Chapter 41: Chunin Exams? Not Participating!

Chapter 41: Chunin Exams? Not Participating!

The Third Hokage was, after all, a man of profound experience. Once the initial shock and surprise passed, he quickly regained his composure.

However...

Chiba’s barrage of praise was truly more than he could handle. After all, the original intent behind the development of the Telescope Technique was something only the Third himself truly understood.

He gave a light cough and asked, "You have an idea?"

"Let me provide an example. You aren't a medical ninja, but you have a certain understanding of it, right?"

"Of course." The Third nodded gently.

Chiba sat down, took a pen and paper, and began to sketch. After a moment, he handed the drawing to the Third. It was a simple diagram of a surgical procedure. It wasn't overly complex—anyone familiar with the basics of surgery would understand it. Chiba’s point was to use this technique to pinpoint the source of an injury, making it easier to quickly locate the site of trauma.

Was it feasible?

If it could be specifically refined, then of course it was feasible. Many techniques lose their mystery once the veil is lifted; they aren't actually difficult. For instance, the Third could easily modify it now that he saw the concept. The challenge lay in coming up with the idea in the first place.

The Third tapped his forehead, sighed softly, and said, "Fine, then this technique..."

"Just give me the technique; I don't need a reward. Just help me develop it," Chiba said with a grin.

The Third was speechless. He hadn't even agreed yet. Besides, was it appropriate for a Hokage to spend time researching this kind of ninjutsu?

"As the Hokage, shouldn't you lead by example?"

"Alright, alright. You talk more circles than I do. If there's nothing else, get out of here."

As he spoke, the Third swiftly wrote down a few hand seals, briefly outlined the principle, tore the note off, and tossed it to Chiba. If he kept talking, he felt his composure would completely shatter.

"Wait, I have one more thing. Although this technique is useful, it shouldn't be worth as much as my other technique," Chiba added.

The Third stared at him strangely, then sighed, "Fine. I'll count it as an A-rank again. State any other requirements you have all at once."

"I want to learn your Five Elements Seal and Five Elements Unseal."

"Those are two separate techniques!" The Third’s old face cracked a smile. "So, I’ll have to mark this as an extra entry on my end."

"That’s fine, that’s fine." Chiba had no reason to refuse.

Techniques like the Shadow Clone Shuriken were things Kakashi surely knew; there was no need to waste a precious opportunity on them. He only needed to get techniques from the Third that weren't available from Kakashi. All three he requested fell into that category.

Thus, Chiba obtained two more scrolls. The Third intended for him to take them away to study slowly, but since Chiba could memorize them after reading them twice, taking them away would just be a waste of time as he’d have to return them anyway.

A few more days passed.

News of the Third’s initiative to encourage ninjutsu innovation began to spread among the ninja population, especially among Chunin and Jonin—those who were more privy to the inside story. The Hokage intended to create a "Book of Creation" to correspond with the "Scroll of Seals," where techniques could only be learned by performing meritorious service or creating new ninjutsu.

It was said...

Currently, there was already one taijutsu technique with very high utility and value.

Konoha was not lacking in ninjas who enjoyed innovation, but people generally kept new ninjutsu as their hidden trump cards rather than sharing them. Why? The benefits weren't enough. If not for the feedback from his Bodhi Seed, Chiba would never have handed over a self-created ninjutsu for nothing. He might have been able to trade it for a little money, but most ninjas weren't hurting for pocket change.

If the money were substantial, people would be willing, but the village probably wouldn't be. Powerful ninjutsu, however, were a different story.

Many were still waiting and watching, but the Third was cunning; how could he not know how to win them over? The next day, Asuma came knocking. Then, the Third announced that Asuma had submitted a Fire Release technique called "Ash Pile Burning" and successfully exchanged it for a technique named "Konoha Style Taijutsu: Overlimit."

Furthermore, Asuma even performed it in front of the Hokage Building...

"Chiba-kun, do you think Asuma-sensei really came here of his own volition?" Tenten leaned in close and whispered in the hall.

Chiba glanced around and said, "Asuma-senpai is devoted to Konoha; he must truly want to contribute to the village."

