The Shadow Clone Technique (Kage Bunshin no Jutsu) is a B-rank ninjutsu taught in Konoha, and although many find it challenging, Chao Yiqianren, with his exceptional chakra control, mastered it in just a few hours. Unlike the basic Clone Technique (Bunshin no Jutsu), the Shadow Clone creates tangible, physical clones that share the user's chakra equally. Because of this chakra division, many shinobi avoid using it recklessly in battle, reserving it instead for scouting, diversion, or information gathering. However, when combined with the original body in perfect coordination, it opens the door to countless strategic opportunities.
Chao Yiqianren was determined to learn this jutsu because he had developed a unique tactic—one that even elite shinobi would find difficult to see through. During the seven days before the exam, in addition to sparring with his comrade Hideyoshi Yamamoto, he dedicated his free time to refining this strategy, ensuring that when the exam day arrived, he could deploy it flawlessly.
The morning of the exam was serene, with clear skies and the sun casting a gentle warmth. After equipping himself with his ninja tools, Chao Yiqianren left his house and made his way to the academy.
Compared to a week ago, Chao Yiqianren had grown significantly—not just in terms of ninjutsu, but also through experience. The sparring sessions with Hideyoshi Yamamoto had been brutal; whenever Yamamoto found a weakness in Chao Yiqianren, he would exploit it without hesitation, knocking him to the ground. But it was through this harsh training that Chao Yiqianren rapidly improved.
The exam room was spacious with no geographical advantages to exploit. Only a few people were present to observe the test: Hideyoshi Yamamoto, a few academy instructors, and two unfamiliar shinobi, one of whom appeared to be a Jōnin. In situations like this, an experienced Jōnin was often present to prevent accidents from becoming fatal.
Chao Yiqianren's opponent was a young ninja named Oda, around twelve or thirteen years old. According to Hideyoshi, Oda was average at best, though he might eventually qualify as a Chūnin in a few years. However, in Chao Yiqianren's eyes, Oda was nothing special and was unlikely to develop beyond mediocrity.
"Alright, it's about time. Let's begin," the Jōnin said, slightly impatient. Seeing that both were prepared, he signaled the start of the exam.
"The exam begins! Form the seal of confrontation!" Hideyoshi called out.
"Please go easy on me!" Chao Yiqianren said as he performed the hand seal, a customary gesture of respect before a spar.
Oda nodded slightly, signaling that the match could start.
Without wasting any time, Chao Yiqianren dashed forward, wielding kunai in both hands. Oda responded in kind, charging at him with his own kunai. The clash of metal sent sparks flying as their weapons met.
Battles between Genin were often simple, particularly when both were from civilian backgrounds and hadn't yet learned advanced ninjutsu. Their combat focused on basic techniques and hand-to-hand skills (taijutsu), unlike the more complex battles seen in Chūnin Exams in the manga.
As they crossed paths, Chao Yiqianren quickly flung his left-hand kunai in a backhand throw, aiming for Oda's blind spot. Oda deflected it with ease, but his eyes widened when he saw a smoke bomb tied to the kunai. "Not good," he muttered.
Boom!
The smoke bomb exploded, filling the area with a thick, blinding fog. Oda, however, was no novice. He knew standing still would make him an easy target for an incoming shuriken or kunai barrage. Yet, rushing out of the smoke blindly could also leave him exposed.
Trusting his instincts, Oda threw a few shuriken in the direction where he remembered Chao Yiqianren standing, then darted out of the smoke.
As expected, the moment he emerged from the smoke, three kunai hurtled toward him. "Too predictable!" Oda shouted, dodging them with a roll.
However, the academy instructors and the observing Jōnin all shook their heads. They had seen through Chao Yiqianren's setup. The three kunai were a decoy.
Just after Oda's roll, Chao Yiqianren launched six more shuriken, followed by a kunai that he had thrown earlier. The kunai hit the ground with a thud, but to Oda's shock, it transformed into a clone of Chao Yiqianren, who immediately began forming hand seals.
"Doton: Ganchūrō no Jutsu!" (Earth Style: Rock Pillar Spears!)
"I've won!" Chao Yiqianren thought triumphantly as he completed the seals.
The ground beneath Oda trembled, and earthen spears began shooting up toward him. But before they could reach him, the Jōnin, having observed long enough, intervened. With a quick movement, he whisked Oda out of harm's way, leaving Chao Yiqianren's technique to strike empty air.
Truthfully, Chao Yiqianren's tactic was borrowed from Naruto's strategy against Zabuza during the Wave Country arc, and Chao doubted whether he would've come up with such a clever plan on his own.
"Now, I officially declare that Chao Yiqianren has become a Konoha Genin," the Jōnin announced, handing Chao Yiqianren a brand-new forehead protector. The graduation ceremony was simple but meaningful.
Of course, Chao Yiqianren was no prodigy like Kakashi Hatake. Even though he had performed well, he hadn't graduated as early as the famous "Son of the White Fang," who had passed his Genin exam at the age of five. That was a record no one in the current generation could hope to break.
"Thank you, sir," Chao Yiqianren said, his tone polite but flat, giving off an uncomfortable air.
The Jōnin didn't seem to mind and instead complimented him: "That was a clever tactic. You defeated an experienced Genin with ease."
"Thank you for your kind words," Chao Yiqianren replied.
As he spoke, he glanced at Oda, whose face was dark with embarrassment. If word of today's defeat spread, Oda's reputation would be tarnished. Chao Yiqianren felt a pang of guilt but reminded himself that if their roles had been reversed, he wouldn't fare any better. Losing here would have branded him as arrogant.
After a brief exchange with the Jōnin, Hideyoshi Yamamoto took Chao Yiqianren to a yakiniku restaurant to celebrate his excellent performance and his new status as a Konoha ninja. Despite the contradictions and darkness within the village, Hideyoshi's love for Konoha was clear from his demeanor, and it struck Chao Yiqianren that, although he didn't feel much belonging to Konoha, he should at least try to show loyalty.
At the restaurant, Chao Yiqianren, who usually lived on modest means, let himself indulge as Hideyoshi generously paid for their meal. Although Hideyoshi winced at the cost, he still took time to advise Chao Yiqianren about his future as a ninja.
After leaving the restaurant, Hideyoshi told him to apply for his ninja license tomorrow and wait for instructions from his assigned team.