The expansion of Konoha was in full swing, drawing considerable attention from many parties.
Seizing the opportunity, the Fourth Hokage held the Chunin promotion exams within Konoha.
Although no allied nations were invited, it remained a grand event within the Land of Fire. As per tradition, several noble families from the Land of Fire were invited to observe the proceedings.
Major clans began preparing in earnest, hoping to leave a lasting impression on the Hokage and the upper echelons of Konoha. For civilian shinobi, this was an excellent chance to rise through the ranks.
Anyone promoted to Chunin during these exams would be rewarded with the opportunity to learn a B-rank jutsu. This was an enormous temptation—after all, a typical Chunin would need to complete either one A-rank mission or ten B-rank missions to earn a B-rank jutsu. The risks involved in meeting those conditions were obvious.
Some of Konoha's smaller clans might only possess two or three B-rank jutsu for their entire family. Even with just a few techniques like that, they could easily outshine most civilian shinobi.
Over 1,600 Genin signed up for the exams this time, many of whom had fought in the Third Great Ninja War and already had Chunin-level skills. The early selection rounds wrapped up quickly, and for the final stage, even Danzo received an invitation from the Hokage.
The arena resembled a massive Roman coliseum, with the best viewing areas reserved for the heads of Konoha's clans. Notable figures like Hiruzen Sarutobi, Fugaku Uchiha, and Hiashi Hyuga were all in attendance.
"This year's candidates are quite impressive. I wonder who'll come out on top…"
"Definitely someone from the Uchiha Clan—nine of their members made it to the finals!"
"The Hyuga Clan's not far behind, with seven finalists…"
In the distance, several representatives from the Land of Fire's nobility sat with an air of detachment. Their refined mannerisms stood in stark contrast to the shinobi around them, and they used fans to shield their faces, their eyes hinting at disdain.
Danzo, however, was well aware that several of their guards had vanished upon entering Konoha. He cast a quick glance at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who sat nearby, before turning his gaze back to the matches below.
A civilian shinobi was battling a member of the Akimichi Clan, and both displayed impressive skill. With a bit more training, the civilian shinobi could potentially become a vital pillar of Konoha.
Thanks to substantial economic support, Konoha's military strength had rebounded rapidly, nearly reaching pre-war levels. Over the past year, 68 new Jonin had been appointed—half personally promoted by Minato Namikaze, with the rest coming from Konoha's prominent clans.
The Chunin selection exams were designed to further bolster Konoha's core forces. According to Minato's plan, the goal was to promote 100 elite Chunin and 400 standard Chunin. Compared to Kumogakure and Iwagakure, Konoha's recovery speed was unparalleled.
The new policies—combined with village expansion and these exams—showcased Konoha's strength and resilience to the world. No other village could match Konoha's deep foundation or its rapid recovery capabilities.
Whenever a clan member took the stage, Minato would chat warmly with their clan head about the participant's age, jutsu mastery, and even minor life details. In such a grand setting, being seen conversing with the Hokage was a significant political marker—proof of the Hokage's recognition of the clan's strength. It also came with considerable prestige, earning envious glances from those nearby.
Fugaku Uchiha, seated in the stands, hadn't stopped smiling the entire time. This was a stark contrast to how the Uchiha Clan had been treated in the past.
Minato casually remarked as he watched an Uchiha youth launch a fierce attack in the arena,
"Once the exams end, I'd like to assign 50 Chunin to the Konoha Police Force. What do you think, Clan Head Fugaku?"
"No objections at all. The Konoha Police Force belongs to the village, after all," Fugaku responded readily, already having discussed the matter with Danzo beforehand.
The other clan heads listening in couldn't hide their surprise at the arrangement.
Hiashi Hyuga had the second-most conversations with Minato after Fugaku. Minato had also entrusted him with added responsibility—the leadership of Konoha's Medical Division.
Hiashi immediately accepted. Thanks to Tsunade's contributions, the Medical Division had become a cornerstone of Konoha, and the Hyuga Clan's abilities were well-suited to the field.
Meanwhile, several family representatives approached Danzo to discuss the performance of their children in the Root. Some even requested opportunities for additional training.
For the Genin below, this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make a name for themselves. For the clan heads and upper leadership, it was a political banquet.
The exams lasted three days, during which the atmosphere among Konoha's leaders remained unusually harmonious. In the end, an Uchiha member claimed the championship. Even Danzo had to admit that, at the same rank, Uchiha shinobi were exceptionally tough.
The exams concluded perfectly, leaving everyone satisfied.
The only ones who might have been displeased were the elders. All three of them had sat through the entire event without anyone bothering to speak to them. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but feel a pang of bitter nostalgia at how times had changed.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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