After Obito's injuries completely healed, he began training with full effort, doing nothing but training except for eating and sleeping each day.
He was somewhat provoked by Might Guy.
When Might Guy forcibly opened the Sixth Gate and then entered the Breath of Rock Chakra Mode, the aura from Might Guy alone let Obito know that the gap between them had grown even wider.
Although this was a method Might Guy was forced to use when pushed to the extreme, Obito was well aware that with Might Guy's diligence, he would soon turn this extreme burst method into his regular strength, usually within just a few months.
Obito felt that even if he could make a breakthrough in those months, he would likely still be unable to reach the strength of Might Guy's Sixth Gate combined with the Breath of Rock Chakra Mode.
Opening the Six Gates of the Eight Gates could already greatly enhance one's power, and adding the Breath of Rock Chakra Mode, which could also significantly improve the body, together made Might Guy's physique terrifyingly inhuman.
So Obito worked even harder; he didn't want to be left too far behind, at least to defeat Kakashi in an internal battle.
As for Might Guy, Obito decided to let him hold the strongest disciple title for a year, and who would be stronger or weaker after a year was yet to be determined.
Obito's self-imposed hellish training was soon forcibly halted, as Kakashi's injuries also fully recovered, and they had to undergo the Jonin examination together.
This caught Obito a bit off guard; he thought they would wait for Might Guy to recover, and then all three would take the examination together.
After being taken to the designated training ground by the examiners, Obito scanned around and noticed that besides him and Kakashi, there were two other ninjas being evaluated.
Obito didn't recognize the two, but through the white eyes of one of the ninjas, Obito could tell he was a ninja from the Hyuga Clan.
It wasn't just the ninjas being evaluated; Obito also spotted that one of the examiners was actually a ninja from the Hyuga Clan.
"Every official Konoha Jonin embodies both strength and wisdom. The Jonin examination has two main evaluation points: one is the level of proficiency in Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu, and the other is theoretical knowledge. In the morning, we'll evaluate Ninjutsu and Taijutsu; in the afternoon, we'll evaluate theoretical knowledge," Hyuga Hiashi calmly outlined the general arrangement of the examination.
He was the combat examiner for this Jonin examination, responsible for evaluating the Chunin's use of Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu in combat.
However, Hyuga Hiashi only had the authority to score and evaluate; he couldn't decide who would ultimately become a Jonin.
Nominally, only one person in Konoha had the qualification to appoint Jonin, which was the Hokage.
Even a Special Jonin must be promoted with the Hokage's signature and seal.
"What, becoming a Jonin actually requires a theoretical exam? Don't tell me there's a written test," Obito's expression turned sour.
He thought that becoming a Jonin only required sufficient strength; he didn't expect there to be a theoretical exam as well.
"That's right, it will be assessed in the form of a written test," Hyuga Hiashi nodded slightly.
Although he was responsible for the practical part, he was aware that the theoretical part involved a written test.
Obito's heart sank completely; he couldn't help but glance at the few ninjas beside him, only to find that they were all very calm, showing no emotions.
"Even if the questions are a bit difficult and I can't solve them, I can still use the Sharingan to copy," Obito, infected by their calmness, also became calm.
After all, if he couldn't solve them, he could still copy others; he could directly use the Sharingan to replicate others' actions by then.
"The evaluation of Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu will be conducted in a simulated combat format. You can use any means at your disposal to attack the examiner, trying to employ various techniques of Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu without compromising your combat capability. This will result in a higher final assessment," Hyuga Hiashi explained the scoring rules of the examination.
Konoha places a high value on the comprehensive strength of their Jonin. Mastering multiple Chakra Nature Transformations is a significant bonus in the Jonin examination, and balanced development of Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu is also a major plus.
Conversely, if you are too specialized, even if you perform well in combat with the examiners, you might still not become a Jonin.
Of course, there are exceptions to everything.
For example, ninja from families like the Hyuga Clan, who have a unique bloodline limit, can ignore most of the above rules; they only need to perform well in combat to pass the practical part.
After all, expecting the Hyuga Clan to develop Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu fully is nearly impossible, neglecting their thousand-year traditions and the Taijutsu that pairs with their bloodline limits to train in Ninjutsu.
"Next, those whose names I call will step forward and prepare for the examination. The total battle time is fifteen minutes, and losing combat capability before the time is up will result in a score deduction," said the Konoha Jonin serving as the referee.
"Hyuga Aoba."
Upon hearing his name, Hyuga Aoba swiftly walked to the designated battle location, respectfully greeting Hyuga Hiashi, "Clan Leader, sir."
Hyuga Hiashi nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
He was not unfamiliar with Hyuga Aoba, a branch member ninja with excellent talent and a high purity Byakugan.
"Begin the battle!"
Hyuga Aoba immediately activated his ocular Chakra to open the Byakugan, with veins bulging around his eyes under the Chakra's effect.
Following this, Hyuga Aoba concentrated Chakra in his feet and fists, charging toward Hyuga Hiashi.
By then, Hyuga Hiashi had also activated his Byakugan, engaging in a Gentle Fist match with the oncoming Hyuga Aoba.
"Gentle Fist is truly an insidious Taijutsu," Obito thought to himself as he observed.
Although the physical clash between Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Aoba didn't seem intense, like it didn't involve much strength, Obito knew being struck by Gentle Fist was no more pleasant than being hit by Might Guy's fists.