From Naruto onwards, I've become a dreamer.

Chapter 57 The First Konoha Battle Royale Trial Run

The news of the complete reform of the Chunin Exams quickly spread throughout Konoha.

When the genin learned that this year's Chunin Exams would be jointly held by Sunagakure and Iwagakure, and that the content would be very different from previous ones, there was a great deal of lamentation.

The Chunin Exams are already extremely difficult, with a pass rate of less than one percent, and now it's even worse.

"Damn it, if I find out who did this, I'll kill him!"

"I should have taken the Chunin Exams last year."

"Who knew there would be such a sudden reform this year!"

"Is this year going to be another failure?"

Among those complaining genin, those who graduated last year harbored the most resentment.

If I had known earlier that the Chunin Exams would be reformed this year and jointly held with the other two major ninja villages, I would have been better off trying it out last year.

However, these issues were not within Uchiha Muneki's consideration.

"Our goal is to eliminate 99% of the test takers!"

Nara Shikaku crossed his arms and rested them on his chin, his eyes filled with murderous intent, looking every bit the part of someone who would not let anyone go unpunished.

"I wonder who offended him," Uchiha Munetsuki muttered to himself, but he was also very curious, so he asked, "If too many people are eliminated, will it affect next year?"

"This is the Hokage's intention."

Nara Shikaku shook his head and patiently explained, "The selection for the Chunin Exams is not judged by the final result, but by the performance during the process. Moreover, the main purpose this time is to intimidate the Sand and Iwa ninja, let them see the strength of Konoha, and at the same time establish an alliance in advance, so this is a necessary means."

Got it. It means you don't need to worry about the attrition rate, just go for it.

With the instructions from the top leader, things became much easier.

"Zongyue, you proposed this plan. Tell me your thoughts on the next steps," Nara Shikaku said in a deep voice. "If there's anything that requires the cooperation of others, I will communicate with them."

"This is the first time I've ever tried such a large-scale illusion."

After roughly going through the process in his mind, Uchiha Muneki said, "Furthermore, we need to cooperate with Mr. Inoichi. I am currently clueless about the potential problems that may arise during the process, so I think we can invite some Jonin to test it first. This way, we can discover and solve problems in advance."

“You’re right, we do need to test in advance.”

Nara Shikaku nodded slightly in agreement: "As for the Jonin to be used for the test, I will take care of contacting them. Then you and Yamanaka Inoichi will work together to build the genjutsu world."

“No problem, leave it to me, Shikaku.” Yamanaka Inoichi exchanged a very subtle glance with Shikaku.

Their years of working together have given them a tacit understanding that allows them to understand each other's thoughts without needing to say a word.

Uchiha Muneki, who had taken all this in, remained calm and pretended not to know anything. He turned to Yamanaka Inoichi and asked, "Mr. Inoichi, how should I cooperate with you?"

"I will use the technique of turning my mind around to directly invade your mental world."

After saying this, Yamanaka Inoichi, as if afraid of arousing his suspicion, quickly explained, "Don't worry, I will control and shrink my mind and will not spy on your memories."

"Isn't this invading my mental world a bit...?"

Uchiha Munetsuki's expression changed slightly, and he appropriately showed some concern: "Mr. Inoichi, is there any other way?"

The audience's disguised expressions, both in demeanor and subtle details, were so convincing that they were indistinguishable from the real thing.

Even Nara Shikaku, with his extremely high IQ, didn't notice anything wrong. After seeing his hesitant expression, he thought it made perfect sense and advised, "Munezuki, I can assure you that Inoichi will never spy on your memories. Besides, this is the only way to build a large-scale illusion world right now."

"This"

Uchiha Muneki still seemed somewhat hesitant.

This is normal. After all, if he weren't an audience member, how could he let others invade his mental world? Watching Shikaku and Inoichi take turns patting their chests and making promises, even going so far as to swear oaths, as if they were doing this for Konoha, he sneered inwardly.

Ultimately, neither of them had pure intentions.

Nara Shikaku's scheme was obvious to him; he simply wanted Inoichi to take advantage of the invasion of the mental world to search for his memories.

You can lie about anything, but the memories in a person's mental world are the only thing that can't be lied about.

Yes, memories certainly don't lie, provided they are real memories!

Uchiha Muneki used the audience's extraordinary ability to manipulate emotions, feigning a very worried and conflicted state of mind, controlling the subtle expressions on his face. But the mind hidden within this shell maintained an independent, almost third-person perspective, examining this 'drama'.

"Alright, I understand." After much deliberation, Uchiha Munetsuki reluctantly agreed: "I trust Shikaku and Mr. Inoichi, so what's the next step?"

Seeing that he finally agreed, Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi exchanged a barely perceptible glance and breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.

Getting someone to agree to have their mental world invaded is really not easy.

Fearing that Uchiha Muneki might change his mind, Yamanaka Inoichi quickly said, "After that, it'll be simple. You just need to construct a genjutsu world in your mind, and then I will use the Mind-Reading Technique to share your genjutsu with others, thus establishing a group genjutsu space."

"Simply put, Haiyi acts as a repeater."

Nara Shikaku simplified his words and said, "In this way, your chakra consumption will be very small, and the duration of the genjutsu dream will also be extended."

"As expected of the next head of the Nara family, his consideration of issues is indeed comprehensive."

Uchiha Muneki offered a subtle compliment, smiling slightly, "Then, I have no problem with that. Once all the Jonin have arrived, we can officially begin the testing."

"You're exaggerating. I just like to scrutinize the details repeatedly."

Nara Shikaku breathed a sigh of relief. The biggest problem was solved, and the rest were minor matters: "You guys get ready, I'll go contact the Jonin."

Next, Uchiha Munetsuki and Yamanaka Inoichi discussed how to improve the group illusion technique, Dream, while making preparations.

Nara Shikaku returned in about half an incense stick's time, which was quite astonishing.

The first group of Jonin invited to undergo the 'Large-scale Illusion Dream' test were: Minato Namikaze, Shiki Aburame, Suzaku Nara, Choza Akimichi, Hiashi Hyuga, Hizashi Hyuga, and the seven members of the Inuzuka Gakushi.

Glancing at the group, Uchiha Muneki felt a slight pang of regret: it was a shame that Uzumaki Kushina, whom he had been most looking forward to, hadn't come to participate in the test.

Thinking about it carefully, it seems to be within expectations.

After all, Kushina Uzumaki is Konoha's 'nuclear weapon,' and usually needs the most stability. How could she possibly participate in such a 'terrifying' test?
If they get so scared that they transform into tailed beasts, then everyone will be in trouble.

"Well then, everyone, please get ready."

Uchiha Munezuki's gaze swept over the crowd, then he revealed a friendly smile: "I hereby announce that the first trial run of Konoha's Great Battle Royale has officially begun!"

"Illusion Magic: Wish Fulfillment!"

"Ninjutsu: Heart Turning Technique!"

"Ninja Art: Mind-Communicating Technique!"

The next moment, Minato Namikaze and the others felt everything go black.

No one knows what these Jonin encountered in the dream world of illusion.

The only one who revealed information was Minato Namikaze. It is said that when he walked out of this room after the test, his legs were shaking, and he exclaimed that Uchiha Muneki was a 'demon'!
Moreover, all the Jonin who participated in the internal test went back and earnestly advised their disciples or team members to give up on the Chunin Exams.

From then on, Uchiha Munetsuki gained another nickname in Konoha Village—the devil!
Waaaaah... I'm begging for some recommendations and monthly votes! I want to be on the new book chart too!

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(End of this chapter)