章 87: Chapter 87: Chunin Examiner, Chidori! [Bonus Chapter]
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was July of Konoha Year 42.
Shūichi Hoshita's special training at the Root had come to an end. He removed his battle gear, took off his mask, and left the Root without any hesitation.
He didn't like this place. It was devoid of any emotion, cold and unfeeling.
"The Root's environment is just like its base, a place where sunlight never reaches, hidden in the darkness."
"The Root has indeed made many contributions to Konoha from the shadows, but unfortunately, Danzo's ambitions are too great, and he's also offended me..."
Glancing back at the entrance to the Root, Shūichi leaped away, disappearing from sight.
At the Hokage's office in the Hokage Building.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Shūichi Hoshita, who had come to report, and said, "Before you officially join the Hokage's Anbu, Shūichi, I want you to complete this task first!"
As he spoke, he handed over a file. Shūichi stepped forward, took it with both hands, and after glancing at it, was a bit surprised. "Chunin Examiner?"
"Lord Third Hokage, this..."
"Is this really appropriate? I'm only nine years old."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and said, "But you are already a Special Jonin of Konoha."
"For those kids, you'll also be a role model."
"Go on, I trust you!"
What else could Shūichi say? He immediately nodded. "Yes, Lord Third Hokage, I won't let you down!"
After leaving the Hokage Building with the mission, Shūichi carefully reviewed the file again and then smiled. "Kakashi should be taking the exam again this year, right?"
"This could be interesting."
"I bet the looks on Asuma Sarutobi and the others' faces when they see me will be quite something!"
...
On July 18th, Konoha Year 42, the annual Chunin Exam began once again.
Since the exam applications were submitted as teams, Kakashi, who had already been promoted to Chunin long ago, entered the exam hall again with Uchiha Obito and Nohara Rin.
Inside the exam hall, Kakashi and Nohara Rin had already taken their seats, but Rin kept looking back.
Noticing her actions, Kakashi silently sighed. "In a situation like this, is that guy going to be late again?"
"Though, even if he's not late, I doubt he'll pass the exam."
As time ticked by and the exam was about to start, a figure dashed into the exam hall.
Seeing the panting Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin immediately smiled and breathed a sigh of relief.
Then the examiner appeared, handed out the test papers, and the exam began.
Kakashi only needed a quick glance at the paper before he started writing furiously.
This level of difficulty, even after several years, was still no problem for him.
"But that guy must be struggling right now."
Behind his mask, Kakashi couldn't help but smile.
Meanwhile, in the back of the room, Uchiha Obito was staring at the questions on the test paper, so frustrated that he almost snapped his pen in half.
"Damn it!"
"Why do ninjas need to take this kind of exam? I get the graduation exam, but I'm already a Genin now!"
"Shouldn't we be tested on Taijutsu and Ninjutsu?"
Uchiha Obito instinctively forgot about the three basic techniques he was least skilled at.
Time slowly passed, and the only sounds in the classroom were the scratch of pencils against paper and Obito's internal anguish.
Suddenly, Obito looked up and saw a certain smug individual strutting out of the exam hall.
Just as he was feeling desperate and frustrated, Obito looked down and noticed a crumpled piece of paper that had rolled to his feet.
He glanced at Rin's back in front of him, then at the examiner who wasn't paying attention, and quickly grabbed the paper, beginning to copy furiously.
Outside the exam hall, Kakashi had just stepped out when he heard a voice, "Kakashi, how does it feel to be back in the exam hall?"
Kakashi turned and saw Shūichi leaning against a lamppost, smiling at him. "Aren't you supposed to be joining the Anbu?"
Shūichi chuckled, "People aren't machines, you know. Everyone needs to rest."
"I'm at the age where I'm still growing, so working too hard wouldn't be good for my development."
Kakashi nearly rolled his eyes. In all of Konoha, who besides Guy worked harder than you?
Seeing Kakashi's speechless expression, Shūichi burst out laughing, then asked, "How's your Lightning Release coming along? Care to show me?"
Kakashi nodded, "I've made some progress."
In the next moment, both of them vanished from the spot.
At the bottom of a cliff, Shūichi watched as Kakashi drew his blade.
In the next moment, accompanied by the crackling sound of electricity resembling the chirping of a thousand birds, Kakashi's short sword burst forth with dazzling blue lightning.
Shūichi narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled. "Impressive Lightning Release chakra, Kakashi. What's this technique called?"
Kakashi replied, "Chidori Blade!"
Shūichi's smile deepened.
Thanks to his influence, the Chidori Blade technique was developed before the original Chidori.
However, both the Chidori Blade and Chidori are A-rank techniques. As for their power, that depends on the amount of chakra one can channel and the level of mastery over chakra nature transformation.
