Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

In early June, the students of Class 3-A at the Ninja Academy began discussing news from the village again during their lunch break.

"He'll only be 8 in September, which means Xiu has a chance to be selected as a Chunin at age 7!"

"He's about the same as Kakashi!"

"It's supposedly a joint exam, a rare big move for the village in recent years."

"The Daimyo will probably come too. They visit every year anyway, and they certainly don't want to miss the showdown between the best ninjas from the five great nations."

"Will the Hidden Cloud Village send someone this time as well? It seems there have been some frictions between them in recent years."

"..."

Regardless of gender, everyone was trying to share their information, and when talking about the strength of ninjas from other countries, most people had a mocking look on their faces.

After receiving education, everyone has reached a consensus that Konoha ninjas are the strongest and the Land of Fire is the leader of the Five Great Nations!

Sarutobi Asuma didn't participate in the discussion; he just stared blankly out the window.

In recent years, graduates have automatically gathered around Osamu Furukawa and Kakashi, and the Hokage's sons without talent have no chance of being recognized.

"What does it have to do with them to always talk about these things? It's not like these guys are taking the exam."

Obito Uchiha, who couldn't find Kakashi's theory recently, complained at the back of the classroom, but Asuma in front of him ignored him, so he could only sulk by himself.

"It seems someone from the Uchiha clan is also participating in this exam. Obito, do you have any news?"

Ebisu had just finished sharing information at the front of the classroom, and now he came to the back of the classroom to inquire about Uchiha Inahi.

"Um, I don't know that guy very well, but he must be really powerful, he has the Sharingan!"

Having only heard that the other party had already awakened his Sharingan, Obito finished recounting the information he knew, and an envious look appeared on his face.

Ebisu, who had been adjusting his sunglasses, didn't seem to mind the limited information and turned to join the discussion again. He believed that even the Sharingan couldn't defeat his partner.

Ever since being turned away at Kakashi's house, Nohara Rin has worked even harder, devoting herself entirely to learning medical ninjutsu.

"It's alright, Obito. Kakashi is already a Chunin, and he's probably out leading a mission these days."

"We can't keep bothering him."

The girl's cheerful voice stirred a pang of sadness in Obito's heart. He realized that Rin Nohara was starting to fill in the blanks in her mind, refusing to believe that Kakashi had changed...

The thought of that despicable guy who kept talking about "talent" made Obito want to curse him.

But when he turned his head and saw Rin Nohara's expectant gaze, Obito swallowed the words he was about to say and replied somewhat embarrassedly:

"Lin, I'll do my best!"

-

As evening fell, Shizune arrived at the training ground and hid behind a large tree, quietly peeking out to observe Furukawa Osamu, who was practicing.

"I sensed it a long time ago, so please be quiet. Next time, you can just greet me directly."

Standing upright in the huge pit, Osamu Furukawa, dressed in a black tight-fitting training suit, smiled and waved. The girl blushed slightly, though she always subconsciously ignored this.

"Tsunade-sensei is a little worried about you. Gathering chakra and then unleashing it with [Super Strength] can easily damage your meridians."

Shizune quickly approached Furukawa Osamu, offering a different excuse. Then, looking around at the large boulders and huge pit, a look of reverence appeared on her face.

Without revealing the girl's thoughts, and seeing that Shizune had already changed into blue casual clothes, Furukawa Osamu said in a light tone:

"Don't worry, it's getting late. Let's go, where to tonight?"

"A Chinese izakaya, charcoal-grilled chicken dish! Seriously, the teacher always likes to drink..."

With a smile on her face, Jingyin started her daily rant again. For the girl, this kind of life is happy and fulfilling.

...

Returning home late at night, Furukawa Shu sat cross-legged on an exquisite futon. When he opened his eyes, he subconsciously waved his arm.

He still couldn't sense any natural energy, but this time Furukawa Osamu roughly figured out a few things:

"I can't 'cultivate immortality,' but after accumulating Sage Chakra, my body is slowly changing, and my power is increasing."

"Herbal herbs are merely carriers of 'essence,' with additional effects stimulating physical activation."

"..."

Back at his desk, Osamu Furukawa routinely summarized in his notebook.

Mastering the Hundred Healings Seal is not a problem, but Furukawa Osamu is worried that even if he succeeds, he will still be unable to sense natural energy.

"Water Release: Water Severing Wave".

"Earth Release: Earth Release."

"Earth Release: Earth Splitting Palm".

Ninjutsu is a valuable resource, and it's clear that Orochimaru and Jiraiya took Tsunade's advice, which is why they specifically sent out offensive ninjutsu.

Furukawa Osamu had practiced diligently, but these techniques were quite taxing. Compared to the techniques themselves, he preferred the experience shared in the scrolls:

"The Second Hokage's Water Release technique? Orochimaru seems to highly regard it."

-

In mid-June, the village became exceptionally lively as ninjas from the five major nations and the small ninja village arrived one after another.

Upon seeing the bustling Konoha, Baki from Sunagakure frowned. The Jonin leading the team noticed the change in his members' emotions and whispered a reminder:

"Don't let your emotions show on your faces. The members of the Konoha Guard are watching us."

"..."

Eleven-year-old Maki is considered a genius in the village. After graduating early, he has already gained the attention of the higher-ups, and his way of thinking has also deviated from that of ordinary genin.

Why is the Land of Fire allowed to enjoy the most fertile land?

"Why do the Konoha ninjas, who live such good lives, still have to compete with us for missions?"

After checking in, the group had just returned to their room when they heard Maki's whisper. The team leader, a Jonin, seeing the resentful looks in the three men's eyes, remained silent for a moment before speaking in a low voice:

"Because we lost the war."

Hearing these words, the three genin became even angrier, and at the same time, they felt a strong desire to teach the Konoha ninja a lesson in the competition.

...

The first part of the Chunin Joint Exams was a written test. After a few days of rest, the genin buried themselves in writing as soon as they arrived at the exam hall.

When the exam started, Furukawa Osamu sensed the change in chakra in the classroom. Clearly, cheating was allowed in the written exam, as long as one didn't get caught.

Less than 20 minutes later, while Maki was still passing answers to his teammates, he suddenly noticed that the Konoha ninja in front of him had stopped writing and was resting his chin on his hand, waiting for the exam to end.

"Have you given up?"

Maki quickly dismissed the thought, realizing that someone so young participating in the Chunin Exams was definitely not an ordinary ninja!

Everyone used their best tricks to cheat, but some people were still caught and asked to leave the classroom.

"Exam over!"

The Konoha Jonin at the forefront announced loudly, and seeing someone about to ask a question, immediately added:

"The written test is now over. Those who remain here should immediately proceed to the venue for the second test! The results of the written test will be announced at the end of the second test."

A genin from Kusagakure immediately raised his hand, and after receiving permission from the examiner, hurriedly asked:

"If I pass the second stage of the exam, but have problems with the written test score, can I still take the third stage?"

"Of course not!"

"How could this happen..."

Hearing the complaints, the Konoha Jonin didn't offer much explanation, but instead loudly and forcefully reminded him:

"Quiet! These are the standards for Konoha ninja selection; you have no right to question them!"

"..."