Originally, Rasa had no intention of organizing a ninja exam. To be honest, it was a bit embarrassing. Sunagakure simply didn't have many outstanding young talents. Among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Sunagakure had always ranked lowest in terms of potential. Although Rasa had exhausted every method he could think of to replenish their ranks, the actual results would take another four or five years to show.
On top of that, Rasa didn't want to take on an unnecessary burden. A ninja exam might sound straightforward, but organizing one would involve the entire village's participation. The manpower and resources required would not be minor.
But in the end, Rasa had no choice but to relent. The first reason was political. When Rasa extended the invitation to the daimyō of the Land of Wind, although the daimyō himself agreed, his court set a condition: they needed a formal justification. A daimyō couldn't simply descend to a subordinate village without an official purpose, no matter how prosperous Sunagakure had become. From a strict protocol standpoint, Rasa was still considered a vassal.
The second reason was strategic. Now that the Sage Art Curse Seal had finally succeeded, Rasa intended to begin experimental applications on Sunagakure's shinobi, particularly the students at the ninja academy. But even if the seal's theory had proven viable, it couldn't be used on just anyone. To screen for suitable candidates, Rasa eventually approved the exam.
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Sunagakure, Ninja Academy.
With another year gone by, Kunmi, Sara, and Amane had grown taller and entered their second year at the academy. Kunmi and Sara, having grown up in shinobi households, had already started chakra and ninjutsu training well before their formal lessons began. As soon as second-year studies commenced, especially in chakra control and application, both of them immediately stood out. They weren't just at the top of their class but were recognized across the entire year group.
(AN: I named the third girl, Amane.)
Even Amane, who came from a civilian background, had caught up thanks to Kunmi and Sara's help. Together, the three had become so prominent that they were now widely referred to as the academy's "Iron Triangle."
Of course, not everyone admired them. Plenty of students, driven by pride or envy, had tried to challenge the trio. But the difference in skill was undeniable. Every duel ended the same way: complete defeat for the challengers.
While the rest of the students struggled between admiration and frustration, the entire academy was suddenly stirred by a new announcement.
In one of the large classrooms, second-year students sat restlessly at their desks, faces glowing with anticipation, eyes all fixed on the door. Moments later, it creaked open, and in stepped a stern-looking middle-aged man with black war paint across his face. He was their instructor, Daron.
Catching sight of their excited expressions, Daron gave a slight nod and went straight to the point.
"Alright, since you all look so impatient, I'll skip the buildup."
He pulled a folder from under his arm, flipped it open, scanned its contents briefly, then raised his head to make the announcement.
"I'm sure many of you have already heard rumors from your parents. Well, the rumors are true. In ten days, on the third day of the Five Nations Summit, Sunagakure will host the Desert Blossom Ninja Selection Exam!"
"Whoa!"
The entire classroom erupted in a chorus of excitement.
"Quiet down. You can get excited after I finish explaining."
Daron's voice cut through the noise, restoring order. Once the class settled, he began outlining the structure of the exam.
"This ninja exam is relatively straightforward. It will be divided into four stages. Every student enrolled in the academy, including the new first-year students, is eligible to participate. But don't get cocky just because of that. Let me make this absolutely clear, this is a rare opportunity that could completely change your life. More importantly, the final winner will receive personal training from the Kazekage himself and become his student. I don't think I need to explain what that means."
In a world ravaged by war and danger, children matured quickly. The moment those words left the instructor's mouth, every student's eyes lit up. A chance to become the Kazekage's personal disciple? That was beyond anything they had dared to hope for.
After all, this was Rasa, the Kazekage who had pulled Sunagakure back from the brink, a figure who, in the eyes of the villagers, already felt godlike. Even the usually composed Kunmi couldn't help but widen his eyes in surprise.
Seeing their fired-up reactions, Daron gave a slight nod, though deep inside, he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. When he had been at the academy, no such opportunities had existed. Why did these kids get all the luck?
"Alright, here's how it works. The exam will be held over thirty days and split into four stages.
The first stage is called the Desert Trial. It's a test of your physical stamina and willpower. You'll need to cross fifty kilometers of scorching, barren desert and reach a designated checkpoint within twenty-four hours. It might sound simple, but don't underestimate it. You'll be carrying your own gear, facing the heat, dryness, and terrain. Even for older students, this is going to be tough.
The second stage is the Trial of Courage. You'll be transported to a place known as Summoning Island. The specifics of what happens there will only be revealed once you arrive. It's a special assessment, and only those who pass can move on to the third stage. That portion will last seven days.
The third stage is the Ninja Ability Test. After completing the second stage, you'll get three days to rest. Then, students will be divided by year. Years one to three in one group, and years four to six in another. You'll be put into combat simulation scenarios to identify the most capable candidates.
Technically, that's where the exam ends. But in reality, there's a final phase that's even more important.
After finishing the third stage, you'll have half a month to recover. Then, the elite youths from the other four great villages will arrive here in Sunagakure."
The room tensed at once. They instantly understood what that meant.
"I don't need to say more. The fourth stage will be a direct competition between you and the most promising young shinobi from the other major villages. And only those who truly excel during that stage will earn the right to become the Kazekage's student."
A sudden hush fell over the room. The noisy excitement was now replaced by a deeper tension and rising anticipation.
"That's all I can tell you. The rest is up to you. To give you time to prepare, the academy will suspend classes for the next ten days. Use that time however you want. Train, study, strategize, rest, whatever you need. Class dismissed."
With that, Daron turned and strode out the door. The moment he was gone, the room erupted with a chorus of voices.
"This sounds incredible!"
"I'm totally gonna win! I'll be the Kazekage's disciple!"
"But we have to go up against the third-years. That's not fair!"
"Oh please, they're just one year older. I'm not scared!"
"Yeah, well, let's be real, Kunmi's got this in the bag. He's just on another level…"
Every head turned toward Kunmi, who sat at the front of the classroom. While he maintained a composed expression under their gazes, Sara and Amane were already buzzing with anticipation beside him.
But then, a soft voice drifted from one corner of the room.
"Not necessarily. Didn't anyone else notice something strange in what the teacher said?"