054 Jounin Exams, Participant

"The total number of participants in this competition is 96," Shikaku began, spreading out a map of the Iron Country.

"The four Big countries each have one-third of the participants," he continued, pointing to different areas on the map.

"In total, seven ninja villages are involved in this joint exam."

Simu, along with Ino, Shika, and Cho, were seated in a room, listening intently. 

After arriving in the Iron Country that evening, Shikaku had gathered information about the exam. 

He now focused on a snow-white mountain range marked on the map.

"If there are no changes, this snow-capped mountain range should be the location of our exam," Shikaku explained.

Simu leaned back in his chair and dozed off, uninterested. 

Meanwhile, Minato listened attentively. 

"As expected of you, Shikaku," Minato said. 

"You've gathered so much information so quickly."

Shikaku smiled. "The exam is troublesome, after all. Plus, the information isn't completely confidential. I just asked around at a tavern and pieced it together."

For this competition, the Iron Country had cleared the Snowy Mountains of any beasts in advance.

Based on this, Shikaku can easily deduce the venue of the game.

"Next, I will talk about the teams that need attention in this game in detail." He took out some photos.

"First, from Sunagakure, there are two people to be aware of. One is Pakura, a ninja who uses Scorch Style Kekkai Genkai. She's extremely strong."

He explained, "Anyone hit by her Scorch Style jutsu will have all the water in their body instantly evaporated, turning them into mummies."

"The other is Baki. This guy has been at Jōnin level for a while but hasn't been promoted. He's likely Sunagakure's hidden weapon."

As he spoke, Minato glanced at Simu.

This guy is the real secret weapon.

However, because of Simu's previous fight against Kumo Jōnin, Konoha's high-level officials blocked it.

So even Shikaku didn't know about it.

He was puzzled for a moment, and then said:

"Next, we need to keep an eye on Rock Shinobi Village. There are two ninjas to watch. One is named Han, and he uses Boil Style, which enhances his speed."

"The other one is called Kari, and he uses the powerful Explosion Style Kekkei Genkai!" 

Shikaku flipped to the next page, which was filled with detailed information. 

Some of it had been gathered from his father, who was a former Jōnin squad leader, and some was quickly collected after arriving in the Iron Country.

"Next, Kumo Shinobi Village."

They were already familiar with this village, especially after the recent conflict. Kumo is also a strong competitor for Konoha this time.

"The first one is Yugito Nii, who had a conflict with Simu. She's good with Fire Style, so be cautious if you face her."

He doesn't want to talk about this person too much.

"The other is Troy, who has a kekkei genkai—Magnet Style."

"His ability allows him to impart magnetism to objects and control them with Chakra." 

Shikaku continued talking for an hour, covering nearly all the powerful opponents in the competition. 

Everyone had to admire his impressive intelligence-gathering skills. 

Meanwhile, Simu had been asleep for the entire hour. 

"Wake up!" Kushina pinched Simu's ears and dragged him back to her room. 

Minato, looking apologetic, turned to Shikaku and said:

"I'm sorry, Simu is like that. He doesn't really care about much." 

Shikaku waved his hand, signaling that it was fine. 

"I know, that guy is like a salted fish, except when it comes to fishing." 

"Hahahaha, you're right." 

Minato smiled, happy to have found common ground with Shikaku.

"Anyway, thank you for sharing the information."

"You're welcome."

After saying goodbye, both teams returned to their rooms. 

....

Meanwhile, on Kumo Shinobi's side, things were far from calm. 

Yugito Nii, still angry from being humiliated by Simu, spent the night sharpening her knives. 

"If I get my hands on that damn Simu tomorrow, I'll kill him!" she said coldly. 

She had never been so humiliated before.

Lead Jōnin Doe glanced at her. 

"Calm down, Yugito. Tomorrow is just a tryout," 

"The best strategy against someone like Simu is to avoid him and wait for the knockout rounds." 

Troy, sitting nearby and cleaning his large shuriken, spoke up. 

"I heard from Mr. Ai that Simu is a strong man he respects." 

"If you don't pull yourself together, you'll likely keep losing to him."

Hearing Troy's words, Yugito Nii became furious and gritted her teeth, saying, "Don't worry, I'll definitely kill him!" 

Doe glanced at both of them, his expression serious. 

"Remember, this is a match in the Iron Country. Mifune-sama has already stated that no one is allowed to die." 

"If someone does, the Kingdom of Thunder will face a huge political crisis. Don't let your emotions jeopardize the interests of the entire country, understand?" 

Doe looked at the defiant Yugito Nii and sighed. 

He wondered if the no-killing rule was meant to restrain her or if it might end up saving her life.

.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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