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Whenever training left him with a little free time, Ren made his way to Konoha Hospital.
Officially, he had two reasons for visiting.
The first was to check on Tsunade's progress with the Scorch Release research and discuss the expansion of Konoha Raw Cola throughout the Land of Fire. The second was to continue treating patients, steadily completing the Healing Technique task while raising Tsunade's favorability as quickly as possible.
Naturally, both motives were entirely selfish.
That did not change the fact that Ren's frequent appearances genuinely eased the pressure on Konoha Hospital. The medical-nin working there knew nothing about his system or the rewards he received for treating patients. From their perspective, a talented young shinobi was willingly giving up his personal time to help the village's injured and sick.
For a while, Ren's reputation inside the hospital rose dramatically.
Some praised his discipline. Others admired his dedication to the Will of Fire. Even veteran medical-nin began nodding approvingly whenever he walked past.
Sarutobi Biwako, the hospital's honorary director, eventually called him aside personally.
"You have good chakra control," she said, studying him with a calm but discerning gaze. "More importantly, you don't panic when a patient's condition changes. That quality is difficult to teach."
Ren maintained a modest smile.
"I still have a lot to learn."
"At least you understand that much."
Biwako unfolded a scroll and handed it to him.
"Study this carefully. Don't rush when practicing it. Medical ninjutsu can save a life, but a careless mistake can just as easily make an injury worse."
The moment Ren accepted the scroll, a familiar notification appeared before his eyes.
[Ding! Giftable item detected.]
[Limited Skin—Healing Technique: Mystical Palm Technique!]
Ren's eyes brightened.
The Mystical Palm Technique was a practical B-rank medical ninjutsu capable of treating serious injuries and helping remove harmful substances from a patient's body.
Under normal circumstances, learning such a technique required precise chakra control, medical knowledge, and extensive supervised practice. However, because the system classified it as a "skin" for his Healing Technique, Ren did not need to overcome the usual entry barriers.
Once he equipped it, he would be able to use it immediately.
Of course, immediate access did not mean perfect mastery. He would still need to treat several patients before the technique became truly smooth and reliable in his hands.
Ren accepted the scroll with a sincere smile.
"Thank you, Lady Biwako. I'll practice responsibly."
This reward had been one of the hidden goals behind his hospital visits.
After all, talent alone was not enough to rise in the shinobi world. A person also needed connections, support, and a sufficiently powerful background.
In the current era, few backgrounds were more influential than that of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Whether Ren considered the future expansion of Konoha Raw Cola or the vast collection of ninjutsu controlled by the Hokage, maintaining a good relationship with the Sarutobi clan could only benefit him.
Some resources simply could not be obtained through money or talent.
The Scroll of Seals was the most obvious example. Without Hiruzen's approval, even approaching it would be impossible.
Time passed quickly.
The streets of Konoha gradually became more crowded. Shinobi wearing unfamiliar forehead protectors appeared at inns, restaurants, and training grounds throughout the village. Some came from allied villages, while others represented smaller hidden villages hoping to prove themselves.
Their presence changed the atmosphere of Konoha.
The village remained peaceful on the surface, but the air carried a subtle edge. Every foreign shinobi watched the others carefully, measuring their posture, equipment, and chakra without openly staring.
They were competitors now.
Perhaps enemies later.
Alongside the shinobi came wealthy nobles, traveling merchants, and spectators from surrounding towns. Some wanted to witness the excitement of the Chūnin Exams, while others saw the gathering as a rare business opportunity.
During one of his walks through the village, Ren unexpectedly encountered Tachibana Masamune, the nobleman he had once escorted.
Masamune was accompanied by his two children.
The twins recognized Ren and Rin immediately.
"Big Brother Ren!"
"Big Sister Rin!"
They rushed over with bright expressions, their earlier fear and exhaustion nowhere to be seen.
Rin crouched slightly and greeted them warmly, while Ren exchanged a few polite words with their father. Masamune was courteous but reserved, behaving exactly as one would expect from a noble accustomed to formal relationships.
The meeting did not last long.
After exchanging greetings, the two groups continued in opposite directions.
Ren watched Masamune disappear into the crowd, his thoughts already turning toward business.
Masamune seemed to be closely related to the Fire Daimyō. Even if he did not hold direct political power, his influence among the Land of Fire's nobles was probably considerable.
If Ren could convince him to support Konoha Raw Cola, the drink's expansion would accelerate enormously.
The problem was their relationship.
They knew each other, but only barely. Their previous escort mission had created a favorable impression, not genuine friendship. Walking up to Masamune and immediately asking him to promote a commercial product would appear shamelessly opportunistic.
