Konoha: I have a clone in One Piece.

at this time.

Under the shade of a tree on the right side of the examination hall.

Uchiha Sasuke was with his older brother Uchiha Itachi, and Uchiha Shisui, who had come to cheer on their friend.

"Itachi, don't put too much pressure on yourself for this Chunin Exam."

"The Hokage and the others value this opportunity for exchange more than anything else. Friendship comes first, competition second. Just play to your full potential."

Seeing Itachi's somewhat haggard face, Shisui Uchiha couldn't help but offer words of comfort.

"Yes, I know."

Itachi Uchiha nodded seriously.

Beside him, Sasuke Uchiha also encouraged Itachi Uchiha:

"Brother, you're the best! You'll definitely win first place!"

"Ha ha……"

Hearing the encouragement from his adorable younger brother, Itachi Uchiha smiled broadly.

However, just as he was about to affectionately tap his younger brother's forehead before entering the examination hall, Uchiha Sasuke suddenly looked to the other side and shouted with delight:

"Ah, it's Rooni-chan!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Uchiha Sasuke couldn't wait to run towards Uchiha Madara with his short legs.

"..."

Itachi Uchiha's outstretched arm awkwardly froze in mid-air.

After a moment of stunned silence, he looked at Uchiha Madara, who was walking towards him, with a cold, expressionless face.

Is this the guy...?

Itachi Uchiha narrowed his eyes and carefully examined Madara Uchiha.

Sensing the gaze of others, Madara Uchiha frowned, then looked over.

Upon seeing Itachi Uchiha and Shisui Uchiha standing to the side, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

That brat... is Sasuke's older brother?

Surprisingly, he gets along quite well with that mentally unstable brat, Shisui...

Looks like... quite an oddball.

Madara Uchiha immediately showed disdain when he recalled that Uchiha Kagami had shamelessly run off to become Tobirama Senju's bodyguard.

That idiot, his son is stupid, and his grandson is just as stupid!

Thank goodness we chose Obito; a fool is much better than an idiot.

Madara Uchiha patted Sasuke Uchiha's head, who was clinging to his leg, and sighed with emotion.

However, the fleeting disdain in his eyes when he looked over made Itachi Uchiha clench his fists involuntarily.

A provocation? You actually seduced Sasuke right in front of me?

That damn vixen!

Instantly, Itachi Uchiha's expression grew even colder.

soon.

Madara Uchiha, holding Sasuke Uchiha's small hand, walked over and looked at Itachi Uchiha with a light smile:

"You must be Sasuke's older brother."

"Sasuke is a really good kid, he's quite talented. Remember to train him more often when you have time, so that such a good talent won't go to waste."

"..."

Like a bolt from the blue, Itachi Uchiha's eyes widened instantly!

Sasuke is a really good kid...

Sasuke is really good...

Sasuke...

The words before and after were all automatically filtered out by Itachi Uchiha.

The phrase "Sasuke is a really good kid" kept echoing in his mind, and he even gradually imagined Madara Uchiha holding his cute little brother's hand with an arrogant expression and saying to him, "Your little brother is really good, he will be my little brother from now on."

"Hiss~"

Human nature is so wicked!

Itachi Uchiha gasped and quickly pulled Sasuke Uchiha close, holding him tightly in his arms.

Then, he looked at Madara Uchiha and muttered through gritted teeth:

"Don't even dream about it!"

"I'm definitely going to be number one in this Chunin Exams!"

"???"

Madara Uchiha looked completely bewildered.

What's with this inexplicable hostility?

Is this kid out of his mind?

……

……

the other side.

Inside the examination hall for the first written exam of the Chunin Exams.

A group of examiners are carefully inspecting everything in the classroom.

Chakra is an extremely mysterious thing, and the ninjutsu that can be performed with chakra is even more bizarre. Although the first written test is more about testing the ninja's intelligence ability, it is still very necessary to prevent extra help cheating in advance.

Not long after.

