---
The last rays of dusk settled over Konoha, casting a warm glow upon the bustling streets below.
For three months, the village had thrived under a blanket of calm, carefully woven by Hiruzen and his ANBU in the shadows.
The ANBU operatives moved seamlessly within the village, ensuring that threats were extinguished before they could disrupt the delicate peace.
The Konoha Police Force, while subtly guided by Hiruzen's influence, patrolled diligently, maintaining a serene order over the village's daily affairs.
This period of tranquility wasn't coincidental. It was the product of Hiruzen's vision, a balancing act to keep both internal stability and quiet preparation for future conflicts.
As this calm had lingered, the annual Chūnin Exams arrived on the horizon, creating a ripple of anticipation through the village.
This year, however, Hiruzen had plans to use the exams as a proving ground for Konoha's young talents—yet cautiously, without the gaze of other villages.
In his private study, Hiruzen summoned his disciples. Sakumo, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru arrived in swift, respectful silence.
They had grown remarkably in the past months, each dedicating themselves to mastering their chakra affinities and refining their skills under Hiruzen's watchful eye.
He observed them with a fatherly pride, yet he knew this exam would be another significant test in their journey.
Hiruzen's face softened as he greeted them. "It's time," he began, looking each of them in the eye.
"The Chūnin Exams are upon us, and I want you all to participate. This is your opportunity to prove yourselves and achieve your promotions to chūnin."
Tsunade, who had been eager for the challenge, raised an eyebrow with an enthusiastic smile.
"Finally! We've been training relentlessly, Sensei. I think we're more than ready."
Sakumo, his demeanor calm yet determined, nodded. "Agreed. We're prepared to give it our all."
Even Jiraiya, who usually found a way to lighten any moment, was quietly focused, clearly sensing the weight of the opportunity.
Orochimaru's gaze flickered with an unreadable intensity. "Will this be a closed exam? Or will other villages be invited?"
Hiruzen chuckled, noting Orochimaru's insight. "A good question, Orochimaru. This year's exam will be an interhouse event. Only Konoha's shinobi will participate."
The four of them exchanged glances, each understanding the implications. An interhouse exam meant no foreign scrutiny.
The focus was on testing the mettle of Konoha's genin while minimizing external interference.
Hiruzen's decision made perfect sense: the village's growth would be observed closely by the other nations, and this move gave Konoha the privacy to strengthen its ranks without prying eyes.
Jiraiya scratched his head, frowning. "Is it just because we don't want the other villages here, or… is something else going on?"
Hiruzen's expression turned serious.
"With the changes in our military and training facilities, I have no doubt that other villages are keeping a watchful eye on us. We've instituted reforms—training facilities, the free-access jutsu policy, and the increase in ANBU activities. These are bound to draw attention. Other villages will undoubtedly want to measure our strength."
Sakumo crossed his arms thoughtfully. "So it's a strategic move, then. This way, we gain experience but without risking a display of our current abilities."
"Exactly," Hiruzen replied. "Konoha isn't yet at a point where we can risk full exposure. We've made progress, yes, but it's wiser to keep our cards close. By the time we open the exams to other villages, we'll be prepared to meet any threat they pose."
His voice carried a sense of conviction that quieted the room.
"But make no mistake; this is no ordinary exam. I expect you to display everything you've learned, push your limits, and prove your worth. This is a step toward the future I envision for Konoha."
As they absorbed his words, the resolve among his students solidified, a shared understanding settling between them.
---
The next day, the council chamber was filled with Konoha's most esteemed jōnin, each taking their place around the wide, circular table.
Hiruzen, seated at the head, observed the gathered ninja, their expressions varying from stoic resolve to subtle eagerness.
Among them were Kagami Uchiha, Shuzaku Nara, and other prominent leaders from Konoha's prestigious clans.
With a nod from Hiruzen, the meeting commenced. Each jōnin presented their evaluations, discussing the readiness and potential of their respective squads.
The conversation flowed from one jōnin to another, each providing detailed assessments and recommendations for their genin.
As the jōnin discussed various candidates, Kagami Uchiha stood to speak.
"My squad is ready, Hokage-sama. They've shown remarkable improvement over the past months, and I believe they're prepared for the chūnin exam."
Hiruzen's gaze met Kagami's, and he nodded approvingly. "Excellent, Kagami. I've no doubt that your squad will represent Konoha well."
Kagami's confidence in his team was mirrored by a few other jōnin, who nodded in agreement, acknowledging his squad's promise.
One by one, the other jōnin began to recommend their squads, detailing the strengths and readiness of each genin.
Excitement and a hint of pride were evident on their faces. This year's exam was bound to be unique, given the recent improvements in training protocols and access to higher-level jutsus.
Even those who refrained from openly expressing their excitement felt it—Konoha's genin were more prepared than ever.
Once the recommendations had been made, Hiruzen stood, his voice commanding yet calm.
"This year's chūnin exams will be held solely within Konoha. It will be an interhouse event, meaning no other villages will be invited."
A few murmurs ran through the crowd, while others nodded in understanding.
Shuzaku Nara, ever perceptive, raised a question. "Hokage-sama, will there be additional security measures in place, considering the absence of foreign presence?"
Hiruzen nodded.
"Indeed. While this is an internal exam, we'll be exercising full ANBU security around the grounds, both to monitor the event and to maintain its integrity. This is not just a test for our genin but an opportunity to reinforce discipline and vigilance."
Kagami Uchiha, understanding the weight of Hiruzen's decision, spoke up again,
"I trust that by keeping it within Konoha, we avoid unnecessary risks. The timing is right, as other villages would no doubt take any chance to infiltrate and assess our strength."
Hiruzen acknowledged him, his tone more solemn.
"Precisely. Our recent changes have strengthened Konoha, but these are still early days. When the time comes, and we open our gates to invite the other villages, we will be ready. For now, our priority is fostering the abilities of our own ninja, strengthening our core before revealing it to the world."
Shuzaku, piecing together the broader implications, nodded slowly. "This approach ensures that Konoha continues to grow without external interference."
Hiruzen allowed himself a small smile.
"Yes, and it allows us the freedom to innovate. Our genin will be prepared without the limitations that a foreign presence would impose. In time, the world will come to understand just how strong Konoha has become."
---
As the meeting was going, the jōnin began discussing their plans for the exams. The energy in the room was one of optimism and anticipation, While pondering on the exam format.
Outside the council room, Homura and Koharu lingered in hushed conversation, their faces carrying the shadow of unspoken concerns.
They watched as Hiruzen stipulating, seemingly at ease, his mind focused on the coming exams and the hidden preparations for Konoha's future.
Yet, in the hearts of Homura and Koharu, the specter of Danzo's fate loomed.
They felt the slight unease that had taken root within the village's leadership.
While Hiruzen had assuaged their worries in the council, both advisors knew that the real game was being played in shadows far beyond their reach.