Naruto-Start by eating the golden fruit

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In the 25th year of Konoha, after celebrating the New Year, Senju Tobirama sent Yuya's name to the Daimyo of the Fire Nation. Although Konoha has the final decision-making power, notifying them was still necessary. After all, Konoha Village is strategically located in the heart of the Fire Nation, a large territory that serves as a capital. While Konoha provides military protection to the Fire Nation, the relationship remains a cooperative and equal one. Therefore, Senju Tobirama sent Yuya's nomination to the Daimyo's Mansion of the Fire Nation.

As for whether it would be rejected, Senju Tobirama never considered this a possibility. The Fire Nation, having emerged from war, understood the benefits Konoha Village could bring. Especially with Senju Tobirama being the younger brother of Senju Hashirama—a legendary figure who forced the entire Naruto world to change—there was little doubt about Konoha's influence. Moreover, Konoha had been at war with Kumogakure in recent years, making it unlikely for the Daimyo to reject Tobirama's nomination.

Naturally, the Daimyo's Mansion also holds its own power. They can propose names in every Hokage selection, unlike Konoha, which can nominate only one person. The Daimyo's Mansion can nominate two people, giving them some face. This time, they nominated Mito Kabuto and Sarutobi Hiruzen. Their willingness to nominate candidates stemmed from a desire to test Konoha's allegiance now that Senju Hashirama was no longer alive. In recent years of war, Konoha had grown stronger, unsettling some in the Daimyo's Mansion who feared Konoha might eventually seek independence.

Yuya and Senju Tobirama had discussed this issue, concluding that Konoha could not pursue independence, at least not now. Should Konoha declare independence, the Fire Nation, once an ally, could become an adversary, potentially allying with other villages against Konoha. An independent Konoha lacks strategic depth and must win every battle, leaving no room for defeat. Compared to the potential aftermath of independence, enduring slight constraints from the Fire Nation was acceptable to Senju Tobirama. Besides, the Fire Nation allocates billions of taels annually to Konoha, a sum that, though modest to Yuya, is better than nothing. Half of these funds are distributed as dividends to Konoha families, while the remainder is invested in Konoha Village's development for the following year, a beneficial arrangement.

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In Konoha's 25th year, villagers noticed the return of the young man who had once urged them to donate money and materials, now appearing before them. Yuya, at 18, had matured, his appearance reflecting the transition from youth to young adulthood. Rumors had long circulated about Yuya's contributions to Konoha's prosperity, and his presence sparked curiosity about his next steps.

Yuya did not disappoint. He announced that Konoha would host a Chunin Exam this year, inviting ninjas from the four countries of Wind, Water, Thunder, and Earth. He urged Konoha to showcase its strength and not let others underestimate them, emphasizing that visitors from Kumogakure would be present. Despite any animosity towards Kumogakure, Yuya hoped for restraint, knowing that trouble might still arise. However, addressing the issue was better than ignoring it.

As expected, when envoys from other countries arrived in Konoha by the end of January, problems arose. While other delegations faced no issues, the Kumogakure envoy was pelted with rotten eggs and vegetable leaves. Yuya, upon reading the report, smiled wryly and shook his head. He could only gauge the response from the Cloud Hidden Village, hoping they would not retaliate against Konoha villagers.

Fortunately, Nara Shikaya informed Yuya that the Kumogakure envoy showed restraint. Yuya, reflecting on the situation, personally visited the Yunyin Village envoy to apologize. Nara Shikama arranged for a photograph, which was published on the newspaper's front page the next day, ensuring everyone in Konoha knew Yuya's name.

While ninjas accepted Yuya's response, villagers expressed anger. Tsunade, holding a newspaper, was particularly furious. Jiraiya and Orochimaru, also reading the news, exchanged helpless glances, understanding the political implications behind Yuya's actions. Apologizing to representatives of the Land of Thunder's Yunyin Village, who had been publicly humiliated, was indeed necessary.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, noticing their tension, called out to Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, offering roasted sweet potatoes. The delicious aroma lightened the mood, reminding them of simpler times when sweet potatoes were a staple during lean years. Tsunade, despite her initial anger, joined the others, easing the tension with their mentor.

Against this backdrop, Konoha Village's trade cooperation with other villages concluded. By May, participants from other villages arrived in Konoha with children for the Chunin Examination. The first Chunin Exam officially commenced in the summer of Konoha's 25th year.