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Half a month passed in a flash. During this time, Shin and his team continued to carry out D-rank missions under the guidance of their temporary Jōnin-sensei, Asakawa Ki.
One day, Tsunade finally returned, looking exhausted from her journey.
"Tsunade, what mission were you on? It took you so long," Shin asked curiously.
"I was in the Land of Wind, investigating the movements of Sunagakure. I'm afraid things are about to get a bit turbulent in the Shinobi world," Tsunade replied after taking a long drink of water.
Suna had been showing signs of activity, which Konoha's intelligence network picked up on. The Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had dispatched Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya to investigate.
It had been a while since the First Shinobi World War. The various Hidden Villages had been bolstering their forces, and the war hawks were starting to gain influence.
Tsunade's investigation revealed that Suna was indeed preparing for war, and their target was Konoha.
Konoha was always the target, not just because of its strength, but also because of the Land of Fire's strategic location and resources.
Compared to the fertile and prosperous Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, where Suna resided, was practically barren.
Shin nodded. It seemed the Second Shinobi World War was drawing near.
The Second Shinobi World War involved Konoha, Suna, Iwa, and Amegakure.
Amegakure, from the small nation of the Land of Rain, would become the main battleground.
"By the way, although I'm back, I still don't have time to take you on missions," Tsunade said.
She had other duties to attend to.
With Suna preparing for war, Konoha had to make its own preparations.
As one of Konoha's top Jōnin, Tsunade couldn't rest. She would be joining the Konoha forces heading to the border soon.
"That's fine. We're planning to take the Chūnin Exams," Shin said casually.
Once they became Chunin, they wouldn't have to do those pointless D-rank missions anymore. They could take on C-rank or even B-rank missions.
"You're taking the Chūnin Exams now?"
She wasn't keen on them becoming Chunin at this time. With the war looming, they might be sent to the battlefield.
Tsunade hadn't experienced the horrors of war herself, but she knew how dangerous it was.
"Yeah, doing missions in the village is boring. We want to become Chunin and see the world."
They hadn't left Konoha since that mission with Tsunade.
"If you've made up your mind, I won't stop you."
Tsunade considered Shin's strength. There wasn't much to worry about. He was stronger than her.
And if he had decided, she couldn't change his mind.
"What's the Chūnin Exam process like now?" Shin asked.
"Simple. Survive a spar against an elite Chunin for three minutes, and you pass," Tsunade explained.
The current Chūnin Exams weren't as complicated as the Chunin Exams in the future. As long as you could prove you had the strength of a Chunin, you passed.
Surviving three minutes against an elite Chunin was proof enough.
They prepared for a day, and the next morning, they applied to take the Chūnin Exams.
The Sandaime Hokage examined their applications. As Hokage, he had to review all Chunin applications.
Chunin were the core fighting force of a Hidden Village. Hiruzen couldn't neglect this matter.
Especially with Uzumaki Shin, Uzumaki Kushina, and Uchiha Mikoto. Two Uzumaki and one Uchiha. He had to pay attention.
"You're sure you want to apply to become Chunin?"
The Sandaime looked at the three Genin, who were currently in his office.
"Yes, we've made up our minds."
"Very well. I will arrange your exam. But if you fail, even as Tsunade's students, you won't become Chunin."
He stamped their applications, approving their request.
He then assigned an Anbu agent to escort them to the exam location.
The exam was held in one of Konoha's training grounds. Three elite Chunin soon arrived.
One of them had the Uchiha Clan symbol.
"I am your examiner. You will each face one of these elite Chunin. As long as you can last three minutes, you pass."
The Anbu agent said coldly.
"What's with that icy tone? It's like we owe him money," Kushina grumbled.
"Ignore him. All talk, no action," Shin whispered back.
That was how he saw Anbu. They acted tough, but they rarely achieved anything.
"I'll take the Uchiha," Shin said to Kushina and Mikoto.
He hadn't expected an Uchiha to be here. He suspected it was a deliberate arrangement by the Sandaime Hokage.
He was right. The Uchiha elite Chunin was indeed assigned by Hiruzen.
Uchiha were naturally stronger than most. In a one-on-one fight, they rarely lost.
Kushina and Mikoto had no objections.
The exam was a series of one-on-one battles, but they would be held simultaneously. The training ground was large enough.
Shin walked towards the Uchiha, while Kushina and Mikoto faced the other two Chunin.
The Anbu agent with the animal mask watched from the side, a detached observer.
'That prying feeling... is that the Sandaime?'
Shin sensed someone watching him and frowned. It had to be the Sandaime Hokage using the Telescope Jutsu.
To use the Telescope Jutsu, one needed to know the target's Chakra signature. The Sandaime wasn't familiar with Shin's Chakra, but he could use someone else's vision, like that of Shin's opponent.
"You chose me? It seems you don't want to become a Chunin."
The young Uchiha said calmly.
"Skip the trash talk and let's fight."
Shin drew his Kusanagi sword and attacked.
Knowing that Hiruzen was watching, Shin held back. He didn't want to reveal too much of his strength.
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