It became clear that as long as a companion didn't die, ninjas didn't feel much about the deaths of enemies. Training in the ninja academy had already prepared them for this—essentially brainwashing them into a mindset of dutiful sacrifice. Children whose moral compass was not yet mature were easily influenced.
"Let's go. We'll head to the tall tower."
Kiyoshi glanced at the sky—it was already afternoon. By the time they reached the tower, it would likely be evening. Many ninjas who had their scrolls taken would still linger there, giving Kiyoshi a perfect opportunity to sell them.
Before leaving, Kiyoshi opened the entry panel and confirmed the upgrade path below.
[Entry: Burning Heart (Green)]
[Requirement: Meet minimum physical conditions.]
[Progress: Completed]
[Effect: Your heart burns like fire, deepening your understanding and affinity with flames. Efficiency of Fire Release jutsu increases by 20%.]
[Note: Can be further upgraded.]
Kiyoshi felt a warm rush through his chest, his heart beating fast before settling back to calm.
The three traveled together, separating from the Hyuga squad. Hinata Natsu watched Kiyoshi's departing back and regained composure before following. Hinata Hinoto sighed, envying Kiyoshi's immense strength. If only he were so powerful, he wouldn't need to display humiliation to others.
Hinata Tetsu ran to Natsu's side to ask if she had been scared. Meanwhile, Tomei Mei and the others began devising plans to gather new scrolls. Everyone's actions were now affected—and all because of Kiyoshi.
Two and a half days later, the final deadline arrived.
Kiyoshi blocked the doorway, carrying bags filled with scrolls.
"All right, who wants to buy these scrolls? Five thousand ryo each."
The surrounding ninjas gawked in shock.
Wait—these could even be sold? Normally, any ninja would destroy scrolls they obtained. They didn't want to create additional competitors. Fewer survivors in the second round meant greater chances in the third.
"I-I'll buy!"
"Me… I want some too!"
"I'll take five. Here's the money…"
A crowd formed around Kiyoshi, purchasing scrolls. Some even considered buying extra to reduce competitors further. Kiyoshi didn't object—money was money.
Yuuhi and Asuma Sarutobi waited nearby. Asuma shook his head in disbelief—this was unprecedented.
"All right, let's go inside."
After selling all the scrolls, Kiyoshi counted the money and stuffed it into his tattered bag. The total? 120,000 ryo. Twenty-four scrolls sold. That was equivalent to several C-rank missions, enough for Kiyoshi to buy a sizable batch of explosive tags.
Soon, the exam supervisors announced the passing ninjas, along with notes and arrangements for the third round.
...
At noon, in the Hokage building, the results of the second exam were fully submitted to Sarutobi Hiruzen and the Konoha high council.
"Why did so many pass this year?" Konohamaru asked in surprise.
The report listing the passing ninjas was absurd. 81 ninjas participated in this Chunin exam, divided into 27 squads. With the number of scrolls set, only half of the squads could pass. Normally, only a dozen or so would succeed. This time, more than thirty passed!
"The reason? Uchiha Kiyoshi."
Minato Namikaze, one of the chief examiners, explained.
"Kiyoshi?"
Mito Hinoto didn't understand. Sitting as the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi put down the report and looked to Minato for explanation.
"Lord Hinoto, Kiyoshi collected a huge number of scrolls and sold them all. On the final day, he even descended from the tower to notify those without scrolls that they had failed. From the window, he could see the selling. Based on the cash thickness, he likely made over 100,000 ryo."
"Ha! Such a thing exists?" Jiraiya laughed, having never witnessed it himself. Kiyoshi didn't act like a typical Uchiha; he reminded Jiraiya of the cheerful, open-handed members of the Senju clan.
"Oho, his actions are always unpredictable," said Orochimaru in his unique raspy voice.
"Hmph. A money-grabbing Uchiha—typical," disagreed Danzo Shimura, always contrarian. "He's desecrating the ninja exams!"
"Danzo, Kiyoshi actually reduced casualties and gave more people a chance to advance, didn't he?" Hiruzen exhaled smoke, tapping ash from his pipe. Perspective matters. Assigning Kiyoshi to Asuma's squad might have been a brilliant move.
"Daytime, your weakness will be your downfall someday," Danzo huffed, picking up the report. Many ninjas had shown promise—they were seeds of the future.
"Send these few to the Root. I will train them," Danzo instructed.
"Understood," Hiruzen said, agreeing. Originally, Danzo wanted Kiyoshi in Root, but Hiruzen refused. Now it was just ordinary ninjas—no big deal.
"Thank you for your hard work, Minato. You can rest for a month now," Hiruzen added. The third round would begin in one month. Many spectators, including the Fire Country's Daimyo, would attend.
This was a perfect opportunity to display Konoha's strength—stronger nations would offer more missions, weaker nations fewer. It also sent a diplomatic message: Konoha's new generation was formidable.
"Yes, Third Hokage." Minato nodded. Perfect timing to refine the new jutsu. He already had a clear understanding of how it would operate and could soon deploy it.
(End of Chapter)