Hokage Building
Everything that had transpired in the examination room was clearly displayed on the office screen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face was lined with frustration, and beside him, Tsunade and Jiraiya shared similar expressions.
Meanwhile, Ohnoki, a man only half the height of an average person, chuckled and remarked, "These two children are quite amusing. Konoha has certainly raised them well."
Although Sarutobi Hiruzen felt embarrassed, he couldn't afford to let Konoha lose face, especially in front of the Tsuchikage from Iwagakure Village.
"Indeed, they are entertaining, but a bit too mischievous. However, these children were far too easily deceived. They failed to see through such a simple transformation technique. It seems our academy's teaching methods require more rigor."
Ohnoki understood the underlying message—Sarutobi was subtly suggesting that the ninjas from Iwagakure were lacking in skill.
Although none of the Konoha Genin noticed Chiba and Nawaki's prank, both culprits were from Konoha. This meant that Iwagakure had, unknowingly, fallen behind in this aspect.
Yet, Ohnoki remained unfazed. As the leader of a village, such minor matters wouldn't affect him. Instead, he saw this as an eye-opener. Just as Sarutobi had said, enhancing the quality of training in their schools needed to become a priority. If their ninjas could be fooled by something as basic as a transformation technique during war, the consequences would be dire.
"Old man, let me go and stop this prank before it escalates further. It's already disrupting the exam," Jiraiya volunteered.
Jiraiya had good reason to be concerned. After all, Nawaki was playing pranks under his identity. If things got out of hand, his own reputation would take a hit.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. "Go ahead, and make sure to warn those two troublemakers. This time, I'll let it slide, but if they pull a stunt like this again, I won't go easy on them."
Sarutobi had no intention of punishing the two. The first exam was designed to test a candidate's ability to gather intelligence, and since they were from the Uchiha and Senju clans, punishing them wouldn't be simple.
"I'll go too. I'm partially responsible for those two brats scheming up this mess," Tsunade interjected.
Truth be told, she was more irritated that Chiba hadn't visited her in half a month than the prank itself.
Sarutobi did not object and nodded in agreement. "Alright, Tsunade, you go with Jiraiya."
Chūnin Exam Room
By the time Tsunade and Jiraiya arrived at the exam hall, they noticed that the previously tricked candidates had returned, muttering curses under their breath. The ones who were the most vocal were the Genin from Iwagakure.
"That white-haired guy is the worst! He tricked us into wasting our time. We ran all the way to the Hokage Building just to be told that there was no such decision to change the exam venue."
"Exactly! If I see that white-haired bastard again, I'll make sure he regrets it. Iwagakure isn't a joke!"
A Konoha Genin scoffed and retorted, "You lot are delusional. That white-haired guy you're cursing is Hokage-sama's disciple. Do you think you Genin can just teach Jiraiya-sama a lesson? You might as well take a look at yourself in the mirror first."
"..."
Hearing this, the Iwagakure Genin hesitated. A disciple of the Hokage?
That wasn't someone they could mess with. However, they weren't willing to let it go either. As proud ninjas of Iwagakure, they had their own Will of Stone.
If they couldn't go after the Hokage's disciple, they could at least take their frustrations out on the Konoha Genin. Unspoken yet understood, they collectively decided to target Konoha ninjas in the upcoming exam rounds.
Meanwhile, many candidates noticed Jiraiya standing at the entrance. Upon recognizing his identity, their anger simmered down, and they quietly returned to their seats.
But Jiraiya had already heard their complaints. He was livid.
As a disciple of the Hokage and a descendant of Mount Myōboku, he had now been reduced to being called "White Hair" by a bunch of brats.
That nickname was supposed to be exclusive to Tsunade! And now, even these kids were using it?
Yet, he knew he couldn't blame them. The real culprits were still in the classroom—Chiba and Nawaki.
Without hesitation, Jiraiya stormed into the exam hall. After scanning the room, he found the troublemakers sitting in the corner.
His anger flared as he shouted, "Chiba, Naoki, you two, get out here. Now!"
Realizing they had been caught, Nawaki accepted his fate. He turned to Chiba and sighed, "Let's go, Chiba. Time for our execution."
Chiba smirked. "You're exaggerating, Nawaki. At most, we'll just get scolded."
But as they stepped outside, Nawaki's worst fears were realized.
Bang!
Tsunade's fist landed squarely on his head.
"You little brat! Acting up during an exam? Do you think this is some kind of joke?!"
Dazed from the punch, Nawaki barely had time to react before Jiraiya added, "Exactly! And Chiba, even if you wanted to cause trouble, why did you have to impersonate me? Couldn't you have chosen someone else? What about Orochimaru? He would've been a better pick!"
Nawaki felt utterly wronged. This entire scheme had been Chiba's idea! He had just been dragged along, yet Tsunade only punished him?
"Sister, why are you only hitting me? This was Chiba's plan!"
Tsunade smirked. "Why do you think? Because you're my brother. Who else would I hit if not you?"
Truthfully, she couldn't bring herself to hit Uchiha Chiba. But, of course, she wasn't about to admit that.
Resigned to his fate, Nawaki muttered, "Chiba, you said you'd help me if I got punished. Are you just going to stand there and watch me suffer?"