Naruto: I, Shikotsumyaku, Byakugan Princess

Chapter 222 Chunin Examination
The incident has been successfully concluded, but the matters related to the trade and protection between the Land of Waves and Konoha still require some time for internal discussions.

Finding a clean, flat clearing on the ruined coastline, Keisha proposed a bonfire party for Gray and the others to celebrate their hard-won victory.

Everyone readily agreed.

The people of the Land of Waves are already under immense pressure, facing threats from Gato, oppressive rule from Raiga Kurosuki, and earthquakes and tsunamis caused by the Kage-level battle. Holding a bonfire party to relax is exactly what everyone wants.

Team 7, as the heroic ninjas who saved the Land of Waves and the key figure in establishing friendly relations with Konoha, were naturally the main characters at the victory celebration banquet.

evening.

Smoke billowed into the sky, stirring up the clouds; the campfire licked at the twilight, melting the sea and sky into a deep blue.

Brilliant flames leaped and burst into the night sky with the crackling of firewood, while the waves surged in, spreading layers of shattered silver across the shore.

The bonfire dinner was bustling with activity.

In the makeshift kitchen, oil sizzled and steamed in the pot, filling the air with an enticing aroma.

The chef, wearing a white hat, wields his spatula, creating a variety of dishes characteristic of the Land of Waves.

Hui Li didn't go anywhere; she just stayed by the kitchen, sniffing the aroma of cooking. Her cherry blossom-like lips pursed, trying to suppress the overflowing, hot saliva.

The fact that she can cook with her mouth is not a figure of speech.

The Land of Waves is located between the Land of Water and the Land of Fire. Its local cuisine is as rich in ingredients as the Land of Fire, while also incorporating the island flavors of the Land of Water.

Not counting past lives.

Hui Li was born in the Land of Water and grew up in the Land of Fire, so she finds the food from both countries very agreeable.

Now, tasting the food of the Land of Waves is like someone who loves both sour and spicy food suddenly discovering that there are also sour and spicy dishes. They must eat several big bowls of them!
She manipulated the ground to raise a stone bench as hard as granite, and sat next to the food serving area. When she saw a dish she hadn't tried before, she would take a bite to taste it. If it suited her taste, she would keep it; if she didn't like it, she would send it to someone else.

Her eating movements were slow and elegant, but her eating speed was extremely fierce. Combined with her stunningly beautiful appearance, which was completely different from the others, she attracted everyone's attention.

"It seems Miss Hui Li really enjoys the food from our Land of Waves!"

Jinbo, who was in charge of serving the dishes, handed the dishes that Hairi didn't like to her husband, and looked at the girl sitting there eating heartily with a gentle smile on her face.

She had already learned from Naruto:

The key ninjutsu that saved Kaisa was created by Hai Ri. When her father Tazuna was ambushed and nearly died, suffering a shattered shoulder, it was Hai Ri who saved him.

Furthermore, the fact that Raiga Kurosuki, who had locked her and Inari in the coffin, was instantly killed by him, combined with all these factors, made her gratitude beyond words.

Anyway, if Inari and Gray get into a conflict, she'll definitely go up there and give them a good beating!

Keisha, Tazuna, Kakashi, and other adults sat at a table, and smiled when they heard Tsushima's words.

The Land of Waves had only become wealthy a few years ago, and the people still retained their former simplicity.

It is a great honor for the host to have guests who are willing to eat heartily.

Moreover, they were very grateful for the help from Hui Li and the others, and did not mind their gluttonous behavior at all.

Only Kakashi's smile held a hint of melancholy.

Every time he saw Hui Li eating, he would always think of that afternoon when he took her to Ichiraku Ramen.

It was then that he learned that the human species really could swallow twenty bowls of ramen in one go...

"Just a reminder..."

As he spoke, Kakashi picked up a piece of food and covered his face with his hand.

Swish!
He suddenly took off his mask, quickly ate a plate of food as if he had been chased by a dog, and then put his mask back on.

The whole process took less than two seconds. Even after he finished eating, Tazuna and the others at the table didn't react and couldn't see his face under the mask.

This left Jinbo, who was standing next to him, completely dumbfounded!
Look at how quickly the gray glass has devoured a whole table of food, then look back at Kakashi. Is it possible for humans to eat so fast?

Adjusting the angle of his mask, the equally superhuman Kakashi swallowed his food and slowly said:

"If you can get Hai Li to put in a good word for the Land of Waves, it will save you a lot of effort when persuading the Hokage."

Upon hearing this, the Tazna family was shocked.

After exchanging glances, Keisha leaned closer and whispered to Kakashi:
"Who is this……"

"I can't reveal the specifics of their relationship, but you just need to know that Hui Li's status in Konoha is extraordinary, and the Hokage values ​​her highly." With his hands behind his back, Kakashi leaned back leisurely in his chair.

He had a good impression of the Land of Waves and was willing to give them a word of advice.

Keisha reacted quickly, tilting his head and instructing Jinbo:
"Notify the kitchen to bring out all their best dishes, especially those that Miss Hui Li likes..."

