Chapter 439 - 124

Chapter 124: The Meaning of the Chunin ExamsGuy looked at Kakashi with great pride. At this moment, he was looking forward to Kakashiturning his head and having a good argument with him, followed by a hot-blooded bet between the two.Kakashi felt Guy's burning gaze and turned his head, asking strangely, "Oh? What did you just say?""Oh my God!" Guy held his head and stood there speechless, while Kakashi still looked at him with that harmless expression.However, Might Guy quickly adjusted himself. He turned his back to Kakashi and said, "Not bad, as expected of my eternal rival, Kakashi.""You're so stylish in these kinds of moments. Dammit, you've managed to show off again."As Guy spoke, he shed tears of youthful vigor. Seeing this, Tenten thought to herself, "That man in the mask must be the eternal rival Kakashi that Guy-sensei always talks about!""He looks quite mysterious! Judging by appearances, Guy-sensei lost completely!"But Lee had a different opinion. He also clenched his fists, his eyes bursting with fire. Aside from Might Guy, he couldn't see anyone else.He said, "Among these teachers, Guy-sensei is indeed the most stylish. The tight-fitting jumpsuit, the shiny hair, the pearly white teeth, and those thick eyebrows that represent masculinity—he's practically radiating light at every moment.""Although my image isn't as good as Guy-sensei's, it's definitely more than enough compared to these people. I'm sure many young girls have already fallen for me!""Senior brother! You once had such an opportunity, but unfortunately, you didn't cherish it. Otherwise, your style would probably be even greater than mine!""Now it's my turn! I must perform well and let my own light shine!"While everyone was lost in their own thoughts, the Third's speech ended. The candidates present applauded together, sighing with relief that he had finally finished.Then, Anko spoke up, "Next, Hokage-sama will explain the rules for the third exam. I hope you all listen carefully.""Then, Hokage-sama, I'll leave it to you."Hearing this, a wail rose from the crowd. Hiruzenacted as if he hadn't heard them and nodded. Perhaps because he had spoken quite a bit just now, the Third cleared his throat and said, "Before explaining the details regarding the upcoming third exam, I want to clearly tell you all one important thing."At this point, the Third paused and then continued, "That is the true purpose of this exam. Why do the allied nations hold this selection exam together?""It is to enhance mutual friendship and improve the level of the Ninja. I don't want you to misinterpret the true meaning of this matter. This exam is like a microcosm of war between the allied nations."The Third stopped again, and the atmosphere became awkward. Fortunately, Tenten came to the rescue in time and asked, "What do you mean by that?"Hiruzen looked at her with a satisfied smile and continued, "You only need to look at history to know. The current allied nations were once neighboring countries that competed with each other for power.""To avoid wasting unnecessary military strength and causing mutually destructive results, these countries selected this place as a battlefield. This was the original reason for the proposal of this Chunin Selection Exam."This time, Ino took over the role of the straight man and said, "But I don't understand. Why must it be done this way? Isn't the exam held to select Chunin?""That's right. This exam is indeed to select Ninjas suitable to serve as Chunin; I have no room to deny that.""But on the other hand, this exam is also an occasion where Ninjas, carrying the prestige of their nations, fight with all their might.""For this third exam, we will invite many feudal lords and famous figures from various countries who commission Ninja work to attend the exam site.""Furthermore, the various nations with NinjaVillages and their Kage will witness your brilliant battles.""If there is a clear gap in national power, commissions for the strong nations will pour in, while the opportunities for weaker nations to receive commissions will decrease.""At the same time, this also serves as a threat to neighboring countries and our own Ninja Village, showing off such strong military power. In other words, it allows for diplomatic and political pressure to be applied.""So what? Is it really necessary to fight with our lives on the line?" It must be said that there's a reason why these Konoha clans have survived until now; just look at the children they raise. They know from a young age not to let the leadership lose face.Using the opening provided, the Third continued to explain, "A nation's strength is equivalent to the Village's strength, and a Ninja Village's strength is equivalent to the Ninja's strength.""Furthermore, only in a life-or-death battle can a Ninja's true strength be stimulated. This exam is an occasion to showcase the strength of one's nation's Ninjas.""The so-called showcase is actually just letting other countries see one's military prowess. It's only because the battle is fought with everything on the line that it becomes meaningful.""That's why our predecessors believed it was a dream worth maintaining, and why they fought so hard in the Chunin Exams.""Then why keep saying that everything is for the sake of friendship?" Like her companions, Tentenasked the question in her heart.However, after she asked her question, the Third didn't smile as he had before. Instead, his face darkened. Engaging in conversation is indeed an art that requires long-term study; different words carry different meanings, and the resulting effects are naturally worlds apart.Tenten probably didn't have any intention of sucking up to the Third; perhaps she was just genuinely curious. It was clear that, even now, she didn't understand why the Hokage-sama's expression had turned sour after she spoke, or why some of her companions were looking at her with strange eyes.