In the canyon, within the blue faction, Nawaki lounged idly, glancing around at the environment and casually chatting with Konan.
He had already analyzed the implications of the exam format but had no intention of stepping up as a leader.
To him, the ranks of Genin, Chunin, or Jonin were just titles. Even if he remained a Genin forever, it wouldn't matter as his strength spoke for itself.
He didn't need anyone's approval.
What Nawaki was really thinking about was how to make a grand impression, create miracles, and begin his legend in the ninja world.
After all, his goal for participating in this Chunin Exam was to show off.
"This exam's format is clear. To win quickly, we must unite. Right now, the red faction likely hasn't organized yet. If we take advantage of this and launch a coordinated attack, our chances of victory will greatly increase.
"Victory benefits everyone here, so we should set aside any previous grudges or affiliations, regardless of which village we came from. Let's deal with the red faction first. Anything else can be settled afterward. For now, we need to act as one."
Though Nawaki had no plans to take on a leadership role, others were eager.
Most participants in this Chunin Exam weren't average ninjas. Many had already dissected the exam's rules and were considering what role they should play to maximize their abilities.
The ninja who spoke clearly wanted to showcase his leadership skills.
"Indeed, uniting and attacking before the red faction organizes is a solid plan. However, if we can think of this strategy, so can they. They're likely having the same discussion as us right now and planning something similar.
"Therefore, I doubt this faction battle will end quickly," said another ninja as he stepped out of the crowd.
"What we should do now," he continued, "is familiarize ourselves with the terrain, secure advantageous positions, and understand each other's skills to develop attack and defense strategies.
If the red faction charges recklessly as we planned to, we could counter them with tactics and crush them. Even if we can't end the battle in one go, we'd gain a significant advantage."
His reasoning resonated with the group. Even the first ninja, who had been eager to lead, furrowed his brows and kept silent, realizing his earlier plan had been too simplistic.
His chances of earning leadership credibility had already diminished, and his best option now was to bide his time and find another opportunity to prove himself.
But not everyone agreed.
Some, filled with arrogance and self-importance, didn't care for these plans.
"Konoha's Nawaki, I didn't expect to end up in the same faction as you," said Kasamo, his voice cutting through the chatter as he walked toward Nawaki.
The crowd fell silent. Both Nawaki and Kasamo were well-known among the participants.
Nawaki for his ties to Konoha and Kasamo for his formidable strength.
"So?" Nawaki asked, interested by the hostility emanating from Kasamo.
Kasamo's predatory gaze had been on him for a while, the kind of look a hunter gives its prey. It was irritating.
Had Nawaki not been mindful of his village's reputation, he might have confronted Kasamo long ago.
"So, I've been wondering, beating up someone in the same faction doesn't violate the rules, does it?"
Kasamo's provocative words caused a stir among the group. Many eyes lit up, anticipating a fight.
Others frowned, understanding the potential consequences.
Both Nawaki and Kasamo were key players in their faction. If they weakened each other through infighting, their faction's chances of victory would plummet.
While the outcome of this faction battle wasn't the sole factor determining promotion, failing the mission to defeat the opposing faction would undoubtedly reflect poorly on them. After all, ninjas were judged on their ability to complete missions.
"I suppose it doesn't break the rules. After all, it wasn't explicitly forbidden, right?" Nawaki responded, smiling faintly as he looked at Kasamo, who had stopped a short distance away.
"Good. Then let's settle this with a duel. Whoever wins will be the leader of this faction," Kasamo declared.
The ninja who had just suggested tactics frowned deeply. His efforts to showcase leadership had just been overshadowed.
"Leader? Honestly, I'm not interested. But if you're so eager for a fight, I'll humor you," Nawaki said nonchalantly, his tone dripping with disdain.
His dismissive attitude darkened Kasamo's expression.
"Confident, aren't you? I suppose that's to be expected from a Konoha prodigy. After all, the Third Hokage wouldn't send just anyone to represent your village in the Chunin Exams.
"Let's see if Konoha's genius lives up to the hype. Don't disappoint me!"
Kasamo's body began to emit blue chakra, faint arcs of lightning flickering within it. It was a display of his Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
"Lightning Release Chakra Mode… but those sparks of lightning look pretty weak. Has no one told you that half-baked techniques are embarrassing?" Nawaki said, recognizing Kasamo's technique instantly and mocking him.
It was a technique Nawaki had learned from his brother-in-law, though he wasn't particularly skilled at it. That didn't stop him from ridiculing someone who was more proficient.
Signaling Konan to step back, Nawaki prepared to face Kasamo.
"Half-baked? Let's see if you still think that after I'm done with you!" Kasamo snarled, his anger blazing in his eyes as he charged at Nawaki.
The ground beneath Kasamo cracked as he launched forward, a streak of blue light trailing behind him.
His speed shocked the onlookers, leaving them wide-eyed.
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