Self-Guided Examination
Uchiha Tunan's shadow clone took the main seat, calmly sipping tea before speaking:
"The assessment will last two hours. In the end, I will accept only one candidate.
I am not an expert in all fields, so my judgment may not be entirely precise. Those who are not selected, do not be discouraged."
As soon as he finished speaking, the shadow clone shot a subtle glance at Yoshihara Ao, who immediately understood. The test papers were then distributed among the candidates.
As the participants read through the questions, most of them froze in shock.
"Is this really an exam for hiring a teacher for orphans?!"
These were not ordinary questions; they spanned an absurdly vast range of subjects—governance strategies, military tactics, survival skills, and even psychological warfare. It was a test designed not for a mere tutor, but for a scholar capable of advising daimyō and leading nations.
Many struggled even with the first few questions, let alone the latter half. Still, they clenched their teeth and began writing.
"What if I get lucky? Or what if the others struggle more than I do?"
With that thought, pens scratched against the paper.
The first question was simple: "Introduce yourself and explain your areas of expertise."
Most candidates wrote conventional responses—literacy skills, experience in governance, business acumen.
But Uchiha Tunan smirked and wrote with elegant strokes:
> At the age of three, I mastered literacy and composition.
At seven, I delved into the philosophies of the great sages.
At ten, I wandered among merchants, learning the ways of the world.
For over twenty years, I sharpened my mind in the furnace of experience.
At thirty-seven, I withdrew from society to seek ultimate understanding in solitude.
For forty years, I pursued wisdom and mastered one art, two strategies, and six disciplines.
> One Art: Understanding the minds of rulers—commanding both civil and military affairs, discerning loyalty from betrayal, and recognizing talent.
> Two Strategies:
1. The Art of Diplomacy – Using one nation's strength against another, maneuvering through political chaos to emerge victorious.
2. The Strategy of Unity – Earning the people's trust, unifying the land under one rule.
> Six Disciplines:
Ritual, Hunting, Commerce, Agriculture, Literature, and Mathematics.
> He who masters all six shall govern with wisdom and wealth.
Having written his introduction, Uchiha Tunan proceeded through the exam.
While others struggled, frowning at their papers, Uchiha Tunan's brush moved fluidly, his calligraphy precise and effortless.
Candidates around him stole glances, their eyes widening in disbelief.
It wasn't that Uchiha Tunan possessed some divine intellect beyond reach; rather, these absurdly complex questions—impossible for most—were already second nature to him.
After half an hour, he set his pen down without even reviewing his answers.
He sat back, closing his eyes in quiet meditation.
From the main seat, the shadow clone feigned casual observation, before stopping at Uchiha Tunan's desk with a skeptical expression.
"Why has the old man stopped writing? Are the questions too difficult?"
Without opening his eyes, Uchiha Tunan stroked his imaginary beard and replied:
"These are mere children's questions. How much time could they possibly require?"
The shadow clone frowned, displeased.
"You should not be arrogant. These questions encompass vast encyclopedic knowledge—even their authors might struggle to answer them all. Look around—barely anyone has finished half of the test."
Uchiha Tunan cracked open one eye, scanning the room. The other candidates were pulling at their hair, their expressions twisted in frustration.
He smirked, closed his eyes again, and calmly said:
"If I cannot say I am absolutely certain, then at the very least, I am 90% confident."
His unshaken confidence, combined with his blunt words, made the other candidates scoff.
Since ancient times, scholars had prided themselves on humility. Even they were struggling with these questions, yet this self-proclaimed old man dismissed them as trivial?
Some openly sneered at his arrogance.
The shadow clone seemed unable to tolerate Uchiha Tunan's nonchalance any longer. With an annoyed expression, he stepped forward, picked up the test paper, and scanned it.
The room fell silent as everyone watched.
Suddenly, the shadow clone trembled violently, nearly collapsing. He barely managed to steady himself by grabbing the table.
Yoshihara Ao rushed forward in alarm.
Everyone's attention snapped toward the shadow clone, who was now drenched in cold sweat, his lips quivering.
"Impossible… This is impossible…"
Just as they feared something might have happened to him, the shadow clone turned his disbelieving eyes to Uchiha Tunan.
Then, to everyone's shock, he fell to his knees and prostrated himself.
"This old gentleman's wisdom transcends time itself! I, your unworthy student, humbly request your teachings!"
Gasps spread across the room.
Uchiha Tunan opened his eyes, his expression indifferent.
"No need for such formality. I only came here for a meal."
The shadow clone scrambled to his feet, calling out to Yoshihara Ao.
"Quickly! Prepare a banquet for this honored master!"
He then turned back to Uchiha Tunan, speaking with utmost respect.
"Sir, please allow me to escort you to my study for a moment of rest."
After helping Uchiha Tunan up, he faced the other candidates and announced:
"I apologize, but today's examination is concluded."
Frustrated murmurs filled the room. Someone stepped forward and asked:
"Sir, can we at least see this old gentleman's answers? We need proof that we lost fairly."
After all, it was difficult to accept that they had been defeated before even completing the test.
Especially when the one who bested them appeared to be an aging hermit.
The shadow clone hesitated before shaking his head.
"The wisdom of sages is not to be shared lightly. If such knowledge fell into the wrong hands, it could shake the very foundations of the Land of Fire."
This only made Uchiha Tunan's knowledge seem more mysterious.
The candidates looked at one another, their curiosity growing. But with no other choice, they left—some secretly taking copies of the test questions to study later.
In the following days, these impossible test papers circulated through the Fire Capital.
Soon, discussions about "Abe Jingming"—Uchiha Tunan's alias—spread like wildfire.
Even high-ranking officials became intrigued.
At first, they dismissed the rumors. But once they saw the test's difficulty, they reconsidered.
As word spread, several officials attempted to meet Abe Jingming in person.
Yet, regardless of their status, they were all turned away.
"Mr. Jingming does not receive guests," the attendants said firmly.
"Did you tell him I am the Minister of the Interior?"
"Yes, sir. But Mr. Jingming said he only wishes to study and educate his disciples."
Frustrated, the Minister sighed and left.
Meanwhile, atop the North City Guard House, Uchiha Tunan—disguised as Abe Jingming—stood at the window.
His sharp, calculating gaze locked onto the Fire Daimyō's palace in the distance.
"The bait has been cast… Now, when will you bite?"