Chapter 57: The First Konoha Battle Royale Trial Run
News of the comprehensive Chunin Exam reforms spread throughout Konoha like wildfire.
When the genin learned that this year's exams would be jointly hosted with Sunagakure and Iwagakure, and that the content would be drastically different from previous years, a chorus of anguished complaints erupted across the village.
The Chunin Exams were already notoriously difficult, with a pass rate of less than one percent. And now it was getting even worse.
"Damn it! If I find out who came up with this, I'll kill them!"
"I should have taken the Chunin Exams last year!"
"Who knew there would be such a massive reform this year?!"
"Am I going to fail again this year?"
Among the complaining genin, those who'd graduated last year were the most resentful.
If they'd known this year's Chunin Exams would be reformed and jointly hosted with two other major ninja villages, they would have thrown caution to the wind and attempted them last year instead.
However, these problems weren't within Uchiha Kazuki's sphere of concern.
"Our goal is to eliminate 99% of the candidates!"
Nara Shikaku crossed his arms, resting his chin on them. His eyes glinted with murderous intent, clearly displaying a 'better to mistakenly eliminate ten than let one slip through' attitude.
I wonder who pissed him off.
Uchiha Kazuki thought to himself, though curiosity got the better of him. "If we eliminate too many people, won't that cause problems for next year's recruitment?"
"This is the Hokage's decision."
Nara Shikaku shook his head and patiently explained. "The Chunin Exam selection isn't judged purely by final results, but by performance throughout the entire process. Moreover, the main purpose this time is to intimidate the Sand and Rock ninja—to show them Konoha's strength and establish our dominance before forming the alliance. This is a necessary measure."
I see. That means we don't need to worry about elimination rates. Just go all out.
With the highest authority's approval, things became much simpler.
"Kazuki, you proposed this plan, so tell me your thoughts on implementation," Nara Shikaku said in a serious tone. "If you need cooperation from others, I'll arrange it."
"This is my first time attempting such a large-scale genjutsu."
Uchiha Kazuki considered the process carefully. "And we'll also need to coordinate with Inoichi-san. I'm not entirely certain what problems might arise during execution, so I think we should invite some jōnin to test it first. That way, we can identify and resolve issues before the actual exam."
"You're absolutely right. We definitely need a trial run."
Nara Shikaku nodded in agreement. "As for recruiting jōnin for the test, I'll handle contacting them. Then you and Yamanaka Inoichi will work together to construct the genjutsu world."
"No problem. Leave it to me, Shikaku."
Yamanaka Inoichi subtly exchanged a glance with Shikaku.
Years of working together allowed them to communicate entire conversations with just a look.
Uchiha Kazuki observed all of this with perfect composure, feigning ignorance. He turned to Yamanaka Inoichi. "Inoichi-san, how should I coordinate with you?"
"I'll use the Mind Body Transmission Technique to directly connect with your mental world."
Yamanaka Inoichi paused, then quickly added—as if afraid of arousing suspicion—"Don't worry, I'll keep my own consciousness contained and restricted. I won't pry into your personal memories."
"Invading my mental world... isn't that a bit..."
Uchiha Kazuki's expression shifted slightly, showing appropriate concern. "Inoichi-san, is there any other method?"
The Spectator's perfectly crafted expressions—both in demeanor and subtle micro-movements—were more than sufficient to deceive anyone.
Even the highly intelligent Nara Shikaku didn't notice anything unusual. Seeing Kazuki's hesitation, he thought it perfectly reasonable and offered reassurance. "Kazuki, I can personally guarantee that Inoichi will never pry into your memories. Besides, if you want to construct a large-scale genjutsu world, this is currently the only viable method."
"Well..."
Uchiha Kazuki still appeared hesitant.
This was perfectly natural. After all, if he weren't a Spectator Pathway Beyonder, how could he possibly allow others to intrude into his mental world so easily?
Watching Shikaku and Inoichi take turns offering solemn assurances, practically swearing sacred oaths and invoking 'for the sake of Konoha,' Kazuki sneered internally.