Ren would need a proper opening.
A favor, perhaps.
Or a situation in which supporting the cola benefited Masamune as much as it benefited him.
He filed the thought away for later.
By the second week after his return to Konoha, Ren's training finally produced another significant harvest.
Two techniques within his system had reached fifty favorability points, officially entering the intimate stage.
The Dragon Fire Technique.
And the Water Formation Wall.
The moment both techniques crossed the threshold, their special characteristics evolved.
[Dragon Fire Technique]
[Characteristic—Piercing Flame]
[Your Dragon Fire Technique possesses exceptional stability and is less vulnerable to interference from weather and environmental conditions. Its base range is increased by 15%.]
[Charged Release: Every second spent concentrating chakra increases the technique's range by an additional 3%. This effect can stack up to five times.]
Ren studied the description carefully.
The improvement was useful, but not overwhelming.
In theory, five seconds of charging could increase the Dragon Fire Technique's range by another fifteen percent. Combined with the original enhancement, its total range could become considerably larger than that of the standard technique.
In actual combat, however, standing still and charging for five full seconds was practically an invitation to be stabbed.
Against weak opponents, he would not need the extra power.
Against strong opponents, they would never politely wait for him to finish.
Still, even a one- or two-second charge could prove useful when launching an ambush or preparing an attack from concealment.
The second upgrade was more immediately impressive.
[Water Formation Wall]
[Characteristic—Merging Water]
[Your Water Formation Wall actively observes your combat habits and predicts the weaknesses you are most likely to expose. Its defensive strength is increased by 40%.]
[Additionally, there is a 25% chance that the technique will activate automatically when you are targeted by an unexpected surprise attack.]
Ren's expression became noticeably more serious.
A forty-percent defensive increase was already valuable, but the possibility of automatic activation could save his life.
The shinobi world was filled with strange techniques, hidden weapons, poisons, traps, and attacks that gave no warning. No matter how sharp Ren's instincts became, he could not guarantee that he would detect everything.
A defensive technique capable of reacting on its own offered something far more valuable than raw durability.
It offered insurance against the unknown.
Together with the two additional points added to his physique, the overall gains were more than satisfactory.
Then, at last, the day everyone had been waiting for arrived.
The Konoha Chūnin Exams officially began.
Early that morning, sunlight spilled across the village and slowly burned away the thin layer of mist clinging to the rooftops.
Ren had already washed and packed his equipment by the time he stepped out of his room.
In the dining area, his parents were placing steaming rice balls and miso soup onto the table. His father looked more nervous than Ren did.
"You're awake," Tajima said quickly. "Come eat. Today's the exam, so make sure you're not fighting on an empty stomach."
Ren sat down and picked up a rice ball.
During breakfast, he asked about the preparations for Konoha Raw Cola.
After several rounds of negotiation—and more importantly, the promise of a thirty-percent share of the profits—Tsunade had finally agreed to serve as the product's technical consultant and promotional ambassador.
Her role was simple.
She would introduce Tajima to wealthy merchants and influential nobles throughout the Land of Fire. Her reputation as one of the Legendary Sannin would be enough to open doors that an ordinary businessman could never approach.
However, she would not negotiate on their behalf.
Once the introductions were made, Tajima would need to handle the actual business himself.
That was easier said than done.
Tajima had spent most of his life as an ordinary chūnin. He had never managed a commercial enterprise, nor was he accustomed to dealing with powerful merchants or high-ranking nobles.
His anxiety was obvious.
Ren took a sip of soup before speaking.
"I could leave a shadow clone with you. It can help with the negotiations and answer any technical questions."
Tajima immediately shook his head.
"No. Your Chūnin Exam is more important."
"A shadow clone wouldn't affect me much."
"That isn't the point."
Tajima placed his chopsticks down and took a slow breath.
"This is my responsibility. I've never done anything like this before, and I might embarrass myself. But if I keep hiding behind you whenever something feels difficult, then I'll never become capable of managing the business."
Ren considered his words, then nodded solemnly.
"That's the right attitude. Go forward boldly. Mom and I will always support you from behind."
Tajima stared at him.
For several seconds, the table fell silent.
Then his father's eyebrow twitched.
"Why are you talking as though you're my father?"
Ren calmly took another bite of his rice ball.
His mother covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Tajima sighed helplessly.
"Just eat. I'll walk with you for part of the way, then I'm meeting Lady Tsunade."
After breakfast, father and son stepped outside.
In the neighboring yard, Rin was crouched beside her little white dog. The puppy whined uneasily and pressed against her legs, clearly unhappy that she was leaving.
