After parting ways with Uchiha Noboru, Uchiha Hikaru immediately returned to the Senju estate.
Upon entering the estate, he made his way effortlessly to the residence of Tsunade and Nonō Yakushi.
He gently knocked on the door. After a moment, the door slowly opened, revealing Tsunade and Nonō.
"Hikaru, it's so late. What's the matter?" Tsunade asked with a frown.
Though puzzled, she stepped aside and let Hikaru enter.
Hikaru nodded and, with a serious expression, took out a Flying Thunder God Kunai from his chest and handed one to each of Tsunade and Nonō, instructing:
"You must carry this kunai with you tomorrow."
Tsunade and Nonō took the kunai, both showing surprised expressions.
Since Hikaru hadn't hidden his practice of the Flying Thunder God Technique from them, they knew exactly what these were.
They also understood that Hikaru wouldn't hand these over without reason.
"Hikaru, what exactly is going on?" Tsunade asked in a low voice, her eyes full of worry.
Nonō looked at Hikaru with concern and said, "We'll carry the kunai. Hikaru, you must be careful too."
Hearing this, Hikaru nodded and smiled faintly at them.
"Don't worry, it's just a precaution. But tomorrow, you'd better stay close to Grandma Mito."
After receiving their confirmation, he turned and left.
Judging by the current situation, tomorrow would likely be very busy for him.
So, he needed to rest well.
...
The next morning, sunlight poured over the land of Konohagakure, illuminating the village brilliantly.
The Chūnin Exam had not yet started, but Konohagakure was already bustling with activity and noise.
Merchants, nobles, and daimyo from various countries flooded into the village, bringing unprecedented vitality and excitement.
Inside the village, crowds surged like a tide, the streets crowded and lively.
Stalls of all kinds lined the roads, vendors shouting to attract customers, and tourists eagerly selecting their desired goods.
At the same time, the Kage from the Four Nations had already arrived early in Konohagakure.
After hearing about the initial events of the Chūnin Exam, they were frustrated but somewhat resigned.
After all, although Uchiha Hikaru was powerful, even having awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan,
his age was simply too young.
Compared to their own candidates, Hikaru looked just like an Academy student, and the information they had hastily gathered last night confirmed he was still an Academy student, leaving them speechless.
No matter how thick-skinned the Third Raikage was, he couldn't argue this point.
Because they understood that they themselves had not been strict enough in this regard.
Some of their candidates looked almost thirty.
So, they had to accept this fact.
And silently prayed that their candidates would avoid facing Uchiha Hikaru in the upcoming matches, so they could perform well.
The Four Nations' Kage walked through Konohagakure, observing the first established shinobi village.
They saw many novel sights and unique landscapes, and also felt the vitality and prosperity of the village.
Especially the influx of people brought by hosting the Chūnin Exam gave them ideas about holding similar events.
Money always follows people—this simple truth was clear to them.
So, seeing so many come to watch the Chūnin Exam naturally stirred a bit of envy.
Soon after, they arrived one after another at the exam venue.
By this time, Senju Mito had long been waiting for them there.
She appeared calm, as if everything was under her control.
The Third Raikage grunted upon seeing her and said:
"The Hokage is truly skilled. No wonder they proposed using the Chūnin Exam to decide the distribution of benefits."
Senju Mito smiled lightly, understanding what he meant.
After all, with Uchiha Hikaru's strength, even if all the Five Kage participated, they wouldn't get the better of him, let alone others.
But she wasn't one to back down, replying sharply:
"Raikage, do you intend to break the treaty? Well, that's typical of you. You always ambush peace treaties."
During the time of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, the treaty with the Hidden Cloud Village was ambushed, damaging their reputation.
So, this remark implied that the Hidden Cloud Village was untrustworthy.
Their conversation was loud enough for the daimyo from all nations to hear clearly.
The daimyo of the Land of Lightning's face darkened, looking displeased.
Meanwhile, the daimyo of the Land of Fire quietly breathed a sigh of relief and felt much better.
Although he had lost a lot of money to Senju Mito last time, in this kind of occasion, maintaining face was the most important.
This made the Land of Fire's daimyo look at Senju Mito with some admiration. After all, being able to maintain their nation's prestige on such occasions was truly commendable.
The Land of Lightning's daimyo gritted his teeth silently, his dissatisfaction with the Third Raikage growing.
Realizing his misstep, the Third Raikage snorted coldly and stopped speaking.
The Second Kazekage, Shamon, smiled cheerfully without commenting.
Although he knew he couldn't contest first place this time, competing for second was still possible.
Moreover, this joint exam showed him a new path for Sunagakure's development, so he was in good spirits.
After exchanging words with the Third Raikage, Senju Mito looked heavily at the Third Mizukage.
She felt a faint and elusive hostility emanating from the gloomy man, making her very uncomfortable.
But since there was no solid evidence implicating the Third Mizukage, she refrained from interfering in other countries' affairs.
At this moment, the Chūnin Exam venue was already roaring with voices and full of excitement.
Candidates gathered there, with discussions and exchanges rising and falling.
Uchiha Hikaru stood below the stage, wearing a relaxed smile.
When Senju Mito looked over, their eyes met briefly, and she nodded slightly and greeted him.
Then, the arrival of the examiners caused a stir.
Coincidentally, one of the examiners was someone Hikaru knew.
Not far away, Senju Yōsuke approached solemnly.
He wore the vest of a Konoha Jōnin, with the village's forehead protector on his head, radiating an aura of authority.
As soon as he appeared, the entire venue seemed to quiet down, all sounds disappearing.
"The Chūnin Exam officially begins!"
Senju Yōsuke walked to the front of the stage, glanced around, and loudly announced.
His voice was deep and powerful, echoing through the venue.
"This exam is a one-on-one duel. The winner advances to the next round."
He then announced the exam rules, making them clear to everyone present.
"Konoha's Hatake Sakumo and Sunagakure's Akasuna remain. Other candidates, please return to the stands to prepare."
As Senju Yōsuke's words fell, the venue erupted again.
The two named stepped to the center of the arena, while the others returned to the stands.
The audience understood the exam had started.
They all quieted down and focused on the two standing in the center.
Hatake Sakumo and Akasuna faced each other, their eyes full of fighting intent.
Senju Yōsuke, satisfied, glanced at them both and then shouted:
"Begin!"