Naruto: I, Shikotsumyaku, Byakugan Princess

The Hokage Building, second-floor conference hall.

The warm, golden light flowed along the window frame, making the room slightly stuffy, and dust particles in the air swirled and flew around the beams of light.

Hundreds of Konoha ninjas dressed in military green vests stood below, watching Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kairi walk side by side onto the platform. Several ninjas hiding behind them couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

Hiruzen Sarutobi rarely leads the Anbu to meetings, and even when he does, he lags behind by half a body length, clearly distinguishing between the main and secondary members.

However, the mysterious Anbu members on the high platform were standing side by side with the Hokage, and even slightly closer to the center, which was quite unusual.

"What's the identity of that masked ANBU member?" the gaunt-faced ninja asked again in a low voice.
“My nephew said… he is the captain of the Dark Guard.”

The ninja, whose face had just turned red from being exposed for bragging, quickly recited the fabricated message, clearly having fallen back into his old habit.

However, this time no one refuted them; they simply nodded knowingly, as if they understood.

This news makes much more sense.

Upon hearing this, Genma Shiranui, Anko, Ibiki Morino, and others who knew the inside story subtly curled their lips, realizing that the Root leader's status was far superior to that of the Dark Guard captain.

Although the captain of the Anbu is in charge of the Anbu in theory, he has to ask the Hokage for his opinion on everything and has no autonomy whatsoever. He is still at the level of an executor.

Danzo, the former leader of Root, was a high-ranking member of Konoha with titles such as elders and Hokage's assistant. He was a manager of the village, and the difference in status between the two was huge. Even if the leader is changed now, their status will not change.

The truth is quite the opposite.

The fact that he was able to oust the Hokage's assistant and even expel him from Konoha is enough to demonstrate the new leader's strong leadership and superior status.

"Cough cough..."

Hearing a slight commotion from the crowd below, Hiruzen Sarutobi pretended to clear his throat, and the murmuring ninjas in the back immediately fell silent.

He nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Hui Li, who appeared somewhat indifferent beside him, with an incredibly complex expression.

He had indeed considered the possibility of being surpassed by his disciple, but he never expected it to happen so quickly.

Before he was even ready, the other party had already left him far behind, unable to catch up.

Yes!

If Konoha were handed over to Hairi, perhaps she could lead Konoha back to its former glory.

Thinking of the once invincible Konoha under Hashirama Senju's leadership, Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes deepened as if lost in memories.

"Night Crossing, let's begin!"

He stepped back slightly, leaving the main seat on the platform to Hai Li, who, as the chief examiner of the Chunin Exams, was the protagonist of this meeting.

The Yang Release clone nodded, its gaze lingering briefly on Kakashi and Guy before quickly shifting away, finally looking down at the crowd below and speaking loudly:
"I am Yamato, the chief examiner of this Chunin Exams. I am under the orders of the Third Hokage to be in charge of all matters related to the exams, and I will be the one to chair this meeting."

wow...

The crowd below couldn't help but start discussing it again.

Terms like "night crossing" and "examiner" were frequently heard, and some ninjas were also very well-informed, revealing their deeds such as the warning line, blue eyes, and byakugan.

Kakashi and the others in the crowd pricked up their ears to listen and learned that the 'dividing of forests and splitting of land' outside the village was all her doing. They immediately understood why Asuma was so wary, and when they looked at Gray above, even his dead fish eyes became cautious.

Only when Akai scratched the watermelon rind did he feel that the sound was somewhat familiar, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

After introducing herself, Hui Li paused briefly to give the ninjas below time to react. Only after they had finished their exchange did she continue:
"Before the meeting begins..."

"Wait a moment!"

The meeting was interrupted before it even started, and Hui Li couldn't help but frown. She still preferred the Root ninjas, who were efficient and particularly obedient.

The crowd automatically parted to form a passage.

A young man with long black hair and delicate features squeezed out from the crowd. His forehead was smooth, and when he looked up at Hui Li, his milky white eyes were bright and clear.

"I heard that Examiner Night Crossing killed Ao of Kirigakure and took away the Byakugan that the Hyuga clan had lost. Is this true?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes darted around.

Everyone understood what the other was saying; they simply wanted Yamato to return the Byakugan, just as the Uchiha clan had done something similar to Kakashi back then.

Some experienced ninjas even turned to look at Kakashi, who had one eye covered, as if wanting to see his reaction.

Why are you all looking at me?

Kakashi's lips twitched slightly as he watched Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai all subtly glancing in his direction.

He did have some minor conflicts with the Uchiha clan back then, but the Fourth Hokage was still alive at the time, and the Uchiha clan leader's wife was a close friend of his teacher's wife, so the other party turned a blind eye out of consideration for that relationship.

There wasn't as much drama as outsiders had speculated.

