Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

In late April of Konoha Year 45, the weather gradually warmed up.

In a dessert shop on Mingcha Street, a young ninja was eating a chestnut pancake while shouting loudly:

"The Chunin Exams? Isn't that too early? And he's alone?!"

Raito Namiashi, who had a scar on his left cheek, had worked with Osamu Furukawa and his group in a previous mission, and was still shocked when he heard the news.

"The high-level nomination must be based on an understanding of Xiu's abilities, but the joint exam is still somewhat risky."

"I thought Shu would be promoted directly like Kakashi."

Yamashiro Aoba, who graduated last year, was recently selected by the intelligence unit and is now eating dessert while giving a serious analysis.

Wearing a dark green sleeveless training uniform, Might Guy kept popping chestnut pancakes into his mouth to relieve his hunger before saying somewhat dejectedly:

"If I can keep up with the genius, Xiu won't have to take the exam alone."

"The two Chunin in the team will probably be leading separate squads from now on!"

"..."

After the frequent changes in team captains, Might Guy also realized the village's plans.

Each team captain spoke highly of "Son of White Fang," Kakashi, who had already been promoted to Chunin at a young age, was capable of leading his team on missions on his own!

"You want me to lead genin on D-rank missions? I have no interest in teaching those incompetent guys."

Kakashi, who was leaning against the door, has recently returned to normal. Although he still talks about his "talent," he is no longer depressed.

"As the team leader, you don't need to do anything personally on D-rank missions, so you'll have more time to cultivate."

"You guys are also taking the Chunin Exams, right? Looks like we're going to be rivals."

After finishing his chestnut yokan, Furukawa Osamu finally smiled and joined the group's discussion.

Without directly answering the question, Raito suddenly leaned back against the table, staring intently at the ceiling, and opened his coat to loudly complain again:

"It's too late! We're no match for Xiu!"

"No wonder the teacher said we shouldn't worry about this exam; it turns out the Jonin already knew..."

Seeing her friend's dejected look, Yamashiro Aoba didn't offer any comfort. Instead, she stroked her chin and agreed, saying:

"If there's only one spot, it'll definitely go to Xiu."

"It seems joining the intelligence unit was the right choice; becoming a special Jonin in the future will be enough!"

Genma Shiranui, who officially graduated last month, had remained silent until he heard that his senior had planned his "ninja career" so early. Finally, he couldn't help but ask:

"Is it really necessary to decide my future so early? I should at least become a Jonin..."

"Given our abilities, becoming a Special Jonin is already quite remarkable!"

Hearing Yamashiro Aoba's crisp and decisive answer, Shiranui Genma also showed a deadpan expression, while only Might Guy maintained his high fighting spirit, eating all the desserts and loudly encouraging her:

"Youth has no limits! How can we give up at this age? Our ninja journey has only just begun!"

"..."

Seeing Might Guy give a thumbs-up and flash a bright smile, none of the others responded. In a way, this guy was a genius too.

"I'm going to the medical unit this afternoon to tally up how many of the latest soldier rations we need. Just have Parker let me know!"

Furukawa Osamu got up and put his headband back on, while Kakashi at the door gave him an "OK" sign. Running errands was a good way to train his ninja dog, Pakkun.

The group of people in the dessert shop sat up straight, waved, and stood together. Seeing Furukawa Osamu leave, they immediately smiled and said:

"We graduates of these years are very lucky. Maybe in the future we will be able to serve Lady Tsunade through Xiu."

"A senior told me that Minato Namikaze, who was previously taken in as a disciple by Jiraiya, is already a Jonin and is even highly regarded by the Hokage..."

Kakashi didn't participate in the discussion, but he knew that the other person was saying that the three legendary Sannin all had a great chance of becoming the next Hokage.

A few years ago, Kakashi still dreamed of becoming Hokage, but after his father left, he always thought about the "Will of Fire" and had a different perspective on Hokage.

"Let's go, Kakashi, it's not time to relax yet!"

Interrupted by Might Guy, Kakashi also gathered his thoughts, waved goodbye to the others, and headed towards the training ground.

"Give up, Guy. You don't have any outstanding talent in chakra control."

"Instead of studying nature transformations, let's specialize in physical techniques!"

-

After participating in a surgery organized by Tsunade at Konoha Hospital in the afternoon, Osamu Furukawa once again marveled at the wonder of chakra, even penetrating wounds could be healed with the [Regeneration Technique].

The attending physician was a special Jonin who reported to Tsunade and then hurriedly left. The number of wounded had suddenly increased recently, and the medical ninjas had a heavy workload.

It was a rare sight to see the three legendary Sannin in the operating room, and the Chunin who participated in the treatment all greeted Tsunade with expressions of reverence.

After everyone had left, Tsunade's face turned pale, but she still maintained a calm demeanor and gave the instructions:

"The key to this technique is how to activate the body; by using incantations, the consumption of chakra can be reduced."

"You need to learn more to organize such a surgery."

"After you are promoted to Chunin, I will have you lead the medical team to do basic work."

Furukawa Osamu nodded, took out a piece of candy and handed it to her. Tsunade was taken aback at first, then took it and put it in her mouth. After letting out a long sigh, she said helplessly:

"It seems you already noticed..."

"It's alright, Tsunade-sensei. The research and development of medical ninjutsu is more important."

Hemophobia is currently incurable, so Furukawa could only offer words of comfort. Tsunade didn't respond further. After her body had fully recovered, she changed the subject, saying:

"Uchiha Inahi will also participate in the Chunin Exams, which is a kind of trouble that comes with being a genius."

"The Uchiha clan always likes to show off their strength. If they provoke us recently, one punch will be enough."

"..."

Upon learning that the other person was about four years older than him, Osamu Furukawa couldn't help but make a teasing remark:

"So, Obito Uchiha, who graduated early, is even more of a genius than this guy!"

Tsunade's impression of Obito was that of a little girl named Rin Nohara who followed her around like a shadow. Ignoring Furukawa Osamu's teasing, she continued solemnly:

"A ninja needs to conceal his skills and not let his opponent know his combat information."

"Don't use your ninjutsu recklessly in front of ninjas from other countries. If war breaks out, this information could lead you to your death."

Furukawa Osamu readily agreed. Of course, he wouldn't easily reveal his full strength, since the dead can't speak.

As the two left Konoha Hospital while talking, the ninja dog Pakkun sped up to Furukawa Osamu. Upon seeing Tsunade, his attitude changed completely.

"Greetings to the beautiful and powerful Lady Tsunade!"

With its front paws raised, Puck even had a hint of a fawning smile on its face. Furukawa Osamu, who had been tossed aside, watched the dog spin around and act cute, and couldn't help but twitch his eye and mutter:

"He really is a simp!"

"..."