The other side.
Aburame Fei got the scroll and ran toward the finish line immediately.
However
He didn't get far before the insects informed him of the situation
Jingyi is here!
"So fast!"
Aburame Fei was secretly shocked.
Orochimaru and Hi Xiangtao… unexpectedly failed to stop each other?
How can that be?!
But
There was no time to be shocked.
Jingyi had already caught up. He had to stop his opponent and deliver the scroll to the destination.
The kikaichū swarmed out.
The insects, like a black mist, surged toward Jingyi but something shocking happened. The opponent ignored the insects and charged forward with a layer of chakra-infused earth.
"What speed!"
Fei quickened his pace.
But how could he compare to Jingyi?
There was no need for the Eight Gates or even any complex activation just the Body Flicker Technique was enough for Jingyi to overwhelm Aburame Fei.
Fei had just taken a few steps when a newly dispersed bug sensed
The opponent is here.
Bang!
Leaf Whirlwind.
With a single kick, Fei's body burst into a swarm of insects.
Substitution with insects.
As expected.
The next moment, forming a seal, a Water Dragon Bullet was unleashed.
Boom!
A massive hole was blasted into the ground.
Aburame Fei staggered out from the side.
As he ran, he coughed violently.
Slightly injured.
That Water Dragon Bullet is way too powerful!
However
The opponent caught up again in the next moment.
Aburame Fei didn't give up.
But
Jingyi showed no mercy. With a swift kick, he sent him flying.
There's no friendship here why hold back?
Fei vomited blood and could barely move. Jingyi seized his ninja tools, took the scroll, and created a shadow clone to stand guard.
"The clone will give you simple treatment."
As he sprinted toward the finish line, Jingyi had already pieced things together in his mind.
Orochimaru mentioned the "chief examiner."
Which meant this time, he didn't infiltrate the Chūnin Exams like in the manga, but appeared openly, or...
This was an extra test.
A test just for him.
Jingyi understood.
He had defeated Aburame Fei and Hi Xiangtao on his own. At this point, the biggest threats had been dealt with, and Orochimaru had ceased pursuit, which meant he acknowledged Jingyi's strength.
The extra task was complete and promotion to Jōnin was basically guaranteed.
The third round?
Not important at all.
At the end, he merged the two scrolls.
Soon
"Jingyi, we meet again."
Orochimaru appeared.
A clone.
But clearly, he wanted to chat. He didn't dispel it immediately, smiling as he said, "Jingyi, I was the chief examiner this time. Do you know why you were the only one I pursued?"
"Tekuno and another senior from the Aburame clan were promoted for their battlefield contributions. As for Senior Baiyun... if I'm right, he's connected to Lord Hokage. I'm the only one lacking in military merits."
Jingyi replied calmly.
"Hahaha, yes, very good!"
Orochimaru smiled.
As expected.
A clever shinobi understands without being told.
"Thank you for holding back, Orochimaru. Otherwise, how could I have caught up to Aburame Fei?"
Jingyi wasn't arrogant. He knew Orochimaru had gone easy on him.
The Sannin had barely used ninjutsu, relying mostly on Taijutsu.
For someone like Orochimaru, fighting hand-to-hand?
That's clearly holding back.
"Hahaha. Go to the Hokage Building and take the third test."
Orochimaru vanished.
Jingyi lowered his head and moved toward the Hokage Building.
The exam was over.
As he expected, the third round was just a formality the real test was the second round, filled with traps, pursuits, and covert missions.
But… there were three extras.
When he arrived at the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage was already waiting.
Except for Jingyi, Baiyun and the others had arrived earlier.
"Lord Hokage!"
"Good, good! You all passed the second exam especially Jingyi... You exceeded expectations. I never imagined you would perform so well."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was full of smiles.
He had expected Jingyi to pass but not this well. Jingyi wasn't just strong he had all the qualities of a true Jōnin, even surpassing many of them.
On top of that, Jingyi had even self-taught himself medical ninjutsu.
A well-rounded, exemplary shinobi!
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Jingyi bowed in gratitude.
Tekuno looked around, scratched his head, and asked blankly, "Lord Hokage, the third exam…?"
"Heh, there is no third exam."
Sarutobi smiled. "From today on, you are all officially Jōnin."
Aside from Tekuno, the others weren't surprised.
That morning, both the Baiyun and Aburame clans had received word this exam was a formality, and the real test had already passed. Jingyi had already guessed as much.
Especially with how three opponents had surrounded him.
Clearly, it was aimed at him and the reason was obvious:
Senju bloodline.
---
"Did you get it?"
"No. He's strong hehehe. Even generations removed, the Senju bloodline still manifests terrifying power. It's impressive."
Orochimaru continued his research, eyes gleaming with excitement.
Senju physiology.
After so many years, its brilliance reappeared.
"You didn't get it?"
Danzo frowned, clearly displeased.
Was Orochimaru mocking him?
This is one of the Sannin?
"As chief examiner, my duty was to conduct the exam. He passed fair and square I can't just sabotage him."
Orochimaru sneered. "If you're that eager, why not do it yourself?"
Use him as a tool?
He wasn't having it.
"Lord Danzo, I was only interested in Jingyi. That's why I oversaw the exam to test him, and help you along the way. If there's blame, it lies with your subordinates' incompetence."
Hi Xiangtao was thoroughly defeated.
Aburame Fei had no chance.
Your team failed. Don't pin it on me.
A flicker of killing intent passed through Orochimaru's eyes.
"I'm still focused on cellular research. If it's difficult now, we'll try again later. There's time. No need to argue."
Danzo narrowed his eyes, then smiled faintly.
Orochimaru said nothing more and returned to his work.
Their relationship was transactional.
If Danzo ever presumed superiority, Orochimaru wouldn't tolerate it.
Besides
That day's conversation…
Orochimaru recalled Sarutobi Hiruzen's words.
Does he know something?
Probably not.
He was only using a hidden prisoner. If the old man did know, it wouldn't have ended with just a warning.
No, that line was definitely about Jingyi.
"Then I'll take my leave."
Danzo turned to go.
At the door, Orochimaru's voice echoed:
"I'd advise against making any moves on him for now. Be careful the old man still sees everything. He's not senile yet, and he won't pay the price for your ambitions."