Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"The Chunin Exams has officially concluded. Please exit the venue in an orderly fashion. We look forward to seeing you at the next Chunin Exams."

Hayate announced.

After saying that, he breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn't help but think back to the entire exam process. It was extremely dangerous and he had been accidentally injured several times, which made him nervous.

But it was finally over and he had successfully completed his mission.

However, while the spectators could leave, the candidates had to stay, as the most important thing has not been completed.

The purpose of this Chunin Exams is to be promoted to Chunin. After observing every match, the examiners now needed to announce the final results.

During the hour of waiting, Naruto opened up the system.

Since he came here to participate in the finals, the sign-in reward is a must. He was so busy just now that he didn't have time to check the system.

However, based on the system prompts, it seemed like he'd received a skill related to combat, though he needed to read the full description for details.

[It is detected that the host has stayed at the Chunin Exams' venue for one hour. Sign-in successful. Reward: Bukijutsu (Weapon Mastery).]

[Bukijutsu: Passive ability, improves the host's control over Ninja Tools and increases accuracy.]

While it didn't guarantee perfect aim every time, this passive ability was still valuable.

With nothing better to do, he practiced with some shuriken, noting that the more he used his Ninja Tools, the better his accuracy subtly improved. With consistent training, it seemed likely he could one day achieve flawless aim.

Naruto was quite satisfied with this, as this sign-in reward was highly practical.

For the next hour, he kept throwing shuriken until all the contestants were summoned back to the arena.

Sandaime, holding a list, stepped forward with a rare look of satisfaction.

"Everyone performed remarkably in this exam. Each of you showcased strengths worthy of praise. Your efforts were not in vain, as the number of contestants passing this year's Chunin Exams is the highest in the past decade. Let's have a round of applause for yourselves."

Clap, clap, clap!

The contestants clapped, eagerly awaiting the final results.

Over the last ten years, the most contestants passing at once had been eight. Since it is the highest in the past decade, there should be at least nine people passing.

Since there are only eighteen contestants present, according to probability, the chance of passing is 50%, or even higher.

"Those whose names I announce, please step forward."

Sandaime picked up the list and announced, "Namikaze Naruto..."

"Wait!"

Naruto interrupted, "I'm used to being called Uzumaki Naruto. Just call me that."

"Either one works."

Sandaime nodded. In the end, Naruto's identity had been revealed, so it didn't matter whether he was called Namikaze Naruto or Uzumaki Naruto.

"Very well, I shall continue. Uzumaki Naruto, Gaara, Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuga Neji, Tenten, Rock Lee, Nara Shikamaru, Aburame Shino, Kankuro, Temari, Inuzuka Kiba, Kusano Hito."

Twelve out of eighteen had passed, a two-thirds success rate!

"Here are the reasons given by the examiners."

Sandaime held the booklet and continued, "Uzumaki Naruto is the overall champion of this year's Chunin Exams. His strength is obvious to all. He is approved to become a Chunin."

"Gaara is the champion of Group B and he deserves to be a Chunin."

"The duel between Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuga Neji was even more thrilling than a typical Chunin-level fight, and both demonstrated power fit for a Chunin."

"Tenten and Rock Lee both faced Gaara in battle. Though they ultimately conceded, they showed great strength far beyond that of a Chunin. In particular, they knew how to retreat, which is very commendable. Knowing when to pull back and seek reinforcements instead of risking a hopeless fight during mission is very important. For this reason, they're recommended to be promoted to Chunin."

"Temari, Kankuro, Inuzuka Kiba, and Kusano Hito. Each displayed commendable control over their techniques and remarkable skill against their opponents, earning them the rank of Chunin."

"Nara Shikamaru and Aburame Shino, besides demonstrating strength, also possess notable tactical intelligence, making them suitable to lead small teams. Both are unanimously approved for promotion to Chunin."

After announcing the reasons for each promotion, Sandaime encouraged, "For those who didn't pass the exam, don't be discouraged. Making it to the finals proves you're excellent prospects. Continue your efforts, and aim to become Chunin in the next exam."

"Yes!"

The contestants responded in unison.

Sandaime nodded slightly, took a puff from his pipe, and added, "Now, I have one more announcement to make."

'Hmm? There's something more?'

Naruto raised an eyebrow, 'Normally, the announcements would end after promoting the Chunin. Since there are others from different villages, they just needed to return home with proof of their promotion.'

Sandaime's expression gradually became serious, and he said in a deep voice, "Based on your performance in the finals, I have decided to make an exception and let two contestants to be promoted to Jonin!"

"What?"

"Jonin?"

"This, this, this…"

The contestants were in a frenzy.

They didn't expect that an exam intended for Chunin promotion had ended with promotions to Jonin. It is really an unprecedented move.

They wondered who would be the ones lucky enough to receive this exceptional promotion.

Among the twelve who had already become Chunin, each secretly hoped to be chosen.

"First up, Uzumaki Naruto!"

Sandaime said in a deep voice, "The reason Uzumaki Naruto won the championship was not only because of luck, but also because of his overwhelming strength. He could use the full Biju Transformation, and the power of his attacks could level the entire Konoha Village. With that level of power, promoting him to Jonin is beyond question."

"Of course," Sandaime added, "there's no need for complaints. Even without the Biju Transformation, Naruto's skill alone qualifies him for Jonin. But some details are classified as Konoha secrets, so I hope you understand."

What Sandaime didn't say was that Naruto had completely mastered the Eight Gates.

If Guy had achieved the rank of Elite Jonin through his mastery of the Eight Gates, then Naruto, who could open all the eight gates for five seconds without injury, was undoubtedly capable of becoming Jonin.

With enough influence, he could even become Kage one day.

However, Sandaime's explanation was obviously unnecessary, as all the contestants had no objection to Naruto's promotion.

After all, if the champion didn't deserve the promotion, who else could claim it?

In fact, what everyone was really vying for was the second spot.

Amidst the contestants' anticipation, Sandaime announced the second name.

"The second is… Gaara!"

Sandaime said solemnly, "Whether it's his super strong defense that is known as Absolute Defense, or the powerful Ninjutsu that can alter the weather and terrain, Gaara fully meets the requirements for becoming a Jonin. Not only that, he also has a Biju in his body. When using Biju Transformation, he is even far superior to most Jonin. This is also a promotion that was approved unanimously by the examiners."

Clap, clap, clap!

The contestants applauded sparsely.

Although they had expected this outcome, before it was announced, each had harbored hopes of being the one selected.

Now that the announcement was over, there was no room left for regret, and their enthusiasm had waned.

With this, the Chunin Exams had officially concluded. Among the former Genin contestants, they had now been split into distinct ranks.

The most ordinary among them remained Genin, the outstanding and hardworking ones become Chunin, and the inhuman ones have become Jonin...