At these words, the students present were all somewhat surprised.
Although they knew they would definitely have a match when they met, they didn't expect the true purpose was mutual improvement.
They had thought their teachers just wanted them to show off their strength and boast about their teaching abilities in front of their peers.
Surprised as they were, they quickly realized this was a good thing.
Previously, they had all learned ninjutsu from their own teachers and then practiced with their peers or teachers.
Although they could gain some experience regardless of their strength, it was always with the same person, so there were no novel changes.
But if they were to compete with students from other teachers, it would be different.
Their opponents would be unfamiliar, meaning they could gain experience fighting unknown adversaries, which would be extremely helpful for the joint Chunin Exam.
One must know that even within their own ninja village, they might not understand the techniques of others, let alone those from other ninja villages.
Hatake Sakumo, Hattori Heizo, Orochimaru, and others felt a surge of excitement at this moment, believing they would achieve significant improvement.
However, not everyone liked this idea.
"Ugh, this is even more troublesome than I imagined," Nara Shikaku, the student of Akimichi Torifu and the new heir of the Nara clan, said, sounding unenthusiastic.
Perhaps he wasn't trying to hide it, because Akimichi Torifu overheard his remark.
Akimichi Torifu immediately frowned and, with a stern expression, reprimanded, "Shikaku!"
"I'm sorry, Uncle Torifu," Yamanaka Kanato said hurriedly, pulling Nara Shikaku aside and whispering, "Shikaku, what are you saying? Uncle Torifu's peers are all here."
Indeed, for his student to display such a lack of motivation in front of Akimichi Torifu's peers was quite embarrassing.
Even though Akimichi Torifu had already told others about his student's disposition, he still felt his cheeks burning.
However, Fumori Masaki and the others were aware of the traditional Nara personality, so they merely smiled knowingly, treating it as a child's immaturity.
While Nara clan members were indeed lazy, that was only when they were young.
Once they matured and bore the heavy responsibilities of their clan, they would gradually display their intelligence and wisdom.
However, if they encountered dangerous enemies before maturing, they might suffer unforgettable regrets, just as Nara Shikamaru, due to his poor attitude and lack of focus in practice, first failed the mission to rescue Uchiha Sasuke and left his subordinates covered in wounds.
If it weren't for the Sand Hidden Village's reinforcements, the outcome might have been total annihilation.
Later, he was powerless to save his teacher, filled with deep regret.
Perhaps it was to temper the exceptional wisdom bestowed upon the Nara clan by heaven that they were given this lazy family tradition.
"Shikaku-kun, don't think of this as a troublesome matter," Fumori Masaki said.
"Although the rules for the Chunin Exam haven't been finalized, regardless of the regulations, only by possessing strength can you ensure your survival."
"Survival? Is it that serious? Isn't it just a promotion exam for chunin?" Jiraiya asked, puzzled.
Fumori Masaki glanced at the others, then addressed the young children, "I'll tell you directly.
You know the village places great importance on the Chunin Exam, but you don't know why, do you?"
"Hey, Masaki, you're not going to tell them, are you?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes widened slightly.
"I don't want to.
If I could, I'd hope children could have a happy childhood until they reach an appropriate age to be exposed to these things.
However, children living in the present cannot remain ignorant," Fumori Masaki said.
"Moreover, considering the purpose of the joint Chunin Exam, it's better to let them know sooner."
As Fumori Masaki and Hiruzen Sarutobi conversed, the students, though unaware of the specifics, vaguely realized that there was a deeper reason behind their exam.
"The purpose of the so-called joint Chunin Exam is to maintain the current peace.
It is a new safeguard built upon the First Hokage's implementation of the Tailed Beast distribution.
In summary, it's about condensing unavoidable conflicts from large battlefields into small examination grounds, allowing other ninja villages to gauge the strength of the younger generation, thereby estimating the strength of our village, and deterring them from easily initiating conflicts.
And to ensure this outcome, it is necessary..." Fumori Masaki paused here, and a voice spoke up.
"It is necessary to make this exam just like a real battlefield, right?" The speaker was Nara Shikaku, who had previously seemed unenthusiastic.
Despite his young age, the Nara clan's wisdom was already evident in him.
He understood the underlying meaning, and even someone as lazy as Nara Shikaku had to take things seriously when they involved potential threats to his life.
If he didn't care about such matters, then he would truly be finished.
"Precisely," Fumori Masaki nodded.
After receiving Fumori Masaki's affirmation, the others immediately began discussing animatedly.
They hadn't expected such a purpose behind the joint Chunin Exam.
If it were truly so, they would have to be prepared to sacrifice their lives.
Since it was a condensed battlefield, they couldn't expect the rules to be lenient.
There must be parts that allowed killing, because ninjas only truly showed their value when they killed.
Of course, those from prominent backgrounds were already prepared.
Their upbringing had made them less fearful of the dangers of death, though not entirely without fear.
In contrast, Jiraiya, Asumi, and Orochimaru, who came from commoner backgrounds, were all somewhat uneasy.
"You should all understand what the joint Chunin Exam represents.
Our Konoha Ninja Village helped the Land of Fire win the Ninja World War, making us a victorious nation among the Five Great Nations.
It can be said that ninjas from other countries dislike us greatly, and in battle, they likely won't hold back.
Therefore, to protect yourselves and to achieve victory, you must practice diligently and improve your skills," Fumori Masaki said.
"Um, just asking, is it possible not to participate in the joint Chunin Exam?" Nara Shikaku asked, hesitating.
"Once you embark on the path of a ninja, you must be prepared to sacrifice your life.
Ninjas inherently face danger.
If you don't have even this much resolve, then don't be a ninja.
But if you choose to be a ninja, you must bear this responsibility," Akimichi Torifu said expressionlessly.
"I understand," Nara Shikaku said, making a gesture of surrender.
"I know the teachers' determination.
Presumably, others should understand even more than I do."
The others exchanged silent glances and nodded slightly.
In the upcoming collaborative training, they all had to give their all, compete with different opponents, accumulate experience, and improve their skills.
Only then would they have a chance of surviving the cruel joint Chunin Exam.
"Then first, let us see your abilities.
Before, you all practiced with your own teachers, but now, you will practice with other teachers," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.
"Teacher Hiruzen, let us practice with Teacher Masaki!" Jiraiya shouted at this moment.
"With Masaki?" Hiruzen Sarutobi turned to look at him, and seeing Fumori Masaki nod, he said, "Alright, then Masaki, I'll take your students.
Kagami, Torifu, you two switch your students."
"Okay," Uchiha Kagami and Akimichi Torifu nodded.
The training ground was large, and the four of them divided the area, with each section accommodating one group.
After Hatake Sakumo and the others left with Hiruzen Sarutobi, Fumori Masaki looked at Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Asumi, feeling a slight sense of emotion.
He wondered how this "Sannin," different from the original story, would perform, especially the unfamiliar Asumi.
"You go first.
Use all your abilities.
Don't worry about hurting me.
Come at me with the resolve to take me down," Fumori Masaki said.