As Jinbo entered the kitchen, the smoke and heat above increased rapidly, and the speed at which dishes were served also increased significantly. Hui Li ate until her cheeks were bulging and her lips were shiny with oil.

Sasuke wasn't interested in the bonfire dinner. He stroked his chin, glancing at the rice bucket not far away, still pondering how to switch out his Raikou Kiba.

Naruto unexpectedly gained the upper hand during this mission, opening the Third Gate and unleashing a red chakra he had never seen before, significantly boosting his strength. Meanwhile, Naruto remained stagnant, potentially becoming the weakest member of the team.

This situation was completely unacceptable to him!

That sword is extremely compatible with him; it's a rare and powerful ninja tool. Once he gets the Lightning Blade, he'll definitely be able to secure a spot in the top three of the team!

But... what should I use to exchange the knife for it?

Sasuke's eyes showed hesitation.

He wasn't completely without leverage.

Two years ago, when his Sharingan advanced to the double tomoe stage, Hairi suggested that she wanted to study his body, but he firmly refused.

If Sasuke were to use cooperation in research as a condition to obtain the Lightning Blade at this moment... he felt a chill run down his spine for no apparent reason.

He always felt that there was an abyss ahead.

But how can you gain power without paying a price? It's just selling your body, nothing serious!
Overcoming his inexplicable fear, he revealed a look of resignation, as if he had suddenly come to understand the symbolism of steel wool.

Compared to Hairi and the others, Naruto was the busiest.

He stood by the campfire, jumping around as he recounted the battle. Sometimes, when words failed to describe it, he would use shadow clones to create a multi-person performance, recreating the scene.

He was surrounded by little radish heads, and he stood there in the middle.

Listening to his account of the thrilling and dangerous battle to defend the Land of Waves, his eyes blazed with excitement; he had clearly become a huge fan of Naruto.

The boy who dreamed of becoming a master architect had already subtly changed some things in his heart, while Naruto indulged in his heroic fantasies under the admiring gaze of everyone.

The guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely at the banquet, and the firelight remained burning late into the night...

The deal between the Land of Waves and Konoha was extremely urgent, and the terms were finalized on the third day. Kaisa from the Land of Waves would accompany Team 7 to Konoha to seek refuge.

A few more days.

Team 7 and Keisha returned to Konoha, and the group immediately went to the Hokage Building to meet Hiruzen Sarutobi.

……

Konoha.

Inside the Hokage's office.

The ever-present smoke swirled in the air as Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe, watching the troublemakers of Team 7. His forehead was so wrinkled it could trap a fly. Kakashi had already recounted the entire mission to save the Land of Waves, leaving Hiruzen sweating profusely.

From the attack outside the Land of Waves to the final naval battle, characters like Zabuza Momochi, Raiga Kurosuki, beings who live as long as heaven and earth, and even immortality and curses from evil gods were all employed...

None of the ninjas involved in the mission were below the level of elite Jonin.

The difficulty far exceeds that of an A-level mission; it would be more than enough to advance to an S-level mission.

This is only because Hui Li has the Byakugan to sense things, making the enemy's intelligence relatively transparent. If A Kai or even himself were to go there, they would probably be caught off guard and cursed to death by that immortal ninja.

Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Kairi with even more affection.

His three disciples left the village one after another, the Uchiha and Senju clans were wiped out, and he and Danzo, both Kage-level figures, were getting old. Guy and Kakashi, on whom he had placed high hopes, were unable to take the crucial step, and the new generation, including Naruto, had not yet grown up.

Just when Konoha was facing a period of transition, the appearance of Hairi was like a gift from heaven to Konoha!
This is also why they doted on this disciple so much.

She appeared at the moment when Konoha needed her most, like a beacon of light in the darkness.

"Regarding matters such as the protection of Konoha ninja stationed in the Land of Waves..."

After Kakashi finished reporting on the mission, Keisha, his forehead covered in sweat, stepped forward as the representative of the Land of Waves to discuss cooperation with the Hokage.

At this moment, Captain Keisha, known for his bravery, was so nervous that his toes were digging into the ground.

He only knew that Konoha was the undisputed number one ninja village in the ninja world, and that its ninjas were of the highest caliber. However, because he had no concept of ninja strength, he didn't think much of it.

It wasn't until he arrived in Konoha with Team 7 that, while he was stunned by the city's prosperity, he was horrified to discover:

Hui Li and the others were just genin who had just graduated from the ninja academy.

He had personally witnessed that orange-clad ninja instantly create thousands of shadow clones, causing the Black Hoe members to flee in terror. When Sasuke swung his sword, sparks flew everywhere, and killing people was as easy as mowing grass.

The most terrifying thing was that girl; a laser-like attack instantly pierced through the heart of Kurosuki Raiga.

If even the genin of Konoha have this kind of strength, then wouldn't the chunin, jonin, and even the Hokage be able to take off?

A glimpse into the whole reveals the whole picture. Keisha dared not be careless in the face of this seemingly kind Hokage, and disregarded too much negotiation skills, revealing the Land of Waves' greatest sincerity in its entirety.

