Chapter 83: A Comprehensive Exam, Gaining Reputation
Uchiha Tonan's shadow clone strode confidently to the main seat in the hall and settled down. Taking a slow sip of tea, he announced with measured authority, "The time limit for this exam is two hours. When the time is up, I will choose only one among you all. I am not a specialist in this area, so my final judgment may not be flawless. I only hope those not selected won't be discouraged."
After laying down the rules, the shadow clone exchanged a brief glance with Yoshiwara Ao. Ao caught the signal and began distributing the exam scrolls among the candidates. When most laid eyes on the contents of the test, their expressions quickly twisted into shock and disbelief.
How was this suitable for a mere teaching position at an orphanage? Those who could answer every question correctly would more than qualify to be tutors for the Lord's own heirs.
The exam was all-encompassing, spanning the entire spectrum of knowledge—from the intricacies of national strategy and governance to craftsmanship, and even survival techniques for the wilderness. The questions covered every conceivable field.
Without a deep and broad well of knowledge, few beyond the first few questions could even attempt an answer.
Yet shock gave way to resolve. Each candidate raised their brush, determined to at least try. Maybe they'd guess right. Maybe their answers would surpass others'. With such flickers of hope, they diligently set pen to paper.
The first question was the simplest: write a brief autobiography, highlighting your strengths and skills. Most answered honestly—they could read and write, manage people's livelihoods, or had studied commerce and trade.
But Abe Seimei Tonan's lips curled in a faint smile as he penned his reply:
I began learning to read and write at the age of three and started studying the wisdom of the sages at seven. At ten, I lived among townsfolk, tempering my spirit through twenty years of mortal life. At thirty-seven, I returned to my homeland and secluded myself in Dan Tengai.
There, rivers and streams were my companions, birds and beasts my neighbors. I devoted myself to understanding the world. After forty years in Dan Tengai, I mastered one technique, two strategies, and six arts.
One Technique: The Emperor's Heart Technique. It governs civil and military affairs, discerns loyalty and treachery in men's hearts, and excels at recruiting capable talents.
Two Strategies: The first, the Sweep Over Strategy, turns one nation's spear against another's shield, sowing chaos from which one may reap the spoils. The second, the Peaceful Strategy, wins the willing submission of common folk, eventually bringing an entire country under gentle control.
Mastery of these grants the poor dominion over a region and the wealthy command over the world.
Six Arts: Rites, Hunting, Commerce, Farming, Literacy, and Arithmetic. Those versed in all six become ministers within the palace, elevated and revered by society.
Finishing his introduction, Abe Seimei Tonan smoothly transitioned to answering the rest of the questions. While others furrowed brows and hesitated, his brush danced confidently across the scroll, never pausing.
The candidates seated nearby stared in disbelief. It wasn't that Tonan's knowledge shattered all bounds—it was that questions deemed nearly impossible by others were, for him, second nature.
Half an hour later, Tonan gently set down his brush without glancing over his answers. He simply closed his eyes and sat still.
The shadow clone, seated at the head of the hall, feigned casual observation. His gaze fixed sharply on Tonan. "Old man, why do you sit idle? Are the questions too difficult?"
Without opening his eyes, Tonan stroked his beard and replied coolly, "These are questions fit for children. How can they require so much time?"
The shadow clone frowned, displeased. "Old man, don't be arrogant. These questions span many disciplines and are truly comprehensive. Even the one who devised them might not know all the answers. Look around—many haven't yet reached the second section."
Tonan cracked open one eye and glanced at the anxious candidates. Then he closed his eyes again and shook his head with quiet confidence. "I won't claim to score a perfect hundred, but a ninety is easily within reach."
His boldness and arrogance drew laughter from the crowd. Scholars have always been quick to scorn rivals, and to dismiss such a demanding test as child's play was pure folly in their eyes.
Several candidates snorted in silent disdain. But Tonan remained unmoved, calm and collected with closed eyes, completely ignoring the stares.
The shadow clone could no longer tolerate the disrespect. Rising with a grim expression, he strode over, seized Tonan's test scroll, and began to scan it.