Ultimately, these two weren't as pure-hearted as they pretended.
He'd seen right through Nara Shikaku's scheme from the beginning. Shikaku simply wanted Inoichi to use the mental world invasion as an opportunity to search through his memories.
Everything could be faked or lied about—everything except the memories within one's mental world. Those couldn't lie.
Yes, 'memories' certainly couldn't lie... provided they were genuine memories!
Uchiha Kazuki employed his Extraordinary abilities as a Spectator to manipulate his own emotions, feigning a deeply conflicted and worried state of mind while controlling even the subtlest micro-expressions on his face. But hidden within this performance, his consciousness maintained an independent, almost third-person perspective, observing this entire 'theatrical production.'
"Alright, I understand."
After considerable deliberation, Uchiha Kazuki reluctantly agreed. "I trust both Shikaku and Inoichi-san, so what's the next step?"
Seeing him finally consent, Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi exchanged an almost imperceptible glance and simultaneously breathed sighs of relief.
Getting someone to agree to mental world invasion truly wasn't easy.
Fearing that Uchiha Kazuki might change his mind, Yamanaka Inoichi quickly continued. "After that, it's simple. You just need to construct the genjutsu world in your mind, and then I'll use the Mind Body Transmission Technique to share your genjutsu with others, thereby establishing a group genjutsu space."
"Simply put, Inoichi acts as a relay station."
Nara Shikaku provided a concise explanation. "This way, your chakra consumption will be minimal, and the duration of the genjutsu can be greatly extended."
"As expected of the future head of the Nara clan. Your attention to detail is truly comprehensive."
Uchiha Kazuki offered light praise with a smile. "Then I have no concerns. Once the jōnin arrive, we can officially begin the trial."
"You're too kind. I just prefer to refine every detail repeatedly."
Nara Shikaku also breathed easier. With the biggest obstacle cleared, everything else was minor. "You two prepare yourselves. I'll go contact the jōnin."
Next, Uchiha Kazuki and Yamanaka Inoichi discussed various improvements to the group genjutsu system while making final preparations.
About thirty minutes later, Nara Shikaku returned. His efficiency was truly impressive.
The first group of jōnin invited to undergo the 'Large-Scale Genjutsu Trial' consisted of: Namikaze Minato, Aburame Shibi, Nara Shikaku himself, Akimichi Chōza, Hyūga Hiashi, Hyūga Hizashi, and Inuzuka Tsume.
Glancing over them, Uchiha Kazuki felt a slight pang of regret. It was unfortunate that Uzumaki Kushina—whom he'd been most looking forward to testing—hadn't come to participate.
Thinking about it more carefully, though, it made sense.
After all, Uzumaki Kushina was Konoha's 'nuclear deterrent.' She required the utmost stability at all times. How could she possibly participate in such a potentially 'terrifying' psychological test?
If she were frightened enough to lose control of the Nine-Tails, everyone would be in serious trouble.
"Well then, everyone, please prepare yourselves."
Uchiha Kazuki's gaze swept across each participant before revealing a kind, gentle smile. "I hereby declare the First Konoha Battle Royale Trial officially open!"
"Genjutsu: Shared Dream Technique!"
"Ninja Art: Mind Body Transmission Technique!"
"Ninja Art: Psycho Mind Transmission!"
The next moment, Namikaze Minato and the others felt everything go dark.
No one knew what those jōnin encountered within the genjutsu dream world.
The only one who revealed any truth was Namikaze Minato himself—and he was reportedly shaking uncontrollably when he finally walked out of the testing room, calling Uchiha Kazuki a 'demon incarnate'!
Moreover, every single jōnin who participated in the internal trial immediately went home afterward and earnestly advised their students, disciples, or team members to seriously consider withdrawing from the Chunin Exams entirely.
From that day forward, throughout all of Konoha Village, Uchiha Kazuki gained a new nickname:
The Devil of Konoha.
[End of Chapter 57]
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