"If all three of you want to participate, just sign these three application forms!"
Without much unnecessary talk, Uchiha Juzheng directly got to the point and explained the basic rules of this Chūnin Exam to Tōshirō and the others.
This Chūnin Exam was both similar to and different from the storyline in Tōshirō's memory.
The similarity was that the exam was divided into three parts: a written test, a team battle, and an individual battle, just like in the TV series.
The difference was that this exam didn't invite nobles from various countries to watch or allow ninja from most other villages to participate. Only the ninja from Konoha participated; there would be no ninja from villages like Sunagakure or Kusagakure.
However, this was understandable given the tense situation. Everyone was stockpiling supplies and preparing for the imminent war. Who would be foolish enough to invite ninjas from other villages to come to their own village? If someone with ill intentions were to launch a surprise attack, who would take responsibility? Even if there was no attack, allowing others to gather intelligence on their future forces would be a huge problem. Not even the small countries with alliance agreements had sufficient credibility. These small countries acted as buffers between the major nations and had no qualms about betraying their allies for their own benefit.
"So, what do you three think? Are you going to register together?"
With a slight smile, Uchiha Juzheng asked his three disciples.
"Of course!"
Without any hesitation, Uchiha Tetsu was the first to respond affirmatively. After speaking, he looked towards Tōshirō and Homura, hoping to hear their agreement.
"I'll participate too!"
Uchiha Homura agreed without any hesitation. Now, it was only Tōshirō who had yet to express his stance.
To be honest, Tōshirō wasn't very keen on participating in this Chūnin Exam. Given the tense situation, the village suddenly holding a Chūnin Exam seemed to him like a way to prepare human resources for the upcoming war. Those who successfully advanced in this exam would all be thrown into the battlefield. The village would certainly have a noble-sounding reason, like fighting for peace, protection, and the Will of Fire, requiring everyone to make a sacrifice.
"Hmm, I'll participate as well."
Seeing the hopeful looks from Tetsu and the expectant looks from Homura and Juzheng-sensei, Tōshirō found it hard to refuse. The key was that this Chūnin Exam required team registration. He didn't want to go, but he didn't want to drag Tetsu and Homura down either. If it were up to him alone, he would definitely refuse. Being an orphan, he didn't care much about what others thought. A few glances and some harmless gossip wouldn't bother him.
Seeing that his disciples agreed to participate in this Chūnin Exam, Uchiha Juzheng smiled slightly and said, "Just fill in your names on this application form, and leave the rest to me!"
After watching Tōshirō and then turning to Homura, he continued, "Homura, among the three of you, you are the cleverest. While the exam may be challenging, you have a good chance of passing."
"But you," he said while glaring at Uchiha Tetsu, "are the most troublesome."
"Don't worry, Juzheng-sensei! I won't have any problems. I'll pass the Chūnin Exam with ease!"
Seeing his teacher's stern look, Uchiha Tetsu was full of confidence, pounding his chest dramatically, oblivious to the fact that his teacher's expression was growing darker.
"The one I'm most worried about is you!"
"Reckless and impetuous—these flaws have improved, but you still have a long way to go!"
"No way!"
"Still arguing? Today, you'll stay here for special training!"
After ranting for a while, Uchiha Juzheng felt a bit tired but decided to give Tetsu a hard lesson to remember. Although the effect might be minimal, even a little improvement would be good.
"No, Juzheng-sensei! I know I was wrong!"
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Tetsu looked devastated and quickly pleaded. Meanwhile, Tōshirō exchanged a look with Uchiha Homura.
"Where does he get his misplaced confidence? Can't you control him?"
Receiving Tōshirō's message through his eyes, Uchiha Homura felt equally resigned and exhausted, merely rolling her eyes.
"Let Juzheng-sensei give him a good lesson."
There was nothing she could do. Even after countless warnings from Juzheng-sensei, Tōshirō, and herself, Tetsu still acted recklessly in crucial moments, often making promises he couldn't keep.
Seeing this, Tōshirō was also speechless.
[He still hasn't learned his lesson!]
Tōshirō could only hope that Tetsu wouldn't end up like 'Nawaki' in the original story, who didn't even get a chance to learn from his mistakes. Tōshirō knew the story of Nawaki Senju—the prominent heir of the Senju clan—very well. His teacher, Uchiha Juzheng, often used Nawaki as a cautionary tale for Tetsu, though it never seemed to have much effect.
People often need to go through painful experiences themselves to truly transform.