Whenever Might Guy, or in this case Yoru Kai, unleashed the Eight Gates Formation, his strength would skyrocket.
That final kick from the Death Gate could indeed alter the outcome.
Unfortunately, Might Guy was just a civilian.
"I'm going to the restroom."
Kiyoshi said, as a small snake head popped up from his embrace.
The white snake had been resting in Kiyoshi's arms, ready to help heal some minor injuries.
But Meimei's skill was lacking, so Kiyoshi hadn't needed to use her yet.
"Oh, okay."
Yuuhi Akane nodded, standing aside to let him pass, resuming her seat after he left.
Once Kiyoshi departed, Asuma Sarutobi glanced around and said,
"Want to grab a meal after the exams? We can celebrate."
"Kiyoshi is going?"
Yuuhi Akane blurted out.
Come to think of it, Kiyoshi hadn't really gone with them to Barbecue Q before.
"He should… go,"
Asuma replied.
Her reaction made him feel a little heartbroken.
What was wrong with Akane? Why did she always mention Kiyoshi?
"Akane… listen. Seems like Kiyoshi and Hinata Natsu from the Hyuga clan get along. I heard Natsu often visits the Uchiha settlement."
Asuma shared the small gossip he had learned from his companions.
"Is that so…"
Akane suddenly thought of Rin Nohara.
Rin had also been visiting the Uchiha settlement frequently to see Kiyoshi.
Could it be that Kiyoshi had secretly been teaching someone else behind her back?
Her cheeks flushed instantly, looking utterly cute.
...
"Hiss…"
The white snake curled up on Kiyoshi's shoulders, familiar and comfortable after some time together.
"Got it. I'll give you some meat when we go back."
Kiyoshi said, washing his hands.
He felt more relaxed with a summoned creature like the white snake than facing other ninja.
Such summoning creatures were more susceptible to Kiyoshi's Sharingan genjutsu.
Even Orochimaru's summoned creature, the White Snake of Ryuchi Cave, was arrogant—each time it was summoned, it demanded a hundred live humans as sacrifices, which Orochimaru usually granted.
Yet in the end, it was controlled by Sasuke's Sharingan genjutsu and used as a shield, ultimately dying in an explosion.
As Kiyoshi turned on the faucet, he overheard voices.
"Akatsu, remember to prepare a proper gift, then come with me to visit Kiyoshi."
It was Hinata Ginka's voice from the corridor outside the restroom.
"Yes, Lady Ginka."
Another timid voice followed, which Kiyoshi recognized as Hinata Natsu.
She had been eliminated in the first round, waiting for the next Chunin exam.
"Alright, let's head back quickly."
Ginka hurriedly led Natsu away.
They had come to watch the Chunin exam today, hoping to witness Kiyoshi's talent firsthand.
The more they observed, the more astonishing his abilities appeared.
This kid's talent was incredible.
Kiyoshi had been here just over a year as a transfer student.
Even so, compared to his peers, his aptitude was astonishing.
Ginka recalled hearing from the clan head that unrest had been brewing, and the Hyuga must prepare for potential war.
Talented ninjas like Kiyoshi would undoubtedly achieve great feats during conflicts, rising quickly in prominence.
Thinking about this, her steps quickened.
She was considering how to reconcile with Kiyoshi.
Natsu trailed behind, head lowered.
After they left, Kiyoshi emerged from the restroom.
"Defense and offense are asymmetrical."
He murmured to himself, feeling his ocular power stir in his eyes.
It seemed that the timing for just adjustments wouldn't last long.
"Hiss…"
The white snake flicked its red tongue, confused by its master's emotions.
Though intelligent like a three- or four-year-old, it had received no education and never survived independently in the wild.
It had grown entirely in a nurturing liquid since birth.
Kiyoshi stroked its head gently.
One day, the white snake might become part of his ocular power enhancement.
In the ninja world, there are examples of summoned creatures transforming into human form.
Like the followers of the White Snake Sage of Ryuchi Cave—Tashinokami-hime, Ichikishima-hime, and Tsumazuhime—all evolved from snakes.
If necessary, a cursed seal could achieve human transformation.
Orochimaru gave Mizuki a cursed seal that could turn into a tiger; why not create one that could transform a snake into human form?
With these thoughts, Kiyoshi walked out of the dark corridor with the white snake.
Sunlight streamed in, casting shadows that twisted around him, like a nascent demon beginning to emerge.
...
Back at his seat, Kiyoshi heard Yuuhi Akane ask about Hinata Natsu.
"Just some matters from the previous Chunin exam. She came to discuss things with me,"
Kiyoshi replied ambiguously, skirting the topic.
"Next, Yuuhi Akane of Konoha Hidden Village vs. Tooyama Tomoko of Iwagakure!"
Akane, hearing her name, had no choice but to go.
Kiyoshi watched with interest as Akane fought the other female ninja.
Watching women fight had its own aesthetic appeal.
Most battles ended quickly, however, as Akane relied heavily on genjutsu.
In genjutsu duels, only the caster and target can see the effects; others cannot.
Time slowly passed, and by sunset, all matches concluded.
"This Chunin exam showcased the friendship among nations. I hope it lasts forever, and the participants were all…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke from the podium, offering encouragement to the ninjas and urging continued effort as Chunin.
Only a few became Chunin this time, but Kiyoshi's entire team passed.
Asuma Sarutobi's success was expected, and Akane, daughter of the genjutsu master Shinku Yuuhi, performed admirably.
Becoming Chunin would bring more attention and opportunities in the future.
"Kiyoshi, want to go to Barbecue Q?"
Akane asked, tugging lightly at his robe.
"Sure,"
Kiyoshi replied calmly.
Now that he was a Chunin, he could accept more difficult missions, no longer doing trivial tasks.
Low pay and high labor no longer mattered.
Occasionally going out to relax was good.
"Great! Asuma, Kiyoshi is coming too."
Akane turned to Asuma.
Seeing Akane smiling, Asuma could only manage a weak smile.
Wait… who made my Akane like this?
Asuma's thoughts about training grew stronger.
"Might Guy probably still has extra training uniforms,"
Asuma thought silently.
(End of Chapter)