The sanin

Chapter 38 The sanin.

Another three days passed, leaving

just two days before the Chunin exams. Kiba continued to train diligently under

Uzumaki Kushina's guidance. His proficiency in water-release ninjutsu improved

significantly, enhancing both his defense and attack capabilities.

Uzumaki Kushina, however,

identified a significant flaw in Kiba's abilities: his chakra levels. While

impressive for his age and comparable to a Chunin, his chakra reserves were not

up to par with the Uzumaki clan's standards. His chakra would deplete quickly

after using a few ninjutsu, severely limiting his capabilities in prolonged

battles.

Despite this, Kiba's exceptional

taijutsu skills compensated for his lower chakra levels. His ability to learn

both ninjutsu and taijutsu was remarkable, showcasing his superior talent. Most

importantly, he possessed the perseverance and dedication required for physical

arts.

Kushina observed Kiba's commitment

to independent training daily. Regardless of his exhaustion, he maintained a

rigorous training regimen that even adult ninjas might struggle to follow

consistently. This dedication reassured her, prompting her to adjust his

training focus.

While initially planning to teach

him a broader range of water-release ninjutsu, she shifted to emphasize

practical and auxiliary techniques that were less chakra-intensive but

effective in combat. Kiba's diligent practice and rapid progress in water and

earth-release ninjutsu reflected this shift.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office,

the Third Hokage exhaled a puff of smoke, a slight smile on his face as he

addressed the three legendary Sannin: Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru.

"Tsunade, Jiraiya,

Orochimaru, thank you for your hard work," he began.

Before him stood Tsunade, renowned

for her exceptional beauty, strength, and medical expertise; Jiraiya, the

white-haired sage and mentor to future Hokage, adorned with a toad forehead

protector bearing the kanji for "oil"; and Orochimaru, the pale,

serpentine genius whose aura exuded both charisma and malevolence.

If Kiba were present, he'd find

Tsunade and Orochimaru strikingly unchanged from their future selves.

"Now that the Chunin exams

are starting earlier, you can serve as judges," the Third Hokage

suggested, a smile tugging at his lips as he looked at his proud disciples.

"The Chunin Exam? Isn't it

scheduled for a few months from now?" Orochimaru's deep, enchanting voice

questioned.

"Yes, this session has been

moved up," the Third Hokage confirmed.

The Sannin exchanged glances.

Jiraiya, pondering, asked,

"Is there an urgent need to select new talent?"

"Indeed," the Third

Hokage's smile faded. "A month ago, Minato and Kushina gathered intel

about major ninja villages infiltrating small villages and countries around the

Land of Fire. This poses a threat to Konoha and the Fire Nation."

The room fell silent, heavy with

the weight of impending conflict.

Tsunade sighed, "Are we

facing another war? I hate to see children go to the battlefield."

The heavy atmosphere lingered

until Orochimaru broke the silence, "So, Sarutobi-sensei, have you

identified any promising candidates?"

The Third Hokage's eyes glinted as

he placed three ninja registration files on his desk, pushing them toward his

students.

"These three recently

graduated from the Ninja Academy, along with a few others worth

cultivating," he explained.

The Sannin each took a file.

"Hinata Yukina..."

Tsunade read aloud, her eyebrows raising slightly.

"Uchiha Hirohiko..."

Jiraiya murmured, intrigued.

"Taki Kiba..."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. "Seven years old? Are these three really only

seven?"

"Yes," the Third Hokage

confirmed.

"Eight Trigram Vacuum Palm?

At this age?" Tsunade's surprise was evident.

"Sharingan, Shadow Clone?

Besides Kakashi, another genius like this within a year?" Jiraiya was

astonished.

"High-speed taijutsu... This

seems quite ordinary, in terms of physical skills," Orochimaru commented,

slightly disappointed.

"Master Orochimaru, Taki

Kiba's information hasn't been fully updated yet. In addition to high-speed

taijutsu, he excels in earth and water-release techniques," the Third

Hokage's advisor interjected. "He also defeated Hatake Kakashi."

"Kakashi Hatake? The genius

who graduated from the Ninja Academy at five, Minato's disciple?" Jiraiya

blurted out, stunned.

Orochimaru's expression mirrored

Jiraiya's shock.

"Yes," the advisor

confirmed.

The Sannin focused intently on

Kiba's file.

"Who is the teacher of these

three?" Tsunade asked.

"Uzumaki Kushina," the

Third Hokage replied, puffing on his pipe.

"Kushina?" Jiraiya

blinked, surprised.

"From the Uzumaki clan?"

Orochimaru's eyes glinted with curiosity.

"You should review these

materials and, as judges, select talents during the Chunin Exams," the

Third Hokage instructed.

The Sannin nodded, exchanging

glances before exiting the office with the files.

After they left, the advisor wiped

sweat from his brow.

Just standing near Konoha's Sannin

felt incredibly intimidating.