~ Hello everyone! I hope you're having a great day.
~ This fanfic started on a whim, really, and I'm not entirely sure about it. So, don't be surprised if it ends up being dropped. :/
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Konoha Ninja Academy, Principal's Office
If anyone were present, they would witness a truly ridiculous scene.
There stood the supreme leader of the Hidden Leaf Village—
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, renowned as the "God of Shinobi"—locked in a staring contest with a student.
"Old man... what is it you want? Why'd you wake me up?"
Jin demanded, rubbing his eyes and looking disgruntledly at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
'Forget it, forget it. Why get angry with a little drunkard?' Hiruzen looked at Jin, feeling rather helpless.
And deeply frustrated.
The most talented genius of Konoha's younger generation... turned out to be this kid!
'Sigh', if only Jin didn't drink, how wonderful would that be?
Calming himself, Hiruzen patiently introduced himself to Jin once more.
"So you're the Third Hokage."
Hearing Jin's words, Hiruzen felt a flicker of gratification.
'The brat finally understands the greatness of being Hokage, right?'
But Jin's next sentence nearly made him keel over from anger.
"The one who peeks into the women's bathhouse with a crystal ball?"
Pfft!!!
Hiruzen nearly bit his own tongue.
Who the hell told Jin that nonsense?!
Hiruzen suddenly felt unwell.
Such a private matter, especially concerning the Hokage—how on earth did Jin find out?!
"J-Jin, who told you that?"
Hiruzen's lip twitched as he asked.
"Seems like... last time I was buying booze at the tavern, heard some white-haired guy... saying it?"
Jin tilted his head, speaking uncertainly.
"Jiraiya!!!"
Hiruzen nearly ground his teeth to dust.
That idiot student of mine, spreading such nonsense everywhere!
"Ahem, Jin, that guy was talking nonsense. As the Third Hokage, how could I possibly do such a thing?"
Hiruzen cleared his throat twice, offering an explanation.
"Let's put that aside for now. May I ask you a few questions?"
Seeing Jin about to say more, Hiruzen quickly interrupted.
If this continued, Hiruzen feared his heart wouldn't be able to take it.
"Hmm, go ahead."
Jin's expression clearly said, 'I'm doing you a favor,' leaving Hiruzen somewhat exasperated.
"Do you... love this village?"
Hiruzen asked, looking expectantly at Jin.
"Of course!"
Jin stated with absolute certainty.
'It's got booze, meat, and people to cut down. How could I not love it?'
Hiruzen smiled, satisfied.
In vino veritas, as they say. Words spoken by a child after drinking are even more trustworthy.
"Well, Jin, the village has a matter that requires your help."
Hiruzen looked at the swaying Jin, his lip twitching.
But he proceeded to state the purpose of seeking Jin out.
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"The... Chūnin Exams?"
After Hiruzen finished explaining, Jin blinked.
"That's right, Jin. Let me tell you..."
"Not interested!"
Before Hiruzen could finish, Jin cut him off with a look of disgust.
"Uh, wh-why?"
Hiruzen's expression instantly froze.
"Too troublesome. Not going."
Jin might have been a bit drunk, but he wasn't stupid.
"Jin, the village is currently facing dangers from all sides. You wouldn't want anything to happen to the Konoha you love, would you?"
Hiruzen began to earnestly persuade him.
He had already sent out invitations to several major villages. If Jin didn't participate now, how could the plan proceed?
Yes, this was the method Hiruzen had devised earlier to showcase Konoha's current strength!
The Chūnin Exams—while typically held between allied nations, this time, Konoha had sent invitations to major villages that weren't allies.
This was Hiruzen's initiative.
Because the recent situation was highly unstable—the Cloud Village was one thing, always focused on military expansion—
But even the Mist Village, which hadn't participated in the Second Great Ninja War at all, was starting to make frequent moves.
This filled Hiruzen with a sense of crisis.
Konoha resided in the Land of Fire, the most resource-rich territory.
But simultaneously, it was located right in the center, surrounded by the other four great nations.
Whether it was the First or Second Great Ninja War—
Konoha ultimately faced scenarios where it had to fight multiple opponents.
Now, not long after the end of the Second Great Ninja War, Konoha had suffered significant losses.
The Senju clan, a mainstay during the war, had even lost their young clan head, Nawaki, in the conflict.
After Tsunade left the village, the Senju clan had essentially withdrawn from public life completely.
Combined with the death of the "White Fang of Konoha," Konoha's strength, in the eyes of outsiders, seemed greatly diminished compared to before.
Therefore, Hiruzen urgently needed to demonstrate Konoha's power.
And the Chūnin Exams presented the perfect opportunity!
As a cradle known for producing geniuses, the Hidden Leaf Village—
Had given birth to countless prodigies.
Even across the long history since Konoha's founding—
Kakashi was considered among the very top tier of geniuses!
Yet even Kakashi was completely powerless against Jin.
One could imagine, facing the Genin from other villages, Jin would absolutely dominate!
Letting the major villages witness the strength of Konoha's new generation might make them curb their ambitions.
This was precisely why Hiruzen had invited other major villages, even non-allies, to participate in the Chūnin Exams in Konoha this time!
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~# Every 400 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter