The next week, Kazuku didn't run missions with Sarutobi or Sakumo.
He devoted himself to training.
Though the main exam judged performance, not victory…
"Not just Hashirama and Tobirama—the Kazekage, Tsuchikage, and Fire Country's daimyo will attend."
"For ninja villages in this new era, rebuilding from scratch, this is an unprecedented event."
"As Hashirama's grandson, Tobirama's hope, losing would make me want to smash my head into tofu."
Crucially, the Fire Country's daimyo had sway in Hokage appointments.
For Kazuku, aiming to replace Sarutobi as Third Hokage…
This exam was a prime chance to prove himself!
"To be Hokage, I need recognition."
"Strength is a key measure."
His main exam opponent was Sunagakure's super genius!
The future Third Kazekage!
Unlike Sarutobi, Danzo, or Sakumo…
The Third Kazekage had a bloodline limit, an innate gift.
Even without training, his Magnet Release could kill seasoned ninja.
His magnetic chakra made metallic tools not only harmless but his weapons.
Kazuku's next check-in was half a month away.
To improve before the main exam, he had to train hard.
No relying on check-in rewards.
But…
With Might Batsu's help…
Kazuku updated his stats.
[Host: Kazuku]
[Strength: 25]
[Speed: 21]
[Stamina: 28]
[Abilities: Hashirama Chakra lv1, Eight Gates lv6, Water Release: Water Wall lv10, Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet lv10, Water Release: Water Clone lv10, Water Release: Water Prison lv10.]
"My physical strength surpasses Danzo's."
"Morning Peacock is still taxing, but I can sustain the Gate of View."
Kazuku analyzed his capabilities.
The day before the exam, he rested fully.
Then…
The main exam arrived.
To optimize Kazuku's performance, Mokuma prepared breakfast early.
Protein, vitamins, hydration.
All accounted for.
Kazuku couldn't deny some excitement.
His opponent was the future Third Kazekage!
Finishing Mokuma's breakfast, Kazuku headed to the venue.
The arena, an open-air stadium for thousands, was ready.
Tobirama had planned this long ago.
Though not Naruto's era, it was a grand setup for now!
When Kazuku reached the arena's center, as directed, it was packed!
The main examiner was Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The prime viewing stand held three chairs.
On the left sat…
The Ninja God, First Hokage, Senju Hashirama!
Though ill, leaving village affairs to Tobirama, he remained the nominal Kage.
As host, he belonged here.
Tobirama, soon to be Second Hokage, stood behind him, arms crossed.
"Hahaha, long time no see!"
Spotting the Kazekage and Tsuchikage entering, Hashirama greeted them with a hearty laugh.
Elite genin from various villages, sparring without killing.
This was Hashirama's dream.
"The journey must've been tough! Thank you, Kazekage-sama, Tsuchikage-sama!"
To show gratitude, Hashirama stood and bowed.
"Big Brother!"
Tobirama, embarrassed, urged Hashirama to mind his image.
The stands were full—a Kage bowing looked bad.
"Did you forget what I said at the Five Kage Summit?" Tobirama sighed.
Hashirama didn't care, scratching his head with a grin. "Haha, I'm just too excited! This is the first time elite genin from all villages have come to Konohagakure for the chunin exam!"
Tobirama invited all Kages.
Though the Mizukage and Raikage didn't come, three Kages judging was historic.
Hashirama was deeply moved.
"The Hokage is as sincere as ever. No one, especially other Kages, will underestimate you," First Tsuchikage Ishigawa said.
At the first Five Kage Summit, he embraced Hashirama's ideals.
Hashirama's bow wasn't weakness.
It showed his bold, open nature.
A strong, exceptional ninja.
First Kazekage Retto of Sunagakure agreed.
"Tsuchikage-sama is right."
Retto and Ishigawa sat.
Notably, Tobirama wanted Hashirama in the center to highlight the host and Konohagakure's strength.
Hashirama, after thought, declined.
Other Kages traveled far to Konohagakure.
Why fuss over seating?
"Time to start the chunin exam."
As Retto and Ishigawa settled, Hashirama stepped to the stand's edge, overlooking the competitors.
His gaze swept the audience.
Before he spoke, the crowd erupted.
To Konohagakure's villagers, Hashirama was their most revered ninja.
"Thank you, honored guests, for gathering to attend Konohagakure's chunin exam!"
"Thank you, Kazekage-sama and Tsuchikage-sama, for coming to judge!"
"Now, the sixteen elite genin who passed preliminaries will compete in the main exam!"
"Please, enjoy!"
(End of Chapter)