CHAPTER 61

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The streets of Konoha were bustling with anticipation as the day of the chūnin exams approached.

Genin squads, eager and determined, filed through the village gates, each carrying their own hopes and fears.

For many, this was their first taste of true responsibility and the prospect of proving their strength.

For Konoha's finest young shinobi, it was an opportunity to make their mark, to demonstrate that they were ready for the challenges that came with being a chūnin.

Hiruzen had stationed experienced chūnin at key points throughout the village to guide, observe, and test the resolve of those who dared to participate.

Outside the Hokage Tower, a young chūnin named Rensui awaited the arrival of the applicants.

Known for his mastery of illusions and the art of instilling fear, Rensui was the first gatekeeper. His role was not just to collect the name slips, but to weed out the weak-hearted by subtly emanating a wave of killing intent.

The entrance to the Hokage Tower was already buzzing as clusters of genin gathered outside, some whispering nervously among themselves while others wore expressions of steely determination.

Rensui's gaze scanned over them, calculating, and with a smirk, he unleashed his killing intent, a low, crawling energy that seeped through the crowd, lacing the air with tension.

Several of the genin shifted uneasily, their eyes widening as they felt the weight of Rensui's presence pressing down on them.

A few instinctively took a step back, feeling as though invisible hands gripped their shoulders.

Rensui watched with amusement as some genin clutched their arms, trying to steady themselves against the unsettling pressure.

Amidst this scene, four figures approached, unphased by the thick tension in the air.

Sakumo Hatake, Tsunade Senju, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru strode forward, their eyes focused as they navigated the crowd.

Unlike some of their peers, they did not flinch or hesitate. They understood the subtlety of psychological warfare and had trained under Hiruzen long enough to recognize Rensui's display for what it was: a test.

As they reached the entrance, Rensui's eyes flicked toward them, and his expression shifted to one of surprise and begrudging admiration.

Here were the Hokage's students—genin of a different caliber, radiating confidence and a quiet power.

"Good morning, Chūnin Rensui," Sakumo greeted with a respectful nod.

Rensui smirked. "Ah, so the Hokage's chosen four have arrived," he replied, his tone carrying a slight edge.

"I wonder if you all are truly prepared. The exams aren't just a display of strength, you know. Many don't survive the first day."

Orochimaru, his golden eyes sharp and unblinking, tilted his head. "If your illusions and killing intent are meant to scare us, I'm afraid they're wasted here."

Rensui raised an eyebrow at the boy's candor. "Confidence is admirable," he said, chuckling, "but sometimes it borders on arrogance. We'll see if your skill matches your words."

Tsunade, already irritated, crossed her arms. "Let's not waste time here. We're all aware of the risks, and we're here precisely because we're ready."

Jiraiya, unable to resist adding his own voice, grinned. "We're here to show Konoha—and the world—what we're made of. So save your intimidation tactics for the weak-hearted."

Seeing their resolve, Rensui relented and gestured toward the entryway.

"Very well, go on then. Best of luck." His tone carried a hint of challenge, and as the four entered the tower, he watched them go, his smirk returning.

"We'll see if that confidence holds by the end."

Once inside, the group navigated the corridors leading to the administration room, where they would submit their name slips.

As they walked, the sounds of chattering genin and the faint murmur of nervous anticipation filled the air.

As they turned the corner, they spotted a familiar face—a dark-haired genin with piercing eyes who looked up with a smirk as they approached.

"Naito Uchiha," Jiraiya muttered, his tone filled with both irritation and interest.

The two had sparred on several occasions, each match more intense than the last, and while neither would admit it, there was a mutual respect buried beneath their rivalry.

Naito crossed his arms, his teammates flanking him. "Ah, so the Hokage's favourite children are here to strut their stuff."

His words carried a teasing edge, but his gaze was cold and calculating.

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "Big talk from someone who barely keeps up in training," he shot back, crossing his own arms.