"Let's test its power!"
Shūichi didn't draw his sword. Instead, he took out a kunai, blew on it lightly, and enveloped it in a layer of white Wind Release chakra, extending it into a longer blade.
"Begin!"
Seeing that Shūichi was ready, Kakashi immediately shouted and charged forward.
Shūichi also launched himself forward, and in the next moment, the two clashed, their kunai and short sword striking with equal force.
Kakashi's eyes focused. He knew he was still at a slight disadvantage.
After all, he was using the White Fang short sword, a high-quality chakra blade gifted by his father, while Shūichi was merely using a regular kunai.
With a burst of strength, the two engaged in a flurry of rapid, intense exchanges.
Suddenly, a brighter flash of lightning appeared before Shūichi's eyes, as Kakashi's body erupted with blue currents.
In the next moment, Kakashi's speed surged.
Both his reaction time and attack speed increased dramatically.
Kakashi had been hiding his true strength well!
However, Shūichi still handled it with ease, not even needing to activate his focused state.
His neural response speed and cognitive processing were still superior to Kakashi's current abilities.
So, he didn't even need to use Fire Body Flicker.
The only issue that slightly troubled him was the interference caused by the lightning surging from Kakashi's body.
This technique not only partially activated Kakashi's cells but also provided a defensive effect.
As a result, the Wind Blade in Shūichi's hand extended further, transforming from a short weapon to a long one.
The two continued to clash until they finally stopped after two minutes.
In this state, neither could gain the upper hand.
Sitting down to rest, Shūichi smiled and said, "Congratulations, Kakashi, on developing two A-rank Lightning Release techniques."
Kakashi shook his head. "Chidori Stream is just a derivative of Chidori Blade, and it barely activates cells compared to the Cloud Ninja's AB Combo."
Shūichi chuckled. "Kakashi, you're not even nine years old yet!"
"And the Lightning Release Chakra Mode of the Cloud Ninja has been refined over several generations to reach its current level."
"Take the AB Combo, for example. Killer Bee is only a few years younger than Minato-sensei, much older than us."
"Besides, Konoha's reserves of Lightning Release techniques are far less than the Cloud's. You've developed something from scratch, which is already quite remarkable."
Being praised like this made Kakashi, who was a bit prideful, somewhat embarrassed. "That may be true, but the gap is still significant."
Especially compared to you! Kakashi added silently in his mind.
Shūichi shifted the conversation and asked, "Since these two techniques are relatively complete, do you have any new directions for developing your Lightning Release?"
Kakashi nodded. "I've given it some thought, and Minato-sensei has also provided some suggestions."
"First, I need to be able to use Chidori bare-handed so that I can still execute the technique if I don't have a blade."
Shūichi smiled. "Since you've already developed Chidori Stream, the challenge lies in concentrating the chakra to a high degree."
"However, without a blade, the nature transformation won't be as strong, and if the chakra output isn't sufficient, you'll need high-speed thrusting to achieve the same piercing power as the Chidori Blade."
"Of course, with Chidori Stream, speed isn't an issue for you."
"However..."
Shūichi paused and pointed to Kakashi's eyes. "Moving too fast will make it difficult for your eyes to track the enemy's movements accurately, creating a significant vulnerability."
Kakashi isn't like Shūichi, whose neural response speed and cognitive processing are so fast that they rival the dynamic vision of the Sharingan.
Shūichi has improved his dynamic vision to the point where it's on par with Uchiha Shisui's Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
Of course, his insight is still lacking by comparison.
Kakashi nodded seriously. "Minato-sensei came to the same conclusion."
"So, on one hand, I need to further refine my Lightning Release nature transformation, and on the other, I need to train my eyesight."
"I'll improve the method you showed me earlier."
Shūichi thought for a moment and smiled. "You mean dodging clay, and then catching specific colored pieces?"
Kakashi nodded. "Exactly."
This is essentially training hand-eye coordination.
Shūichi pondered for a moment. It seemed that this might be the only viable option.
For ordinary people, it's one of the few paths available, though it has a clear upper limit.
However...
After some thought, Shūichi said, "Another direction would be to further develop Chidori Stream."
"But going too deep into that would be risky, requiring extremely high chakra control skills."
"The human nervous system is quite delicate."
Kakashi understood Shūichi's meaning. It was about using Lightning Release to enhance the visual and even brain nerve response speeds, thereby improving vision.
But such an attempt could easily result in blindness or brain damage if it went wrong.
"Let's skip that one."
Shūichi stood up, smiling. "Come on, let's continue."
"The previous bout was just to test the power of your technique. Now I'll use even greater speed to help you adapt to high-speed combat rhythms."
