9:50 AM.
Ninja Academy, Classroom 301, the venue for the first stage of the Chunin Exams.
"Look, that Uchiha who's prettier than a woman..."
"So he also came to participate in the Chunin Exams."
"That means... setting up a stall was just a smokescreen, actually gathering intelligence at the entrance of Konoha?"
As Kaito stepped into the spacious classroom, almost all eyes inside gathered on him.
It was mainly because Kaito's act of setting up a stall at the entrance of Konoha for the past three days was too obvious. Coupled with his distinctive personal features, it was hard not to be remembered.
"Hi~! Kaito."
Asuma waved, greeting the three of them.
Kaito nodded slightly, his gaze glancing at Kurenai Yuhi beside Asuma. She had changed into a short skirt, with warm stockings underneath similar to Nohara Rin's.
Because they were black, they looked like black silk stockings.
Nice.
Kaito evaluated in his heart.
That Kurenai could change into this outfit was enough to prove her eagerness for "revenge."
A good start; eager to regain face, her step-by-step degeneration begins.
"Truly a... special handsome guy." Terumi Mei half-sat on the edge of the desk, looking at Kaito from time to time, judging the quality of this batch of Konoha candidates in her heart.
Ninja from other villages also reacted differently, each with their own thoughts.
"Quite a few people."
Uchiha Tekka maintained a aloof appearance, looking around the scene.
A total of about 200 candidates packed this largest classroom to the brim.
"..."
Uchiha Yo also had an indifferent face.
Perhaps when treating clansmen, they would show a gentle side, but when facing outsiders, they would behave very Uchiha.
"The more people, the better."
Kaito, who had long been confident about the number of participants, was currently only worried about one thing.
After the first written test, exactly how many candidates could enter the second round of actual combat.
When the clock struck 10:00, the proctors arrived on time!
"Silence!"
The dense footsteps and the noise in the room came to a halt as the chief proctor stood on the podium.
"All candidates take your seats according to your registration numbers!"
After some shuffling, everyone sat in their designated positions.
"I am the chief proctor for the first stage of this Chunin Exam, the Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku, the Immortal Sannin~ Lord Jiraiya is here~."
With white hair, wearing wooden clogs, and striking a pose, Jiraiya began to introduce himself while shaking his head.
This ridiculous self-introduction pose did not attract ridicule from the candidates.
On the contrary...
Hearing the name Jiraiya, the classroom instantly erupted into an uproar.
Because no one expected that Jiraiya, one of the famous "Sannin," would actually be the chief proctor for this exam!
The Konoha candidates looked even more excited, taking pride in Jiraiya's name and existence.
"Hmm, just as the old man [Hiruzen Sarutobi] said, there are some guys with good aptitude in this session..."
After the introduction, Jiraiya retracted his pose, scanning the scene, quickly confirming that this Chunin Exam would be interesting.
When his gaze fell on Kaito, Jiraiya's expression suddenly froze slightly.
"Hmm? Lord Jiraiya?!"
The other proctors quickly asked in a low voice.
Following Jiraiya's gaze, they found Jiraiya looking at an Uchiha candidate.
"What a pity..."
Jiraiya stroked his chin.
Pity?
Jiraiya: "It's a guy."
Proctors: "..."
After Jiraiya's personal interlude, he began to announce the rules of this exam.
"Yo~, everyone. The first stage is a 'written test' with a difficulty exceeding your Genin level. It tests your ability to cheat. I believe everyone has heard about this kind of thing long ago, so there is no need to hide it from you..."
After eloquently adding all the details, Jiraiya looked at the candidates.
"Does anyone have any questions?"
"..."
Kaito raised his right hand.
With Jiraiya's permission, Kaito asked.
"Chief Proctor, does that mean... even if I get 0 points and hand in a blank paper, I can still pass the first stage?"
"That is indeed the case."
Jiraiya raised his eyebrows.
"After all, the written test tests your cheating ability, and cheating ability cannot be used to judge a ninja's overall quality. However, if you really only get 0 points, it will make you fall far behind in the 'total score' of this Chunin Exam, and there is a high probability... you won't be able to become a Chunin. Unless in the next second round, your performance is stunning and brilliant, showing talent that can convince everyone..."
Is there such a good thing?
Kaito decided on the spot to hand in a blank paper in the first round.
Soon, the test papers were distributed.
Kaito wrote his name on it, stood up generously, and handed the blank paper to the podium... in front of Jiraiya.
In less than half a minute, Kaito passed the first round, achieving the good result of clearing the stage "first."
Of course, he probably also set a record for passing the first round of the Konoha Chunin Exams.
Subsequently, amidst everyone's astonished gazes, Kaito left the classroom...