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The Ninja World, and particularly the Hidden Leaf Village—Konoha—has existed for just over half a century. Yet within that relatively short time, three great shinobi wars have erupted, each one more devastating than the last.
Though more than ten years have passed since the end of the Third Great Ninja War, the trauma remains etched into the hearts of many. The sea of blood and the horrors carved into their bones have not been forgotten. Even the slightest disturbance—a rumor, a clash of words—can threaten to reignite old tensions.
Fortunately, those gathered here today are the elites of their respective villages. Their composure and restraint help prevent any outbreak of violence.
[Exam Begins]
"It's finally starting... the Chūnin Exams!"
"Yeah. I wonder which village's genin will take the top spot this time."
"I'm betting a hundred ryō on Gaara from the Hidden Sand. He'll definitely win it all."
"That confident, huh?"
"How do you even know there's a genin named Gaara in Sunagakure?"
Today marks the first day of the Chūnin Exams. Though the general public can't witness the initial rounds, they eagerly await the final stage, which will be held in the open arena.
Still, their enthusiasm is unshaken. The streets of Konoha buzz with speculation about which genin will rise to prominence.
Though most of these spectators are civilians, their families have lived in Konoha for generations. For them, the Chūnin Exams are more than a ninja evaluation—they are a symbolic clash between nations, akin to an international sporting event.
It has the energy of the Olympics—a stage for villages to showcase the strength and potential of their new generation.
Discussions abound: which village's genin will dominate, which will have the highest number of promotions to chūnin, and which hidden village will emerge with the greatest prestige.
Among the crowd are those who claim insider knowledge, whether from chance overheard conversations or pure fabrication.
Some of the rumors are rooted in fact: for instance, Gaara of the Sand is said to have completed every mission with a perfect success rate—even A-rank ones—without ever being injured. His strength is rumored to be monstrous and mysterious, making him a top contender.
Then there are the more fantastical claims, like tales of unknown prodigies. One such name is Ye Dou—a figure barely heard of in official circles—yet among the people, he's whispered about as possessing all five chakra natures and unmatched talent in ninjutsu. They say even academy instructors pale in comparison to him.
In short, the stories are varied, often exaggerated, and every genin has become a character in these public conversations.
Ye Dou walked through the village, overhearing countless discussions about the Chūnin Exams. Yet none of it fazed him. He walked calmly, focused entirely on his own path.
Beside him waddled a mongoose-like creature in oversized green trousers, observing everything with amusement.
"Isn't the Chūnin Exam supposed to be dangerous? I heard people might die. Why does it feel like a festival?"
The creature turned to Ye Dou, speaking with curiosity.
"Hey, Ye Dou. Is this how humans are? Just ten years after the Third Great Ninja War and the Nine-Tails' rampage... they've already forgotten the pain? Aren't ninjas supposed to be killers by trade?"
Ye Dou replied flatly, "This is the culture of this era."
After sealing his mother, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, the Sage of Six Paths—Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki—shared chakra with humanity in an effort to bring peace. In that, he succeeded. Chakra became widespread.
But perhaps not even he foresaw that this gift would give birth to the profession of the ninja—a warrior bound to conflict, trained in techniques of death.
Though Hagoromo aimed to guide mankind through the Ninshū—his teachings centered on understanding and peace—his son Indra transformed it into ninjutsu: a weaponized version of those teachings. Over time, this mutated doctrine became the foundation of the ninja world.
Hagoromo had two sons—Indra and Asura. Indra inherited his father's powerful chakra and the Sharingan, while Asura inherited his father's physical vitality and compassion.
Seeking a worthy heir, Hagoromo tested both sons. In the end, he chose Asura, believing that love and empathy were the keys to true peace.
Indra could not accept this. Influenced by Black Zetsu, the manipulative creation of Kaguya, he fell into darkness.
To gain the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, Indra killed his closest companions. Armed with this power, he challenged Asura, but was ultimately defeated.
However, Indra did not disappear. He spread his version of ninjutsu, forming a distinct lineage. Ironically, it was Indra's path—driven by strength and conflict—that endured and shaped the shinobi world.
Ye Dou looked toward the distant Hokage Rock, his expression unreadable.
"The Sage of Six Paths... in the end, even he failed. The world didn't become more beautiful because of him—it became a battlefield. And soon, Sarutobi Hiruzen, you too will reap what you've sown."
With that thought, Ye Dou arrived at the ninja academy.
Today was the start of the joint Chūnin Exam. The first round—a written test—was to be held in Room 1 on the third floor.
"Damn it! You're the last one again!"
As Ye Dou approached the entrance, Naruto Uzumaki pointed at him and shouted angrily.
He never considered himself a model student, but he was growing increasingly frustrated with always being grouped with the latest arrivals—and now it seemed Ye Dou was making him late again.
"Hmph," Sasuke Uchiha scoffed nearby, making his displeasure known as well.
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