Chapter 31: Early Submission, Confused Proctors

The proctor was taken aback for a moment, staring at the paper in his hand as Takuya already walked out of the exam room. He instinctively raised his hand to call him back but was stopped by his colleague's shake of the head.

There was no rule that said you couldn't submit your exam early.

As long as you were confident and fast enough, you could hand in your paper once you were done.

Glancing over Takuya's paper, the proctor couldn't help but mutter to himself, "These kids nowadays are really something."

After a quick review, he was surprised to find no mistakes on the paper.

And it only took him thirty minutes—how strange!

Some of the other participants had barely finished reading the questions in that time and hadn't even started writing yet.

Takuya's early submission left the other exam-takers stunned, their eyes wide as they watched him leave the room. Inside, they were feeling a mix of disbelief and frustration.

I've only just finished reading the questions, and you're already done?

Having breezed through the exam, Takuya headed outside to wait for Minato and Mikoto.

He was the only one who submitted early, so there he was in the hallway, casually playing with a kunai, training the dexterity of his fingers.

Even though he had some powerful tricks up his sleeve, Takuya didn't slack off in his training. In fact, his regimen was stricter than most.

"What's going on with this kid?"

The Third Hokage, busy with paperwork, suddenly remembered that today was the Chunin Exam.

So, he picked up his crystal ball to take a look.

He wasn't expecting to see Takuya standing alone in the hallway, and the sight immediately unsettled him.

He quickly summoned an ANBU operative to get an explanation.

The ANBU member arrived in the Hokage's office, kneeling respectfully as he reported, "Lord Hokage, Takuya Yagami has already completed his exam. He finished all the questions in just half an hour, handed in his paper, and is now waiting for his teammates outside."

"..."

Half an hour? You've got to be kidding me.

If someone submits their exam that quickly, they're either extremely confident or completely giving up.

But does Takuya seem like the type to give up?

No, he seemed full of confidence, as if he wasn't there to take an exam but just to make an appearance.

For some reason, the Third Hokage's blood pressure spiked a little. He felt a strong urge to drag Takuya in and give him a good talking to.

You've got talent and strength, so why are you just hanging around the village all the time?

"Understood. You may go. Once the exams are over, bring their team's papers to me," the Hokage ordered.

"Yes, Lord Hokage," the ANBU operative replied before retreating.

"Master, someone's watching," Snowy's voice echoed in Takuya's mind. Without showing any reaction, Takuya continued to play with his kunai, responding mentally, Let me know the moment you identify who it is.

Someone's spying?

The only person who would have the time and inclination to do something like this had to be the Third Hokage.

Why's the Hokage watching me? I'm not exactly a beautiful woman.

Isn't he more into watching the hot springs? He should go do that instead of peeping on me.

As time slowly passed, the exam eventually came to an end. Minato and Mikoto walked out of their rooms, looking relaxed.

It was clear that the test wasn't too difficult for them.

"Let's go grab some barbecue. We've got the practical exam this afternoon," Takuya suggested.

The three of them headed straight for the barbecue restaurant, ordering a decent spread. As they ate, Takuya gave them a heads-up, "After the exam, we might get assigned some difficult missions or even be sent to the frontlines."

Since the Hokage was keeping an eye on them, it was unlikely they could continue their laid-back routine in the village.

They'd either be given challenging missions or sent to fight in the war.

Takuya wanted Minato and Mikoto to be mentally prepared for that.

"The frontlines?" Mikoto's usually calm face took on a serious expression. Minato also stopped smiling and looked at Takuya.

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure," Takuya replied with a shrug. Not everyone knew how the Third Hokage liked to operate, but Takuya was all too familiar.

He was almost certain that their team's easygoing days were numbered.

But whether it was a difficult mission or the battlefield, Takuya was confident he could keep the team safe.

Worst case, he'd just have Snowy toss out a Tailed Beast Bomb at their enemies.

Takuya had a feeling his Sharingan was close to evolving.

Once it did, and he unlocked his first special ability, his power would take a significant leap.

He'd finally have the strength to truly protect himself.

"Relax. Have some faith in yourselves. Eat up; you'll need the energy for the practical exam this afternoon."

"Thanks for the food," Minato and Mikoto said in unison, pressing their hands together before diving into the meal.

As for their earlier worries...

They had been pretty anxious at first, but after hearing Takuya's reassurances, they relaxed. If Takuya said there was nothing to worry about, then they believed him.

After they had eaten and rested for a bit, the three headed back to check their exam results.

"Just missed it, so close!!"

"Damn it!!"

"Failed again? This is too hard!"

The exam hall was filled with shouts of frustration as many participants vented their disappointment, while those who passed wore relieved smiles.

Some gathered in groups, discussing the day's questions.

When Takuya's team checked their scores, they saw that all three of them had passed. With that, they left the hall and headed for the training grounds where the practical exam would take place.

"There sure are a lot of people who passed this time," Minato remarked, a bit surprised.

Usually, if half the participants passed the Chunin Exam, that was considered good. But today, about two-thirds had made it through.

If the practical exam eliminated a few more, there'd still be a good number of new chunin.

Chunin are the main fodder on the battlefield, Takuya thought to himself.

"During wartime, the difficulty of ninja exams is significantly lowered. The standards for Chunin and Special Jonin exams are reduced; only the Jonin exams remain strict," Takuya explained.

"Well, that's...," Minato trailed off, unable to find any humor in the situation.

He had figured out why the exams were easier during the war.

Noticing Minato's sudden gloom, Mikoto tried to lift his spirits, concerned that it might affect his performance. "Minato, it's just the way things are. The war's depleted the village's forces a bit."

"Lowering the exam standards is the best way to replenish the ranks. Besides, everyone who passes still has the skills of a Chunin."

"Don't overthink it. If they were too weak, do you think the village would let them pass?" Takuya added, giving Minato a light slap on the back of the head.

"Hey, what was that for?" Minato stumbled forward a few steps from the hit.

Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 70 at patreon.com/Emik01.