For the next week, Kazekaze didn't join Sarutobi or Sakumo on missions. Instead, he devoted all his ti to training. Even though the Chunin Exam finals weren't solely about winning—rather, they were a test to determine whether participants were worthy of promotion...
"Not just Hashirama and Tobirama, but also the Kazekage, the Tsuchikage, and even the Daimyo of the Land of Fire will be present for this exam."
"For the newly established ninja villages, still in the midst of developnt, this is an unprecedented event."
"As the grandson of Hashirama and soone highly anticipated by Tobirama—if I lose, I might as well find a rock and smash my head against it."
More importantly— The Daimyo of the Land of Fire had a say in the appointnt of the Hokage. In other words, for Kazekaze, who aspired to replace Sarutobi Hiruzen as the Third Hokage, this Chunin Exam was the perfect opportunity to prove himself.
"If I want to beco Hokage, I need recognition. And strength is one of the most important qualifications."
However— Kazekaze's opponent in the finals was no ordinary Genin. He was the future Third Kazekage. Unlike Sarutobi, Danzo, or even Sakumo, the Third Kazekage possessed a Kekkei Genkai—Magnet Release.
A power he was born with, allowing him to kill trained ninjas effortlessly, even without extensive training. And because his chakra naturally carried magnetic properties, tal weapons wouldn't harm him—on the contrary, they would beco his weapons.
To make matters worse— Kazekaze wouldn't receive another system check-in reward for at least two more weeks. If he wanted to grow stronger before the finals, he had only one option—intense training. He couldn't rely on the system's rewards this ti.
However... With Might Bai's help, Kazekaze once again improved his status panel.
[Kazekaze's Updated Stats]
[Strength: 25 ]
[Speed: 21 ]
[Endurance: 28 ]
[Abilities: ]
[ - Hashirama's Chakra (Lv.1) ]
[ - Eight Gates (Lv.6) ]
[ - Water Release: Water Formation Wall (Lv.10) ]
[ - Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet (Lv.10) ]
[ - Water Release: Water Clone Jutsu (Lv.10) ]
[ - Water Release: Water Prison Jutsu (Lv.10) ]
"My physical strength is now even higher than Danzo's. Using Morning Peacock would still be difficult, but maintaining the Gate of View shouldn't be a problem anymore."
Kazekaze carefully analyzed his progress. On the day before the finals, he did nothing—allowing his body to fully recover. And then... The day of the finals arrived.
Chunin Exam Finals—The Arena.
To ensure Kazekaze could perform at his best, Mokuken woke up early to prepare his al. Protein, vitamins, hydration—everything was carefully planned. Kazekaze couldn't help but feel a surge of excitent. No matter what, his opponent today was the future Third Kazekage! After finishing every bite of the al Mokuken had prepared, Kazekaze left for the Chunin Exam finals.
The venue for the battle was an open-air stadium large enough to hold over a thousand people. Tobirama had prepared for this event long in advance. While it couldn't compare to the Chunin Exams held in Naruto's era, for this ti period, it was an incredible setup!
Following the proctor's instructions, Kazekaze stepped into the center of the arena. The stadium was already packed! The head proctor for this event was none other than Sarutobi Hiruzen. And at the largest viewing platform, three seats were arranged at the center.
Seated on the far left was— The God of Shinobi, the First Hokage—Hashirama Senju! Even though Hashirama was terminally ill and had already handed Konoha's managent over to Tobirama, he was still the official Hokage in na. As the host, it was only fitting that he sat there.
Standing behind him, arms crossed, was none other than—Tobirama Senju.
"Hahaha! It's been a long ti!" As soon as Hashirama noticed the Kazekage and Tsuchikage arriving from the right, he imdiately greeted them with a hearty laugh.
For him, seeing Genin from different villages gathered for friendly competition—rather than war—was his dream.
"The journey must've been exhausting, right? Thank you for coming, Lord Kazekage, Lord Tsuchikage!"
To show his gratitude, Hashirama even stood up from his seat and bowed toward them.
"Brother!" Tobirama imdiately looked embarrassed, quickly stepping forward to remind Hashirama to maintain his image.
The entire arena was filled with spectators! A Hokage bowing to others—what kind of ssage was that sending?!
"Did you forget what I told you at the Five Kage Summit?" Tobirama's tone was filled with helpless frustration.
However— Hashirama completely ignored Tobirama's concerns. Scratching the back of his head, he grinned and said,
"Haha! I'm just so happy! For the first ti ever, talented young shinobi from different villages have gathered in Konoha for the Chunin Exam!"
In reality— Tobirama had invited all of the Kage. Although the Mizukage and Raikage didn't attend, having three Kage present as judges was still an unprecedented achievent! To Hashirama, this was deeply moving.
"The Hokage is as sincere as ever. But I doubt anyone would think less of you for it, Lord Hashirama." The First Tsuchikage, Ishikawa, responded without hesitation.
During the first Five Kage Summit, he had already acknowledged Hashirama's vision. Even if Hashirama bowed, Ishikawa didn't see it as a sign of weakness. On the contrary— It only reinforced that Hashirama was an open-minded leader, unconcerned with petty details. He was both powerful and wise.
The First Kazekage, Reto, shared the sa opinion.
"Lord Tsuchikage is absolutely right." With that, Reto and Ishikawa took their seats.
Interestingly— Tobirama had originally planned for Hashirama to sit in the center, to emphasize Konoha's dominance as the host. However— After so thought, Hashirama refused. The fact that the other Kage had traveled all this way to attend was already a great honor.
Why waste ti on pointless matters like seating arrangents?
Once Reto and Ishikawa were seated, Hashirama walked to the edge of the viewing platform, overlooking the participants below. He then shifted his gaze toward the audience. Before he even had the chance to speak— The entire stadium erupted in cheers! Especially for the people of Konoha— Hashirama was the most revered shinobi in their village.
"First, I want to thank all our honored guests for gathering here today! We greatly appreciate everyone coming to Konoha for this Chunin Exam!"
"And, of course, we are especially grateful to Lord Kazekage and Lord Tsuchikage for serving as our esteed judges!"
"Now, let the final selection matches begin! Enjoy the battles, everyone!"
With that— The Chunin Exam Finals officially began!
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