Chunin Exam Quota
---
"I didn't expect Bai Ye's physique to be so… strange."
In a dimly lit underground laboratory, Orochimaru stood before a series of instruments, closely analyzing samples of cells he had stolen from Bai Ye during a previous encounter.
"Just a small dose of that failed compound I synthesized was enough to trigger cellular transformation… Fascinating. I wonder what would happen if I used genuine Hashirama cells instead. Could it produce a perfect fusion?"
He licked his lips with barely concealed excitement, eyes glittering with obsession.
"Cellular activity has increased dramatically, but it's still nowhere near the level of Hashirama's vitality. Not yet…"
His research might finally be on the cusp of a breakthrough.
---
"Damn it! Especially you! You ignored me after you woke up yesterday—I'll make you pay for that."
The next morning, at Konoha's Third Training Ground, Yuyan was enacting her form of "punishment" on Yue, who was clearly on the losing end of the ordeal. Bai Ye stood to the side, watching the spectacle with mild amusement.
"I was wrong... I won't do it again…" Yue groaned. She was pinned to the grass, clearly out of energy and spirit, her voice feeble.
"And you!" Yuyan turned to Bai Ye, scowling. "You didn't even ask me where I was! I was worried about you!"
Without waiting, she tackled Bai Ye and pinned him to the ground, venting her frustration.
Still wearing his Bruce Lee-style training outfit—the so-called "Death Suit"—Bai Ye didn't resist. His uniform lacked the ornate embroidery of standard gear, but his new one was still three days from being delivered.
"Why isn't Hizashi-sensei with you today?" Bai Ye asked casually from beneath her. "How long do we have to wait?"
"He said he had to go retrieve something," Yuyan muttered, calming down. "Told me to head over first."
"It's been over thirty minutes. This is boring," Bai Ye sighed.
The three Genin eventually sprawled on the grass, their heads resting on each other's stomachs in a triangular formation, silently soaking in the summer morning.
"It's not good to speak ill of your teacher behind his back," came a calm voice.
Before they could react, small sheets of paper fluttered down onto their faces.
"What is this?" Yue sat up, peeling the paper off her face. "Did it take you this long just to bring these, sensei?"
"Treat them carefully," Hizashi said, a rare smile on his face. "If you lose them, that's your problem. These are your Chūnin Exam volunteer forms. You'll need them to participate in the exam, which is three months from now."
With a flick of his wrist, he used Gentle Fist to create a gust of wind, sending the papers flying into the air. The previously lethargic trio scrambled to catch them.
"Uncle Hizashi! That was mean!" Yuyan pouted, clutching her retrieved form to her chest. "What if we hadn't caught them?"
"I was impressed with how you performed during your last mission, so I decided to test your awareness. You may be the youngest candidates in this exam cycle," Hizashi said, ruffling her hair. "I'm not sure if Yu Shu's team is entering."
In truth, he didn't expect them to pass the exam just yet—this was meant more for experience. Still, their rapid improvement had caught even him off guard.
"That just means they're going to lose," Yue said matter-of-factly.
"Yue, you're the top of our class. Shouldn't you be more confident?" Yuyan scolded her.
Bai Ye remained silent, deep in thought.
If I remember correctly, he mused, this should be the exam where Kakashi becomes a Chūnin.
Kakashi had graduated from the Academy early, just like Bai Ye, and would've joined Minato's team. Considering that Guy and Obito graduated only three months ago, Kakashi would currently be around six or seven years old. He only had this one chance to make Chūnin at such a young age.
But something doesn't add up, Bai Ye thought. Kakashi should've graduated last year. What's he been doing this whole time? How did he end up on a team with Obito and Rin?
His thoughts were interrupted by Yuyan waving a hand in front of his face.
"Earth to Bai Ye? Are you nervous or something? Don't worry, I'll protect you during the exam," she said playfully.
"Just don't beg me to save you when the time comes," Bai Ye smirked, flicking her forehead.
"Ow! Again with that fast reflexes of yours…" Yuyan grumbled, rubbing her forehead. She had seen the flick coming and still couldn't dodge it.
She bit her lip in frustration. At graduation, she'd still believed she was stronger than Bai Ye. But now? His growth rate was absurd.
Yue, too, felt the pressure. Bai Ye's progress was abnormal—even threatening. She wanted to be happy for him, but the idea of being surpassed filled her with conflicting emotions.
"Do you two have to wear your emotions on your sleeves?" Bai Ye sighed. "You're both too strong for your own good."
If I didn't have something like a Zanpakutō, I wouldn't even be qualified to be on the same team as them…
"Enough chatter," Hizashi said. "We'll do some light training this morning. You'll take a new mission this afternoon. I want your strength sharpened before the exam."
He wasn't exaggerating. Bai Ye's rate of improvement was astonishing. It made sense now why the Third Hokage had personally assigned Hizashi to this squad.
---
"Grandpa Third! We're back again!"
Yuyan burst into the Hokage's office without knocking. Bai Ye and Yue followed behind more calmly.
It was only the second time they had met Hiruzen Sarutobi. During their first meeting, they'd been on their best behavior—he was the Hokage, after all. But ever since he'd jokingly told them to call him "Grandpa," Yuyan had been acting like she owned the place.
"You're here," Sarutobi greeted them warmly, exhaling a puff from his pipe and setting his paperwork aside. "I read the mission report. You all performed admirably."