Unaware of Kakashi's inner turmoil, Hui Li gazed at Kakashi's high, smooth forehead and the Konoha headband deliberately worn on his arm, her eyes narrowing slightly, a hint of coldness in her long, narrow corners:

"That is indeed the case. What advice do you have for me?"

Seemingly oblivious to the coldness in Hairi's tone, Hyuga Akira smiled calmly and said:

"I am unworthy of your guidance. Examiner Yoruichi helped the Hyuga regain his Byakugan. On behalf of the Hyuga main family, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you."

After saying this, he clasped his hands in front of his chest and slowly bowed.

As expected of the Hyuga clan, they could spout eloquent words and their manners were impeccable, earning the admiration of the ninjas who wanted to watch the spectacle.

Hyuga Akira didn't immediately demand a glare, but instead used a gentle yet firm approach, subtly turning the opponent's spoils into something 'reclaimed' for Hyuga.

As the saying goes, one shouldn't hit a smiling face.
The Hyuga clan greets you with smiles and impeccable manners. If Yoruichi were to speak ill of you, you would be the one in the wrong, and the Hyuga would have something to say whether they resort to words or violence.

On the stage, Hiruzen Sarutobi had deep wrinkles around his eyes, but he did not speak.

Since I've decided to hand the village over to Hairi, if she can't even handle this little trick, then... then... then it seems I should give it to her. She's the only ninja god in the entire ninja world. If I don't let her be the Hokage, what if she goes to another village?
"Bah!"

Looking at the fake smile on Hyuga Akira's face, Hui Li scoffed. The Hyuga main family's Gentle Fist technique wasn't very good, but they were masters of these fancy tricks. No wonder the Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki families all produced top-tier fighters, while the Hyuga family was just mediocre.

Hearing the laughter from the stage, Hyuga Akira, who was feeling smug, suddenly froze on his face with a smile:

"What does 'night crossing examiner' mean?" I can't keep up the act anymore!
Hui Li shook her head. It seemed that they hadn't even grasped the essence of these empty words: "You can't represent the Hyuga. If you want the Byakugan back, let Hyuga Hiashi do it himself."

"you……"

Hyuga Akira's eyes were cold and sharp, and his handsome features also revealed a hint of sinister coldness.

Since the Uchiha clan was wiped out, the Hyuga clan has become the undisputed number one clan in Konoha. He is the most noble member of the main branch of the Hyuga clan. He is a member of a prestigious family outside and a superior person inside. This is the first time he has encountered such an unreasonable ninja!
But considering the current situation, he didn't react. He simply flicked his sleeve and said in a deep voice, "I will definitely convey these words, but I don't know where to look for you then?"

When Hyuga Akira spoke, his tone was cold and hard, full of gunpowder. It didn't sound like he was going to pay a visit; it sounded more like he was going to call people to start a fight!

Mizuki, Iruka, and other ordinary ninjas were somewhat nervous in the face of the tense atmosphere, while Anko and others who thrived on chaos watched with great interest. The eyes of the Jonin and elite Jonin gleamed, each one like a harpy that had fallen into a melon patch.

Only Asuma, Aoba Yamashiro, and others who had experienced the earth-shattering event that night could not help but look at Akira Hyuga with a hint of pity in their eyes.

He probably wants to die!
Hui Li naturally understood what the other party was saying. She hadn't had the time to deal with the Hyuga clan, but unexpectedly, they were the ones provoking her instead.

"Go back and tell Hiashi Hyuga that I'm waiting for him at the Anbu training department!"

"I will definitely bring it!"

Hyuga Akira didn't know where the Anbu training department was, but it didn't sound like some kind of den of thieves, so he clasped his hands in a cold gesture and turned back into the crowd.

Many Jonin and elite Jonin-level ninjas in the crowd looked at him with a strange gaze.

Dark organization training department?

Isn't that the root?
You agreed so quickly, did you even ask Hiashi Hyuga's opinion?
Kakashi felt that Hyuga Akira was a bit of a traitor to the clan leader. Others might only have heard of Root's name, but he knew very well what kind of ninjas Root were.

They even used the First Hokage's corpse for experiments, and they dared to send assassins to kill the Third Hokage. If the Hyuga main family dared to enter Root, they would at least lose one of their Byakugan.

Genma Shiranui and Anko, standing nearby, looked on with glee. They had no prior grudges against the Hinata, but who wouldn't want someone else to fall into the same trap they had fallen into?

The little incident brought up by Hyuga Akira quickly passed.

"Before the Chunin Selection Exam begins, please have the person in charge of recruiting new genin come forward." As soon as Hui Li finished speaking, the small group of elite jonin hiding in the back immediately stepped forward in unison.

Kurenai, Asuma, and Kakashi lined up in a row.

