They traveled through time at the same time, but the villainous scientist

Chapter 32: The Five Ninja's Joint Chunin Exams?!
"To be promoted to Chunin... there's an exam?"

Looking at the ordinary-looking form on the table, Jiraiya's face twitched uncontrollably.

His eyes widened, and with an expression that said, "Are you kidding me?", he pointed at the title of the form, his voice even trembling slightly.

He's terrified of exams...

"Jiraiya! You idiot! Is that the point?"

Tsunade, who was listening nearby, rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"Didn't you see the words 'Five Great Ninja Villages United'? I've never heard of such a thing before. This is really too abnormal!"

Tsunade frowned, her gaze fixed on Hiruzen Sarutobi, clearly waiting for an explanation.

The five great nations have joined forces to hold the Chunin Exams—this is the first time in history...

"Yes, Tsunade is right."

"It has only been about three years since the end of the First Shinobi World War. Theoretically, the new generation of ninjas in each village should still be in their basic growth period."

"The fact that the five great ninja villages are suddenly joining forces to hold the Chunin Exams at this time... is clearly abnormal..."

Orochimaru nodded and looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"This matter, in fact, has something to do with you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag on his pipe, exhaling a cloud of white smoke. Amidst the swirling smoke...

He tapped his pipe lightly on the ashtray on the corner of the table, then turned his gaze to Orochimaru.

"Forehead?"

Orochimaru was taken aback, somewhat puzzled.

He went through all the things he had done over the years in his mind, but he couldn't figure out how the Joint Chunin Exams were related to him.

Do you remember those skincare products you came up with before?

Over the past year, our skincare business has been booming, with extremely high profits.

Through those partner distributors, the goods have already reached most major cities in the five countries.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Orochimaru and slowly explained, pausing for a moment before adding a touch of helplessness to his tone.

"And this has also brought huge benefits."

"The other four ninja villages are envious of this huge windfall, and they are probably also worried that Konoha will use this huge amount of money to rapidly increase its war potential and break the existing balance."

"So they joined forces and used their respective countries' diplomatic means to put pressure on the daimyo of the Land of Fire."

"The final result is that Konoha will host this year's Chunin Qualification Exam, which is a joint exam for the five great ninja villages."

"Huh? Skincare products? Chunin Exams? What... what is all this about?"

Jiraiya was completely bewildered and looked utterly confused.

He scratched his head, completely baffled as to what necessary connection there was between the two.

Isn't it great that we're making money? Are other villages just jealous of how much money Konoha is making and want a piece of the pie?

But does this have anything to do with the Chunin Exams?

"Because it's profitable, other villages are forcing us to hold the Chunin Exams?"

Tsunade frowned deeply. She was well aware of how popular Orochimaru's skincare products were, and she herself sometimes used some of them.

She instantly understood the potential chain reaction of economic benefits: other ninja villages were worried that Konoha would rapidly grow stronger with these profits.
So they wanted to use the Chunin Exams as a pretext to investigate their background, and even... to exert pressure and divide their resources...

Orochimaru understood the key point the instant Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking.

He couldn't help but sigh softly to himself.

War, in the final analysis, is all about money.

This applies even in the ninja world, where extraordinary powers exist.

Whether it's the kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags that ninjas consume daily, or the rations and medical supplies essential for missions, none of these require real money to purchase. Not to mention the resources and time needed to train a qualified ninja.

The huge profits generated by the cosmetics business will undoubtedly greatly enhance Konoha Village's fiscal revenue and war potential.

To the other four ninja villages, this was like Konoha suddenly having an inexhaustible gold mine. Over time, with the balance of power shifting, Konoha's strength would inevitably far surpass theirs.

This is what they truly fear and are anxious about.

The other four ninja villages naturally couldn't sit idly by and let Konoha make a fortune in silence.

The so-called Joint Chunin Exams are probably just a smokescreen.

Their fundamental purpose was simply to take this opportunity to send their respective young ninjas into Konoha, to openly and legitimately probe Konoha's current strength and weaknesses, assess the power of Konoha's new generation of ninjas, and to see how far Konoha had developed because of this windfall...

The relationship between ninja villages and their respective daimyo and countries is inherently complex one of cooperation and dependence.

The reason for this situation is that although ninjas have power, they do not know how to manage or produce goods.

Initially, the relationship between major powers and ninjas was one of employment, but after the First Shinobi World War, the connections between the major ninja villages and the state apparatus became much closer.

As the Ninja Village gains more national-level resource support, its role is gradually shifting from a relatively free mercenary organization to an independent military force that is state-owned and subject to certain constraints.

From the perspective of the Third Hokage, facing joint pressure from the other four major powers through diplomatic channels, it would be difficult to directly reject this diplomatic proposal disguised as "friendly exchange" and "common progress"...

After all, a refusal could send an unfriendly signal to the other four countries, and could even trigger another round of friction and suspicion, or even war...

"So... teacher, what do you want us to do?"

Thinking of this, Orochimaru raised his head and asked Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi showed a hint of relief on his face.

His disciple is truly perceptive...

"It's very simple."

"Let the other ninja villages witness the power of our new generation of Konoha ninjas!"

"Let them understand that Konoha's strength comes not only from its wealth, but also from the fact that we have the best ninjas!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone turned serious, carrying an unquestionable resolve.

"Ha! I thought it was something big!"

"It's just about beating down those low-level ninja brats sent by other villages! That's something I'm good at!"

Upon hearing this, Jiraiya burst into laughter, slapping his thigh as his previous confusion vanished.

He grinned, revealing a confident smile, and proudly raised his chin.

He's not the loser he used to be anymore. After Orochimaru's special training, he's incredibly strong now!
I was just worried about where to show off my newly acquired power!

"Heh, Jiraiya, you kid... you're not wrong."

Upon hearing Jiraiya's bold words, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but smile.

The seriousness on his face eased slightly, and a smile appeared on his face.

Indeed, it was as simple and straightforward as Jiraiya said...

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, walked slowly to the office window, and looked out at the vibrant Konoha Village that appeared to be basking in the sunlight.

The streets were bustling with people, and the faint sounds of children's laughter could be heard.

This peace and prosperity did not come easily.

He turned around and his gaze swept across the faces of his three prized disciples.

"Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade..."

"This joint Chunin Exam is of extraordinary significance to Konoha."

"I'm counting on you guys."

(End of this chapter)