In the Naruto series, the highest rank that can be achieved by a regular ninja is the Jonin rank. When ranked as Jonin, a ninja can execute missions of rank A up to S, even if they are alone and without a team. However, why isn’t there a Jonin exam in the Naruto series while there is a Chunin exam?
There are several reasons why there is no exam for Jonin and why this rank is only obtained through recommendations.
1. Jonin are Handpicked by Influential People
Becoming a Jonin is not achieved through an exam but rather via recommendations made by influential people in the village. Most of the time, the Kage handpicks and directly appoints the ninja serving as a Jonin. This is usually based on their past performance in missions, which could be remarkable. Not only by the Kage, but also by other Jonin or influential ninja who recommended them, perhaps because they have worked together and seen the prowess of the recommended ninja. Moreover, large numbers of requests from the villagers are also possible, where the recommended ninja is known as a village hero.
2. Mission Difficulty of Jonin
Since the missions accepted by Jonin are not easy, only selected individuals can hold this rank. A Jonin’s mission is to work on rank A and S missions with a limited team or even a single ninja who is expected to complete the task on their own. Because of this, only proven and skilled individuals are appointed to the Jonin rank. Hence, an exam format like the Chunin exam may not be effective, making recommendations by the Kage the best method.
3. Jonin Special Selection Method
A similar method is used for the selection of Jonin Special. Some other methods were also mentioned in filler episodes where Jonin Special is a group or individual Jonin that was selected for specific missions, such as becoming law enforcers or being in a division of investigation or intelligence, among others. Just like regular Jonin, the Special Jonin was selected through recommendations and most of the time based on their specific strength. However, in an anime filler episode, Naruto episode 207, it is stated in the dialogues that there is also a Jonin exam method, and the character Aoi Rokusho became Jonin Ame after betraying Konoha and carrying its secrets when he was still in Chunin condition.
Therefore, the method used in selecting Jonin is different from the Chunin exam. It is not through an exam but through the selection of a Kage or an influential ninja. In conclusion, Jonin is only appointed to highly skilled and highly recommended individuals who have successfully completed difficult missions.
