The Chunin Exams are meant to be a test for genin to ascend to the rank of chunin, and the participants are typically genin with chunin-level abilities.
However, who could have imagined that such a seemingly simple Chunin Exam would attract the participation of two elite jonin-level ninja, possibly even Kage-level individuals? Along with them were several jonin and a host of elite chunin.
If the few genin-level participants who were genuinely at the chunin level realized the true nature of this year's Chunin Exam, they would surely find it utterly ridiculous.
"Is this still the Chunin Exam? This is practically a Jonin Exam!" they might exclaim.
The difficulty? Absolute hell.
…
"It seems the ninja world is quite focused on Konoha," Nawaki said, breaking the silence. While he knew to be cautious with his words here, he wasn't about to stay completely silent.
He could feel countless eyes on him.
"Yeah, a lot of eyes," Minato agreed, his keen senses also picking up on the many gazes observing them.
From the moment the five of them had entered Iwagakure, they had become the center of attention.
The Hui's shadow avatar smirked slightly at their comments.
His sensory abilities were unparalleled, almost absurdly so. Each individual spying on them had already been revealed in his mind.
"This year's Chunin Exam is going to be quite interesting. If you're not careful, you four might actually get eliminated," the shadow Avatar said casually, causing the four of them to pause momentarily.
Nawaki, however, grinned broadly.
"That just makes it more fun! At least it won't be boring. As for me getting eliminated? Not a chance!"
Nawaki's confidence radiated from his words.
His strength was far beyond what others could even imagine.
The shadow Avatar merely smiled at his response, saying no more.
He then led the group toward the Tsuchikage's office to submit their Chunin Exam registration forms. After all, they were guests in this village and needed to follow proper procedures.
…
Under the watchful eyes of many, the shadow Avatar and the four young ninja arrived at the Tsuchikage's building.
"It's truly a pity that the Third Hokage couldn't come in person," Ōnoki lamented, his expression full of regret as he discreetly studied the five Konoha ninja before him.
"The Hokage is extremely busy with official duties and couldn't spare the time. It couldn't be helped," the shadow Avatar replied calmly, meeting Ōnoki's gaze.
He could sense the unwavering chakra within the Tsuchikage, realizing that Ōnoki was now at the peak of his power. From this point onward, his strength would only decline, unless some extraordinary opportunity arose that he would take advantage of.
Of course, this world was full of miracles. Until one reached the end of their journey, anything was possible.
Given that Ōnoki had reached his peak, it was safe to assume that the other Kage had also reached theirs. However, that didn't matter.
Even if all four of them joined forces, Hui wouldn't even need his shadow Avatars to crush them.
The difference in their levels was not something mere numbers could overcome.
After completing the formalities, the shadow Avatar led Nawaki, Minato, Kushina, and Konan to their accommodations.
"It seems my brother-in-law was right. In the ninja world, you really can't judge a book by its cover. Who would've thought that such a short man could be the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure?" Nawak said, still surprised by Ōnoki's short stature.
"Exactly! I thought all the Kage would be as handsome as Hui-niisan. This was such a disappointment," Kushina added, her tone full of dismay.
From as far back as she could remember, all the "leaders" around her had been attractive men and women. This had led her to believe that all leaders were like that.
Today shattered that illusion.
Minato, hearing her comment, glanced at Kushina helplessly but couldn't help feeling slightly relieved.
Thank goodness I'm good-looking… he thought to himself, a faint smile forming at the corners of his lips.
Seeing this, Kushina blushed.
Nawaki, observing the interaction, silently clicked his tongue in exasperation.
These two obviously like each other, so why won't either of them admit it? Is this some kind of game?
"This is why I say Hui-niisan is the most handsome of all!" Konan chimed in enthusiastically. She was a devoted fan of Hui. In her heart, no one in the ninja world could compare to him.
She looked at the shadow Avatar with admiration.
The shadow Avatar smiled and patted Konan's head affectionately.
"The Chunin Exam officially begins in three days. I don't know the specifics of the exam, but given your abilities, I have nothing to worry about," he said confidently.
"Don't worry! We're the top graduates of Konoha!" Nawaki declared proudly.
He and Minato were both top students, while Kushina and Konan had graduated with honors. The four of them were undoubtedly the best among their peers.
…
Three days passed in a blur of eating, drinking, and relaxing. Finally, the day of the Chunin Exam arrived.
"So, this ninja named Nawaki is registering as a solo participant?" an Iwagakure ninja asked for confirmation outside the exam venue. It was an unusual situation.
"Yes," came the affirmative response.
After confirming, the ninja glanced at Nawaki a few more times before proceeding with the registration.
"All right, it's up to you now. We're looking forward to your performance," the shadow Avatar said as he left for the proctoring team's area.
"Leave it to us!" the four of them replied before pushing open the doors to the exam hall.
Inside, over a hundred candidates had already gathered. The room, initially noisy and chaotic, fell silent as Nawaki, Minato, Kushina, and Konan stepped in.
All eyes turned to them.
These gazes carried a mix of emotions. Provocation, fear, curiosity, contempt, malice, and even deep calculation.
Nawaki raised an eyebrow at this.
For most people, being the focus of so many stares would create immense pressure.
But Nawaki, Minato, and the others weren't ordinary people.
Nawaki scanned the room, meeting each gaze as though he were staring at mere rocks or trees. Things utterly incapable of threatening him.
Minato's expression remained unchanged, his lips curling into a faint smile.
Even Kushina and Konan, the two girls, stood calm and composed under the intense scrutiny.
This scene left the observing ninja from other villages quietly impressed.
"They're truly powerful. These must be Konoha's rare talents," one ninja murmured in admiration.
As he spoke, his gaze shifted to the shadow Avatar, hoping to glean some useful information from his expression. However, the Avatar's face remained impassive, betraying nothing.
The observer sighed, disappointed, but quickly refocused on the scene below.
In the hall, Nawaki finally spoke.
"So, are you all that intimidated by Konoha? Looks like this will be an exam where we're outnumbered. But that's fine. Come at me all at once. I can handle it."
His words stirred an uproar. They were so arrogant, so dismissive, that they infuriated nearly everyone present.
"This brat is asking for it!"
"Hmph, Konoha… Let's give these Konoha ninja an unforgettable experience."
"So cocky! He doesn't even see us as threats."
"Taking on all of us at once? Does this kid even know what he's saying?"
"Let's get this exam started. I'm going to teach this brat a lesson!"
The enraged responses of the other participants only made Nawaki grin.
After all, without a supporting cast, how could the main character shine?
He had deliberately provoked them, intending to create a scene that would leave everyone in awe.
He would be using his stepping stone to it's fullest.