TheNarutouniverse’s shinobi system has many intricacies and structures set in place, ensuring a smooth hierarchy and a definitive skill level. Within this system is a clearly defined promotion system that denotes a shinobi’s rank through tests and exams – the very system that has been presented from the academy to Chunin level, yet the series never expanded upon the promotion ofits Jonin class shinobi. This begs the question of why Jonin exams don’t exist in the series, giving way to several speculations.
Considering how well-received the Chunin exams arc was, another tournament arc in theShippudenseries could have done considerably well, yet the author never worked towards this idea. While a Jonin Exams arc certainly wouldn’t have been possible due to the plotline moving in an entirely different direction, it’s still odd that there has never been any mention of such an examination, indicating that Jonin exams don’t exist in the series altogether. However, certain plausible theories do justifythe notion of Jonin examsnot existing, further cementing the author’s decision to exclude such a concept from theNarutoseries.
RELATED:Naruto: Strongest Characters Who Fought In The Chunin Exams
The Shinobi Promotion System
To understand the notion of shinobi ranking up, it’s essential to first understand howthe Five Great Nations’promotional system works. The series has clearly set exams as a precedent for shinobi to rank up, though this set system is only applicable from the academy till Chunin level, as promotion to Jonin, an elite class of ninja, remains unspecified. It is speculated that the Kage can appoint a shinobi any rank they deem fit, with promotions to Jonin resting solely in the hands of the Kage.
However, this doesn’t happen quite often as promotions to Jonin are incredibly rare, with most shinobi spending their entire lives as Chunin. This is a common misconception among fans that most shinobi shown in the series are Jonin, yet the reality is far from it as almost every other shinobi is Chunin, with only a select few elite ninja becoming Jonin. The misconception can be attributed tothe series introducing Kage-level antagonists, thereby completely undermining the Jonin level, almost seeming like regular shinobi.
Why Jonin Exams Would Make No Sense
There are several plausible explanations as to why Jonin exams can’t take place, perfectly explaining the lack of such assessments in the series. The primary reason can be attributed to the lack of suitable candidates, especially since the villages only want top-tier shinobi for the Jonin rank. Finding such high numbers of suitable candidates can be difficult, especially if the goal is toconduct a tournament style exam. Considering the high influx of Genin produced every year, a Chunin exam is quite feasible, though the same cannot be said for the Jonin rank.
Moreover, the risk of fatal injuries and death is significantly higher in such types of examinations, as seen in the Chunin exams where several participants were at the brink of death. Villages would never want to purposelyput their elite shinobiin harm’s way, pitting their own shinobi against each other and in-turn weakening the nation’s own military strength.
RELATED:Naruto: Why Did Orochimaru Attack Konoha?
Furthermore, Jonin exams would give other nations an opportunity to get hold of critical information pertaining to every other village’s strongest shinobi, further putting each nation at a disadvantage. Since Genin are generally quite weak, showcasing their skills comes with less risks and drawbacks, while revealing the strongest shinobi with a Jonin exam would pose a threat to the entire village’s safety.
Another Tournament Arc Would be Redundant
While tournament arcs are certainly popular among fans, incorporating another one into the series would become too redundant. Several anime series have showcased tournament arcs more than once, with the theme actually selling well too. However, the same would not be possible with theNarutoseries, primarily due to how well-received the Chunin exams arc was, leaving behind a legacy that is impossible to live up to.
Even if Jonin exams were to take place, they would have to be much better than the Chunin exams – something almost impossible to achieve. This would only denote the exams as a rip-off of the previous ones, with slews of critique following suit. Moreover,Shippuden’splotline followed an entirely different story, focusing on the Akatsuki and theirplans with the tailed beasts. With such a narrative already set in place, a Jonin exams arc would have seemed out of place and entirely forced.
A Jonin exams arc would only make sense if theAkatsuki were woven into the plot, though it would become all too similar to the narrative of the Chunin exams. Considering these factors and the infeasibility of holding Jonin exams, it makes perfect sense for the author to omit this concept from the series altogether.