The onlookers dared to hope the North City Guard captain would put the old man in his place. But, to their shock, the captain trembled violently and nearly collapsed. He steadied himself by placing both hands on the table, barely able to remain upright.
Ao hurried to support the shaking shadow clone. All eyes fixed on the scene.
Cold sweat dripped down the captain's forehead, his lips quivered uncontrollably—as if he had just witnessed a revelation beyond belief.
"Impossible… impossible…"
Just when everyone suspected something had happened to the captain, the shadow clone turned to look at Abe Seimei Tonan—the real Tonan in disguise—with a mixture of awe and shock.
The exam candidates expected Tonan to rebuke the captain for being so easily overwhelmed by a test meant for children. Instead, the captain collapsed to his knees, bowing deeply before Tonan.
"Elder," he said with utmost reverence, "Your talent commands heaven and earth alike. Please accept my humble bow as a sign of deepest respect."
In stunned silence, Abe Seimei Tonan opened his eyes and spoke calmly, "My lord, such honor is undeserved. I have only traveled here to earn my keep."
The shadow clone rose and directed Ao, "Prepare a banquet at once for this esteemed elder." Then, stepping forward, he helped Tonan to his feet with care. "Please, Elder, let us retire to my study where you may rest."
After assisting Tonan, the shadow clone addressed the hall. "Everyone, I apologize, but this concludes the examination."
Curious beyond measure, one candidate finally spoke, "My lord, might we see this elder's answers? We seek to accept our defeat without regrets."
Their intentions were sincere. Tonan's reputation had grown ever since his crackdown on the human trafficking rings. Yet pride gnawed at their hearts—they could not accept being bested without proof.
The shadow clone hesitated, then shook his head firmly. "I'm sorry. The words of the sages are not to be revealed lightly. You must return."
Disappointed murmurs filled the room. The candidates exchanged glances, frustrated yet forced to accept the refusal.
Some took their incomplete test scrolls, determined to ponder the questions in private. Predictably, the test questions soon spread throughout the capital, and the tale of the exam day at the North City Guard residence became legend.
Rumors flourished. Some even used unusual channels to gather information about Seimei. Fire Capital's scholars buzzed with discussions about the mysterious sage who had appeared out of nowhere.
Most officials in the Fire Capital were bureaucrats—men of letters—and gradually these rumors reached their ears. At first, many doubted such a man existed. But after glimpsing the exam's staggering breadth, they too became intrigued.
There is truth to the saying: no renowned scholar is ever a fraud.
The more people whispered of Seimei, the more officials grew curious. Some ventured to the North City Guard Residence, hoping to meet this so-called heaven-defying sage.
Yet, no matter their rank, all were turned away by attendants acting on Tonan's orders.
"Seimei-sama is not receiving visitors at present. Your Excellency, we kindly request you return."
"But did you inform him I am the Minister of Internal Affairs?"
"Yes, Your Excellency. But Seimei-sama wishes only to study peacefully and mentor the young."
"In that case, could you ask Tonan-sama to show me Abe Seimei's exam answers?"
"Apologies, Your Excellency. Tonan-sama insists that the words of the sages must never be lightly shared. In the wrong hands, they could destabilize the Land of Fire itself."
The more the attendants explained, the more mystique surrounded Seimei's figure. The Internal Affairs Minister was no exception, growing ever more eager.
Rejected time and again, he could do nothing but sigh deeply and leave, dejected.
Outside the North City Guard Residence, passersby noticed and gathered, whispering with growing interest.
"Seimei-sama must be truly remarkable. That's the twelfth high-ranking official to visit."
"I heard he finished the entire exam before others had even reached the first few questions."
"And he said the test was for children."
"I've seen the questions. Honestly, apart from the self-intro section, I couldn't answer a single one."
As night cloaked the Fire Capital in light, Tonan—now in his Abe Seimei guise—stood at the attic window of the Guard Residence, hands folded behind his back.
His weathered face bore deep wrinkles, but his eyes were black abysses, bottomless and unreadable.
He turned his gaze slowly toward the Daimyo Residence at the city's heart.
"The line is long enough… How much longer before you are ensnared?"