The arena fell silent for a moment before Asuma Sarutobi's devastated voice cut through it.
"Are we in the Chunin Exams?"
Shizune hesitated. "Should be."
"We won!" Kurenai Yuhi jumped to her feet, practically vibrating with excitement—you'd think she was the one who'd just defeated Might Guy. "The two of them are simply monsters!"
Uchiha Shisui couldn't help but exclaim, his eyes wide. He found himself wondering what would happen if he faced Might Guy after opening five gates. Genjutsu would be useless. Physical and ninjutsu defense wouldn't hold. He'd probably lose badly.
His only real chance would be to trap Guy in an illusion before he could activate the Eight Gates.
But Hanekawa? Shisui shook his head. He had no answer for that. His strength lay in genjutsu, and Hanekawa was equally skilled in that department.
Kakashi Hatake felt a subtle shift in his chest—something between relief and unease. He found himself genuinely grateful that Guy hadn't used the Eight Gates during their sparring matches. The fact that Hanekawa could defeat him using only physical techniques was... well, it was incredible.
Kakashi had watched the entire fight. Hanekawa hadn't relied on ninjutsu at all. Even his Chidori-Ryu was deployed defensively, purely to enhance his physical defense.
Really... amazing...
Rin Nohara stared at the arena, her thoughts scattered. The battle had shaken her more than she wanted to admit. Both of them were Genin, just like her, yet they operated on a completely different level—one she couldn't even comprehend.
Obito's expression had turned ugly. His aura flickered with barely contained despair.
On one hand, Rin's attention had shifted entirely to Hanekawa. On the other hand, Hanekawa had left him so far behind that the distance felt insurmountable. Could even a Three-Tomoe Sharingan bridge that gap? No matter how powerful the Sharingan was, it had limits. Even elite jonin had limits.
Ahhhhh!
Obito's chakra began to destabilize.
"Obito?" Rin noticed immediately, concern flickering across her face. "What's wrong? Is your old injury acting up?"
"I'm... I'm fine," Obito managed, forcing his breathing to steady. He couldn't let her see him like this.
The crowd's exclamations erupted around them. Ninjas and villagers alike buzzed with excitement—they'd just witnessed the birth of a new generation of geniuses. If nothing went wrong, Hanekawa and Guy would shape Konoha's future for decades to come.
---
On the observation platform, Minato Namikaze smiled. "Young people today are really something."
Sakumo Hatake nodded. "In a few years, I think they'll be running things."
"You're not old yet," Kushina Uzumaki teased. "Why do you sound ready to retire?"
"Not at all," Minato said. "They performed so well I can't find anything to criticize."
"They still have a long way to go," Tsunade said with a light cough, though the corner of her mouth was definitely twitching upward.
"You can smile if you want," Kushina said, catching it. "We won't judge."
"So-so," Tsunade waved a hand dismissively. "That last display of strength was only about half my level."
Kushina and Minato exchanged glances and laughed.
Tsunade's eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Hanekawa in the center of the arena. He hadn't used any of the ninjutsu she'd taught him, but that winning punch had been enough. Superhuman Strength was one of her signature techniques, after all.
Still, something nagged at her. When had his strength become that powerful?
She realized she didn't actually know much about him. Throughout this Chunin Exam, he'd revealed skill after skill, each one surprising her more than the last.
There's still a lot worth exploring about this kid, she thought.
---
Nearby, Jiraiya let out an exasperated laugh. "Is that still a Genin?"
When he'd graduated, things hadn't been nearly this ridiculous. He'd only become a jonin among jonins after accidentally stumbling into Myoboku Mountain.
"Truly remarkable," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, his smile widening. He thought of his own teacher, Tobirama Senju. During his time as Hokage, there had been many geniuses—enough to form the Second Hokage's guard squad. Hiruzen had been one of them.
This year's class had that same flavor. Hiruzen felt ambitious now. With talent like this, Konoha would reach new heights.
"Lord Hokage," Inoichi Yamanaka approached, scroll in hand. "The rankings for this Chunin Exam."
"Take the top fifteen," Hiruzen said after a glance.
"Understood." Inoichi knew exactly what that meant. The top fifteen would be promoted to Chunin. The rest would have to try again next time.
