A few more days passed.
As for the bet, Feng An hadn't figured out what he needed yet, so he put it aside for the time being.
During this period, he also mastered some more practical ninjutsu with the help of his memories from his previous life.
For example, the A-rank genjutsu developed by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama—the Darkness Genjutsu Technique.
It is an illusion specifically designed to block vision. It's self-evident who Tobirama created it to target.
At the same time, he also made some progress in activating the cells reminiscent of the Third Raikage's lineage.
If he covered all the cells in his body with Lightning Release chakra without holding back, although his physical strength wouldn't match the Third Raikage's, ordinary shuriken would find it difficult to harm him.
But the Kekkei Genkai he cared about most hadn't made much progress.
After nearly two weeks, he had only managed to condense the Yin and Yang energies into a mass about half the size of a ping-pong ball.
In his opinion, unless he went to one of the three legendary Sage regions, there wouldn't be any major breakthroughs in the short term.
At this moment, Feng An was training while speculating about the situation on Naruto's side.
"By now, they should have met Momochi Zabuza, right?"
For Feng An in his previous life, this was the battle that left the deepest impression on him.
If Haku had been a girl, Feng An might have already been on his way to the Land of Waves.
It's a pity—damn Kishimoto, he drew a girl but insisted on making 'her' a boy. Haku is clearly a cute girl, but he had to make 'her' a boy.
This left the young Feng An unable to move on for a long time.
Feng An sighed and turned to look at Hinata, who was sweating profusely from training.
Hinata, keenly sensing Feng An's gaze, smiled shyly at him.
Seeing this, Feng An smiled back.
He stopped thinking about what was happening on Naruto's side.
I already have a treasure like Hinata, so why should I risk coveting someone else's?
Just then, Kurenai Yūhi approached from a distance and called out.
"Gather around, everyone."
Hearing her, Feng An and the others stopped what they were doing and surrounded Kurenai.
Inuzuka Kiba asked, "What is it, Kurenai-sensei?"
After looking everyone over, Kurenai Yūhi said seriously,
"The Chunin Exams should be held in about half a month.
Do you all want to participate?"
"Of course! If it weren't for the Chunin Exams, who would do missions like finding cats and dogs or catching thieves every day?"
Inuzuka Kiba spoke excitedly, while Hinata and Shino nodded in agreement.
If it weren't for life's pressures, who would willingly bend over for a bowl of rice?
The reason they did those boring tasks was that to register for the Chunin Exams, one must first accumulate eight points, meaning they had to complete at least eight D-rank missions.
Feng An didn't feel strongly about it.
He didn't have a burning desire to take part in the Chunin Exams.
His mental age was far beyond the stage of fiery youth, and he didn't have much passion for the fame and battles they pursued.
He also knew that due to Orochimaru's plan to destroy Konoha, only Shikamaru would pass the Chunin Exams and get promoted.
Even if they wanted to become Chunin, they'd basically have to wait until the next year.
Kurenai Yūhi nodded and said she would help them register.
Then she said to Feng An, "Come here for a moment."
Feng An nodded and followed.
The two moved to a spot slightly away from Hinata and the others.
Kurenai Yūhi hesitated before speaking.
"Feng An, there's something I need to tell you."
"Alright, go ahead."
"I mentioned you to the Hokage. He agreed that the mission points for a four-person team are sufficient, but the Chunin Exam selection must be done in groups of three..."
Hearing Kurenai's hesitant words, Feng An smiled.
No wonder she looked somewhat uneasy.
"It's fine, Kurenai-sensei. I wasn't planning on taking the Chunin Exams anyway."
Seeing his expression, Kurenai thought he was putting on a brave face and comforting himself.
"Actually, if you want to join, I can help you look out for other teams that are short members."
In Konoha, not every Genin has a sensei to lead them. Some Genin with mediocre talent and no team leader still want to pass the Chunin Exams, so they usually form temporary teams.
For an ad hoc team, the chance of passing the selection is almost zero due to issues like lack of coordination.
Although the Chunin Exams come with a high mortality rate, every year you can see extremely old Genin taking them.
Maybe Konoha's housing prices are too high, forcing them to take the risk.
Feng An waved his hand in response to Kurenai's suggestion.
"No, I really don't want to participate."
Naruto and Sasuke are known as the strongest Genin in Konoha, and he sees nothing wrong with remaining a Genin himself.
Even if money is tight in the future, Hinata is a solid supporter. The Hyūga clan is wealthy and influential, one of the top families in Konoha.
How nice it would be to be a kept man.
Kurenai Yūhi sighed.
"Alright. But if you change your mind before the Chunin Exams, you can come find me. I'll do my best to help you find good teammates."
"Don't worry, Kurenai-sensei, I really won't participate."
After Feng An's repeated assurances, Kurenai finally left.
He was speechless. Did I really seem like I wanted to participate that much?
The Chunin Exam selection? Not even a dog would go.
However, he soon regretted it.
…
While Feng An was lying under a large tree enjoying the shade, Hinata sat down beside him.
"Feng An, I heard from Kurenai-sensei that you aren't planning to take the Chunin Exams?"
He removed the leaf covering his eyes.
"Yeah, I'm not too interested in becoming a Chunin. Besides, the teams are only in groups of three anyway."
"But, but…"
Hinata's tone seemed to hide something.
Feng An thought for a moment, sat up, and looked at Hinata.
"You want me to take the Chunin Exams?"
"Mm-hmm."
Hinata nodded.
Feng An smiled faintly. "If it's for you, Hinata, I could participate. But why? Do you want to take the exam with me?"
Hinata nodded shyly, then shook her head.
This left Feng An scratching his head in confusion.
What did that mean?
Hinata clasped her hands together, twirling her fingers nervously.
Her gaze wavered between uncertainty and resolve.
After hesitating for a long time, she finally blushed and showed a determined expression.
"Actually, it's my father... He said that if you perform well in the Chunin Selection Exams, he... he will stop blocking us..."
Her voice grew softer.
She mouthed the last word, "together..."
But this didn't affect the overall meaning. Feng An's eyes widened.
The Chunin Selection Exams? This is clearly a test from my future father-in-law!
He had to participate in this.
Feng An grabbed Hinata's hand and stared at her seriously.
"Don't worry, Hinata. I will participate. Just watch me punch Naruto and kick Sasuke's butt."
*****
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