Overdrafting the Future, Starting in Naruto

Chapter 42: The Chunin Exams

Genichi didn't know why Tsunade was no longer leaving, nor did he want to investigate it deeply. It wasn't something he could investigate anyway. But for him, this development was undoubtedly beneficial. Whether it was because of his relationship with Shizune or because Tsunade herself had come to appreciate him, it didn't matter. As long as he could learn things from Tsunade and even get access to Konoha's resources through her, that was good enough.

As for everything else, it wasn't important.

Without disturbing Tsunade's work, Genichi pulled Shizune out of the hospital. "Is Lady Tsunade not leaving Konoha anymore?"

Shizune gasped in surprise. "You... how did you know?"

She had been heartbroken when she first learned Tsunade was going to leave Konoha and had wanted to tell Genichi many times. But without Tsunade's permission, she couldn't say anything and had been very conflicted. It wasn't until a few days ago that Tsunade told her she wasn't leaving. She had been so happy then.

She hadn't expected Genichi to expose this secret with a single sentence. For a moment, Shizune felt a little nervous, though she didn't know why.

Genichi looked at the nervous Shizune, smiled, and reached out to pat her on the head. "Lady Tsunade's state of mind wasn't right before. She was very pessimistic, so I just guessed."

Shizune stammered a bit. "Um... you... you won't blame me for not telling you, will you?"

Genichi chuckled. "Of course not."

"Come on, I'll train with you."

Shizune nodded, her smile bright. "Okay!"

...

Two days passed in a flash. On July 12, Konoha Year 43, the Chunin Exams officially began.

Outside the Ninja Academy, when Genichi and Shizune arrived, they already saw Kakashi, with Rin Nohara beside him. Genichi and Shizune went up to greet them.

Before long, Uchiha Namiichi and his team also arrived. Kakashi's two teammates were also already chunin, but they were accompanying him to participate in the exams this time.

At nine in the morning, Genichi's group entered the examination hall.

This first written test was quite varied. There were simple multiple-choice questions, essay questions, and math problems. It was a diverse assortment, covering a very wide range of topics. And all of these questions were intricately linked to practical combat situations.

But for a top student like Genichi, who was well-versed in a wide range of subjects, it was no problem at all.

Half an hour later, Genichi put down his pen and handed in his paper. At almost the exact same time, Kakashi also finished. The two of them exchanged a smile and then walked out of the school gates together.

Shizune and Rin immediately ran up to them.

"How was it?" Shizune asked. Rin's large eyes were also fixed on Kakashi.

Genichi chuckled. "Don't worry, there's definitely no problem."

Kakashi also gave a cool nod.

Rin smiled. "I knew you two would definitely be fine."

Genichi smiled and invited them, "Come on, I'll treat you to dango. My family's shop recently launched a new product. I'd like you to try it and also do a little survey."

Everyone naturally agreed. And so, the group headed towards Genichi's house.

After they left, Uchiha Obito emerged from behind a tree. He had wanted to go out just now but was too embarrassed.

"I should just go train..." Obito sighed, then looked towards the Ninja Academy and clenched his fist with determination. "Next time, I will definitely pass the exam!"

Ever since Kakashi and Genichi had graduated early one after the other, he had also wanted to, but he had failed repeatedly. And most of the time, he failed at the first hurdle: the written test.

"Damn it, damn it, why do we have to have a written test..." Thinking of his past failures, Obito couldn't help but feel frustrated. If the exam was just about the Three Academy Jutsu, combat, and shuriken throwing, he would have absolutely no problem.

In the afternoon, Genichi and Shizune went to see the results of the first stage. Unsurprisingly, they had passed. Genichi also saw Kakashi's name.

The second stage, the team battle, was tomorrow, scheduled to start at 2 PM at Training Ground 29.

After checking the results, Genichi and Shizune went to the Konoha Hospital again. These past two days, Tsunade had been spending money like water, and the equipment needed for her new laboratory was arriving quickly. Genichi would occasionally go over to help and, at the same time, get to use the latest equipment.

Meanwhile.

At the Root headquarters, Danzō listened to his subordinate's report, his brow furrowed. Tsunade's sudden change gave him a bad feeling. The Tsunade from before had clearly seemed finished, but now she had suddenly recovered. And she had taken over the Konoha Hospital.

And that plan regarding bone marrow transplants... is she planning to restart the Hashirama Cell experiments? Danzō thought to himself, then immediately gave an order: "Monitor Tsunade's movements closely."

"Understood!" The Root ninja acknowledged the order and left.

But Danzō's brow remained tightly furrowed. Even if she did restart the Hashirama Cell experiments, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing for him. The key was Tsunade herself.

The Sannin of Konoha were undoubtedly the most qualified to take over from Hiruzen Sarutobi and become the Fourth Hokage. Their prestige was second only to Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo. But they had an advantage that Sakumo lacked: the absolute support of Hiruzen.

And among the Sannin, in terms of prestige, Tsunade was undoubtedly the highest. Because she was the granddaughter of the First and Second Hokage, the "Princess Tsunade" of the Land of Fire. Although the Senju clan was no more, the influence it left behind was deeply ingrained in the various ninja clans of Konoha. The backbone of the Senju clan had been decimated in the First Great Ninja War and the subsequent Hashirama Cell experiments. Neither Tsunade nor Nawaki bore the Senju surname anymore; this was a policy implemented by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.

But not all of the Senju clan had died out. In the past, many Senju women had married into other clans, integrating into the great lake of Konoha like water.

Danzō knew Hiruzen all too well. If he had to choose between the Sannin and Sakumo, he would undoubtedly choose the former. And if he had to choose among the Sannin, the first choice would undoubtedly be Tsunade. Second would be that wanderer, Jiraiya. Last would be Orochimaru, who was currently cooperating deeply with him.

Before, it had seemed that Tsunade was finished, spending her days drinking and gambling, more unreliable than even Jiraiya, who was always wandering outside the village. Among the Sannin, Orochimaru had become the only viable choice. At that time, Sakumo's threat had suddenly increased dramatically. That was why, a while back, Danzō had used some "small means" to try and damage Sakumo's reputation. Unfortunately, it had failed.

He hadn't expected that before he could make his next move, Tsunade's situation would change.

Although Hiruzen's retirement was, barring any accidents, at least ten years away, Danzō had to prepare in advance.

"Tsunade, White Fang..."

Danzō quickly made a decision. "I don't need to consider the White Fang anymore. With Tsunade in the picture, he won't have another chance."

"Tsunade, hmph." Danzō snorted, but his heart was filled with helplessness. He couldn't make a move against Tsunade.

"I hope the Wood Release experiment goes smoothly. That way, this old man will have another trump card in his hand."

With these thoughts, Danzō stood up to go and find Orochimaru. The more power the Hokage had, the less he had. He did not want his own power to be weakened after Hiruzen stepped down. Not only could it not be weakened, he had to strengthen it!

(End of Chapter)