The Assessment is Over
"Six-Robed Ice Purity Formation!"
After much effort, Bai Ye finally completed a much larger formation—nearly ten times the size of his previous one.
From the outside, the structure appeared excessive. The swarm of insects only occupied a small portion in the center, while most of the surrounding ice was simply condensed from the ambient moisture.
The reason for its scale was Bai Ye's estimation—he had prepared for the original number of insects Kazuhiko controlled.
He could only rely on sound to judge the situation and had no idea the swarm had already diminished significantly. As a result, much of his chakra was unnecessarily wasted.
"Does this guy have bottomless chakra reserves?"
Despite the inefficiency, the display was visually overwhelming. Many of the Genin couldn't help but mentally compare themselves to Bai Ye.
He had been fighting for nearly an entire day, unleashing high-intensity ninjutsu without stopping to eat or recover.
Judging by his endurance and chakra control, his reserves rivaled those of the Uzumaki or Senju clans. His use of diverse and unusual ninjutsu only made his background more puzzling.
"Just what kind of monster is he?" one observer whispered. "Aside from genjutsu, which I've never seen him use, he's freakishly talented in everything else."
Some glanced at Kakashi, who had chosen to forfeit after Kazuhiko's defeat. The decision made sense to those with keen judgment.
The Chūnin Exams had been unconventional this year, but no one could question Bai Ye's strength. Especially not after witnessing the moment he obliterated the battlefield's surface with a single attack—an unforgettable display of power.
"It's inspiring to have such a genius in the village," someone muttered, "but it feels hopeless to be his peer."
In chaotic times, the village's strength was crucial, but the overwhelming brilliance of prodigies like Bai Ye overshadowed the rest—like green leaves drowned out by the sun.
It was no different from the previous generation, where legends like White Fang and the Sannin outshone their peers.
"And Kakashi's only six?!"
"Two kids becoming Chūnin at age six… we're witnessing history."
Although the promotion list hadn't yet been announced, few doubted that Bai Ye and Kakashi would be at the top.
"Why did that idiot Kakashi give up? I really wanted to see him fight Bai Ye!"
Obito had been anticipating that clash for days. Now that it was off the table, he was fuming—almost as if he'd swallowed a fistful of sand.
"It's enough to make Chūnin," Kakashi replied flatly, hearing Obito's grumbling as he walked up. "There will be other chances."
Kakashi had already done what he needed. Fighting any longer, especially in his current state, was pointless.
Bai Ye's physical conditioning gave him the advantage in a prolonged match. If they continued, Kakashi might have simply handed over the win.
"Hey, Bai Ye—when did you and Kakashi agree to team up?"
Yu Yan, who had been holding back the question, finally asked. It had been bugging her the whole time.
"We didn't," Bai Ye replied bluntly. "I originally intended to trick Kakashi, but once I realized it was just his shadow clone, I changed my plan."
Bai Ye had been curious whether altering Kakashi's promotion timeline would have any major impact.
He was ready to rewrite history on his own terms, disregarding canon as something mutable.
Who knew? With enough changes, maybe someone like Madara would never reappear at all.
"Thought so."
Yu Yan smirked, feeling validated. She'd noticed something strange when Bai Ye sighed earlier during the exam.
Kakashi said nothing, glancing sideways at Bai Ye's calm demeanor. If he hadn't been cautious, he really might've been caught off guard.
"Congratulations on the promotion—early, of course."
Asuma offered a handshake, envy flickering in his eyes. He'd always been determined to prove he was more than just the Third Hokage's son.
Until he matured, others' opinions still mattered—too much.
At the edge of the crowd, Yuyan stood silently, trying to manage his emotions. He knew he should be happy.
But deep down, he felt like dead weight, someone who would only be sent on safe, low-risk missions. Bai Ye and Yue were leagues ahead.
"Hehe~"
Yue, sharp-eyed as ever, noticed his unease. She silently crept behind Yu Yan and, with no warning, reached through her arms to grope her modest chest.
"Don't move."
Yue's rare display of boldness made Yu Yan's cheeks turn rosy. She reached back to swat the offending hands, momentarily forgetting her anxiety.
"Hng—"
Suddenly, Anko (Hongdou) appeared behind Yue, making her jump with a low squeak.
"You two sure are having fun~"
Without hesitation, Anko got handsy with both of them. Near the railing, the atmosphere turned... suggestive.
While some Genin discussed where to eat, the three girls' playfulness created a confusingly intimate scene.
Then—
"Let's proceed with the announcement of those promoted to Chūnin."
Orochimaru's voice sliced through the noise, drawing everyone's attention.
The trio immediately dispersed. Apart from slightly red cheeks, they appeared calm and composed.
"After deliberation, those promoted are: Bai Ye, Kakashi, Kazuhiko, Kazuo, Shō, and Masayuki."
Everyone had expected the first few names. The surprise was further down the list.
Masayuki nearly fainted from shock. He had thought his chances were zero.
A few others who had been eliminated in the second round were also promoted. Given their attitude and competence, it wasn't unjustified.
Those who failed in the first round weren't as lucky. No one had expected much from them anyway.
"Wait, that's it? What happened to the selection of disciples? I thought we'd get some announcement."
Obito had long accepted that he wasn't being promoted, but he'd been dying to know more about the rumored Jonin taking personal disciples.
"Why are you so excited?" Kakashi smirked. "You'd be the first eliminated again anyway."
"Kakashi! Becoming a Chūnin doesn't mean I'm scared of you!"
Obito trembled with frustration, pointing directly at Kakashi's face. The rivalry flared once more.
"You two seriously can't go a day without fighting, huh?"
Rin sighed, placing herself between them with weary experience. These two would probably still be bickering during the next war.
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