Konoha invites ninjas from various countries to participate, mostly to compare the strengths of its own ninjas with those of other countries.
Alternatively, it is to show other countries that Konoha has not declined, and remains the number one ninja village in the Ninja Realm.
If well-organized, Konoha's prestige will naturally rise, but if it fails... the blow to Konoha would be considerable.
"The old man is indeed cautious. However, I heard that in this Joint Chunin Exam held by Konoha, there will be an Uchiha ninja participating."
"Yes, this Uchiha ninja's name is Uchiha Itachi, the eldest son of the current Uchiha Clan Leader Fugaku. Many say he's a genius the likes of which haven't been seen in the Uchiha Clan for twenty years."
The Witch also pays attention to this matter and answers smoothly.
"That is certainly a powerful attraction, but using an Uchiha Clan ninja as the focal point, Konoha's high-ups might be planning to ease relations with the Uchiha?"
Ichihime smiled interestingly.
"Perhaps considering this aspect."
The Witch is not well-informed about such matters, and dealings among Konoha's high-ups are naturally impossible to be easily known by outsiders.
"The old man said that among Konoha's high-ups, that guy named Shimura Danzo has been targeting Konoha's Uchiha ever since the Second Hokage passed away... I just feel this Chunin Exam is anything but simple."
Ichihime began to ponder.
"What do you mean, Lady Ichihime?"
"I want to watch this Konoha's Joint Chunin Exam before leaving Konoha, and then return to the Land of Demons. Go ahead and make the arrangements."
"But..."
"No need for 'but', a genius the likes of which haven't been seen in Uchiha for twenty years, isn't it quite intriguing?"
"Yes, I understand. I'll make the arrangements right away."
Thinking of Ichihime's true identity, it's only natural she'd be interested in the talent power of the Uchiha Clan.
Moreover, this Chunin Exam is indeed different.
After the Witch left, Ichihime was alone in the room once again, gazing toward the bustling streets outside the window.
"Uchiha Itachi... hailed as the most talented new star of the Uchiha after my mother, let me see how you perform..."
◎
"Chunin Exam... I understand, Father."
Upon hearing this news, Itachi's mood was also very excited.
He didn't understand why his team leader Jonin, Minazuki Yuzuki, never recommended him for the Chunin Exam.
Serving day and night as a Genin under Minazuki Yuzuki's command, he had thought it would last for a long time, but unexpectedly, the high-ups directly issued orders for him to participate in this Chunin Exam.
Itachi knows that the Uchiha Clan plays a part in this.
The supporter being his father Fugaku; without Fugaku's interference, it would be difficult for him to break out of the Genin status.
He also discreetly feels that his team leader Jonin Minazuki Yuzuki seemingly doesn't wish for him to become a Chunin.
But with direct intervention from the high-ups this time, Minazuki Yuzuki no longer has the power to prevent him from participating in the Chunin Exam.
Once becoming a Chunin, there would even be greater freedom.
"Though Hokage-sama agrees to your participation in the Chunin Exam, there's one condition."
Fugaku looked at Itachi sternly.
"Condition?"
"For this Chunin Exam, you must participate alone."
"Alone?"
Itachi was surprised.
But, isn't a necessary aspect for becoming a Chunin demonstrating competent teamwork?
With one person, how could such ability be demonstrated?
"Don't be nervous; this is exactly a reflection of your excellence. It proves that Hokage-sama recognizes your ability. And as my son, you have the capability to accomplish this."
Fugaku spoke earnestly.
Though puzzled, Itachi understood this was his only chance to advance to Chunin.
"As long as you can pass all exams and defeat all candidates in the examination hall, you are granted the position of Chunin; this is the agreement between me and Hokage-sama. Moreover, after the Chunin Exam, you'll be selected by Hokage-sama as a member of the Anbu."
Speaking here, Fugaku's gaze toward Itachi turned fiery.
Entering the Anbu... if Itachi could enter the Anbu, it would be an indisputable boon for the Uchiha Clan.
Having Itachi enter the Anbu is not only the Third Hokage's plan but also the opportunity for the Uchiha Clan.
The Third Hokage is already old, and Danzo from the Root can only perform some shady schemes behind the scenes; the Sannin have left successively, yet the Uchiha has the pillars like himself and Shisui, and Itachi could become the third pillar within the upcoming years for Uchiha.
From any perspective, Fugaku does not think he will lose in the upcoming confrontation.
As long as Itachi can become an Anbu member, the Uchiha Clan can gradually gain power within Konoha, even accessing information from the high-ups.
This for the Uchiha Clan, is beneficial without harm.
Having Itachi join the Anbu, in some ways, also represents a softening of Hokage's stance towards their Uchiha Clan.
Itachi was even more surprised.
Solo examination, Anbu induction...
Such information entered his mind, causing Itachi to frown in contemplation.
"So, there is only one path before you, which is to defeat all the candidates and become the most outstanding ninja in this Joint Chunin Exam, thereby spreading our Uchiha Clan's name."
"Yes. I understand."
Though not understanding, Itachi could only follow the arranged plan.
"Do not use too much pressure; with your skill, there is nothing to worry about. A ten-year-old Anbu, even Namikaze Minato and Hatake Kakashi cannot compare to you. The future of Uchiha depends on you, Itachi."
Namikaze Minato and Hatake Kakashi are previously famed genius ninjas of Konoha, especially the former, at the age of twenty-four, became Konoha's Fourth Hokage, almost single-handedly reversing all unfavorable situations on the battlefield for Konoha.
Such genius ninjas have always been existence for Itachi to look up to and aspire towards.
Upon hearing Fugaku's affirmations, Itachi felt the weight of pressure on him become heavier, gradually feeling breathless.
But he cannot disappoint the village and the family.
He still needs to strengthen, to reverse all injustice and slaughter in this Ninja Realm.
Thus, this body can still endure.
Perhaps seeing Itachi's determined eyes, Fugaku left Itachi's room with a satisfied smile.
No wonder he is his son, as long as he possesses this determination and perseverance, surely one day, will lead Uchiha to restore past glory.
Thus, the position of Fifth Hokage would also be easily attainable.