Chapter 203: The Real World
The Konoha Joint Chunin Exams.
The official launch had begun.
Groups of outsiders from different villages started pouring through Konoha's main gates in succession. Every single one of them had to pass under the watchful gaze of Tonbo Tobitake.
Ninjas from the Hidden Sand, Hidden Sound, Hidden Grass, Hidden Rain, and various other minor villages arrived. It was far more diverse than what was shown in the original anime. There were villages Tonbo had barely heard of, like the Hidden Smoke or the Hidden Roast.
Apparently, the Hidden Roast was a small ninja village located near the Land of Fire. It didn't belong to the Land of Fire, nor any other major nation. It was a village that specialized in using Fire Style for barbecuing. According to them, they were traveling through various nations to promote a new profession called the "Gourmet Ninja"—specialists dedicated to hunting and preparing rare ingredients.
They had essentially abandoned traditional ninja roles like assassination and espionage. Surprisingly, this niche philosophy allowed their village to thrive quite well, and Gourmet Ninjas were becoming a trend in small regions.
Much like the Nadeshiko Village he had encountered in the Land of Hot Springs, these were isolated communities. But according to Tonbo's observations, most of these tiny villages were just here to see the world; they had no delusions of grand displays of power. In a world dominated by the Five Great Nations, there wasn't much room for small-fry to flex.
Tonbo had looked into all participating villages. There were plenty of them using the exam as a platform to spread their unique ideologies—just as Nadeshiko Village only trained female ninjas and the Roast Village researched food. Many small villages had their own distinct philosophies.
"Eye-opening," Tonbo thought.
This was far richer than the original story. While the main plot remained similar, the "real world" was much more textured. These small villages each had a set of unique jutsu: Nadeshiko combined combat with dance, and the Roast Village's techniques were perfectly suited for culinary arts. Some even used gemstones to trigger secret techniques; it was all very eccentric.
"So this is Konoha? Doesn't look like much!"
While he was lost in thought, a group of youths wearing Hidden Sound headbands arrived, complaining about their surroundings behind a handsome leading figure.
"Dosu, the Land of Fire is the most resource-rich country in the world, but its level of development hasn't quite kept pace with the rest of the world," one of the girls, Kin Tsuchi, said with a tone of disdain.
"It's the pride of a Great Village, Kin," Dosu Phonic replied, his long sleeves nearly brushing the ground. "They think being big is enough and feel no need to learn from others. It's understandable. We'll show them that Sound is the strongest and make Lord Orochimaru proud."
Zaku Abumi added, "Hmph, Konoha is nothing special. Right, Captain Mizuchi?"
Their leader—the handsome young man—smiled. "Don't underestimate Konoha's shinobi. That will lead to a painful lesson." He then shifted his gaze toward the three men in the registration booth.
"Registration."
He walked up and handed over the credentials for the Hidden Sound Village of the Land of Rice Fields. Izumo Kamizuki took them, glanced at the man, frowned slightly, and completed the paperwork.
Dai Mizuchi... what a strange name. Well, he's from the Land of Rice Fields, so I guess the naming conventions are just different there, Izumo thought.
"Thank you," Mizuchi said politely. He then looked at Tonbo Tobitake. "So this is Konoha's Captain Tonbo? I've heard much about you."
How cautious. Using an elite of this level just to watch the gate? Or is Konoha's strength simply that abundant? "Mizuchi" sneered inwardly.
"Hmm, you have good taste. Could you be a fan of mine from the Land of Rice Fields?" Tonbo said, suppressed a laugh. "Tell you what, I'll give you an autograph. I'm not exactly a movie star, but my signature can be worth money. Since you're a fan, I'll give you a discount."
Tonbo was genuinely impressed. The "Orochi-style" Transformation Jutsu was incredible. If he didn't already know the Hidden Sound was Orochimaru's creation, and that the name "Mizuchi" (a hornless dragon/serpent) was a dead giveaway for a limbless reptile, he might have doubted the connection. The transformation was so perfect it even bypassed his passive sensory detection; Orochimaru's chakra signature was completely different from their previous encounter.
"..."
Orochimaru was speechless, though he found it amusing. This man's personality was not very "ninja-like" at this moment. To avoid trouble, he actually pulled out a book and handed it over for a signature. "I didn't expect to meet you here, so this will have to do."
Behind him, the Sound ninjas were confused. What's with Captain Mizuchi? Why is he fanboying over a Konoha guy? Dosu and the other elites frowned, unable to comprehend the situation. Dosu suspected something was off but kept his mouth shut.
"Icha Icha Paradise? And it's the Super Collector's Edition?" Tonbo blurted out in surprise.
"What?"
Kotetsu and Izumo dropped their pens and leaned in immediately.
"It's real! You actually have the Super Collector's Edition? There are only ten of these in the whole world!"
"Indeed. It's signed by Master Jiraiya himself," Mizuchi noted.
The two guards were green with envy. As adults, they certainly read this best-selling series. They weren't as obsessed as Kakashi, but they were definitely fans.
"It was a lucky find. A very important friend gave it to me, so I'm afraid I can't part with it," Orochimaru said.
"Good eye! Ranking me on the same level as Master Jiraiya—I like it. I hope your village produces a few solid core members this time," Tonbo said, scribbling his name across the book with a flourish.
"Thank you," Orochimaru replied. Once his team finished registering, he led them toward the hotel Konoha had assigned.
Watching the Sound ninjas depart, Kotetsu sighed. "Dammit! Why don't I have a friend like that to give me a Super Collector's Edition? Izumo, you're a letdown! Why don't you have one?"
"...Kotetsu, why don't you have one? If you had it, it would be the same as me having it! As my best friend, you're the one who failed me!" Izumo retorted.
Meanwhile, Tonbo was laughing internally. I just gave Orochimaru an autograph. That feels way better than actually fighting him. I wonder what his face will look like when he finds out.
Still, the Sound Village brought a lot of people—twelve participants just for the exam. The Sannin were truly the best teachers in the shinobi world; their educational output was top-tier.
As for Tonbo... he looked at his own record. Besides Kiba Inuzuka and Togetake Tetusen, he hadn't produced much. He truly felt outclassed in that department.
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