The examiners then finished inspecting the classroom.

"It's almost time, should we call them in?"

Ibiki Morino asked the examiner beside him, Inoichi Yamanaka.

Unlike the Chunin Exams of Konoha in the past, this Chunin Exams brought together almost all the forces in the ninja world. All the high-ranking officials of Konoha believed that Ibiki Morino alone could not control the situation.

Therefore, the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, specifically transferred Ibiki Morino's direct superior, the head of the interrogation department and intelligence department, Yamanaka Inoichi, to his position.

"No rush."

Yamanaka Inoichi shook his head, then looked at the exam papers on the podium and said in a deep voice:

"Let's double-check the exam paper."

"yes!"

Ibiki Morino and the other examiners responded in unison.

Soon, a group of examiners began to carefully review the test papers one by one.

however……

"This kind of question is nothing special."

In the quiet classroom, a comment suddenly rang out.

But strangely, it didn't elicit any reaction from anyone!

Suzuki stood beside Yamanaka Inoichi and the other examiners as if no one else was there, looking down at the questions on the exam paper. After a while, he couldn't help but shake his head.

"Are you trying to cause me trouble? Let me deliver a gift to you first."

Suzuki chuckled softly, then raised his hand and snapped his fingers.

In an instant.

Everyone, freeze!

A silvery-white light flashed in Suzuki's eyes, and the consciousness and senses of the several deputy examiners and Yamanaka Inoichi and others were instantly distorted.

At the same time, the handwriting on the exam paper also changed quietly.

Looking at the questions, Suzuki nodded in satisfaction, then gave instructions to an examiner who was staring blankly:

"You're in charge of delivering the exam papers, right?"

"Remember to take the paper to the north corner of the Death Forest and give it to the one called 'Mountain Wind,' okay?"

"Yes... sir..."

The examiner nodded blankly.

"Danzo, you'd better catch this incredible fortune!"

Suzuki smiled, then walked past Yamanaka Inoichi with a nonchalant expression and slowly left the classroom.

next moment.

The scroll continued to flow.

"This one is fine."

"Mine is too."

"Me too..."

"..."

The examiners, oblivious to the altered questions, began to report the changes.

Yamanaka Inoichi glanced at the exam paper but didn't find anything wrong. He then nodded seriously and said in a deep voice:

"Alright, in that case, let's call all the candidates in."

"yes!"

The examiners quickly walked to the entrance of the examination hall.

……

……

Outside the examination hall.

Just as the candidates were getting impatient, a loud shout rang out.

"Gentlemen, you may come in!"

"The exam is about to begin. Best of luck to everyone!"

Upon hearing the examiner's call, the candidates rushed into the examination room in a flurry.

"It's finally starting..."

"Hurry inside, hurry inside!"

"Don't push..."

"Hey, you little brat, get out of here!"

"Huh? You damned barbarian, do you want me to blow you up?"

"Watch out, stay away from those swordsmen!"

"..."

Candidates from different countries and backgrounds, none of them giving way, all rushed towards the gate.

In an instant, the entrance to the examination hall became extremely crowded.

"Don't push!"

"Each of you has a number plate. Pick it up at the end of the corridor; that's your exam room and exam number!"

"There are nine classrooms in total. Please don't go into the wrong exam room. You guys... hey?? Don't push me!"

Several examiners shouted loudly, but were quickly pushed and shoved by the crowd and unlucky enough to be squeezed out of the door.

……

……

How many people participated in the Chunin Exams this time?

Just by looking at how many classrooms were already full, one could get a general idea.

Each of the nine examination rooms had an average of about fifty or sixty seats, and each room was noisy and bustling.

Examination Room 5.

Madara Uchiha, Kabuto Yakushi, and others were in this classroom.

At the entrance, a conflict had broken out between some people due to the previous crowding, and it erupted right there.

"Heh heh... kid, I didn't expect we'd be in the same exam room!"

A Yun ninja grinned maliciously at a child who looked to be about ten years old with golden hair.

