Inside the private room, the atmosphere was cheerful.
They all wore smiles. Despite being nearly the same age — only a year or two apart — most of them had barely interacted before the war broke out.
The great war that engulfed the entire Ninja World and beyond pushed these boys and girls into battle sooner than expected. Through the fires of war, they grew and forged deep bonds of friendship.
Among this group, Minato naturally appeared somewhat special, as everything he'd achieved so far didn't really seem like something a kid his age should have.
Exceptional people often end up isolated — but more often than not, it's just the genius themselves who act too full of themselves.
Of course, your companions may feel pressure from you because of your excellence, but such pressure often comes from certain individuals themselves.
To Minato, being exceptional was never something worth valuing in itself; everything he did was to protect the things he held dear. Though outstanding, he remained humble.
There was something about him — a kind of natural charisma — that made people instantly feel comfortable and ready to fight by his side.
...
"Cheers!"
A group of boys and girls around eleven or twelve years old gathered around the table, raising their glasses. Their glasses contained colorful soft drinks.
Minors weren't allowed to drink alcohol, and even the Barbecue Restaurant Owner wouldn't sell it to them.
After finishing their toast, everyone returned to their seats. Nawaki looked at the others with a smile and said, "We'll always be best friends. But... during the Chunin Exams in a few days, I won't hold back, so you'd better prepare yourselves."
"Nawaki Sempai, go ahead and come at us — we won't be easy to beat either," Mikoto replied with a light smile. Minato knew her gentle nature concealed a fierce pride that rivaled any boy's.
She wasn't bluffing when she said that. Nawaki ranked among the top of their generation, but since her recent awakening of the Sharingan, Mikoto definitely shouldn't be underestimated either.
Next to her, Kushina immediately reverted to her usual self, placing one foot up on her chair while clenching a fist and declaring full of fighting spirit, "Right! It's just a fight — so who's scared of whom anyway!"
Whenever she got worked up, her voice would trail off in a weird way.
Everyone looked stunned by her appearance.
Minato also cast a slightly surprised glance toward her and asked, "Kushina, are you participating in the Chunin Exams too?"
"Yeah, why?" Kushina countered with a question.
"No reason, no reason."
Minato responded. At first, he'd thought the Village Elders would've kept Kushina away from fights and missions altogether.
But now that Kushina could participate in the Chunin Exams, there was no doubt it had been permitted by the Third Hokage.
"You don't want me joining the Chunin Exams?" Seeing the odd expression on Minato's face, Kushina frowned slightly.
Minato quickly explained, "It's not like that. It's just because you never told me before, so..."
Not knowing what else to say, Minato could already feel sweat forming on his forehead under Kushina's gaze.
Luckily, Mikoto stepped in with a laugh and said, "This guy is naturally concerned about you, afraid you might get hurt. After all, everyone here is really strong."
Upon hearing this, Kushina suddenly jumped up as if stimulated and declared, "I'm not afraid at all! I will definitely become a Chunin!"
"Uh..." Even Mikoto felt slightly awkward, letting out an embarrassed chuckle.
Minato could only respond with a faint smile—he wasn't worried about Kushina's abilities at all.
Although he hadn't sparred with Kushina since returning to the village, through their interactions over the past few days, aside from ninja techniques, Minato had clearly noticed her fundamental skills had significantly improved compared to before.
Undoubtedly, Kushina was also a genius. Without any guidance and while performing guard duties daily, achieving such progress was no easy feat.
Most importantly, based on Minato's observations, compared to half a year ago, Kushina's chakra reserves had nearly doubled...
It wasn't surprising given how girls mature physically earlier than boys, and with Kushina still growing and carrying the bloodline traits of the Uzumaki clan, her chakra growth rate was especially impressive.
"Come to think of it, 'Lord' Minato doesn't have to take the exams anymore."
Beside Minato, Nawaki teased playfully. The former was already a Tokubetsu Jonin, and everyone else in the room remained temporary Chuunin trainees. By rank alone, it was only appropriate to refer to him this way.
The joke got everyone laughing—even Mikoto joined in the teasing.
Kushina didn't laugh along—instead, she silently steeled herself with quiet determination.
Minato couldn't help but twitch his mouth in frustration, not knowing how to reply.
"Peek!"
Noticing how flustered he was, a few of the girls couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"It seems you're not entirely without weaknesses after all," Nawaki laughed heartily.
Minato knew well his own personality, and he accepted it calmly. However, since Nawaki brought up the Chunin Exams, an idea popped into his mind.
He remembered something about the Senju clan—maybe Nawaki could offer some insight...
"Nawaki Sempai, since the Chunin Exams are coming up, how about we train together these days?" Minato suddenly suggested.
Hearing this, Nawaki was momentarily taken aback, but soon he grinned and replied, "Sure thing, count me in! Although I can't really match your level—I doubt it counts as sparring."
Everyone knew Minato had slain enemy Jonin on the battlefield. Among their age group, probably only Yan Uchiha could match him evenly.
"Great then—Training Ground Seven tomorrow morning." Minato smiled lightly as he spoke.
"Deal!" Nawaki immediately agreed.
Mentioning the Chunin Exams, expressions subtly shifted across the faces of everyone within the private room.
Everyone was secretly determined to prove themselves, as clearly no one wanted to end up failing.
Minato, however, knew that the Chunin Exams tested more than just strength alone.
This particular Chunin Exam was somewhat special from the start. Normally, these exams were participated in as a squad, but this time, it was set up for individual participants instead.
It was simply due to the special circumstances each village faced during wartime.
The joyful atmosphere was always short-lived; after the gathering, everyone quickly dispersed.
The teammates left in a rush, probably heading off for intensive training ahead of the Chunin Exams.
...
Minato escorted Kushina to her doorstep. They were still very young now, and the village elders certainly would not approve of them living together yet.
But he didn't really care. He believed it wouldn't be long before he proved himself. Then, under his protection, Kushina would be able to serve as a regular ninja and participate in various missions.
He'd always been this way — never backing down from a challenge.
As he watched Kushina's retreating figure, moonlight gently shone on her back, stretching her shadow long across the ground.
"I believe in your strength! You'll definitely make it through the Chunin Exam!" Suddenly, Minato called out.
Upon hearing his words, Kushina shivered slightly, then turned her pretty face sideways and smiled as she softly replied, "Yeah!"
Then, without looking back, she entered her home. Seeing her safely inside, Minato quietly walked away from there too.
...
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>