"Accumulating battle experience can also reduce vulnerabilities. It can even help train your eyes."
Kakashi immediately stood up. "Shūichi, bring out your full strength!"
Shūichi smiled slyly. "That depends on your ability, Kakashi."
The battle began once again!
Shūichi continued to use Wind Release and kunai, but this time with his neural response and cognitive processing fully activated, he used swordsmanship and reaction speed to keep Kakashi under pressure.
Each bout lasted one to two minutes, followed by a break before continuing.
In the third round, Shūichi used the technique "Fiery Lotus Steps," greatly increasing his speed and causing Kakashi to struggle.
If not for the Chidori Stream, Kakashi would have quickly lost.
The entire morning passed this way.
In the afternoon, Shūichi visited Orochimaru's lab and didn't return home until late.
Soon, on July 24th, the third stage of the Chunin Exam began.
In the indoor arena, as Shūichi entered, Might Guy, Kakashi, Obito, Sarutobi Asuma, Kurenai Yuhi, Nohara Rin, and others quickly gathered around him.
Might Guy shouted, "Shūichi, you're definitely here to cheer me on!"
Shūichi smiled and nodded. "Of course, Guy!"
"I'm sure you'll get promoted."
If not, then it just means you haven't worked hard enough!
As he chatted with the others, Shūichi quickly noticed a few other figures.
Yamashiro Aoba, Raidō Namiashi...
They were all older than him.
Last time Shūichi took the Chunin Exam, he hadn't seen them.
Even Guy's teammate, Genma Shiranui, was actually older than both Shūichi and Kakashi.
At that moment, a bell rang, and the electronic display started rolling the names of the Genin participating in the exam.
"It's starting!"
"Finally, it's starting. I can't wait!"
...
The once noisy arena gradually fell silent.
Shūichi used the Body Flicker Technique to leave the stands where Kakashi and the others were sitting and appeared in the center of the arena.
Then, in a loud and clear voice, he announced, under the astonished, shocked, and stunned gazes of his friends like Guy and Kakashi, "I am Special Jonin Shūichi Hoshita, the proctor for the third stage of the Chunin Exam."
Gulp!
Uchiha Obito swallowed hard, finding it difficult to believe. "How is this possible?"
"Shūichi... When did he become a Special Jonin?"
Might Guy, equally bewildered, scratched his head in confusion. He didn't know about this either, but then he smiled and said, "With Shūichi's strength, it's only natural for him to become a Special Jonin, right?"
"Don't you agree, Kakashi?"
As he spoke, Might Guy became fired up with enthusiasm. "As expected of my lifelong rival! It seems I need to work even harder from now on!"
Many others shared Uchiha Obito's disbelief.
"This is unbelievable!"
"A Special Jonin at such a young age!"
"Shūichi-kun is only 9 years old, right? He must be the youngest Special Jonin in Konoha's history!"
...
The previously quiet exam hall buzzed with discussion once more.
Shūichi was very pleased with his dramatic entrance, but he maintained a stern expression as he shouted, "Silence!"
Instantly, the hall fell silent again.
Shūichi glanced at the electronic screen and announced, "Uchiha Obito, Might Guy, step forward!"
From the stands, Might Guy and Uchiha Obito leaped down and stood before Shūichi.
Uchiha Obito looked at Might Guy across from him, made a thumbs-down gesture, and said confidently, "Guy, I'm going to settle the score with you from last time."
Might Guy looked puzzled, rubbing his chin as he asked, "Last time?"
Uchiha Obito nearly stumbled, his inner frustration boiling: This guy! It was just a few days ago, and he doesn't even remember!
In their last team battle, Obito had choked on a lollipop given to him by an elderly woman and was unable to perform the Fireball Jutsu in time, leading to him getting knocked out by a single kick from Guy. Today, he was determined to redeem himself.
Watching these two clowns, Shūichi barely managed to maintain his composure as a proctor without laughing.
Just then, a voice called out from the stands. "Obito, do your best!"
Uchiha Obito froze and turned to see Nohara Rin waving her arms, cheering for him. His face immediately flushed red, and a smile spread across it.
Seeing this, Shūichi couldn't help but think, "Who could resist such a sweet and gentle voice?"
Obito clenched his fist and shouted back, "Rin, watch me!"
Shūichi kindly reminded him, "Obito, focus and get ready!"
Obito quickly turned back to face Guy.
Shūichi raised the red flag in his hand and then brought it down. "Begin!"
Obito immediately jumped back and started forming hand seals, but before he could finish, Might Guy had already leaped into the air, delivering a powerful kick.
Thud!
Obito took the full force of the kick, sending his goggles flying and leaving him sprawled on the ground, snot and drool everywhere.
(End of Chapter)
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