After glancing at the headband on his companion's forehead, the Cloud Ninja's smile grew even more cruel:

"Heh heh... and they're from Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village)..."

"Kid, I heard the second exam will be in a forest called the Forest of Death. How do you want to die then?"

"Do you want to be torn in two? Or have your head ripped off?"

"..."

Upon hearing the provocation from the Cloud Ninja in front of them, the Iwa Ninja standing next to Deidara exchanged glances, realizing the situation was dire!

Then, the group quickly pulled Deidara back from attacking.

"Let me go!"

"Didn't you hear what he just said? This guy's asking for it!"

"Aaaaaah... I'm going to blow him to smithereens!!!"

Deidara struggled furiously, baring his teeth and brandishing his claws, but was held firmly by the Iwagakure ninjas who were traveling with him.

"Don't be impulsive, Deidara!"

"Yes, this is Konoha Village, not our Iwagakure Village!"

"Let's be patient for now. Didn't he say it's the second exam? We can blow him up then, okay?"

"..."

However, Deidara wouldn't listen to a word.

He continued to struggle desperately to express his anger, shouting at the Yun ninja who had provoked him:

"Damn barbarian, I'm going to shove a thousand bombs into your mouth!"

"I want……"

"quiet!"

Yamanaka Inoichi's voice suddenly rang out like a thunderclap.

"..."

The group of candidates who had been arguing instantly fell silent and all turned their heads to look over.

Yamanaka Ino glanced solemnly at the examinees in the examination room, then said in a deep voice:

"Everyone, take your seats!"

"The exam is about to start. If you want to keep arguing and then fail, you might as well get out now!"

"..."

The candidates looked at each other for a moment.

They then obediently returned to their seats one by one.

……

……

While waiting for the exam papers to be distributed.

Because the first exam was a written test, the leaders of various factions who came to observe the Chunin Exams were all in the conference room on the first floor of the Hokage Building, enjoying tea and chatting.

"Lord Hokage."

The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, put down his teacup, looked at Minato Namikaze sitting at the front, and asked with some curiosity:

"What kind of test did Konoha prepare?"

"Not all the examinees who came this time are ninjas!"

"snort."

Before Minato Namikaze could answer, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, snorted coldly and said with a mocking expression:

"What else could it be?"

"I heard that Konoha Village's written exams used to test on something like the Will of Fire. If the examinees are asked to answer questions about the Will of Fire this time, Konoha Village will probably have a large number of foreign ninjas next year."

"Lord Tsuchikage is joking."

Minato Namikaze shook his head and calmly replied:

"The questions for this exam were designed based on the current situation of the entire ninja world."

"Whether they are users of secret treasures, ninjas, or swordsmen from the Land of Iron, they are all starting from the same point."

"Our Konoha has always been fair and just, Lord Tsuchikage, you are overthinking it."

Upon seeing this, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, immediately picked up his teacup and laughed:

"Haha... Let's have some tea."

"This is top-quality tea that I specially commissioned someone to buy from Loulan; it costs over a thousand taels per gram!"

soon.

With Hiruzen Sarutobi's words calming things down, everyone continued to enjoy tea and chat.

……

……

Inside the classroom examination room in Konoha Village.

As the assistant examiners distributed the exam papers to the candidates, they earnestly advised them:

"Don't look around, don't shout, raise your hand quietly if you need anything, and don't disturb the other candidates!"

"You are not allowed to leave the room early after you finish the questions..."

"..."

Faced with the examiners' admonitions, all the candidates nodded obediently.

Not long after.

All the exam papers have been distributed.

However, when the candidates looked at the exam papers in their hands, they all widened their eyes in astonishment.

[Chunin Exam Questions - Joint Ninja World Tour]

[Question 1: What do you think darkness is?]

[Question 2: What do the roots buried underground represent?]

【…】

Question 6: Please name ten ways you can kill an enemy within five seconds.

