Chapter 271 Me? The Winner's Reward?
The Land of Fire, Konoha.
Although Konoha was still shrouded in the clouds of war, this did not deter the high spirits of countless Konoha Ninja, Villagers, and even the dignitaries of the Land of Fire.
The long-awaited promotion assessment ceremony had finally arrived.
Because it involved the promotion of many Genin, Chunin, and even Elite Chunin.
Therefore, the scale of the arena was far more grand and magnificent than when Fujiwara Tetsuya participated in the Chunin Exams.
As for the rules of the competition...
According to Orochimaru's idea, he wanted to throw all the participating Genin, Chunin, and Elite Chunin, divided by strength, into the Forest of Death for a free-for-all.
Then, based on the set time limits and promotion ratios, the final candidates would be determined.
Strictly speaking, this method was indeed time-saving and labor-saving.
However, the only concern was that if this promotion assessment method were adopted, it would inevitably lead to casualties and even larger-scale conflicts.
If it had been before the war, with abundant troops, Hiruzen Sarutobi might have agreed to accommodate his disciple's idea.
But for Konoha, currently mired in the quagmire of war, every Ninja was an extremely valuable fighting force.
Even if they were to die, they should die on the battlefield against Sunagakure.
After a day of stalemate, Orochimaru finally yielded to Hiruzen Sarutobi's wrinkled face and accommodated the Konoha Higher-Ups' ideas.
In the early morning.
With half an hour left until the promotion assessment ceremony began, the stands around the arena were already packed with people.
Some Villagers who arrived later even had to squeeze into the aisles at the very back, craning their necks to watch the arena.
As the hands on the giant clock moved, countless fireworks bloomed in the sky amidst several huge roars.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Utatane Koharu, Homura Mitokado... The Konoha Higher-Ups, and the higher-ups of Shinobi Clan like Uchiha, Senju, Hyuga, etc., also ascended to the reserved stands at this moment.
"Hokage-sama..."
At that instant, a single voice gradually rose from the noisy arena.
It represented the recognition of Hiruzen Sarutobi's governance by countless Konoha Ninja, Villagers, and even the dignitaries of the Land of Fire.
"Hiruzen..."
Listening to the surging cheers, Danzo's eyes flickered, and his expression grew increasingly somber.
How long would it be until he could sit in the position of The Fourth Hokage and stand at the forefront, enjoying all this glory and adoration?
"Tetsuya-kun, it's our turn to go out..."
At the end of the passage below the stands.
Orochimaru watched everything with great interest.
It wasn't until the cheers in the arena subsided and Hiruzen Sarutobi was seated that he slowly straightened his body.
After scanning the Ninja behind him who were responsible for maintaining order in the arena, his gaze finally fell on Fujiwara Tetsuya.
"Orochimaru-senpai is joking, it's not 'us', it's 'you'."
"You are the host of this promotion assessment..."
"He's... he's out!"
"Look everyone, it's Lord Orochimaru, one of the Sannin... It's a pity Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya aren't here."
"Otherwise, with all three Sannin gathered, it would be a day I'd never forget in my life."
"Heh... Lord Orochimaru is good in every way, just a bit too cold."
"My goal today is Lord Mei Zhi Hang Tetsuya. Although he's a bit young, he'll grow up someday."
"Lord Tetsuya, I'm here!"
After Orochimaru, Fujiwara Tetsuya, and others entered the arena, nearly a thousand Genin and Chunin participating in the promotion exam also entered the arena in sequence.
Fortunately, the fighting arena had undergone several expansions and renovations in recent years.
Even with the large number of people, it didn't seem overly crowded.
However, no matter what, the atmosphere in the arena reached a true climax at this moment.
While Orochimaru announced the assessment rules, Fujiwara Tetsuya's attention was focused on the Ninja participating in the promotion assessment below.
Especially Torune Ryoui. After several months, he saw Torune Ryoui again in her tight battle suit, revealing her tall and graceful figure. Compared to Uchiha Mikoto, she was as evenly matched as ever.
"Cough ~ Tetsuya-kun?"
After Fujiwara Tetsuya's thoughts drifted for several minutes, Orochimaru seemed to notice Fujiwara Tetsuya's unusual state.
He chuckled softly and gently pushed Fujiwara Tetsuya forward two steps.
"Everyone! As a reward for the winners, all those who perform exceptionally well in the assessment will have the opportunity to challenge Tetsuya-kun."
"This is a rare opportunity... I hope you all will work hard."
"Wait... Orochimaru-senpai! What challenge me?"
"The process we discussed earlier, it didn't include this arrangement, did it?"
Looking at Orochimaru's smiling face, Fujiwara Tetsuya felt the veins on his forehead pop.
"Tetsuya-kun, don't rush to protest! Listen?"
"This is also their expectation. Simply put, consider it a punishment for your daydreaming just now."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... This is big news!"
"I never thought this promotion assessment would offer a chance to witness Mei Zhi Hang's battle. My hard journey from the capital wasn't in vain."
"That's right! Speaking of which, the last time we witnessed Lord Tetsuya's battle was five or six years ago."
...Compared to the excited audience, the Konoha Ninja in the center of the arena, participating in this promotion assessment, were also deeply stirred and found it difficult to calm down for a long time.
After Fujiwara Tetsuya fought with Hanzō and gained Hanzō's recognition, Fujiwara Tetsuya was almost deified among the new generation of Konoha.
Now, the opportunity to challenge a 'god', or even to bring a 'god' down from the altar, was undoubtedly extremely tempting for those new-generation Ninja with great ambitions.
"An opportunity to challenge him?"
"Fujiwara Tetsuya! This time, I will defeat you. The Kurama Clan will be completely revitalized in my hands."
Gazing at the slender figure not far away, Kurama Yobu clenched her fists tightly.
"Gulp~"
"Shikaku, this isn't what our intel said!"
"What do you say? Should we make an effort and try to regain some ground?"
In the middle of the line, Akimichi Choza was holding a large pile of snacks, constantly replenishing his body's energy.
After a pause, he looked at Nara Shikaku and Inoichi Yamanaka beside him.
"...Choza, when did you become so hot-blooded?"
"You, have you been brainwashed by those Old fellows in your Clan?"
"That kind of thing is too troublesome, and... even if the three of us teamed up?"
"Do you really think the three of us can defeat that monster?"
Facing Akimichi Choza's suggestion, Nara Shikaku dismissed it without a second thought.
After all, that kind of humiliating pleasure, once in a lifetime was enough.
If they were to be rubbed into the ground again, that would be a much bigger joke.
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