"Sensei, you got called in do you have a new mission?"
Asuma's eyes lit up with excitement.
"A B-rank or higher again? That's awesome!"
Kurenai Yuhi glanced at him sideways and asked teasingly, "Going to see the Third Hokage again?"
Asuma stiffened, face flushing. "W-what?! No way! I didn't ask for it last time, he just gave it to me!"
The surrounding shinobi chuckled.
The mission hall filled with easy laughter.
Asuma's rumored favoritism was something everyone had heard whispers about. Whether it was true or not, no one could say for sure.
But…
There was a record Asuma had indeed completed a B-rank mission recently.
Jingyi clapped her on the shoulder. "Relax, this one's not about you."
"It wasn't about me last time either!" Asuma barked, clearly flustered.
Kurenai chuckled. "Sure, sure."
Shisui had been watching quietly. As he walked past, he said softly
"Even if it is, so what? If you're strong, let them talk."
He quickly followed Jingyi out.
Asuma stood frozen, the words lingering.
He knew the truth.
He had asked the Hokage personally last time.
But Shisui's words echoed in her mind, and the more she thought about it… the more sense they made.
Yeah… why care what people think?
If you're strong, there's nothing to be ashamed of.
He gripped his kunai with renewed determination and strode forward.
---
Jingyi selected a C-rank escort mission.
Though it was relatively simple, he made his instructions clear: unless the Genin were facing life-threatening danger, he would not intervene.
Asuma had no objections.
After surviving two deadly missions, the team had grown significantly. C-rank missions were well within their ability now.
Once they linked up with the caravan, Jingyi climbed into the cart, letting the Genin run alongside.
Training.
That was his excuse and the others knew it.
The mission proceeded smoothly. The attackers were a few rogue ninjas, but Asuma led the defense and repelled them decisively.
---
On the return trip, Jingyi taught them a new jutsu Vacuum Wave (Shinkūha), a B-rank Wind Release technique.
For Kurenai, though, her focus was different.
She'd been guiding her in medical ninjutsu.
One of the rogue ninjas had survived, albeit badly wounded. Jingyi had her attempt treatment.
She failed.
But that wasn't the point it was experience.
Some considered it cold, but the truth was, the attackers had endangered civilians. If left untreated, the guards would've executed them anyway. Jingyi simply gave the ninja a chance no more, no less.
Yuhi Kurenai was disheartened.
But every medic must face this. Even Tsunade, the greatest of them all, couldn't save everyone.
And Jingyi had no intention of letting his student suffer the same trauma as her.
...
out again.
Another C-rank.
Repetition builds strength. Consistency. Confidence.
Jingyi hardly lifted a finger. He focused on studying ninjutsu, letting the team grow on their own.
Kurenai trained in healing. Asuma and Shisui grew sharper with each mission.
Their team?
Undefeated and uninjured.
But peaceful days don't last forever.
---
Upon returning to Konoha
"Jōnin jingyi, Lord Third requests your presence."
"…Sigh."
Something serious, no doubt.
Jingyi dismissed his students and made his way to the Hokage Building.
Inside the conference room, several jōnin were already seated including Namikaze Minato.
He waved subtly, motioning to the seat beside him. Jingyi complied.
"What's going on?" he asked quietly.
"Chūnin Exams," Minato replied in a low voice.
Jingyi nodded.
Of course. It had been nearly three months since the last graduation. With peace hanging by a thread, Konoha needed to promote capable Genin quickly.
But the exam system…
Flawed.
Naruto won the exam battles but wasn't promoted. Meanwhile, Kakashi had already become a Chūnin at six.
Strength alone didn't always decide promotion.
The Third Hokage looked around the room.
"This year's situation is unusual. Does anyone have concerns?"
Jingyi noticed the Hokage's gaze lingered on him.
He said nothing at first.
Minato leaned over. "I mentioned you might have ideas. He's waiting."
…Traitor.
The Hokage cleared his throat. "Jingyi, you've done well training your students. Any thoughts?"
Jingyi stood.
"I don't object to the exams, Hokage-sama. But I do have a few concerns."
The room quieted.
The Third gestured. "Go on."
Jingyi's tone was calm.
"This year, many Genin have already been on the battlefield. Some are already Chūnin in rank Kakashi Hatake, for example. If teams like his participate, will it be fair?"
The room stirred.
The Third leaned back, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
Jingyi continued.
"Second, are team battles really an accurate measure? Some shinobi fight through every round but still aren't promoted. Others coast by with smarter teammates. Shouldn't we test individual leadership?"
The Hokage fell silent.
What Jingyi said was true. In theory, Chūnin were leaders in wartime not just strong, but tactical and composed.
"…What would you propose?" the Hokage asked.
"Restructure the format," Jingyi replied. "Break up current teams. Form new ones, based on skill diversity. Put them under stress. Let them adapt. Then assess each individual's performance especially those who act as team leads."
Several jōnin, including Baiu and Minato, exchanged surprised looks.
Minato murmured, "But wouldn't that undo all their prior teamwork?"
"Precisely," Jingyi said. "On a real battlefield, you don't get to choose your squad. You work with who's there."
The Hokage was quiet for a long time.
Finally
"Do you have an exam structure in mind?"
"No, not yet"
"Then make one."
The Hokage waved a hand.
"This year's Chūnin Exam is your A-rank mission. Draft it, lead it, and I'll authorize full cooperation even from me. You may mobilize any support necessary."
Jingyi blinked.
…No backing out now.
The Hokage chuckled inwardly.
He definitely had a plan. Just needed a little push.