I was broadcast live while taking the Chunin Exam!

"There will be plenty of opportunities later. The ninja world will definitely start exploring the universe. Perhaps in the future, your clans will all have a planet as their ancestral home?" Kitahara Kaede joked.

The universe is so vast that one or two planets are no different from dust.

"What do you need such a large clan territory for? All I want to know right now is how strong you are, Kitahara Kaede," Kiba Inuzuka exclaimed.

He was always like this, never giving up, and he is still the same now.

"Kiba, you seem much stronger than before. I remember you said you wanted to become Hokage back then," Kitahara Kaede said.

"Hey, Kiba wasn't even selected as a candidate for Hokage back then," Shikamaru said, tearing him down.

"I was just letting Naruto win!" Kiba said, somewhat unconvinced.

"So, Kiba, do you now have Kage-level strength?" Kitahara Kaede asked with a smile.

He was also very curious about the current strength of his companions.

He definitely has Jonin-level strength, but whether he has Kage-level strength is still unknown.

Shino, who was considered quite outstanding back then, only reached the level of an average Jonin after becoming a teacher. Perhaps his true strength can be awakened after a few battles.

But the others should be about the same.

"Kiba's strength is above that of an elite Jonin, but whether he has advanced further is only known to himself," Shikamaru said.

“Ya has done the most missions among us over the years, so he should be one of the best in terms of strength.” Ino gave a similar answer.

"And what about you? In my memory, the Ino-Shika-Cho formation is comparable to a Kage-level fighter," Kitahara Kaede asked.

“After Choji transformed into a butterfly, he gained Kage-level strength, but Shikamaru and I aren’t actually 3.6 Kage-level yet,” Ino said.

This means that they are all elite Jonin.

In fact, elite Jonin can be considered to be at the near-Kage level, but there is no such thing as the near-Kage level in the ninja world.

Even the Kage level has never been mentioned publicly.

If I had to say, the ninja rankings of Jonin and Hokage are the same... it's just that Hokage are basically the strongest one.

This is why the Kage-level rank was established as a default ranking system in the ninja world.

“It seems you’ve all surpassed your predecessors. I remember Uncle Choza was only an elite Jonin back then,” Kitahara Kaede said.

The atmosphere was very relaxed, and everyone ate and chatted casually.

“Choji has already surpassed Uncle Choza,” Ino said.

"Has Ino surpassed Uncle Inoichi?" Kitahara Kaede asked.

Chapter 879 Decompression

"Although Ino is still a bit behind in terms of experience, she has already surpassed her in terms of raw strength. We should be the strongest generation of Ino-Shika-Cho," Shikamaru said confidently.

It's not common for him to give such a definite answer.

Shikamaru usually speaks with reservations, so when he gives a definitive answer, it must be the truth.

"That's really good. Perhaps the Jonin training that follows will help you take it a step further," Kitahara Kaede said with a smile.

"Jonin training? Is that what you mentioned at the Ninja World Tour?" Shino asked.

“Yes, only after reaching the Kage level can one be considered qualified to operate in the universe; otherwise, one is not even considered cannon fodder,” Kitahara Kaede said.

This answer may seem somewhat cruel, but it is the reality of the universe.

"Kitahara Kaede, it's not that I'm questioning, it's just that elite Jonin all have completely different paths, so training them might not be very effective." Shikamaru's words were already quite subtle.

He didn't quite agree with Kitahara Kaede's idea.

The paths of taijutsu ninjas and artillery-type ninjas are completely different, not to mention that most of the people present are secret technique ninjas.

Experience and insight are certainly useful, but improving one's skills is not something that can be achieved simply by talking about it.

"Ha, I know what you're worried about. You're just overcomplicating things a bit," Kitahara Kaede laughed.

There are only a few ways to improve combat power.

Enhance your strengths to make them even stronger, or address your weaknesses to make them disappear.

These two are the most common ways to become stronger in the ninja world.

However, in Kitahara Kaede's eyes, there was another path, and the effect was even better than the previous two!

"What we need to do is teach you how to improve your life essence. As long as you Jonin take even a little step on this path, you can become true Kage-level beings," Kitahara Kaede said.

The level of life also increases the level of energy. The same ninjutsu can have vastly different destructive power depending on the amount of energy used.

Just like how Sage Chakra amplifies Ninjutsu!

Ninjutsu is still ninjutsu, but with the addition of Sage Chakra, its destructive power is completely different!

"Life level?" Shikamaru asked, somewhat puzzled.

He had vaguely heard about this from Orochimaru before, but he hadn't looked into it in detail.

"It's roughly like a ninja taking a step towards becoming the Sage of Six Paths," Kitahara Kaede explained in a more colloquial way.

“I think I understand, but this will make it more difficult for Kiba and Shino to become stronger,” Shikamaru said.

"I will become stronger together with Akamaru!" Kiba shouted.

Akamaru is a ninja dog and cannot be treated as an ordinary dog.

Otherwise, it would be unrealistic for the Inuzuka clan to have to change their fighting partners every ten years or so.

In fact, the lifespan of the Inuzuka family's ninja dogs is not much shorter than that of humans. If they don't die in battle, they might send their human companions away.

Once the summoned beasts become powerful enough, they will naturally begin to come into contact with and absorb some natural energy.

This is like how the world treats these spirit beasts.

“Insects can also absorb natural energy, so the stronger we are, the better we can raise insects,” Shino said.

"That's the way it is. No matter what type of ninja it is, they will all benefit from this training. Kage level is not something out of reach," Kitahara Kaede said.

In fact, elite Jonin have already temporarily taken over the role of Kage in emergency situations, so taking it a step further is not difficult.

