The Chunin Exam is a stage for performance. Last year, there were too many people paying attention, there were many things to consider, and the participating Genin were also very strong.

This time it is not the case. There are no outstanding newcomers taking the exam. Most of them are Genin teams from within and around Konoha. The process can be more casual and there is no need to worry about objections from other major ninja villages. The assessment methods and standards can also be more flexible.

"Based on the situation six months ago, these six people should all be qualified to become Chunin. However, if their performance is unremarkable, their promotion will probably be hindered. We have to keep a few reliable ones and send them to the Sand Village to hold up the show after six months. Otherwise, if they lose miserably, it will be embarrassing."

What the result will be depends on how Tsunade weighs the pros and cons. The purpose of the Sand Village holding the Chunin Exam is similar to Konoha's post-war strategy. It also regards the Chunin Exam as a good opportunity to demonstrate its own strength and will definitely select some outstanding ninjas to take the exam.

However, the level of attention cannot be compared with Konoha, so even if they lose, the impact will not be significant.

Among these three Genin teams, Asuma Sarutobi's Team 10 is the weakest. It's not that Akimichi Choji and Yamanaka Ino are not weak, but the family secret technique of Ino-Shika-cho requires extremely high tactical coordination. Without a capable captain, the Chunin exam might be very difficult. No matter it is the multiplication technique or the mental secret technique, their strength will only leap forward when they are strong enough to balance their own weaknesses. This Chunin exam might also be an opportunity for them to go a step further.

"Let's talk about it later."

If a trivial matter like the Chunin Exam could stump these righteous "comrades of justice", then this world would be truly blind.

As for face, what's the use of it? It's good enough to save your life.

As the leader of the team, the jonin teacher couldn't care about such major issues as the direction of the village's development for the time being. The few of them just chatted after finishing their business.

Before long, the small gathering ended. The new year had just begun and there were many things that needed to be sorted out.

Although there were no missions these days, Shuimu was not idle. He took some time to visit an important institution of the medical department stationed outside the village - the animal training and rehabilitation class. This large "pet" hospital not only treated various sick pets, but also injured ninja dogs, ninja beasts, and even summoned beasts.

For many ninjas, their fighting partners are extremely important supports and must be treated with caution.

This department, which is on the same level as Konoha Hospital, the corpse disposal team and the emergency rescue team, not only has the above functions, but also has an important function, which is to train animals for combat.

Mizuki's subordinate, Inuzuka Hana, a member of the First Squad of the Security Department, is a member of this department.

A month ago, Mizuki asked Inuzuka Hana about the general situation of ninja beast training, and then sent the giant bear Hata-kun, a ninja beast that was already somewhat useless, here.

Today, Shuimu is going to go and check out the situation.

Unlike the vast medicinal forest of the Nara family, the animal training and rehabilitation center is not very large. It mainly trains some smart small and medium-sized mammals, which are usually kept in captivity and do not require a large area to roam free.

The Hata-kun sent by Mizuki was nearly two stories tall when his four legs were on the ground, and more than three stories tall when standing upright. He was a few sizes smaller than Gamabunta and Manda, but he was already a real giant.

From a distance, the giant bear squatting on the ground is extremely conspicuous. When it is not angry, its expression is still very honest, especially the thick layer of new fur that grows in winter, which completely covers the majestic posture of its body.

"Mizuki-senpai?"

Inuzuka Hana is teaching Hata-kun some ways to use his powers.

“How is the effect?”

"It's OK. Although we are best at training ninja dogs, we also have experience with other types of mammals. Bears and dogs are quite similar, although this one is a bit bigger."

"That's good."

In terms of IQ, Mizuki's summoned beast is definitely not comparable to Inuzuka Kiba's Akamaru, and its potential is also inferior, but its advantage in strength is still extremely obvious. Mizuki doesn't want a ninja dog that will always be with him, but has other plans.

Inuzuka Hana waited for Mizuki to feel the state of the summoned beast before speaking.

"This giant bear is very smart and much stronger than ordinary bears, but there are many hidden dangers in its body. There are many hidden injuries that need to be treated, and there are also problems with its body functions. In such a cold winter, there is no sign of hibernation. This is extremely abnormal..."

"Although I have also come into contact with some ninja beasts that need to hibernate, most of them have undergone extremely troublesome training and induction to change this habit, but the situation of your predecessor, Hata-kun, is because these instincts to protect themselves have been destroyed by some injuries."

"Really?"

Shuimu smiled helplessly.

It was originally just a giant bear that was slightly larger in size, and it was rare that it could still be alive and kicking after suffering so much torture.

"Please try to cure it."

"clear!"

Inuzuka Hana nodded.

"There are other people watching over it while I'm away. It should be done in a while."

A summoning beast with some intelligence and a great advantage in strength. Mizuki looks down on it because it has a Sage Mode, but it is still a good thing for others.

"What stage have we reached now?"

"I have initially condensed my chakra, but after all, I only use it by instinct. I can't use various secret techniques like the inherited ninja beasts."

"I understand. That's enough."

If it is a business matter, that is another matter, but if it is a personal matter, ninja beast training is a paid service, nearly three months of targeted training, as long as the requirements are met, it will be enough.

Training a ninja beast is not cheap at all. Treating injuries, eliminating hidden dangers, teaching chakra concentration, and training combat capabilities all cost money. For such a big beast, the meals specially prepared every day are a huge expense. If it weren't for the fact that the flower rental service made a lot of money at the end of the year, Shuimu really couldn't bear to train this big stupid bear.

If everything goes as expected, Hata-kun will become a very good helper, with a strong body that brings abundant physical strength and great power. At the same time, although the giant bear, which has just gained wisdom, has weak mental strength, its physical advantage makes its chakra capacity very considerable.

This also provides the basis for implementing some simple tactics.

If possible, Mizuki would certainly like to cultivate a powerful summoning beast, but this is something that can only be encountered by chance. For now, it can only be used as a transitional means and let Haruno Sakura and Xiaochun use it.