With the tone set, Koharu Utatane immediately spoke up. "The purpose of this ninja academy exam was to establish the core of the next generation. Since the results are out, shouldn't we also decide on the 'First Seat' position?"
As soon as Koharu finished speaking, the room filled with varied expressions.
The title of 'First Seat' was the ultimate reward of this ninja academy exam!
The captain of the winning team would receive the title of 'First Seat,' while their two teammates would share the titles of 'Second Seat' and 'Third Seat.'
However, this time, the title of 'First Seat' was no ordinary honor—it was a title officially recognized by the village, symbolizing rank and status.
Becoming the First Seat would bring a qualitative leap in status!
During wartime, unless assigned a special mission, all academy students would be under the First Seat's command. The First Seat could punish or even execute students who committed grave offenses on the battlefield.
Beyond authority, the First Seat would receive treatment equivalent to that of a jōnin.
They could request to learn any A-rank or lower ninjutsu from the village, receive a monthly stipend, and form their own team to take on any A-rank or lower missions from the mission center.
In other words, becoming the ninja academy First Seat was equivalent to gaining the status and privileges of an elite jōnin, along with authority surpassing all other students in the academy!
Jiraiya glanced at Tsunade, his eyes tinged with helplessness.
Tsunade's brows were tightly furrowed.
It went without saying that the First Seat position was designed for the future Hokage!
According to Tsunade's expectations, Yakumo was almost guaranteed to win this exam. After all, Yakumo's team included not only herself but also Kimimaro, another genius.
In terms of overall team strength, they were clearly a cut above the rest.
So, the First Seat position was, in essence, meant for Yakumo—to establish her leadership during her academy days, making it easier for her to command the unruly geniuses of the academy when she eventually became Hokage.
Who could have predicted that Uchiha Shinji would come out of nowhere!
This left Tsunade with a sense of frustration and unwillingness, as if all her efforts had paved the way for someone else.
Seeing the Third's serious expression and the silent high-ranking officials, Koharu sneered inwardly.
The Third's move to expel Danzō and smoothly appoint Tsunade and Jiraiya to the advisory council had indeed left her in a difficult position.
But Shinji's victory over all opponents and securing first place in the exam had equally caught them off guard.
Koharu had already thought it through. In today's shifting dynamics, maintaining her former influence would be challenging.
Rather than being gradually sidelined by the Third, she would use her remaining authority and influence to push her disciple Shinji forward, securing the core position of the next generation. This way, she could extend her influence through Shinji.
Thus, she was determined to make Shinji the First Seat—no compromises!
Slap.
Slamming her hand on the table, Koharu addressed the Third. "What's there to consider? Uchiha Shinji's performance in the exam was impeccable. It's only natural that he becomes the ninja academy's First Seat!"
Mitokado Homura smiled. "Wasn't the First Seat position meant for the exam's top performer?"
The Third sighed. "I have no objections."
Having expelled Danzō and diluted the advisory council's power today, he had already overstepped. Interfering with the First Seat decision would be inappropriate.
Koharu turned to Tsunade. "Tsunade, what about you?"
Tsunade's face was cold. "I have no objections."
With Tsunade's concession, the others naturally nodded one by one. Under Koharu's intense gaze, Shinji's appointment as the ninja academy First Seat was finalized on the spot!
After the meeting adjourned, the Third kept Tsunade and Jiraiya, the newly appointed advisors, behind.
He instructed, "Tsunade, you'll temporarily take over Root, which Danzō left behind. They've been investigating Akatsuki spies hiding in the village— that responsibility is now yours!"
"Understood."
Tsunade nodded, accepting the task.
Noticing Tsunade's displeasure, the Third said, "Don't worry about the First Seat matter. If it doesn't work out this time, there's always next time!"
"Next time!?"
Tsunade and Jiraiya were stunned.
The Third puffed on his pipe. "Who said the First Seat position is for life? We'll hold another exam next time and re-evaluate the First Seat!"
Tsunade and Jiraiya stared at the Third in shock. "It can work like that?"
On the other side, after the meeting, Koharu and Homura returned to their office.
"You made the right move recruiting Uchiha Shinji!" Homura said as he sat down, continuing, "I just didn't expect Danzō to be so reckless. If he had succeeded in killing Uchiha Shinji, our position would have been even more precarious!"
Koharu spat angrily, "That bastard Danzō knew I recruited Uchiha Shinji, yet he still made a move. He brought this downfall on himself!"
Homura nodded, then frowned. "But without Danzō's Root, our control over the village will gradually slip."
Koharu replied, "That's why we must secure Uchiha Shinji's First Seat position. Otherwise, before the next generation fully rises, we'll likely be forced into retirement!"
As Koharu said, she and Homura had no choice. Whether they liked it or not, they had to support Shinji with all their might.
Two days later, the ninja academy held its end-of-term exam summary assembly.
Iruka announced the rankings from the stage and then said, "Please welcome the winning team to the stage!"
Shinji, Haku, and Karin walked up to the platform.
Iruka warmly patted Shinji's shoulder. This handsome young man had grown up under his watch, and his affection for Shinji was genuine.
He hadn't expected that, in an academy filled with geniuses—especially with someone like Yakumo, who had mastered Wood Release—Shinji would still outshine everyone and claim first place!
After a moment of wistful thought, Iruka faced the students and announced, "The team that took first place in this exam will have its captain named the ninja academy First Seat. Therefore, I declare that the First Seat is Uchiha Shinji!"
Clap, clap, clap.
In an instant, all the students stood, including Yakumo, Sasuke, and others. Whether willingly or reluctantly, they all respectfully bowed to Shinji on the stage. "First Seat!"