"Just hearing you say it makes me excited!" Ya said loudly.

"Neji, why aren't you and Hinata talking?" Naruto asked.

"I'm wondering if I could ask Kitahara Kaede to help me revive my father," Neji said earnestly.

Although the matter of Kitahara Kaede and his group reviving the previous Kage was not kept strictly secret, only the higher-ups of Konoha knew about it.

The people here at this time are now high-ranking members of the younger generation in Konoha.

Neji certainly knew.

Originally, Nisashi had planned to personally visit Kitahara Kaede and even intended to make some gestures to gain Kitahara Kaede's help.

Hinata, standing to the side, didn't speak, but looked at Kitahara Kaede with gentle eyes.

"I originally planned to go to the Hyuga clan with you after the banquet, but since Neji brought it up, I'll give you the answer directly. I will revive Uncle Hizashi," Kitahara Kaede assured him.

Neji's expression immediately filled with deep gratitude!

"If there's anything I can do to help you, please let me know!" Neji was a little excited.

“We’re friends, there’s no need for this.” Kitahara Kaede waved his hand.

The best way for friends to get along is to ignore the issue of interests, because friendship is easily corrupted when interests are mixed in.

Neji nodded seriously and then joined everyone in eating heartily.

Neji is considered one of the most serious members of the Hyuga family.

In fact, the Hyuga clan is quite humane, especially after Hiashi outlasted those stubborn elders...

Yes... those stubborn old guys from the Hyuga clan have all passed away in recent years.

Hiashi has completely seized power in the Hyuga clan, so the internal situation within the Hyuga clan is no longer as tense as it was before, like in Chapter 733.

"Neji, do you want to play cards later?" Kiba said with a grin.

"Okay!" Neji agreed readily.

"But let's get this straight, you can't roll your eyes while we're playing cards!" Ya said very seriously.

The Hyuga family is actually quite interesting beneath their rigid exterior.

It was no secret to those present that they would roll their eyes during the card game.

However, out of consideration for the Hyuga clan's reputation, no one would bring this matter up outside.

"How is that possible!" Neji shouted, his face flushed.

Neji at this time was much more cheerful than before.

He couldn't help but feel happy after learning that his father was about to be resurrected.

"But Neji, you're about the same age as Uncle Hizashi, right? What will it be like when you two meet?" Naruto said mischievously from the side.

"Heh, don't think I don't know that the Fourth Hokage has been resurrected. Naruto, you've experienced this problem firsthand, haven't you?" Neji retorted sharply.

"You're framing me!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes wide.

For a moment, everyone was immersed in a joyful atmosphere.

This kind of stress-free happiness is the kind everyone likes.

Chapter 880 Enemy Inside

In another secluded corner, those mysterious people were using video calls.

It has to be said that this is much more convenient than the Akatsuki's remote communication ninjutsu, and it doesn't even require the use of chakra.

“Number 10 is dead, Number 11, you’re next to Number 10,” the leader said.

“Congratulations, new number ten! Now, shouldn’t you share your gains with everyone?” another person said.

"The leader should have received it by now. I used the Flying Thunder God Formation to send Orochimaru the blood of the Bloodstained Ninjas that he had collected," Number Ten said coldly.

He wasn't exactly friendly to other people.

Clearly, these enemies are not a united front.

"Number Two, I've received the items. We'll begin studying them on the 6th. I won't forget everyone if we achieve any results," the leader said.

“Since you say so, leader, then I have no other questions. However, since the Spirit Transformation Technique has been exposed, we can no longer use it to obtain anything more,” Number Two said.

"I've already escaped from Konoha, and next I plan to check out the territory of Kusagakure," Number Ten said.

"There's probably nothing worth worrying about in Kusagakure anymore. What are your plans for going there?" the leader asked.

"The Grass Village is under reconstruction, so I can take this opportunity to sneak in. After all, the Grass Village is qualified to participate in the Ninja World Conference," Number Ten explained.

"Don't tell me you're planning to use Kusagakure to infiltrate Konoha again. Once you show your face, you'll definitely not escape Kitahara Kaede's notice!" Number Two mocked.

“I know, so I don’t plan to go to Konoha. Instead, I’ll try to take over the rights of Kusagakure!” Number Ten said.

If Number Three, who was killed by Kitahara Kaede at the beginning, was a person skilled in intelligence gathering, then Number Ten was a spy candidate who was even more skilled in infiltration and investigation.

His plan is feasible.

The Grass Ninja Village itself wasn't particularly strong, but at this time they still possessed the Bliss Box.

"If the records we've seen are correct, Kitahara Kaede and the others will soon begin researching the Box of Bliss. If we don't stop them now, our plan will only become more and more difficult to complete!" Number Ten said decisively.

“The Box of Bliss? I agree. I’ll have Number Nine provide you with assistance,” the leader said.

"Do you want me to take care of that Wuwei for you and let you impersonate him?" Number Two said.

However, his words were somewhat malicious.

“Wuwei is the kind of person who is irreplaceable. Although the Heavenly Prison Technique is trash, it can ensure his life status,” Number Ten said coldly.

Once Wuwei dies, the prisoners in Ghost Lantern Castle will notice immediately.

At that time, Wuwei's death will no longer be a secret.

"Number Two, if you have nothing to do, go investigate Kirigakure!" the leader threatened.

Number Two immediately shut up upon hearing this, clearly indicating that he could not challenge the leader's prestige.

"If there's nothing else, let's hang up. Although the ninja world hasn't developed a way to monitor video calls yet, we still have to be careful!" The leader said and then exited the video call.

This group of people also withdrew immediately.