Inside the Hokage Building...
A tense silence filled the air.
The morning sun filtered through the wide windows of the Hokage Tower, casting long shadows across the wooden floor of the council chamber.
The room was filled with seasoned shinobi—veterans of countless missions, protectors of the village, and the sharpest minds Konoha had to offer.
At the center of it all, sitting tall and calm like a mountain that had seen many storms, was Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
His wrinkled fingers rested against the edge of his crystal ball, which still glowed faintly with chakra. Smoke curled up slowly from the pipe in his mouth, forming ghost-like spirals that danced in the air before vanishing into nothingness.
The jonin stood in a circle around him—Kakashi, calm as always with a hand in his pocket; Kurenai, elegant and alert, with keen red eyes; Asuma, relaxed on the surface but chewing his cigarette nervously. Might Gai stood at the far edge, arms crossed, eyebrows tight with anticipation.
"I assume," Hiruzen began in a low but commanding voice, "you already understand what this gathering is about... just by seeing the faces gathered here."
There was a moment of still silence.
"So... it's already that time again," Kakashi said quietly, his lone eye narrowing slightly behind his headband.
Asuma nodded. "I've seen shinobi from the other lands walking around the market districts. Even a few Suna-nin. The word's out already, huh?"
Kurenai crossed her arms, her voice curious but concerned. "Have the official notices been sent to the other hidden villages?"
The old Hokage took another drag from his pipe and exhaled slowly, his eyes steady.
"Yes... The other villages have already been notified."
"And when will it be?" Kurenai asked.
...
"In one week." Hiruzen's words cut through the air like a blade.
The reaction was immediate.
"That's... very sudden," Kakashi muttered, shifting his weight. His lazy posture didn't fool anyone in the room.
Hiruzen gave a slight smile, though his eyes remained sharp. He tapped his pipe against the ashtray. "Now... I will make the formal announcement. Seven days from today—on the first of July—the Chuunin Exams will officially begin."
That declaration seemed to solidify the tension in the room.
"Now then," He continued, "in conjunction with the upcoming exam... we will hear from the squad leaders in charge of this year's Genin teams. Kakashi. Kurenai. Asuma. Step forward."
The three jonin walked ahead, standing shoulder to shoulder before the Hokage.
"Each of you is eligible to recommend your Genin team for this exam," Hiruzen said. "As a rule of thumb, any Genin who has completed eight or more formal missions may be considered... although double that number is typically preferred."
Standing in the corner, Iruka Umino felt a heavy knot forming in his chest. He already knew where this was heading. His heart thumped louder with every word.
No... not yet. They're not ready, He thought, swallowing hard.
"Let's begin. Kakashi, your team?"
The silver-haired jonin didn't hesitate.
"Team 7. Led by me, Hatake Kakashi. I formally recommend: Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Haruno Sakura for the Chuunin Exams."
Iruka's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat.
"Team 8. Led by me, Yuhi Kurenai," Kurenai said next. "I recommend Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino for the Chuunin Exams."
"Team 10. Led by me, Sarutobi Asuma," Asuma said, his voice steady. "I recommend Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Chouji."
"Huh?" Iruka finally gasped aloud. They're all rookies… they just graduated this year, not ready for it!
The Hokage turned toward Kakashi with an unreadable look. "Are you sure about Naruto?"
Kakashi gave a silent nod, his visible eye focused. "Absolutely."
There was a pause before Kurenai turned toward them both. Her red eyes softened ever so slightly as she glanced at Kakashi. "What is it about Naruto? Is there something... specific you're not saying?"
She already knew what was going on. After all, how could she not know about her man and the strength he possessed?
Hiruzen leaned forward, resting both hands on his staff.
"Let me say it clearly. In my honest judgment, Uzumaki Naruto is ready for the Jonin-level exams."
The room fell into complete silence.
Even the ever-energetic Might Gai blinked in stunned disbelief.
One of the senior shinobi muttered under his breath, "Uzumaki Naruto... son of the Fourth Hokage, right?"
"I've heard the rumors," Another added. "They say he inherited Minato's talent. Some even say his potential is greater..."
"I can believe that," Gai stepped forward at last, striking a pose with his fist. "His taijutsu is impressive! I've seen him move—it's like watching a storm inside a human body. I offered to train him myself!"
"Careful, Gai," Hiruzen said with a stern look. "We are not here to make comparisons to the Fourth."
"But still!" Gai's voice rose, filled with emotion. "I believe in that boy's potential... though I also agree—being a jonin takes more than raw strength. It takes leadership, wisdom, and control."
"Do you know the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist?" Hiruzen suddenly asked, his voice deep.
The room tensed again.
Gai's expression dropped. A memory returned—a bloody battlefield... of his father's sacrifice.
"...Yes. I know them."
Hiruzen met his gaze. "Naruto defeated one of them. In a single punch."
Gasps erupted from the jonin.
Even Kurenai blinked in surprise as she had not heard about it from Naruto yet. She had been busy with her students, unable to spend some quality time with Naruto.
"Are you serious...?" Asuma asked, the cigarette falling from his lips.
"Kakashi himself admitted the opponent was extremely dangerous," Hiruzen continued. "But Naruto ended it in one strike. With no hesitation."
"...Incredible..." Someone whispered.
Kakashi turned to Gai, his expression calm but edged with steel. "Just because your students weren't ready last year, doesn't give you the right to question mine."
"I became a Chuunin at six years younger than Naruto. And a Jonin at three years younger. Don't lecture me on readiness."
Gai gritted his teeth. "I'm not doubting his strength, Kakashi. But he's not the Fourth Hokage. Don't put that burden on his shoulders. Let him grow slowly and walk his own path."
Iruka finally stepped forward, unable to stay silent.
"Enough!"
All eyes turned to him.
"Lord Hokage!" Iruka said, bowing slightly before speaking. "This may be presumptuous of me... but I agree with what Gai-sensei said earlier. About the rookies."
He lifted his eyes. "I taught all nine of them at the Academy. I know their hearts, their strengths—and their weaknesses."
"They're talented, yes. But it's too soon. They haven't seen enough of the real world. Let them gain more experience first... learn about fear, about teamwork, about failure."
His voice cracked slightly. "They're still kids."
Hiruzen took a deep breath and slowly exhaled the smoke from his pipe.
"I understand your concern, Iruka... and I share it."
He stood up from his seat, staff in hand.
"That is why I will personally oversee the implementation of a special preliminary exam for these nine Genin. Before they are allowed to officially participate in the Chuunin Exam proper."
"A... preliminary exam?" Iruka asked, blinking.
"Yes," Hiruzen said. "One designed to test their judgment, resolve, and maturity. Something that reveals who they truly are beneath the surface."
"Should they pass it... Then they will be allowed to take the Chuunin Exam. If they fail, they will be dismissed immediately."
Iruka lowered his gaze. He didn't feel victorious—only more anxious.
They'll be tested. And if they're not ready… the truth will show itself.
In the shadows, Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma exchanged glances.
The path had been set. The rookies would face trials beyond what they had ever known.
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
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