"Check on Guy's condition before we announce the new Chunin roster," Hiruzen added. "And make sure he's alright."
He was genuinely concerned about Might Guy. Everyone could see his potential. If he successfully mastered the Eight Gates, he'd become an elite jonin without question. The only problem was his personality. Hiruzen usually preferred training geniuses in the ANBU, but Might Guy...
Better not to subject the ANBU to that.
---
Hanekawa crouched in front of Guy, channeling the Mystical Palm Technique. The Eight Gates technique had brutal side effects—Guy's body had taken considerable damage. But it was manageable. Guy was stronger than Rock Lee in that regard.
[D-Rank Talent Entry: No Regrets in Youth - Effect Upgraded]
[Physical Skills Talent increased by 100% from original baseline]
The system notification appeared, and Hanekawa wasn't surprised. He'd expected it. What he was really looking forward to was the B-Rank entry: Strongest Chunin.
"How is he?" Inoichi asked, walking up.
"Nothing serious," Hanekawa said, withdrawing his hands. "Just needs rest."
"Good." Inoichi turned to the crowd and shouted, "I now announce the ninja who have passed this Chunin Exam!"
Asuma, Rin, and the others hurried forward.
"First place: Hanekawa!"
The crowd erupted. The strong were always celebrated.
"Hanekawa, you're a celebrity now!" Asuma said, unable to hide his envy. This was exactly who he'd always wanted to be—someone who could amaze everyone and escape his father's shadow.
"Hanekawa's been famous for ages!" Kurenai said proudly, puffing out her chest.
Rin stared at him, her expression distant. Not only was he powerful—he was also...
Stop it, Rin.
"Second place: Might Guy!"
Inoichi paused for more than ten seconds. "It's unfortunate that Guy is unconscious..."
Before Asuma could finish his sympathetic comment, Might Duy appeared, sobbing uncontrollably.
Asuma wisely decided to keep his mouth shut.
The names continued. Finally: "...The above fifteen Genin are now officially Chunin!"
Inoichi paused. "Now, please welcome the Hokage for closing remarks!"
Again? Hanekawa's mouth twitched slightly.
"Why is he so talkative?" Asuma muttered, annoyed.
Kakashi nodded reflexively before catching himself and returning to his expressionless mask.
Hanekawa opened his Ability System while Hiruzen began his speech. With the promotion, he'd gained a new entry.
[C-Rank Talent Entry: First Place in Chunin Exam]
[Trigger Condition: Achieve first place in Chunin Exam]
[Effect: Comprehension increased by 100% from original baseline]
Comprehension. That meant faster learning of ninjutsu. Useful.
But the real prize was the B-Rank entry. Hanekawa selected synthesis.
[B-Rank Talent Entry: Strongest Chunin]
[Trigger Conditions: C-Rank "First Place in Chunin Exam" + C-Rank "Perception Chunin" + C-Rank "Five Styles Chunin"]
[Effect: Chakra refining speed increased by 150%. Chakra capacity increased by 100% from original baseline]
[Note: Can be synthesized with B-Rank "Seven Attributes Special Jonin" and B-Rank "Perception Special Jonin" to create A-Rank "Almighty Jonin"]
An upgrade to his previous "Genius Genin" entry. Simple, effective, and extremely useful. The chakra capacity increase alone was significant.
The synthesis path was ridiculous though. "Seven Attributes Special Jonin" meant mastering all seven chakra natures—Lightning, Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Yin, and Yang. He only had Lightning Style Special Jonin so far. Four more to go.
Well, I'm young. I can grind it out.
"...And so concludes this Chunin Exam!" Hiruzen finally finished his hour-long speech.
"Hanekawa should treat us!" Asuma announced immediately. "Even if I can't beat you in a fight, I can still beat you at eating!"
"No problem," Hanekawa said with a smile. "What do you want?"
"Barbecue, obviously!"
"Sure. But let's wait until Guy wakes up. Everyone's exhausted anyway—go get some rest."
After the others dispersed, Obito walked through the streets in a daze, his mind churning with dark thoughts.
Then a familiar voice called out: "Obito? You look troubled, dear. Would you like to talk to grandma about it?"