So-called tool manipulation referred to controlling ninja tools—
For example, Tenten's techniques like "Tool Manipulation: Hidden Weapon Barrage," "Tool Manipulation: Heavenly Chain Disaster," and "Tool Manipulation: Binding Meteor."
With this trait, Kiyoshi estimated that the power of his ninja blade would also increase.
After all—
A ninja blade was, fundamentally, just another kind of ninja tool.
"With this, my chances of passing the Chunin Exams just went up again."
Kiyoshi also wanted to take this opportunity to test his true combat ability.
In the past, his battles had all been with Konoha ninja.
Everyone held back—no one would truly try to kill.
Killing a comrade was a grave crime in Konoha.
But the Chunin Exams were different.
In the second stage, the very first step was signing a consent form.
Even if you died inside—
Konoha would bear no responsibility or compensation.
Which meant—
The environment inside would be extremely chaotic.
Personal vendettas could easily arise.
Though the probability was low, as ninja from the same village usually banded together against outsiders.
Still—
Deaths were inevitable.
In the original story alone, when Gaara participated in the Chunin Exams, he killed quite a few people.
"I hope I draw a training ground favorable to Fire or Lightning terrain."
Kiyoshi thought.
The second exam took place in a randomly selected large training ground, each with different ecosystems.
For example, the Forest of Death—
Filled with towering trees and beasts several times larger than humans.
Although he had obtained the [Wind Release Seed (White)], granting him the ability to cultivate Wind Release—
He hadn't learned any techniques yet.
It was essentially a blank slate.
Only Lightning and Fire Release were his strengths at this stage.
By then, foreign ninja would also arrive.
Perhaps not just from the Land of Wind—
But from the Land of Water, the Land of Earth, and many others.
Months Later
Time passed quickly.
The biting winter had ended, replaced by blooming spring flowers.
Vegetation across Konoha flourished.
At times like this, even Kiyoshi couldn't help but think—
No wonder this place was called the Village Hidden in the Leaves.
During this period, he devoured the knowledge taught by Yakushi Nono like a starving man.
At the same time, he worked toward upgrading the traits:
"Genin of Genjutsu (Green)" and "Medical Genin (Green)."
As for the medical trait—
He was already close.
"Trait panel."
Kiyoshi muttered.
A translucent screen appeared before him.
[Trait: Medical Genin (Green)]
[Requirement: Learn five different medical ninjutsu.]
[Progress: 90%]
[Effect: Your medical ninjutsu has begun to take shape. Healing effectiveness increases by 20%.]
[Note: Can be further upgraded.]
"I wonder if this would work on Shinno's techniques…"
Kiyoshi recalled the antagonist from the movie Naruto Shippuden: Bonds—
Shinno.
Using dark chakra, Shinno could activate forbidden medical techniques:
"Body Regeneration" and "Physical Revitalization."
Their effects were almost absurd.
In terms of concept, they rivaled Tsunade's "Creation Rebirth."
They could reverse cellular aging instantly—
And even convert damage into enhanced regeneration, creating an ultimate body.
They could even allow the full opening of the Eight Gates—
Maintaining the Eight Gates Formation without dying.
Even years after the Great Ninja War, Rock Lee still couldn't open the Gate of Death.
Only Might Guy and Might Dai had ever achieved it.
In the end, Shinno was defeated by plot—
Naruto's talk-no-jutsu dispelled his dark chakra, while Sasuke ambushed him and sealed his chakra points.
Preventing him from continuing those techniques.
If Kiyoshi could achieve the same effects—
Then once he mastered them, his physical body would reach a terrifying level.
As for the required dark chakra—
By adulthood, with his own reserves and trait amplification, it should be sufficient.
After all—
He wasn't some ordinary ninja without a bloodline limit like Shinno.
Hokage Building
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the report in his hand, a satisfied smile forming.
Another graduation season was approaching.
The village's new generation was growing stronger.
"Excuse me."
Minato Namikaze knocked and entered, kneeling on one knee.
"Third Hokage-sama, you called for me?"
"There's something I'd like to entrust to you."
Hiruzen turned toward him.
"Kakashi is an excellent ninja. But his strict adherence to rules causes friction with teammates and seniors alike."
He paused before continuing:
"No matter how skilled he is, he's still immature in dealing with people. Perhaps his father's death—after breaking the rules to save comrades—left a deep scar on him."
Minato immediately understood.
The Third Hokage intended to assign Kakashi to him.
"So… you want me to take him in?"
"Exactly."
Hiruzen nodded.
"The other two teammates have also been decided—Uchiha Obito, and a girl with strong medical talent, Nohara Rin."
Hiruzen stood and walked behind Minato.
If Kiyoshi hadn't graduated early—
And if Minato hadn't been busy with Jiraiya's Team Six—
He would have liked to assign Kiyoshi to Minato as well.
But this arrangement was also suitable.
Obito, a native Uchiha, would help ease tensions between the clan and the village.
All of this—
Was preparation for the coming war.
"Yes."
Minato responded.
Taking on three more students wasn't an issue.
There was still time before graduation.
Meanwhile—
His new technique was becoming clearer.
Through discussions with Jiraiya, he had a strong feeling—
He would complete it soon.
Around the time of the Chunin Exams.
The reason he was creating this technique—
Was because he feared Kushina might be deployed as a weapon of war.
Conflicts along the borders were becoming more frequent.
Even someone like him, uninterested in war—
Could feel it.
A storm was coming.
"You may leave."
Hiruzen said.
After Minato departed, he turned to look out the window.
Clear skies stretched endlessly.
Spring was in full bloom.
"Konoha… must not fall under my watch."
Hiruzen had a feeling—
This Chunin Exam would be nothing more than a prelude to the coming storm.
The great nations would likely send their most talented young ninja—
To attract feudal lords, secure funding, and even subjugate smaller villages.
The wise would submit willingly.
Konoha Sushi Shop
"Sister, where are you going?"
Atsui looked at Samui, who was carrying a box of sushi, seemingly about to head out.