Simu touched his lips, feeling the lingering warmth.
The corners of his mouth curled up slightly.
Glancing at the door, he reluctantly left.
It wasn't that Simu didn't want to take things a step further.
The problem was that Kushina was only 13 years old!
Starting now would be too beastly.
So, Simu decided to wait.
After a good night's sleep, he was woken up early the next morning by Minato.
With messy hair, Simu looked at Minato in confusion.
"Tell me, what do you want from me?"
Minato glanced at the clock.
It was already afternoon, yet this guy was still sleeping!
Minato sometimes wondered if Simu actually trained at home.
Why was he so lazy every day, yet his strength kept skyrocketing like a rocket?
"Lord Hokage is looking for us," Minato said.
Simu yawned, still half-asleep.
"Why is that old man calling us again? Why does he always make us work overtime?"
Minato shrugged helplessly.
In the past, he would have reminded Simu to be more respectful when addressing the Hokage.
But now, he had given up.
If this guy got killed on the streets one day, Minato would think it was completely normal.
The two wasted no time and headed straight to the Hokage's office.
The Third Hokage looked up in surprise and said to Simu,
"Not bad. This time, you actually used the door."
Simu grinned, pulled out a chair, and sat down.
"Well, since Minato is with me, I figured I should act a little more civilized."
The Third Hokage shot him a glare.
"So you do realize how ridiculous it is to enter through the window?"
After giving Simu a brief scolding, the Hokage got down to business.
"Alright, the reason I called you two here today is because I have an important mission for you."
He placed a file on the desk.
"In order to demonstrate friendship between the great nations, express sincerity, build a harmonious order in the ninja world, and promote peace—"
"Konoha, Kumogakure, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure have decided to jointly hold a Jōnin exam."
"Jōnin exam?"
Simu frowned.
As a natural slacker, he could already smell the stench of hard labor.
The Third Hokage gave him a kind smile.
"That's right, a Jōnin exam. Those who pass will officially be recognized as Jōnin, certified by all four great nations."
"Us?"
"Yes, you."
The Third Hokage leaned back in his chair, still smiling.
"For the glory of Konoha, I am sending your team to participate in this exam."
"This isn't just an exam—it's a contest of strength between the great nations."
"You should know that last time, we almost went to war with Kumogakure."
"Although we killed several of their Jōnin, their infiltrators also inflicted serious damage on Konoha."
"This was a huge humiliation to us!"
The Third Hokage's expression turned stern.
"That's why, this time, you must pass this exam beautifully!"
"I want the other great nations to understand—Konoha is not to be trifled with!"
Minato's expression turned serious.
After all, this wasn't just an ordinary exam.
It was a mission tied to Konoha's reputation!
He looked as if he was ready to dedicate his life to Konoha at any moment.
Meanwhile, Simu remained indifferent.
Damn it. Another business trip.
And a big one at that.
The Third Hokage wanted to show Konoha's strength, but didn't the other villages want the same?
They would definitely send their strongest talents to compete.
Who knew what kind of monsters he'd have to deal with?
Simu raised his hand and asked in a low voice,
"Uh, Lord Hokage… is there a Chūnin exam instead?"
"GET OUT!"
The Third Hokage's face darkened, and he nearly punched Simu through the wall.
Just the other day, this guy had taken down three Jōnin single-handedly.
And now, he wanted to participate in the Chūnin exam?
Was there no limit to his shamelessness?!
Originally, the Hokage had considered the idea of keeping Simu's strength hidden.
But forcing him to take the Chūnin exam would be going too far.
Simu might be shameless, but Konoha still had a reputation to uphold.
Although less than ten years had passed since the Second Great Ninja War, tensions in the ninja world were rising again.
The great nations were restless, and conflicts in smaller nations were constant.
That's why, at this crucial moment, four of the five major villages—excluding Kirigakure—decided to hold a joint Jōnin exam.
It was a show of strength.
Some smaller nations wanted to prove themselves, hoping to earn the respect of the great nations.
Meanwhile, the great nations wanted to assert dominance, warning both smaller villages and rival powers not to challenge them.
Konoha was no exception.
That's why the Third Hokage chose Simu and Minato for this exam.
Through this joint exam, Konoha needed to send a message to the entire ninja world.
We, Konoha, are still the strongest!
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