What he despised and envied the most were ninjas like the Uchiha clan, who could achieve success simply by relying on their kekkei genkai.
Why them?
Was it fair?
For this reason, Minazuki Yūki was always resentful, constantly struggling to hide these feelings.
Kiyoshi sensed Yūki's gaze upon him.
Perhaps due to having lived two lives, Kiyoshi's mental power was far stronger than that of an ordinary Uchiha.
His sensitivity to being watched was unusually keen.
Kiyoshi cast a casual glance at Yūki.
He knew Yūki wanted to suppress him, but with Sarutobi Asuma around, there was little he could do.
That was why he had discussed the Chūnin Exams with Sarutobi Asuma in advance, making sure the older ninja agreed.
If the young heir started things, Yūki wouldn't dare block this exam.
Sarutobi Asuma's father—the Third Hokage—was the perfect shield.
"Once the Ninja World War begins, I'll find a way to deal with him," Kiyoshi thought silently.
He was not the kind to repay kindness with kindness.
Kiyoshi believed in returning malice with malice.
After distributing the application forms to the three of them, Yūki left using Shunshin no Jutsu.
Kiyoshi watched the empty space ahead, withdrawing his gaze.
Shunshin no Jutsu was a D-rank support technique, allowing the user to move at high speed by channeling chakra. Its cost varied depending on distance and elevation.
Almost every Jōnin mastered this technique.
Even Naruto, after becoming Hokage, frequently used Shunshin no Jutsu.
"Seems like quite a few outsiders have arrived in the village recently."
Yūhi Kurenai carefully folded the application forms and spoke to Kiyoshi.
"That's normal. There'll probably be more to come," Kiyoshi replied.
A team always consisted of three members. Each village would send one or two teams, so the more villages there were, the more ninjas appeared.
Naturally, trouble was inevitable.
Naruto clashed with newcomers like Kankurō and Temari from Konoha, almost coming to blows.
During this period, the village's alert level would rise considerably.
Kiyoshi noticed many clan members in the Konoha Police Department busy at work.
He scanned the once bustling streets.
Vendors and shopkeepers would seize this chance to make a quick fortune.
Many veteran genin, stuck at the lower ranks for years, would also participate. Compared to ordinary people, these ninjas were more generous in spending.
The three of them walked along Konoha's streets, with Sarutobi Asuma making an effort to talk to Yūhi Kurenai.
Kurenai was preoccupied with thoughts of the Chūnin Exams.
Halfway along, Asuma ran into Sarutobi Biwako, who, following her orders, returned home.
It seemed she had some last-minute instructions for Asuma regarding the exam.
Kiyoshi paid no attention to Asuma leaving; he focused on the bustling crowd, gathering intelligence.
He needed to confirm which ninjas were participating this time, especially Yagura.
Kiyoshi was curious if Yagura would cause any incidents.
Fortunately, each village's ninja attire was distinctive, making intelligence gathering relatively easy.
For example, Konoha ninjas wore green vests with black pants.
Kumogakure operatives had one-shoulder battle uniforms, with the main arm free and covered with light cloth for agility.
Iwagakure outfits were similar but asymmetrical—one sleeve long, the other exposing the arm—facilitating their Earth Fist Techniques.
In short, each village customized uniforms based on geography and specialty, rather than following a standard template.
As Kiyoshi pondered, a soft, enchanting voice whispered by his ear:
"Where are you staying, little cutie from Konoha?"
He turned, and first caught sight of a snow-white figure.
Her skin was pale like lotus petals, wearing a light-colored ninja vest with a white belt. Most striking was the black chainmail under her short skirt, almost like fishnet stockings.
The chainmail hugged her long legs tightly, making the exposed skin appear even paler.
Terumi Mei.
Kiyoshi instantly recognized this alluring woman—the future Fifth Mizukage.
Yagura hadn't encountered the most beautiful backs, but he did meet Terumi Mei's long legs.
Girls matured quickly; Mei was now taller than many female ninjas Kiyoshi had seen.
Among appearing female ninjas, she was one of the tallest at 1.74 meters.
For context, Tsunade, Sakura, Kushina, Hinata, and Mikoto barely reached the 1.6-meter range. Only Yūhi Kurenai came close to 1.7 meters.
"The lodging is over there."
Kiyoshi pointed in a direction.
"Thank you."
Mei smiled, her voice clear with a hint of seduction.
Her reddish-brown wavy hair cascaded down her back, covering her left eye, leaving only a clear teal eye visible.
"You're welcome," Kiyoshi said.
Seeing her striking long legs, he paid no mind to the small courtesy.
After thanking him, Mei led her Kirigakure teammates away.
Kiyoshi turned to look at the backs of her companions.
Two stood out.
On the left, one with white hair carried a large ninja sword, with scrolls and a water flask at his waist.
The other was unusual, with tiny red eyebrows shaped like ovals.
Based on appearance, they belonged to the Hōzuki and Kaguya clans.
"The Kaguya clan hasn't yet burned bridges with Kirigakure," Kiyoshi noted.
He remembered the Kaguya were a combative clan; after an attack on Kirigakure, only Kimimaro survived.
Orochimaru then recruited him, implanting the Cursed Seal of Earth.
"Hey, Kiyoshi, what are you staring at?"
Yūhi puffed her cheeks.
Comparing heights, she realized she seemed shorter than the foreign female ninja.
Apparently, people from the Land of Lightning were naturally tall. Could Kiyoshi's taste be influenced by that?
"Jealous?" Kiyoshi teased.
"Of… of course not!"
Yūhi hurriedly denied, waving her small hands.
Yet her eyes avoided his gaze.
Kiyoshi's smile grew more playful. Waiting until her hands left faint afterimages, he finally said he was joking.
In nurturing, one had to boldly take the initiative.
At this age, girls with unclaimed hearts were easily swayed.
As for someone like Sarutobi Asuma, though seemingly tough, he was fundamentally honest.
His greatest vice was smoking—back when he and Hiruzen clashed over guarding the Daimyo as part of the Twelve Shinobi Guardians.
Of course, that was later.
For now, Asuma treated the goddess as sacred and untouchable.
He maintained his image, avoiding actions that might lose favor.
By the time he decided to pursue, Yūhi might already be in Kiyoshi's grasp.
Hesitation leads to defeat.
(End of Chapter)