Victory in the Chunin Exams was never decided by combat alone.
History had already proven that point. Nara Shikamaru had once been eliminated early, defeated by Temari, yet emerged as the sole promoted Chunin of his generation. Strength mattered, but it was not decisive. What truly defined a Chunin was judgment under pressure, the ability to lead, to endure, and to take responsibility for the lives of others.
A Chunin did not simply fight.
A Chunin commanded.
This exam was no different.
Although many Genin had reached the top twenty, and even the top ten, the final promotions were determined through a comprehensive evaluation. Leadership, situational awareness, and psychological resilience outweighed raw power. For that reason, the Five Kage, alongside elite shinobi from each major nation, convened behind closed doors. Their deliberations lasted an entire day.
Only then was the final list approved.
Kirigakure dominated the results.
Five shinobi earned promotion:
Kaguya Kimimaro.
Uchiha Sasuke.
Yuki Haku.
Hozuki Suigetsu.
Chōjūrō.
Konohagakure followed with four:
Hyuga Neji.
Nara Shikamaru.
Sai.
Aburame Shino.
Iwagakure secured two positions, Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi, while Kumogakure managed one: Atsui.
Sunagakure also claimed a single promotion.
But it was not Gaara.
It was Temari.
Gaara's situation had been labeled exceptional. As the One-Tail Jinchuriki, his strength was undeniable, terrifying, even. Yet his instability, coupled with a complete lack of leadership aptitude, disqualified him. More importantly, the Kazekage himself had opposed Gaara's promotion.
Chiba merely smiled when he heard the reasoning.
Still the same father, after all.
With that, the All-Nations Chunin Exams formally concluded.
Out of more than three hundred Genin, only thirteen advanced.
Among the top ten finalists, only Gaara failed to pass. Others, such as Chōjūrō, Akatsuchi, Temari, and Shikamaru, rose from outside the final bracket through merit alone.
Yet Chiba was not finished.
In a move that stunned the assembled nations, he announced an additional decision.
Kaguya Kimimaro was promoted directly to Jonin.
Unlike Chunin, Jonin did not require formal examinations. Their rank was conferred solely by village leadership, based on long-term performance, completed missions, strength, and contribution.
By every standard, Kimimaro had exceeded the threshold long ago.
His combat ability rivaled elite Jonin. His loyalty was unquestionable. And as deputy head of Kirigakure's research division, working alongside Pakura in ninjutsu theory and scientific development, his strategic value was immense.
No objections were raised.
None could be justified.
When the final roster was announced, those who failed could only watch in silence. The message was unmistakable.
Kirigakure stood above the rest.
Five newly promoted Chunin, and one Jonin elevated directly from the exams. Its momentum was undeniable.
Konohagakure ranked second. Even weakened, it remained formidable. The legacy of Senju Hashirama still ran deep. Neji, Shino, and Shikamaru came from powerful clans, while Sai was a blade forged by Shimura Danzo's Root.
Iwagakure held its ground. Sunagakure and Kumogakure struggled.
The smaller villages were erased entirely.
Yet the gathering did not disperse.
For the great nations, this was more than an exam, it was a crossroads.
In a dimly lit corner of Konoha, far from the public eye, Yakushi Kabuto spoke softly.
"The results are finalized," he said. "The champion is Kaguya Kimimaro, of the Kaguya clan. Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuga Neji, Aburame Shino, and Gaara also demonstrated exceptional talent."
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"Do you have a candidate in mind, Lord Orochimaru?"
The Grass kunoichi's lips curved slightly.
"Two," Orochimaru replied. His voice was calm, almost thoughtful.
"Kaguya Kimimaro. And Uchiha Sasuke."
Kabuto nodded. "The Shikotsumyaku… and the Sharingan."
"Either would suffice," Orochimaru continued. "Which is superior will require time. Observation. Experimentation."
A brief silence followed.
Kabuto frowned. "There is a complication. Both are shinobi of Kirigakure."
Orochimaru turned his gaze toward him.
"And?"
Kabuto exhaled slowly. "Kirigakure is no longer the village it once was. Under Mizukage Chiba, its strength has reached unprecedented heights. Kimimaro and Sasuke are undoubtedly under strict protection. Extracting either will be… difficult."
Orochimaru smiled faintly.
"Mizukage Chiba," he mused. "Yes… he interests me."
Kabuto stiffened. "You're not suggesting, "
"No," Orochimaru interrupted. "I have no intention of confronting him directly."
His eyes darkened.
"But he has crossed me before."
Kabuto understood immediately.
"Manda," Orochimaru said quietly. "Taken from me."
Kabuto remembered the incident well. During Orochimaru's time with Akatsuki, his summoning contract had been severed mid-battle. Later intelligence revealed the impossible, Ryūchi Cave itself, including the White Snake Sage, had been subdued.
By Mizukage Chiba.
Even now, the memory carried weight.
Before Kabuto could respond, footsteps approached.
His blood ran cold.
Jiraiya.
The Legendary Sannin stood before them, Uzumaki Naruto at his side, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki watching with open hostility.
Jiraiya's eyes locked onto Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru," he said. "It's been a while."
Orochimaru showed no surprise. "You recognized me."
Jiraiya smirked faintly. "Hard to forget that stench. We fought together once."
The air tightened.
Old grudges stirred. New alliances loomed.
And beneath the surface, conspiracies began to move.