"I'll be back soon," Rin whispered, gently smoothing its fur. "Be good while I'm gone, all right?"
The puppy answered with another pitiful sound.
Ren waited at the gate until Rin finally stood.
"Ready?" she asked.
Ren glanced at the bulging ninja-tool pouch fastened to her waist.
"You look more prepared than I am."
Rin smiled.
"I checked everything three times."
"That sounds like you."
The three walked together until the road divided. Tajima headed toward the commercial district to meet Tsunade, while Ren and Rin continued toward the examination building.
Halfway there, an energetic shout echoed from behind them.
"REN! RIN! THE FLAMES OF YOUTH HAVE BROUGHT US TOGETHER AGAIN!"
Ren did not need to turn around to know who it was.
Might Guy was advancing down the road on his hands, still dressed in his unmistakable green jumpsuit. Behind him walked Ebisu and Shiranui Genma, both wearing expressions of profound resignation.
Guy flipped onto his feet and thrust out a thumbs-up, his teeth flashing brilliantly in the morning light.
"Let us collide with everything we have during the Chūnin Exams!"
Genma shifted the senbon between his lips.
"Save your strength, Guy. Preferably until we're actually inside the exam."
Guy ignored him and looked around.
"Why are there only two of you? Where are Obito and Kakashi?"
"Obito is probably still on his way," Rin said, though the slight crease between her brows betrayed her concern.
"As for Kakashi," Ren added, "he's part of the examiner team."
Guy froze.
His eyes widened as if Ren had just announced that Kakashi had become Hokage overnight.
"He's already serving as an examiner?"
Ren nodded.
Guy's fists trembled.
"It was the same at the Academy! Kakashi was always ahead! No—this only means I must burn even brighter! I'll train harder, run faster, and become stronger until even Kakashi cannot ignore my challenge!"
"Please become stronger quietly," Genma muttered.
Ebisu adjusted his glasses and studied Ren discreetly.
Unlike Asuma or Kurenai, Guy's team had no powerful clan network feeding them information. They knew little about what Ren, Rin, and Obito had accomplished on the southwestern battlefield.
Even so, Ebisu could sense that Ren had changed.
His posture appeared relaxed, but there were no wasted movements. His breathing remained steady, and his awareness seemed to extend beyond what his eyes directly observed.
Ren no longer carried himself like a newly graduated genin.
He felt dangerous.
The group eventually reached the examination building, where dozens of candidates had already gathered.
Ren quickly spotted several familiar faces.
Kurenai Yuhi stood beside Asuma Sarutobi, dressed in practical shinobi clothing that allowed her to move freely. Bandages were wrapped around her hands and wrists. When she noticed Ren and Rin, she immediately raised a hand in greeting.
Nearby stood Hyūga Homon and several others who had graduated from the Academy around the same time.
There were also genin from Takigakure, Kusagakure, and Amegakure.
Ren observed the foreign teams carefully.
Some spoke loudly to project confidence. Others remained silent and watched the crowd. A few had already positioned themselves with walls at their backs, refusing to leave blind spots.
He had heard that Iwagakure had also sent a team, yet he could not find a single Stone forehead protector anywhere.
Either they had not arrived yet—
Or they were deliberately staying out of sight.
Rin glanced toward the road again.
"Obito still isn't here. Do you think he overslept? Maybe we should go to the Uchiha compound and check."
"There's still time," Ren replied.
"And if he doesn't arrive?"
"I'll send in a shadow clone transformed into him."
Rin blinked.
"Wouldn't that break the rules?"
"I have no idea."
Ren was confident he could imitate Obito almost perfectly. They had trained and fought together for long enough that Ren knew his habits, techniques, expressions, and even his embarrassing verbal tics.
The only thing he could not reproduce was the Sharingan.
Fortunately, the plan proved unnecessary.
Just before the assembly deadline, a figure appeared at the far end of the road and sprinted toward them in a cloud of dust.
Obito nearly collided with another team before stumbling to a stop.
His hair was a mess. His goggles sat crookedly across his forehead, and his lungs seemed ready to collapse.
"I… made it…"
Rin placed her hands on her hips.
"You nearly didn't."
"I helped an old woman carry her luggage!"
Ren raised an eyebrow.
"Of course you did."
Obito straightened, still gasping.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means your timing is perfect. Let's go."
The first stage of the exam resembled the Chūnin Exams that Ren remembered from the original story.
A simple genjutsu had been placed over the building, creating a false entrance designed to mislead inattentive candidates. The real entrance stood elsewhere.
Several teams failed to notice the illusion and were eliminated before the written test even began.