After listening to the conditions offered by the Land of Waves, Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment before turning to look at his disciple, who had remained silent since the beginning:
"Gray Glass, what do you think of the Land of Waves?"

Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's question, the ANBU guards on duty in the office and Keisha both looked up, their eyes filled with the same shock.

What does it mean?
Why ask Gray Glass about transactions between nations? The implications are quite...

As the captain of the Self-Defense Forces, Keisha had some understanding of politics. Upon seeing this situation, he immediately recalled Kakashi's advice at the banquet, and his gaze towards Huili changed repeatedly.

Kakashi kept his head down, remaining calm and silent.

He had seen Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kairi discussing village matters more than once, which led to his advice in the Land of Waves. The rumors in the village that Kairi was the future Hokage also originated from him.

Seeing everyone's focused gaze, Hui Li knew they had misunderstood.

She's currently in control of the Root, and Hiruzen Sarutobi knows this to some extent.

So although she didn't hold any official position, she gradually replaced Danzo in practice. Hiruzen Sarutobi knew who would be in charge of Root in the future, so he would often ask her questions about the country and administration, which was a kind of test before she officially took office.

But she didn't actually want to get involved in these things.

No matter how skillfully you play political tricks, they're no match for a single punch from her!
"The people are nice, the location is excellent, and the food is delicious."

Since she had eaten his food, she felt obligated to help him, and since she hadn't been forced to pay compensation for destroying an important port, Hui Li still gave her face and said a few kind words.

"Ha, fine!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and immediately made the decision, then looked at Suzaku, an Anbu member beside him: "Take them to Shikaku to discuss further cooperation matters."

"Yes!"

Suzaku bowed his head in greeting, then stood up and gave Hui Li a deep look before leaving with a visibly excited Keisha.

Inside the office, only Hiruzen Sarutobi and Team 7 remained.

"You've worked hard. This mission was extremely difficult, so we'll classify it as an S-rank mission. Go back and get some rest."

Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately upgraded the mission by one level.

Having an S-rank mission experience during their genin days instantly made Team 7's pitiful resume of only a few D-rank missions look amazing!
Don't think that mission level is unimportant to ninjas.

An impressive resume is related to many aspects, such as ninja rank advancement, job promotion, and even subsequent Hokage election.

For example, to participate in the Chunin Exams, one needs to complete at least one C-rank mission. To be promoted to Special Jonin, one needs multiple B-rank missions and one A-rank mission. Only to be promoted to Jonin does one need an S-rank mission. This S-rank mission experience is the lifelong dream of many ordinary ninjas.

There are only three ranks of ninjas. Team 7 has already completed the most difficult part of the path to becoming a ninja, although they may never need to use it...

Kakashi nodded, turned, and left the office.

Having been away from the village for so long, he wanted to visit the memorial to pay his respects to Rin and Obito, and then talk to his father, teacher, and teacher's wife about the dangers of this mission.

When Naruto heard that it would be counted as an S-rank mission, he was overjoyed and ran out excitedly, shaking off his drowsiness.

It seems he can't wait to show off to Shikamaru and the others.

Sasuke, who was standing to the side with his head down, seemed a little absent-minded. He kept glancing at Hui Li, and the struggle in his eyes was obvious.

Hui Li plans to go directly to the Root.

The coffins, red eyes, and lightning blades that sealed Kakuzu and Hidan were all taken away by the Root ninjas who received the order when they entered Konoha. They might already be studying Yang Release: Gray and the original body by now.

She was genuinely interested in the bodies of the immortal duo.

Especially Hidan, if she figured out the secret of Hidan's immortality, she would have no weaknesses except for sealing techniques!

Unfortunately, things are not going as she wishes for the time being.

"Hui Li, stay here. I have something to tell you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's words brought Kairi back. Naruto and Sasuke, knowing Kairi's relationship with the Third Hokage, didn't pay much attention, greeted Kairi, and left.

This is the end.

The once bustling office was now empty except for Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kairi.

"What does the teacher want with me?" With no outsiders present, Hui Li didn't need to hide their relationship and asked directly as she was eager to get to the root of the matter.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a large puff of his pipe, his face unable to conceal his worry:

"In a while, the village will hold a joint Chunin Exam."

His voice was low and inscrutable, and Hui Li immediately realized that something seemed amiss.

It's just a joint exam between Sunagakure and Konoha, what's there to be so worried about? Could it be that Orochimaru's actions have been discovered? Or perhaps Zabuza accidentally stumbled upon Orochimaru's assassination attempt on the Kazekage!

After experiencing various changes in the Land of Waves, she was no longer so superstitious about the original plot, and various speculations began to surface in her mind.

But what Hiruzen Sarutobi said next made Hairi realize that she had been thinking too simply!

"Bah!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke, his wrinkles deepening as he spoke with a profound expression:
"This exam is unprecedented in scale; it's the first time in the history of the five great ninja villages that they have jointly held the Super Chunin Exam!"

(End of this chapter)