The joint Chunin Exams between Konoha and the Sand Village this time were essentially a continuation of the previous exams that had been interrupted. Most of the participants were familiar faces.
Sasuke signed up for it as well.
Since unlocking the Mangekyo Sharingan, his combat ability had effectively reached the level of a Jonin. When using Susano'o, he was undeniably S-class—commonly referred to as "Kage-level."
However, skill and rank aren't necessarily linked. Without the Hokage's formal appointment, no matter how strong Sasuke was, he remained a Genin.
Back in the Police Force, his peers often teased him, calling him the "only Genin in the police department."
For the proud Sasuke, such mockery was, of course, intolerable.
So naturally, he signed up for the Chunin Exams this time.
However, Chunin Exams don't accept solo applicants. Participants must register as part of a three-person team.
With this in mind, he headed to the office and approached Shigeo Aburame. "I'm planning to join the Chunin Exams."
"Huh?"
Shigeo paused for a moment, then chuckled.
"Ha! That's great. Since you were in Kakashi's team, just join up with Sakura's squad."
"Sakura already has a team!"
Sasuke's mouth twitched in mild frustration.
"Last year, Shikamaru became a Chunin, so she filled the spot in Asuma's team. Now she's teamed up with Choji and Ino. Find me two other teammates, I don't care if they're weak."
"Wow, confident, aren't we?"
Shigeo chuckled again, nodding as he spoke.
"Alright, I'll find your teammates and sign your names as your recommender. Head over to the registration area to meet them directly."
"Got it."
Sasuke nodded before strutting out with his hands in his pockets, exuding his usual nonchalant air.
Unfazed by Sasuke's attitude, Shigeo pulled out a pre-prepared Genin recommendation form and filled in three names:
**Uchiha Sasuke**, **Aburame Chion**, and ** Qiang**.
---
In the afternoon, Sasuke met his two teammates at the Chunin Exam registration site.
He recognized Aburame Chion.
Back in the Ninja Academy, he had heard of the "Princess of Bugs" in Konoha. Now, Chion was practically royalty within the Police Force. Even the Inuzuka clan bowed their heads to her, and ninja dogs wagged their tails in submission.
Anyone who dared cross her risked not just losing their dog licenses but being fined on sight!
Although Sasuke usually ignored most people, he politely greeted this pampered jewel of his department's top brass.
"Chion, you're here."
"Yep!" Chion nodded, her smile bright. "Hehe, I never thought I'd team up with Sasuke-kun!"
"Neither did I."
Sasuke replied dryly before turning to the other person. He squinted slightly. "Who are you?"
The man had an unremarkable face. Hearing Sasuke's question, he smiled and said, "My name's Qiang. Pleased to meet you!"
Sasuke: "…"
What a random name!
Sasuke assumed this guy was just a filler teammate and didn't bother paying him much attention. He spoke curtly.
"The time's almost up. Let's register and not delay the first exam."
"Got it!"
Chion and Qiang both nodded, and the three of them went to submit their recommendation forms.
After registering, the three drew lots and were assigned to different classrooms.
Before they split up, Qiang spoke up unexpectedly.
"Sorry, Sasuke-san, Chion-sama. I might drag you down this time."
Sasuke clicked his tongue, unimpressed. "Tch, I expected as much."
Chion, however, gave him a warm smile and offered some encouragement.
"Don't worry, Brother Qiang. I believe we'll pass the exam. Good luck!"
"Thank you, Lady Chion!"
Qiang thanked her before scratching his head sheepishly.
"I'm not very smart. Back in school, I was always at the bottom of the class. I probably won't be able to answer a single question. Sorry in advance!"
"Whatever."
Sasuke waved dismissively, his tone indifferent.
"Even if you're a bottom-feeder, as long as you don't give up, we can still pass. Let's go!"
With that, he strode confidently toward his assigned classroom.
Chion gave Qiang a reassuring smile before heading to her classroom as well.
Once the two were out of sight, the awkwardness on Qiang's face vanished, replaced by a thoughtful expression.
"I've hinted as much as I can. They should know what to do by now, right?"
Shrugging, he muttered to himself, "Oh well, I've done my part. Whether they figure it out is up to them."
Satisfied, he walked into his designated classroom.
---
When all the examinees had gathered, the doors to the classrooms slammed shut with a loud *bang*. No matter how much anyone pushed or pulled, the doors wouldn't budge.
While everyone was still confused, the large screen at the front of the classroom flickered to life. Shikamaru Nara's face appeared on it.
"Uh… I'm Shikamaru Nara, the proctor for the Chunin Selection Exam. Each of you, please go to the podium and pick up a test sheet. Find a seat and sit down."
The examinees hurriedly stepped forward to grab their test sheets.
To their surprise, the test contained only three questions, all ridiculously easy—essentially *free points*.
Neji Hyuga even declared that as long as someone wasn't an idiot, they could answer these questions.
But before they could rejoice, Shikamaru's voice came through the screen again.
"This is the first exam—a written test. Look at the questions. There are three in total, worth 30, 40, and 50 points respectively.
Each of you must pick one question to answer. Passing or failing will be determined by your team's total score. First rule: teams with a total score above 100 fail!"
The classroom erupted into murmurs of shock.
"What? If we all choose the 40- or 50-point questions, we'll be disqualified?"
"Unless someone scores zero, two team members scoring above 70 means elimination!"
"Only an idiot would score zero on such simple questions!"
As the discussions grew louder, Shikamaru yawned on-screen and nodded.
"Yep, that's how it works. After eliminations, the remaining teams will have their scores averaged. Teams scoring below the average fail. Those above pass. Well... the test starts now!"
With that, the screen cut to a 30-minute countdown.
The examinees scrambled in frustration, scratching their heads.
Sasuke, on the other hand, smirked.
"Heh, I guess having an idiot on the team isn't such a bad thing after all."