UCHIHA LIBERATOR (NARUTO X MALE UCHIHA OC)

Chapter 23

3RD POV

Ryuichi, Haru, and Fuyumi stood at attention before their sensei, Kushina Uzumaki. The three genin had been called together urgently, the air heavy with anticipation. Though a day had passed since Ryuichi's intense training with Minato, he still felt the residual ache in his muscles—a reminder of how far he had yet to go.

Kushina's expression was unusually serious, her arms crossed as she regarded her students. "There won't be any team training today," she announced, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of gravity.

The three exchanged quick glances, the sudden change in their routine sparking curiosity.

"But there is an important decision you all need to make," Kushina continued, her sharp gaze scanning each of them.

"What is it, sensei?" Haru asked, his tone calm but with a hint of eagerness.

Kushina exhaled, giving them a small nod as though commending his directness. "By the end of this year, the Chūnin Exams will be held. You are eligible to participate if you choose to. Personally, I recommend that you all take the opportunity. Your performance during the mission against the Seven Swordsmen more than qualifies you. You've already proven your mettle."

The weight of her words settled heavily over the team.

"What are the advantages and disadvantages of participating, Sensei?" Ryuichi asked, always the one to weigh his options carefully.

"Good question," Kushina said with a small smile before folding her arms across her chest. "Let's start with the advantages. For one, if you pass, you'll officially become chūnin. That means access to higher-ranking missions, more responsibility, and, most importantly, better access to the village's jutsu archives."

That caught all three of their attentions.

"But there's more to it," Kushina continued. "If the Hokage sees fit, he can promote any of you to chūnin based on merit—even without this exam. Most chūnin in Konoha earn their ranks that way. So, why do you think we hold these exams at all?"

The genin exchanged thoughtful glances but remained silent, letting Kushina continue.

"The exams serve a bigger purpose than just promotions," she explained, her tone becoming more serious. "It's a display of strength—a way for Konoha to project power and security to the rest of the world. They'll be watched by the Fire Daimyō himself, as well as lords and shinobi from allied villages. If you put on an impressive performance, you might even attract an invitation to join the Twelve Guardian Ninja."

At this, the air in the room shifted. Each of them sat up straighter. The Twelve Guardian Ninja were legendary, the elite protectors of the Fire Daimyō. An invitation to join them was a career-altering honor, a fast track to recognition across the entire Land of Fire.

"However," Kushina said, her tone darkening slightly, "there are disadvantages. The exams aren't just a competition—they're a spectacle. If you fail or perform poorly, it won't just reflect badly on you. The reputation of Konoha as a whole will take a hit. That's a burden every participant carries. And don't forget, if you have aspirations to become Hokage..." she trailed off, her gaze resting pointedly on Haru, "...you'll need the Daimyō's recognition. A bad showing in the exams could jeopardize that."

The three of them fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

Kushina let the silence linger, allowing the gravity of the decision to sink in. Finally, she asked, "So? What will it be?"

Haru was the first to speak, breaking the tension with a firm, unwavering tone. "I'll do it," he said, locking eyes with Kushina. The conviction in his voice was unshakable, and his pupil-less lavender eyes burned with determination.