Naruto: Hyuga Warlord

Although this simplified version of the Chunin Exams had considerably shortened procedures and added many more safety precautions for the participating Genin, it didn't mean there was absolutely no risk to life.

Haruka Hyuga's security duties only permitted intervention when a candidate faced danger beyond self-rescue capability—like food poisoning or other physical incapacitation—and had sent out a distress signal.

But if two teams met and fought, no matter how bad the injuries or how many died, as long as no distress signals were emitted by the Genin participants, the Chunin examiners would remain indifferent onlookers.

This seemingly heartless regulation reflected the harsh and cold reality of the ninja world. If one couldn't handle such situations on their own or maintain basic survival skills—especially something as simple as launching a signal flare to surrender—it simply proved that the ninja lacked not only skill but fundamental qualification to protect their own life. In that case, death was simply their due—no sympathy needed.

Of course, another reason for this attitude was that most of the Genin taking the exam came from civilian families, and quite a few were current fifth- or sixth-year students still attending the Ninja Academy.

"This blondie seems kind of interesting."

Just as Soushu Hyuga focused intently on monitoring the screens, an Anbu Communications Officer sitting in a corner pointed at one monitor and started making small talk: "Whether it's concealment technique or trap-setting ability, he deserves commendation. And what's even more impressive—he's still just a fifth-year student at the Academy!"

Following the Anbu officer's gaze, Soushu observed a screen showing a handsome little boy with golden hair rapidly setting traps. Judging from his techniques, his style clearly bore battlefield influence—quite different from the capture-oriented traps taught at the Ninja Academy.

His other two teammates had already been disguised and hidden nearby by him personally.

"What's his name?"

Soushu suddenly asked.

"Ah, Jonin Soushu finally acknowledged me!"

The Anbu officer spoke in a tone tinged with both surprise and mild amusement: "Let me think... according to registration records, his name should be Minato. Just an ordinary kid from a civilian background—an unusually hardworking junior prodigy type!"

"Minato Namikaze, is it?"

Soushu raised an eyebrow slightly, showing some surprise.

"You know him, Jonin Soushu?"

Said the Anbu officer: "Oh right, I forgot you have authority to reorganize your directly commanded squad by selecting certain Genin participants."

Soushu remained noncommittal.

Though he did possess slight celebrity-collecting tendencies, he generally acted spontaneously, not overly focused on recruiting historically renowned geniuses into his ranks.

Moreover, considering his current awkward position within the village, aside from self-driven geniuses like Might Duy who excelled despite academic imbalances, bringing others under his command might actually hinder his development.

"Hmm, but this Genin named Minato Namikaze has already entered an apprenticeship with Jiraiya-sama. I'm afraid you'll need to look elsewhere for your team members, Honorable Soushu."

The Anbu Communications Officer suddenly slapped his forehead, as though just remembering the fact.

"Is that so? A real shame," replied Hyuga Soushu in a flat tone.

Yet a growing sense of unease churned inside him.

It felt like something loomed over him—something trying to take control of him.

But whether through his Byakugan perception or the System's Summoner template, he currently showed no signs of physical abnormalities. Besides, all twenty-one Chūnin examiners he'd deployed were still carrying out their observation duties as usual. Everything seemed perfectly under control.

"Honorable Soushu?"

Suddenly, Hyuga Soushu heard the voice of the Anbu Communications Officer calling beside his ear.

"What is it?" 

His eyelid twitched slightly, snapping out of his daze.

He checked his watch and realized he might have zoned out for about a dozen seconds. More importantly, he couldn't recall anything that happened during those lost moments!

Moreover, this talkative Anbu messenger had somehow moved to stand only three steps behind him without notice.

"I've got a question now." Rubbing his temples slowly, Hyuga Soushu spoke cautiously.

"Hmm?" The messenger leaned closer attentively.

"Just which ninja clan are you really from?" Hyuga Soushu turned around fully, locking eyes on the increasingly unsettling figure of the Anbu communicator. "You're definitely not ordinary Anbu material, nor are you any typical clan ninja."

"Eh... Well, although I don't mind revealing my family background, there are rules regarding confidentiality within Anbu. Please forgive me for being unable to answer, Honorable Soushu." The messenger waved his hand gently, indicating he meant no offense.

"Is that right? How fascinating!" 

Hyuga Soushu did not immediately take further action. Instead, he gave the seemingly flustered Anbu Communications Officer one long, penetrating gaze before turning back toward the surveillance monitors. Into the microphone, he began issuing rescue instructions to each of the seven Chūnin observation teams.

Meanwhile, he also paid particular attention to Might Duy's performance.

Although fighting alone while surrounded by enemies clearly puts him at a disadvantage; although he'd openly revealed the scroll type he held by shouting it aloud, making others consider him foolish—a weakling barely standing; although many teams holding Heaven Scrolls were targeting him...

And yet, despite all that, Might Duy refused to give up.

Using nothing but his extraordinary strength, he barreled headlong through the Death Forest, sprinting toward the tower where candidates could enter only after collecting two scrolls!

Moreover, since he once revealed possession of an Earth Scroll, most other genin groups possessing Earth Scrolls ignored him now. They shifted their focus onto chasing those Heaven Scroll holders following behind instead.

Thus, within the Death Forest, a dramatic scene unfolded instantly: Heaven Scroll teams pursued maniacally while Earth Scroll teams followed along, assisting with rear defense and interception maneuvers.

For those Genin holding Earth-element Scrolls, all they needed to do was find traces of Might Duy and set up traps along his path. They'd practically guaranteed themselves a chance to ambush a poor Heaven-element team! This strategy beat aimlessly wandering the forest hunting for other teams—only to realize you had the same scroll type anyway.

"Section C, Zones 3 and 4—order immediate tactical rescue operations!"

Hyuga Soushu calmly assigned personnel according to the distress calls and emergencies displayed on the surveillance monitors.

Everything seemed perfectly normal.

"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"

But just as Hyuga Soushu masterfully coordinated the seven Chunin observation teams, chaos suddenly erupted across Konoha!

"It's started."

The Anbu Communications Officer standing beside Hyuga Soushu instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

"What's going on here!"

Hyuga Soushu immediately activated his Byakugan and scanned toward the source of the explosion.

"A massive explosion from a bundle of Explosive Tags!"

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