Konoha’s Black Plague

Three Months Later

"Bai Ye, the written test is about to start. Don't drag us down."

Yu Yan shook her fist in mock warning toward Bai Ye. Three months had flown by in a blink, and now the Chūnin Exams were upon them.

Ever since the incident during their last mission, the Third Hokage had done exactly as he said—drastically limiting the Hizashi team's assignments. As a result, for Yu Yan, this exam was more than a test. It was her chance to prove herself.

She had poured everything into these past three months. Not only had her overall strength grown significantly, but her medical ninjutsu had advanced by leaps and bounds. Whenever she had the chance, she would pester Rin Nohara for advice and discussion.

Bai Ye had even considered whether there was a way for Yu Yan to study under Tsunade—if only temporarily.

Unfortunately, Tsunade's whereabouts were as erratic as ever. No one knew where she was gallivanting through the Land of Fire with Shizune. All Bai Ye knew was that she wouldn't return to the village until years later, after being persuaded by Jiraiya to heal the dying Third Hokage and take up the mantle of Hokage herself.

Still, Bai Ye remained intrigued by Tsunade's monstrous strength and considered using her techniques as a reference point for his own evolving path.

Although Hizashi had been generous in passing on the principles of the Gentle Fist, the technique—rooted as it was in the Byakugan—offered diminishing returns for Bai Ye. Worse still, maintaining consistent progress across his Zanpakutō's spiritual growth demanded more and more energy the further he advanced.

Yet, it was still better than the grind of perfecting Kendo and Shunpo. At least with taijutsu, Hizashi—a recognized master—was there to instruct him hands-on. For the others, he was on his own.

As for Hadō and Bakudō, they were comparatively straightforward. Just mindless repetition increased his proficiency over time. They demanded minimal effort each day—just consistent practice.

"Relax," Bai Ye said with a shrug. "I've been studying for a month."

But even as he spoke, the memory of the past few weeks haunted him. Every day, he had been forced to pour over the notes that Yu Yan and Yue had compiled for him. Sorting through their densely written theory was more grueling than doing a thousand push-ups without a break. Even in this new world, Bai Ye lacked the makings of a proper academic.

"It's because you've only studied for a month that Yue and I are losing our minds."

Yue cut in mercilessly, exposing the truth. Bai Ye would always find some excuse to run off the moment they weren't looking.

Three days ago, Yuyan had had enough. She sealed all of Bai Ye's chakra points and, alongside Yue, monitored him like a hawk—making sure he didn't escape his studies again.

"If Ibiki's the proctor, I could just wing it like Naruto did."

Bai Ye muttered bitterly, convinced that this theory-heavy nonsense was utterly pointless.

"What was that you just said?"

A low voice murmured in his ear, sending a chill down his spine.

He turned, wide-eyed. "Why are your ears so damn sharp? I was whispering!"

It was Ibiki Morino—tall, imposing, and utterly terrifying. Bai Ye clutched his chest and shot him a nervous glance. Ibiki had appeared without a sound, like a phantom.

Since Bai Ye's change in mindset, he had used his connections to Guy and Kakashi to befriend more of his peers. That bridge had also brought Zhiyi's group closer to the rest of the year, blurring the class distinctions. Though only six students from Bai Ye's class had graduated early, they spent so much time with their seniors that outsiders often assumed they were one group.

"You're all here."

Zhiyi called out with a wave as he approached the exam hall. His teacher, Yu Shu, hadn't planned on recommending them for the Chūnin Exams. But once Zhiyi found out Bai Ye's team was applying, he'd relentlessly petitioned for the opportunity—and finally secured their entry.

Before long, nearly everyone Bai Ye was familiar with had gathered—everyone except Obito, who was predictably late.

"Kakashi, don't look so grim. Even if you fail, there's always next year."

Bai Ye sidled up and clapped him on the shoulder with faux sympathy, clearly teasing. Kakashi's eyelid twitched in irritation.

Bai Ye didn't know why, but he enjoyed provoking Kakashi. The stoic demeanor made him a satisfying target. It beat the lazy, apathetic version he would become as an adult.

"Obito won't be late," Rin said, perhaps in defense of Obito—or maybe of Kakashi.

A mischievous thought popped into Bai Ye's mind: If Rin never died, who would she have chosen in the end?

"Let's get moving!"

Before Kakashi could retaliate, Bai Ye darted toward the exam hall. Yuyan followed suit, patting Kakashi on the shoulder with a pitiful expression before vanishing. Yue, ever polite, merely offered a guilty smile and hurried after them.

Kakashi and Rin were left alone at the door—looking, for a moment, like two lonely statues.

"Sorry I'm late! I was helping an old lady cross the street!"

Obito finally arrived with his usual excuse. Though it may have been true, hearing it for the hundredth time made it feel like a lie.

"Idiot."

Kakashi spat the word and turned away, walking inside with visible relief. Having vented his frustration on Obito, he almost looked lighter on his feet.

"I—"

Obito barely got a word out before Kakashi disappeared. His expression soured, like he'd just bitten into something foul. With no outlet for his frustration, he stewed silently.

Thankfully, Rin wasn't as cruel. She nudged Obito forward, and the two entered together.

Once all the candidates were present, the exam began. Test papers were distributed, and Bai Ye began writing furiously—only to stop after scribbling his name.

Yep. Don't know any of this.

He leaned back and began spinning his pen theatrically, performing tricks he never could've pulled off in his past life.

His thoughts drifted back to the night before.

---

"Yue, you're my only hope for tomorrow's written exam."

Bai Ye clutched her hands with shining eyes. Stars practically shot from his face as he made his plea.

"But…"

"Please! This is a once-in-a-lifetime request!"

He cranked the sparkle effect up to eleven, breaking through Yue's last emotional defense. Her resistance collapsed in a blushing daze. At that moment, she probably couldn't even remember her own name.

After three days of relentless cramming, Bai Ye had snapped. He remembered how Obito passed his exam—by sneaking answers off Rin's hidden notes.

That moment lit a fire in Bai Ye's heart.

If it worked for him… why not me?

And so began his plan to "cheat like a true shinobi."