[Hi, Guys, I know, I am quite late with this chapter. But what can I do, we need to earn money. For that I was quite busy, Still I took some time out of my busy schedule. On that note, Please support me on Kofi. You can find link at end of task. I know I am asking much but still, your single dollar can help me with my coffee which I need for writing. Thanks for your time reading this story. Enjoy.]
After the whole day, at night, in the Hokage's office, the Sandaime Hokage was sitting with his team. An ANBU expert came into his office to report.
ANBU: "Sandaime-sama, we have found that two teams have already passed the exams. Team Orca in a record time of half an hour, and the Sand's team in one hour."
Sandaime: "Team Orca, huh. I expected this. But for the Sand's team, that's fast. Keep an eye on both the Sand and Sound village teams."
The ANBU nodded.
ANBU: "And one more thing — Jiraiya-sama and his team have returned. They are in Konoha. They just entered the village via the south gate."
Sandaime: "That's good news, and at quite a good time. Keep searching for Orochimaru. He has entered the village — I am sure of it. Also, if found, keep your distance. Don't be foolish enough to engage him."
The ANBU nodded and disappeared.
Sandaime (thinking): All the gears are organizing themselves. It's good news Jiraiya has come back in time. With him here, I'll have someone to rely on. I should retire soon.
Sandaime: "Cat, find Jiraiya and bring him here."
As he said this, Jiraiya entered through the window.
Jiraiya: "No need for that. I have come."
Jiraiya entered the office and sat down on a chair. Seeing Jiraiya's antics, Sandaime sighed.
Sandaime: "How was your mission?"
Jiraiya: "Quite good."
Saying this, Jiraiya made an ecchi smile. Seeing this,
Sandaime: "I take it a new book is coming soon."
Jiraiya (playfully): "So you read them too, huh?"
Sandaime: "We are diverting from the topic. Make your report."
Jiraiya: "Monster activities are increasing. I have also formally met with all the Kage — except the Kazekage. Since he is going to attend the Chunin Exam, I thought you would discuss things with him."
Sandaime nodded.
Sandaime: "What was their reaction?"
Jiraiya: "Raikage said he would send teams to take care of the area, but we clarified that if their shinobi encounter a monster-hunting team, they must not attack. Raikage agreed. So did the Tsuchikage and Mizukage. There's also news — the Fifth Mizukage has already been elected… or should I say she killed the Fourth via coup? Of course, she agreed too. I suggested they give the monster-hunting teams a special insignia, so their shinobi don't attack them during missions. We, of course, won't attack their teams either. But these teams can be tracked and monitored. For that, I asked all three to prepare teams that can enter our borders, and from our side, we'll send some for test runs."
Sandaime: "Nice suggestion. Ikki will be happy."
Jiraiya: "He's participating in the Chunin Exams, right?"
Sandaime: "Yes, but it's just a formality. I'll directly promote him to Jounin after this — and his teammates to Chunin."
Jiraiya: "They're that strong?"
Sandaime: "You'll see soon enough. How much has the monster strength increased?"
Jiraiya got serious.
Jiraiya: "Quite a lot. We encountered one Jounin-level monster. It was a hybrid between a tiger and a snake — a strength-oriented monster. I let Shisui handle it. When I say it had Jounin-level strength, I mean it. Genjutsu didn't work, since the monster didn't have chakra. At least physical attacks worked, but they were highly sensitive. Other villages also reported similar cases. That's why they've decided to cooperate."
Sandaime nodded.
As they were talking, an ANBU entered the office.
Sandaime: "What is it?"
ANBU: "Orochimaru has attacked Anko Mitarashi. She managed to escape, but she's injured and is in the hospital. Orochimaru also attacked Sasuke Uchiha. He's injured, but not seriously. However, he has been infected with a curse mark. He's still in Training Ground 44, continuing with the Chunin Exam."
Sandaime nodded.
Sandaime: "So it has started. Orochimaru, how far are you going to fall? Sigh... everything is falling into place."
Jiraiya: "Need my help?"
Sandaime: "You protect the village. They'll learn what it means to be Hokage."
Jiraiya smiled at this.
Three days passed. During this time, Ikki and his team relaxed in their rooms, which had been allocated to them. After the second part was over, all contestants were gathered in the examination ground for the third step.
All participants gathered in the center of the examination hall, with the Sandaime Hokage present. A total of 30 participants remained — many more than in the original story.
Anko: "You all have passed the second part of the exam. Now Hokage-sama will explain the third part of the exam."
Sandaime: "The third exam will begin now. About this exam's true purpose… Before, there were only wars — which hurt every major village, and minor ones too, whether minimally or maximally, as they took part in them. Every village, small or large, wants to be on top. That mentality led to three Shinobi World Wars. Thousands upon thousands died. After those wars, every village finally realized the damage such wars bring."
Ikki: "Took you long enough."
[Ikki said this somewhat mildly, but being ninja, everyone heard it.]
As Ikki said this, someone hit him on the head with a fist.
Ikki: "Ouch! Who was that?"
As Ikki turned around, he saw Tatsumo Sadeki.
Ikki: "Jiji, why are you here?"
Tatsumo: "I'm the third part examiner."
Ikki: "What? Aren't you retired?"
Tatsumo: "I am retired, but I'm here on request by the Sandaime. After this, I'm back to retirement."
Ikki: "Okay."
Sandaime: "Are you two done? What troublesome guys."
Tatsumo: "Sandaime, it's been quite a long time since we sparred, right?"
Sandaime was visibly shaken hearing this.
Sandaime: "Yes… but this is a platform for the young ones."
Tatsumo: "Got it. I'll explain the next part."
Saying this, Tatsumo took over the stage. Sandaime stepped back and moved behind Kakashi.
Kakashi: "Dodged an arrow?"
(This isn't a gun world. How the heck did they not think of using Fire Jutsu to make a gun?)
Sandaime (murmuring): "Big time. I never want to fight him. I still remember my Chunin Exam."
Kakashi nodded.
Sandaime: "Did you find a trace of Orochimaru?"
Kakashi: "I didn't, but Sasuke did. Orochimaru gave him the cursed seal."
Sandaime: "Okay. The same opportunity of meeting was given to Anko."
Kakashi: "Yikes."
Sandaime: "Tell me about it."
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