"Do you have any recommended ninjas for this exam? You should all know the requirements! Only ninjas who have completed at least eight missions can participate." Hai Li said the lines that originally belonged to Hiruzen Sarutobi, and couldn't help but laugh as she looked at Kakashi's serious face in front of her.

Having spent five years living and working with the other person, her memories have also synchronized with theirs.

They know each other too well.

She could even find all the pornographic books the other person hid under the eaves, under the bed, in the pillow, and in the drawers; even the secret stash hidden in the roof beams couldn't escape her eyes.

Now, whenever she sees the other person's serious expression, Kakashi's unreliable image flashes through her mind, and she can hardly hold back.

"Let's start with Jonin Kakashi."

Suppressing a laugh, Hui Li gestured with her chin toward Kakashi, while Iruka's Adam's apple bobbed nervously in the crowd.

Although the Chunin Exams stipulate that you can register after completing eight missions, you usually need double the mission experience to participate in the exams. It's too early for these rookie ninjas. Besides, this exam is so intense that I doubt anyone else will participate except for Hai Li!
Kakashi had already discussed it with Hiruzen Sarutobi, and they had even filled out the application form in advance. He simply said:

"I hereby recommend Team 7, led by Kakashi, consisting of Hibiki Kazuki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Naruto Uzumaki, to participate in the Chunin Selection Exams in my name, Kakashi Hatake!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Red and Asuma followed up with their own words:

"Team 8, Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame, and Kiba Inuzuka, are recommended by me, Kurenai Yuhi, to participate in the Chunin Exams!"

"Class 10, Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, and Yamanaka Ino, are recommended to take the exam in my name, Sarutobi Asuma."

Upon hearing Kakashi and the others' words, the ninjas behind them widened their eyes in surprise.

"All three of them recommended it!"

"A rookie genin is actually taking the exam! We haven't seen one like this in five years!"

"Isn't it normal for Ashikaga to participate in the competition? Otherwise, who would fight those ninjas from other villages?" The discussion among the crowd rose and fell, unaware that the person they were discussing was in front of them, representing the Hokage to preside over the meeting, and had even become the chief examiner.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing behind, remained calm and collected.

No one understands the Chunin Exams better than him. The first place has already been decided. The others are just sitting around anyway, so it's good for them to get some experience. With Hai Li around, how could those kids be in any danger?
If the examiners were to cooperate with the cheating, they might be able to sweep the top ten spots.

"Wait a minute, examiner!"

Unno Iruka could no longer contain himself and hurriedly stepped forward:

"Although it may seem like meddling, these nine ninjas taking the exam are all my students, and they are all indeed very talented. But isn't it a bit too early for them to take the exam now? They should accumulate more practical experience..."

“I was five years younger than them when I took the Chunin Exams,” Kakashi of Versailles said, turning to Iruka to argue.

Drive away Danzo-sensei and surpass Sarutobi-sensei.

Now, looking at Iruka-sensei, who was still arguing about whether he should participate in the Chunin Exams, Hui Li was speechless: "Alright, let's not waste everyone's time. Let them decide for themselves whether to sign up."

Upon hearing the words of the examiner, Yoruka had no choice but to retreat back into the crowd.

"Genma Shiranui, have you finished tallying the number of test takers yet?" Having finished processing her own registration, Hairi finally got to the main topic of the meeting.

When called upon by the big boss of the Root organization, Genma Shiranui, who was just a referee, chewed on a toothpick and patted the crow-wearing man in sunglasses standing next to him.

Yamashiro Aoba pushed up her sunglasses, picked up her notebook, and said loudly:

"Reporting to Lord Yamato, the count is complete. Including the nine new genin, Konoha has a total of 87 people. Sunagakure has 30, Kumogakure 36, Iwagakure 51, Kirigakure 12, Amegakure 21, Kusagakure 12, Takigakure 6, Yugakure 12, Takumi 6, Hoshigakure 3, and Otogakure 10, for a total of 286 people!"

With nearly three hundred participants in the Chunin Exams, hearing this outrageous data, everyone finally understood the intensity of the Five Nations Joint Exams!
Iruka was worried and thought he would try to persuade Yoru again after the meeting.

Only Hui Li sighed softly.

Among these three hundred people, there is a super Kage like her, a genuine genin who just graduated, and in between, there are Kage-level, tailed beast, and elite jonin. It can be said that these candidates could form a super ninja village.

There's going to be a lot of fun going to happen next.

"The exam consists of two parts. The first part, a written test, will be conducted in three exam rooms, focusing on intelligence gathering..." she said eloquently on the stage, while the relevant personnel below quickly took notes.

The rules and schedules for all examinations were finalized at the meeting.
The written exam will begin at 8:00 AM the day after tomorrow! (End of Chapter)