The survivors were led into a large examination room and assigned seats far from their teammates.
The written questions covered ninjutsu theory, intelligence analysis, coded messages, geography, tactical deduction, and battlefield decision-making.
For most ordinary genin, the paper was brutally difficult.
Ren and Rin, however, had consistently ranked near the top of their Academy class. They began writing almost immediately, their brushes moving steadily across the pages.
Obito stared at his paper for several seconds.
His expression gradually emptied.
Then he quietly activated his two-tomoe Sharingan.
After receiving special training from Uchiha Fugaku, Obito had learned how to use his eyes for more than direct combat. He focused on Ren's wrist movements and copied the pattern of his answers.
Soon, Obito's brush began moving with unnatural confidence.
A triumphant grin spread across his face.
"The Sharingan really is incredible! Nothing can escape these eyes!"
The examiner slammed a hand onto the desk.
"You! The brat with the goggles! Speak again and your entire team will be disqualified!"
Obito instantly lowered his head.
Ren closed his eyes briefly.
Rin looked as though she wanted to disappear beneath her desk.
Despite Obito's outburst, Team Minato passed.
Guy's team had a far more difficult time.
Ebisu was the only one capable of answering most of the questions. He secretly wrote notes for Guy and Genma, then attempted to pass them without attracting attention.
At one point, his hand trembled.
The note slipped.
An examiner turned toward them.
Guy's entire body stiffened as the paper fluttered toward the floor.
At the last possible moment, Genma flicked the senbon from his mouth. It pierced the note and pinned it beneath the edge of a desk, just outside the examiner's line of sight.
The three escaped elimination by a breath.
Once the written papers had been graded, another large group of candidates was dismissed.
The remaining teams were led downstairs, where the rules for the second stage had been posted on a bulletin board.
The murmuring crowd gradually fell silent.
Rin read the heading aloud.
"Hostage retrieval?"
The second stage would take place inside the Forest of Death.
The examiner team had constructed four enemy strongholds in different parts of the forest. Each stronghold contained three hostages, creating a total of twelve.
To pass, a team needed to locate at least one stronghold, rescue a hostage, and escort that person safely to the central tower.
However, the final rule transformed the mission into something far more dangerous.
Six hours after the exam began, pursuit squads composed of official examiners would enter the forest.
Their objective was to recapture the hostages.
They were also authorized to attack any candidate team they encountered.
A team would be eliminated if it failed to rescue a hostage, lost its hostage before reaching the tower, or was defeated by an examiner.
Obito stared at the rules in disbelief.
"Wait. The examiners are personally entering the forest to beat us up?"
Ebisu rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"There are only twelve hostages. Does that mean only twelve teams can pass?"
"Twelve is merely the absolute maximum," Asuma replied.
The nearby candidates turned toward him.
Asuma continued calmly.
"Rescuing a hostage isn't enough. The hostage must reach the central tower safely. If an examiner recaptures them, the team still fails."
He pointed toward the six-hour condition.
"This also suggests that the strongholds won't be easy to locate or conquer. Otherwise, every successful team would finish before the pursuit squads entered."
Kurenai's expression grew serious.
"So the exam is designed to force us into contact with the examiners."
"Exactly," Asuma said. "Considering the number of candidates, I'd be surprised if more than six or eight teams passed."
Another genin raised a hand uncertainly.
"Are the hostages real people? Because if they are, do we have to feed them? What happens if one of them refuses to cooperate?"
The area erupted into heated discussion.
Some candidates worried about the enemy strongholds. Others debated whether teams were allowed to steal hostages from one another.
Ren remained silent.
His gaze stayed fixed on the final rule.
Examiner pursuit squads.
A delayed entry into the forest.
Indiscriminate attacks permitted.
A memory surfaced in his mind.
During the dinner gathering the previous week, Shinku Yuhi had mentioned that he would serve as an examiner.
More importantly, he had hinted that he wanted to "exchange a few moves" with Ren during the exam.
At the time, Ren had dismissed it as a simple challenge.
Now the pieces fit together far too neatly.
He slowly narrowed his eyes.
The other candidates saw a difficult exam designed to test tracking, infiltration, protection, and survival.
Ren saw something else.
A forest sealed away from outside interference.
A rule allowing examiners to attack candidates.
And a powerful jōnin waiting for a perfectly legal opportunity to confront him.
This second stage had not merely been designed to test Team Minato.
Someone had designed it to hunt Ren.
Across the crowded courtyard, an examiner standing beneath the shadow of the building raised his head.
For the briefest instant, Ren met Shinku Yuhi's eyes.
The jōnin smiled.
Then he slowly dragged one finger across his throat.