, Minato?' he wondered. 'Your first request since becoming my student, and it's to be a proctor? Unusual for an elite to seek such a role in the Chunin exam.'

Clearing his throat, Jiraiya addressed the crowd. "The second phase of the Chunin test officially begins!" His voice boomed across the arena, silencing the murmurs.

"Now, for the exam details," he continued. "We're using a comparison method with a twist. Listen carefully."

Jiraiya outlined the rules: three matches per candidate, random opponents, a point system for wins and losses. Chiba's gaze drifted to the enormous screen dominating the stadium wall. He'd anticipated random matchups, but the three-trial system intrigued him. 'Is Jiraiya some kind of competition enthusiast?' he pondered.

As Jiraiya explained the point system and elimination criteria, Chiba's mind raced. The complexity of the challenge dawned on him: random opponents, multiple matches, mounting physical toll. This was far more demanding than simple one-on-one battles.

The proctor went on to describe additional point usage: designating opponents, point transfers, and even a resurrection system for eliminated teammates. Chiba's eyebrows shot up. "A Chunin exam is supposed to weed out the unqualified. Why offer second chances?"

Despite his initial skepticism, Chiba's curiosity was piqued. There had to be a deeper meaning behind these intricate rules. Jiraiya, a battle-hardened Sannin, wouldn't design something purely frivolous.

In the stands, Kushina Uzumaki observed the proceedings with a mixture of concern and pride. Her gaze flitted between Jiraiya and Minato, piecing together the situation. "This must be Minato's idea," she realized. "All for Chiba and Kayami's sake. Oh, Minato, your intentions are so pure."

A warm flush crept across Kushina's cheeks. "You make me want to be gentler, to spread that warmth to Chiba and the others. But this time, you're underestimating Chiba. That boy... he has the potential to shake not just Konoha, but the entire Ninja World!"

As the rules were announced, a buzz of confusion rippled through the audience. "What's all this about points?" one spectator asked. "It's so convoluted," another grumbled. Skepticism about Jiraiya's authorship of the rules was evident among the older crowd.

From their hidden vantage point, Tsunade and Orochimaru exchanged knowing glances. The audience's doubt about Jiraiya's involvement was palpable and, frankly, justified.

With a final declaration, Jiraiya set the exam in motion. The massive screen flickered to life, capturing Chiba's attention. A smile played at the corners of his mouth as he watched, anticipation building.

The screen settled, displaying the first matchup. At the top of the list: Chiba Taki.