"Oh?" Naito replied, his smirk widening. "I've heard you struggle to even land a hit. Maybe you should train harder, Jiraiya. Wouldn't want you dragging down the Hokage's reputation."

Tsunade held Jiraiya back with a firm hand on his shoulder as he bristled, her eyes fixed on Naito.

"Why don't we save the sparring for the exam?" she suggested, her tone calm yet challenging. "Let's see if you can live up to that mouth of yours when it matters."

Naito's teammates exchanged knowing glances, as if they shared some inside joke.

"We'll see," Naito said coolly, his gaze briefly flicking to Orochimaru. "After all, talk is cheap. I'll show you what a true Uchiha can do."

Jiraiya's fists clenched, and he leaned in, his voice a low whisper. "Count on it, Naito. I'll be looking for you in the exams, and when we face off, I'll make sure you regret that smirk of yours."

Without another word, the two teams parted ways, each determined to prove themselves.

Jiraiya, still simmering, muttered under his breath, "That guy is way too smug. I'll show him who's weak."

Orochimaru, unfazed, looked at Jiraiya and said, "Calm down. Let's focus on the exams. Naito's words mean nothing unless he can back them up."

Jiraiya nodded, albeit reluctantly, as they continued down the hall. They knew that the true test lay ahead, and their focus shifted to the trials awaiting them in the exam hall.

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The following day dawned with a heavy mist blanketing Konoha, casting an eerie atmosphere over the village.

Genin from all corners of the village gathered in front of the Hokage Tower, anticipation thick in the air.

Each team wore expressions ranging from eager excitement to nervous apprehension.

The exam proctors led the participants into a large hall, where rows of seats were set up, each with a desk and writing tools.

The chūnin instructor, a tall, stoic man with a scar running down his cheek, stood at the front, waiting for everyone to settle in.

His gaze swept over the room with a scrutinizing intensity that sent a shiver through some of the younger genin.

As the room quieted, the proctor's voice rang out, clear and commanding.

"Welcome to the first phase of the chūnin exams. This written test will assess not only your intelligence but your ability to adapt and think under pressure."

A murmur passed through the crowd as some of the genin exchanged nervous glances.

The proctor's expression hardened. "The rules are simple: you'll each be given a set of questions. However, anyone caught cheating or attempting to gain answers in any manner will be immediately disqualified."

Sakumo, seated next to Jiraiya and Orochimaru, leaned forward slightly, his eyes scanning the room. "This isn't just a test of intelligence. They're watching us."

Orochimaru nodded, his expression thoughtful.

"Yes. This exam isn't about the questions themselves. It's about how we handle the pressure, and perhaps… how well we can gather information without getting caught."

Jiraiya cracked a grin, already scheming. "So, a little finesse is required? No problem. I've got this."

The written test began, and the room fell into silence as each genin focused on their paper.

Some questions were deceptively simple, while others required an intricate understanding of ninja strategy and tactics.

Every so often, the proctors would walk through the rows, observing carefully, and a few unlucky genin were swiftly escorted out after suspicious movements.

"You, on the second row last third, You are out!!" such type of sentences were heard every now and then from chunin proctors.

Sakumo's pen glided across the paper with confidence, his face a mask of concentration.

Tsunade, with her sharp analytical mind, moved through the questions methodically, her answers precise and deliberate.

Orochimaru, for his part, seemed entirely at ease, an occasional glint of curiosity flashing in his eyes as he solved each problem with ease.

Jiraiya, however, was struggling. With every question, he felt his irritation growing, and his eyes drifted across the room, searching for hints.

The proctor's voice cut through his thoughts. "Keep your eyes on your own paper, genin."

Caught, Jiraiya stifled a grimace, focusing again on his own questions. He vowed silently that he'd make up for this with his performance in the next round.

As the final minutes of the exam approached, a heavy tension hung in the room.

The proctor glanced at the clock and raised his hand, signaling the end of the test. "Pens down."

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