Time passed day by day. Naruto and the others continued doing D-rank missions, while Menma wandered around idly. Though things seemed relaxed now, he knew that wouldn't last—something more exciting was on the horizon. The Chunin Exam was coming.
Before the exam began, Tsunade summoned all the Jonin and Chunin to the Hokage Tower.
"I didn't summon you here for nothing. You should already have an idea, judging by who's gathered," Tsunade said, scanning the room.
"It's already that time, huh?" Kakashi commented.
"Have the invitations already been sent to other villages? I've been seeing foreign shinobi around lately," Asuma added.
"When did that happen?" Kurenai asked.
Tsunade replied, "A week ago. So now, I'm officially announcing that the Chunin Selection Exam will be held seven days from today—on July 1st."
She continued, "With the exam approaching, I want the team leaders of the potential candidates to come forward." As soon as she finished, Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma stepped forward.
"So," Tsunade asked, "among the ninjas you've been guiding, are there any you recommend for the exam? Of course, as long as they've completed more than eight missions, they're eligible with your recommendation. Usually, they'd need double that number to gain sufficient experience, but let's start with Kakashi."
Kakashi said, "Team 7, led by myself—Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Sakura Haruno. In the name of Kakashi Hatake, I officially recommend them for the Chunin Selection Exam."
Iruka: Nani? (ω)!
As Kakashi finished, Kurenai followed. "Team 8, under my leadership—Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame. I, Kurenai Yuhi, recommend these three for the exam."
Iruka: (ΩДΩ)
Asuma was next. "Team 10, led by me—Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi. In my name, Asuma Sarutobi, I recommend them for the Chunin Selection Exam."
Iruka: Waldfa! w(Д)w
As the three Jonin finished, many others in the room were stunned. All three had recommended their fresh graduates—nine Genin in total—for the exam.
Iruka, meanwhile, was on the verge of breaking down. o(≧口≦)o All of them were once his students.
"Wait, Hokage-sama!" Iruka stepped forward. "Please hear me out. I may be overstepping, but those nine you just mentioned—they were all my students at the academy. They are indeed talented, but it's still too early. They need more real-world experience before facing the Chunin Exams."
Kakashi responded, "I was six years younger than Naruto and the others when I became a Chunin."
"But Naruto and the others aren't you, Kakashi! You were a genius!" Iruka snapped. He didn't want their lives risked over a rushed decision.
"I understand what you're saying, Iruka," Kakashi replied calmly. "But I can say this for certain—Naruto, Sasuke, and the rest are just as talented as I was back then. I believe in them. And besides… they're no longer your students. They're my subordinates now."
Kakashi's words hit Iruka like a knife to the chest. You stabbed me, old man!
Iruka was about to push the issue further when Shikaku Nara, standing beside Tsunade, spoke up. "Don't worry, Iruka. We've made thorough preparations. Their safety is guaranteed." After all, his own son Shikamaru was among them—of course he'd make sure everything was in place.
Tsunade then added, "And this time, Menma will be participating as well!"
Menma will also participate!
Tsunade turned to Iruka. "Any objections?"
"…No, Hokage-sama," Iruka said softly. He still remembered the impression Menma left on him at the academy gate six years ago.
At that moment, Kakashi was ready to fight Iruka. I've said so much, and all it took was "Menma's joining" for you to shut up?! (へ╬)
Smack!
Tsunade slammed the table with her right fist and shouted, "This Chunin Selection Exam is our chance to show the other ninja villages just how strong Konoha is. So everyone, stay sharp!"
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" everyone answered in unison.
Meanwhile...
"Why does that guy always make us wait? He calls us out early, but he's never on time! I even overslept and didn't get to fix my hair!" Sakura grumbled, clearly annoyed. Kakashi-sensei had called them out, yet he still hadn't shown up.
But nobody responded.
Naruto and Sasuke were walking side by side, laughing and chatting, completely ignoring Sakura.
Sakura: (へ╬) Are you all deaf or what?!
She stomped up behind them and yelled, "Sasuke! Naruto!" The loud voice startled the two boys.
"Sakura! Do you have to be so loud? I think I'm deaf now…" Naruto said, rubbing his ears.
Sasuke gave her an unfriendly glance. "Tch. Women."
Sakura: "..."
Just then, Kakashi finally arrived. "Good morning, everyone."
Perfect timing, Kakashi-sensei…
Kakashi scratched his head, "I got lost… on the road of life."
"You don't need to explain, Sensei. Explaining is just covering up, and covering up is useless," Naruto replied smoothly. He was already used to Kakashi's chronic tardiness. Sasuke nodded in agreement.
Kakashi: ￣□￣｜｜
He suddenly felt the urge to use his ultimate physical technique—**One Thousand Years of Death—**on Naruto.
"Alright," Kakashi continued, "this may be a bit sudden, but since I've recommended you all for the Chunin Selection Exam, here are your application forms." He pulled three forms from behind his back and handed them out.
Each of them took one.
"Now, let me be clear. This recommendation doesn't force you to participate—it's entirely up to you," Kakashi explained.
"I'm in!" Naruto said without hesitation.
"I'll do it too," Sasuke added. No way was he letting Naruto go alone.
"Then I'll join too," Sakura said quickly after Sasuke agreed.
Kakashi smiled. "Alright. If you want to take the exam, fill out the form and show up in Classroom 5 of the academy at 3 p.m., five days from now. That's it—dismissed."
With that, he disappeared.
Naruto and the others had waited 3 hours for Kakashi to show up, and he vanished after 2 minutes. But they were used to it by now.
"Sasuke, Sakura, see you later!" Naruto said as he took off, excited to share the news with his brother.
"Wait for me, Naruto!" Sasuke called out, chasing after him.
Sakura: "..."
(End Of Chapter)
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