"Why do I get the feeling he..." Tenten wanted to continue, but a fierce coughing sound came from the side.

Kakashi walked over, stopping her from speaking further. "Let's focus on choosing a mission."

"Let's pick a C-rank! We've been training for a long time; it's time to properly test our strength!" Tenten was full of fighting spirit.

"Mm." Someone beside them gave a faint response.

Chiba turned his head. Tsukikage Sayo was more reserved when there were many people around; the fact that she was speaking at all in the crowded hall was already a huge improvement.

"Are you sure? What about you, Chiba?" Kakashi didn't commit, looking instead at Chiba.

Chiba thought for a few seconds. Honestly, C-rank missions weren't very nourishing. From a personal perspective, he would prefer to take B-rank missions or higher to fight against real ninjas. That level of combat was the only way to improve himself. But rationally speaking, that didn't seem likely.

Besides...

Calculating the time, the Chunin Exams seemed to be approaching. Chiba turned to look at Kakashi, intending to ask, but as his eyes darted around, he immediately changed his tone.

"Although C-rank is boring, I’d like to take a C-rank mission too."

"..." Kakashi covered his face and sighed.

The kid clearly guessed the reason but deliberately said he wanted a "C-rank." It seemed he likely guessed something deeper, or perhaps he didn't want to participate out of consideration for his teammates and the squad.

So, Chiba didn't say anything more. He looked at Tenten and Tsukikage Sayo. "The registration deadline for the Chunin Exams is coming up. Do you not want to participate at all?"

"Ah? Can we?" Tenten was stunned. "I heard that teams usually don't take the exam until their second year, right?"

"That is true for the average squad, but you are the strongest graduating team I have seen in recent years. You already reached the level of average Chunin during your assessments, and you are only stronger now." Kakashi said earnestly, "As your squad leader, I believe you are qualified to participate in this year's Chunin Exams."

"That's great! I... wait, Chiba-kun, what do you think?" Tenten wanted to agree immediately, but reason and her trust in Chiba took precedence, pulling her back from the brink of excitement-induced thoughtlessness.

"What about you?" Kakashi looked at Tsukikage Sayo.

The young girl didn't speak; she quietly pointed at Chiba, her meaning self-evident.

He smiled silently. "In the end, it still comes down to you. Congratulations, you have already acquired the first quality a captain must possess: trust."

"So you mean it's up to me to decide whether to participate?" Chiba looked at Tenten and Sayo.

Both girls nodded.

"How does it feel?" Kakashi’s eyes narrowed; he was definitely smiling beneath his mask.

"To be honest, the thought that my decision will affect the fates of two people puts quite a bit of pressure on me," Chiba said truthfully.

Although he had been a doctor and taken lives, the surgeries he performed were the "do it or they're crippled" kind, which didn't carry much of a burden. This was different.

"So, what is your answer?"

"Not participating."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. After a few seconds of silence, he asked, "Why?"

"No reason. Graduating a year early or a year late doesn't make much difference. A so-called Chunin title doesn't represent much. But if my teammates were to fall into danger because of my rash decision, I would be very sad." Chiba replied honestly, "Compared to a rank, I care more about my partners."

"You don't trust your teammates?" Kakashi’s tone was somewhat stern.

Tenten couldn't help but speak up for Chiba: "Kakashi-sensei, Chiba-kun doesn't mean that! He's just genuinely concerned about us!"

"Then are you saying that I don't care about you?"

Kakashi's voice turned cold, exuding a hint of killing intent. Tenten and Sayo's faces turned slightly pale, and the people around them retreated a few steps. Only Chiba remained unmoved.

"Sensei has his thoughts, and I have mine. I just voiced my own philosophy; the two are not in conflict." Chiba smiled.

"I'll give you one more chance."

"No need to test me, Kakashi-sensei. I recall there are two Chunin Exams a year, right? Even if we don't participate this time, we can participate next time." Chiba stretched. "I think participating next time would be more beneficial for Tenten and the others."

"Oh? You think I'm testing you?"

"Isn't that what you're doing? I believe that if you were in my shoes, you would have made the same choice."