After fifteen minutes, Ikki reached Orca Training Ground. There, Hinari and Chikako were already training with their tantos under Hayate's supervision.
Hayate: "You're back. What are you going to train today?"
Ikki: "First, the Frequency Blade. Then a new technique."
Hayate nodded. Ikki walked to a corner of the field and summoned Intetsu. He began flowing chakra into it. Within five minutes, he achieved the high-frequency vibration again. Then he canceled the flow and started over.
For the next three hours, Ikki trained nonstop. Despite repeated attempts, he couldn't shorten the activation time of the Frequency Blade. Exhausted and out of chakra, he finally took a break.
Ikki (thinking):
I have three months until the Chūnin Exams. I need to reduce the startup time as much as I can... Ugh, this is going to be tough. And Orochimaru is still coming. My presence hasn't altered the timeline enough to change that. I should warn Chikako and Hinari to prepare for Konoha Crush.
He sealed Intetsu back into his ring and walked over to the others.
Ikki: "Chikako, Hinari—we need to prepare for the worst in the Chūnin Exams."
Hinari: "What do you mean?"
Ikki: "Something big is coming. That's the real reason the Third Hokage wants us to participate."
Hayate: "Why do you think that?"
Ikki: "If this were a regular Chūnin Exam, we wouldn't even need to take part. With our mission records, we should've already been promoted. But he insisted we join the exam. That says a lot."
Hayate (smiling): "You're sharp."
Chikako: "I suspected as much."
Ikki: "You figured it out too, huh."
Chikako: "Yeah."
Ikki: "Chikako, Hinari—try to reach level 6 in chakra screw."
Both nodded seriously.
Ikki: "Now... time for my special training."
He returned to his training spot and summoned a bokutō—the one given to him by Indra.
Ikki (thinking):
Let's make it the same height as Intetsu… and weight around 50 kg.
As soon as the thought crossed his mind, the bokutō shifted—its weight increased, and Ikki could feel the difference instantly.
Ikki (thinking):
The reason Allon Rodol was terrifying was because he spent millions of years perfecting sword swings. I don't have that kind of time, but with weight training, I can simulate it. Let's start with 50 kg and see how far I get.
Ikki began his swings. Basic forms—front slash, side slash, horizontal cut, thrust, iaido. Each swing was slow, precise, and heavy. He could handle the weight at first, but by the fifth set, the strain started to show. Still, he made sure every stroke was perfect—filled with intent.
Allon Rodol's technique relied on raw strength and flawless form. If I want to reach that level, I can't afford to rush.
Time passed—each Genin in Konoha pushing themselves harder in preparation for the upcoming Chūnin Exams. Meanwhile, in the shadows, others began moving—planning their next steps. They believed no one knew of their intentions. But they were wrong. Some did know. And those people were already preparing.
A Week Before the Chūnin Exams
The same scene unfolded, just like in the original timeline. Konohamaru bumped into Kankurō, leading to a confrontation between Team 7 and Team Gaara. Simultaneously, the Third Hokage summoned all active jōnin.
Sandaime: "You probably already know why I've called you."
Kakashi: "Yes. It's that time again, isn't it?"
Asuma: "The other nations have been notified, right? I've seen their shinobi around."
Kurenai: "So, when will it begin?"
Sandaime: "In one week."
Kakashi: "That's quite sudden."
Sandaime: "I will now make the formal announcement. Seven days from today, on the first of July, the Chūnin Exams will begin."
He continued.
Sandaime: "In conjunction with the exams, I need the leaders of Genin teams to step forward. Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma—are there any Genin from your squads you wish to recommend?"
Just like in the original timeline, all three nominated their full teams. Iruka objected, and the same back-and-forth dialogue took place.
Sandaime: "Now, for the older Genin—those who've been on missions for a while—do any of their jōnin wish to make recommendations?"
He looked toward Gai and Hayate.
Gai: "I'd like to recommend Team 9."
Hayate: "I recommend Team Orca."
Gai: "Team Orca?"
Hayate: "You know Ikki, right? He's part of Team Orca."
Gai: "Ah, yes! That one. Quite talented."
Kakashi: "So this year's winner is already decided, huh."
He glanced at the Hokage with a half-smile.
Sandaime (laughing): "Heh."
Gai: "Oi, Kakashi! You can't just say that!"
Asuma: "Why would you say that?"
Kakashi: "Hayate—what's Team Orca's mission record?"
Hayate: "Over the past two years: 200 missions completed. No D-rank. 120 C-rank. 80 B-rank."
Kurenai: "80 B-ranks?!"
Sandaime: "I accept your recommendations. That is all. You're dismissed."
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