The Grace of the Mighty

As dusk approached, the summary report of the first stage of the joint Chunin Exam was promptly delivered to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, by Ibiki Morino. Those who had been eliminated naturally weren't worth mentioning, but the detailed information and performance of the examinees from various nations who had passed the written test were now laid out before Sarutobi.

In the Hokage's office, after carefully reviewing the overly meticulous summary report, Sarutobi took a deep puff from his pipe:

"Ibiki, I've read the report, and regardless of the circumstances, I'm relieved that it concluded without incident."

"Lord Third, you don't need to console me!"

Ibiki stood ramrod straight, his face a mask of integrity, unflinchingly accepting his responsibility.

"This Chunin Exam's written test almost turned into a laughingstock, and as the person in charge, I must accept the blame."

Though the incident had passed, the chaos that had unfolded in the examination hall would surely spread quickly via the genin's gossip.

No selection mechanism in this world is foolproof, nor are there rules without flaws. But within the short duration of the written test, the genin's solidarity was nearly toppled by a light push, which was quite hard to justify.

"Ibiki, you do bear responsibility for your oversight. Most genin are immature, but we cannot discount the few who defy common sense. That Daimaru posed a risky question, and you underestimated his destructiveness. You didn't pay it enough attention, nor did you remedy it in time. By the time you tried to fix it, it was already too late..."

Sarutobi exhaled a ring of smoke, fell silent for a moment, then sighed,

"As an elite of the Interrogation Squad, your past experiences have made you adept at dealing with individual ninja. However, with over a hundred examinees, the diversity of minds is complex. When you apply your individual interrogation tactics to a group, there are bound to be loopholes..."

Sarutobi stood and opened the window behind his desk, gazing at the bustling crowd outside,

"According to your original plan, all genin examinees, apart from interacting with their teammates, were to be alienated into sources of information, with no direct or indirect communication between teams.

However, you permitted examinees to interfere with other teams and cheat to obtain answers. Even if teams couldn't communicate face-to-face, those who could exchange information essentially formed a small coalition, and individual psychology gave way to group mentality..."

Ibiki reflected thoughtfully. The written test's rules were meant to bind teams, but Daimaru's actions had triggered a collective response from all examinees. It was no wonder the original approach was overwhelmed, and the examination hall's order was lost.

"I think I understand now. Thank you for your guidance, Lord Third!"

"Ha ha..."

Sarutobi laughed heartily,

"You are talented, Ibiki, but today you were drawn into a battlefield that you were not familiar with..."

Group psychology is a branch of social psychology research, which most ninja wouldn't concern themselves with. Only the most supreme rulers need to understand how to effectively guide the hearts of an entire village and study how to utilize collective intelligence to grow and strengthen their village.

This matter falls within the realm of imperial scholarship, and it's understandable that Ibiki overlooked it—he is, after all, just an interrogator.

"I will continue to strive and do my best to prevent such incidents from recurring! Regarding the source of all this—Sand ninja Daimaru—do you have any instructions for me?"

"A young one with a unique way of thinking reminds me of Ebizo from the Hidden Sand. Back then, he was one who liked to act in unnoticed corners, seeking a sliver of hope for the Sand Village amidst peril..."

"The Sand Village's strategist? You might be praising Daimaru too highly. He is just a reckless kid with a bit of wit. The trouble he caused was probably a coincidence. I suspect even he didn't foresee it turning out this way!"

"Possibly!"

Sarutobi didn't genuinely equate Daimaru with the renowned Ebizo; it was merely a casual remark,

"Let's leave this matter here. Konoha doesn't dwell on accidents, nor will we make a fuss over a genin from the Sand Village."

"Understood!"

The magnanimity of a major ninja village and the grace of the strongest in the ninja world gave the Leaf ninja enough confidence to face anything.

Under the moonlight, in the courtyard of the Nara clan's main house, Shikaku Nara was playing shogi with his son Shikamaru.

A tipsy Shikaku was somewhat off his game, but today Shikamaru was even more distracted.

"Checkmate, cornered!"

Shikaku exhaled a breath laced with alcohol, speaking lazily,

"I win again, how effortless. You're not at your best today. Is something troubling you? Listening to my son's concerns is a father's duty, after all..."

"Since when is that a duty!"

Shikamaru resisted, his pride preventing him from venting to his father about any grievances he might have faced outside.

After the first stage of the Chunin Exam ended, Shikamaru and Choji escorted a distressed Ino home. The worried look in Ino's mother, Yoshino's eyes, haunted Shikamaru.

Fortunately, she didn't ask why the written test of the Chunin Exam had left Ino injured, but the knot in Shikamaru's heart remained untied.

"Really?"

Shikaku didn't press further but changed the subject,

"Your mother just asked me to cheer you up! If you don't want to be a bother to others, don't show a face that makes people worry."

"Hmm!"

"Good, let's continue!"

After several more losses, Shikamaru conceded defeat once again:

"I'm done playing!"

"Alright, do you feel like talking now?"

"Hmm!"

Shikamaru leaned back on his hands, gazing at the full moon,

"Something unexpected happened during this afternoon's Chunin Exam..."

"Wait..."

Shikaku wore a look of annoyance,

"Today was the Chunin Exam? You participated?"

"Would it kill you to take some interest in your only son's future, old man!"

"I got it!"

Shikaku waved his hand impatiently,

"Go on, then!"

Shikamaru then succinctly recounted the events of the first stage of the Chunin Exam.

"I see!"

Shikaku had an epiphany after hearing the whole story,

"No wonder Inoichi rushed back without having his fill. It turns out his precious daughter was injured."

"Old man, I'm starting to worry about your friendship with Uncle Inoichi. Has it degraded to just being ordinary friends?"

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