[Question 7: When the enemy is 200 meters away from you and running towards you at a speed of 35 meters per second...]

【…】

In the back row, in the seat near the back door of the classroom.

Madara Uchiha stared at the exam paper in his hand, momentarily stunned.

What the hell?

Are ninjas these days so realistic?

Madara Uchiha, who had never taken an exam before, thought these were normal Chunin exam questions from the five great ninja villages.

He sneered, then began to work on the questions quickly.

[First question, answer: Darkness is darkness. No darkness can withstand powerful forces. If there is darkness, then break through it!]

[Question 2, Answer: What's the difference between roots underground and a mouse?]

【…】

[Question 6, Answer: Five seconds is too much, one second is fine.]

【…】

the other side.

A seat in the front row near the podium.

Uchiha Itachi stared at the test questions on the table, lost in thought.

Why would the village come up with such a question?

However… that makes sense. Ninjas are often required to fight and lie in wait. This is a way of filtering out those among us who are not suitable to be ninjas.

The roots beneath the mud... are they testing our understanding of patience? Indeed, whether in battle or on a espionage mission, ninjas must learn to endure.

Itachi Uchiha, who believed he understood the deeper meaning behind the Konoha Village leaders' words, took a deep breath and then glanced at Madara Uchiha, who had already started working on his problems. His eyes immediately revealed an extremely strong competitive spirit and a determined look.

Even in a written test, I will definitely surpass you!

The next moment, Itachi Uchiha looked serious and lowered his head to start doing the questions.

[Answer to Question 1: Darkness is the opposite of light; without darkness, there would be no light!]

[Question 2, Answer: The roots in the mud may seem dirty, but they are the greatest heroes! The deeper the roots are buried, the more nutrients the tree absorbs, and the stronger it grows. Therefore, roots represent burdens, responsibility, and...]

【…】

In a back seat near the window.

Deidara looked at the test paper in his hand and smiled disdainfully.

What darkness? What roots in the mud?

Pshaw, only explosions are true art!

Deidara stopped twirling his pen in his other hand, casually placed the test paper on the table, and began working on the questions.

……

Meanwhile, after a brief moment of stunned silence, some of the other candidates finally couldn't help but raise their hands.

"Examiner, is there something wrong with this question?"

At the podium, Ibiki Morino frowned and slowly walked to the side of the examinee who had raised his hand.

He glanced down at the exam papers on the table, then fixed a sharp look on the students who had raised their hands, and reprimanded them:

"What's the problem?"

"Everyone has the same problem as you!"

As he spoke, Ibiki Morino pointed to Madara Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha, and Deidara, who had already begun working on their problems, and said:

"They've already started working on the questions, and you're still here yelling and shouting. Do you not want to take the exam?"

"No, no, no!"

The candidate who raised their hand looked flustered, quickly shook their head, then hurriedly picked up their pen and said awkwardly:

"I'll do it right away, I'll do it right away..."

"snort."

Ibiki Morino stared coldly for a while before slowly walking back to the podium.

Upon seeing this, the other candidates all showed expressions of sudden realization.

So... this was a question deliberately set up by Konoha Village?

That's true. Now that we're about to become Chunin, we should face reality and learn how to fight and confront the darkness.

No wonder Konoha Village is so powerful; so this is the kind of education they receive.

The test takers suppressed their shock and then buried themselves in the questions.

In a short time.

Apart from the rustling sound of writing, the classroom was completely quiet.

……

Unlike Morino Ibiki.

Although this was also Konoha Village's home turf, the chief examiner, Yamanaka Inoichi, clearly had no intention of setting a tenth question.

However, seeing all the candidates quietly working on the questions, Yamanaka Inoichi was still somewhat surprised.

Was the quality of the test takers this time really that high? Not a single person cheated.

Is it because they don't want to be caught on the spot and embarrass their village in front of so many forces?

Yamanaka Inoichi glanced at the students who were engrossed in their work and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

What a group of... excellent and responsible young people! (End of Chapter)