CH_105

『This year's Chūnin Exams are probably the easiest batch to stand out in. If I still can't pass, I won't even qualify to become a proper medical-nin!』 Tōji added a little more urgency to his mindset.

『Wait—the Senju clan already dissolved their surname and assimilated into Konoha, didn't they? So… can the Kazamatsuri clan still follow that clan rule?』 Tōji suddenly felt speechless—he'd forgotten to ask the old clan head about these "minor" issues.

『Or has the Kazamatsuri clan's bloodline already stabilized, making that inhumane clan rule unnecessary?』 Tōji cared about this—after all, he was currently the Kazamatsuri clan's only "capable man."

『Whatever—I'll deal with that later. What should I cook for dinner tonight…』

…

Three days went by quickly—except for the endless nagging from his parents at the dinner table, which felt like it dragged on forever…

The day of the third Chūnin Exam arrived.

At six in the morning, Tōji got up before his parents, made breakfast, and the whole family ate together before heading out.

His parents weren't going to work that day—in fact, a lot of people in Konoha had taken the day off specifically to watch the matches.

This so-called Colosseum was Tōji's first time inside. It looked mostly the same as the one he remembered from the rookies' Chūnin Exams—but with a few minor differences.

『Building such a large venue just for tournaments—Konoha really has too much money.』 Tōji parted ways with his parents as they headed to the stands, muttering to himself as he walked toward the center of the arena.

It was a few minutes before eight, and all sixteen contestants were already inside.

"Tōji—over here~" Natchi, standing in the center of the arena, didn't care if people were watching. As soon as he spotted Tōji entering, he called out enthusiastically.

"…"

『Every era in Konoha has its "passionate" types like Naruto and Lee.』 Feeling a bit embarrassed by all the eyes on him, Tōji hurried over.

"Morning, Natchi—and everyone." Tōji responded to Natchi's over-the-top enthusiasm, then nodded casually to those he considered friends.

Kotetsu and Izumo waved from a few meters away. Iwashi followed their lead, nodding twice—a sign of his shyness and unease.

Neru, however, didn't even look at Tōji—she was staring at a specific spot in the stands.

"Morning, Neru!" Tōji was in a good mood today, so he made a point of greeting his teammate directly.

"Mm—morning." Neru was still distracted, responding flatly.

"Hey, Tōji—did you do any special training these past few days?" Natchi, ignoring the occasion, threw his arm around Tōji's head and started to chat…

"Ahem, ahem, ahem!" Yūhi Shinku had been overseeing this entire Chūnin Exam, so he was also hosting the third round.

Hearing Shinku about to speak, Tōji quickly broke free from Natchi's grip.

"Alright—the exam is about to begin. Remember—you need to perform well. The Hokage is watching from over there. Your families and friends are also in the stands. Don't embarrass the shinobi of Konoha."

Shinku cared about the image of Konoha's shinobi. For this kind of public "performance," he made sure to give the contestants a clear statement.

"Yes, sir!" Only a few of the more outgoing contestants responded loudly.

"Alright—everyone except Gan Kotetsu and Yanagiroi, head to the contestants' waiting room to watch." Shinku didn't want to waste the audience's time and immediately moved to the next step.

"Have you guys been paying attention to who the favorites are in this exam…" Tōji overheard the contestants ahead of him already gossiping about the topics that the locals and gamblers loved most.

He had zero interest in listening.

Because this kind of tournament match was nothing compared to the real combat on the battlefield.