Chapter 266 – Team Selection
Iruka Umino even felt that Naruto and Sasuke's strength had already surpassed that of many adults.
"Yes!"
Iruka and the other two instructors nodded solemnly.
As the exam was about to begin, Uchiha Fugaku walked over to Mikoto's side.
Several stools had been arranged here, clearly prepared for those who came to watch the match.
"Husband,"
Uchiha Mikoto greeted him with a gentle smile. She stood, took Fugaku's hand, and guided him to the seat beside her — a place obviously reserved just for him.
"Hokage-sama!"
Yakushi Nono, Yakushi Kabuto, Shizune, Kisame Hoshigaki and the others all stood up at once to greet Fugaku.
Fugaku smiled. "No need to be formal. Sit. I'm only here to observe."
"Yes."
The four of them sat down obediently.
The exam began soon after.
The first test was a one-on-one bout with the examiner. If the examinee lasted ten minutes, they passed.
No one present seemed worried about Naruto or Sasuke. Fugaku even smiled and asked Yakushi Nono, who sat beside Mikoto:
"Yakushi Nono, would you like to serve as a jonin squad leader?"
Nono clearly didn't expect Hokage-sama to bring this up so suddenly. A hint of surprise flickered across her face before she brushed back her hair and replied,
"I can do anything, Hokage-sama. I haven't had much to do lately… but I'm not sure whether I can handle the responsibilities of a jonin squad leader."
"That's easy," Mikoto said with a smile. "With your ability, you can absolutely handle it."
Fugaku nodded. In fact, jonin squad leaders needed to be finalized within the next few days.
The Ninja Academy's current class would officially graduate the day after tomorrow.
After the graduation exam, this batch of students would be assigned to jonin squad leaders.
The assignments were being arranged by Hokage Assistant Nara Shikaku. Once the list was complete, he would submit it for Fugaku's signature.
Fugaku was merely making conversation. Yakushi Nono was more than qualified to become a jonin squad leader.
There was no harm in asking. For all he knew, Shikaku might have already included her in the list.
As for jonin squad leaders in this batch—Kakashi likely wouldn't be one. He was still serving as an Anbu captain, and that role prevented him from leading a genin team.
For Naruto and Sasuke, Fugaku planned to assign Uchiha Itachi as their jonin squad leader, pairing the two boys with one suitable kunoichi from the graduating class.
"Hokage-sama, what exactly does a jonin squad leader do?"
Kisame asked curiously.
"A jonin squad leader is responsible for guiding, training, and leading genin on missions," Fugaku explained. "They also handle intelligence gathering, enemy analysis, and sometimes diplomatic negotiation."
Fugaku raised a brow. "Why? Kisame, are you interested?"
Kisame scratched his head. "Just asking. I still prefer working directly under you."
Fugaku laughed. "Very well. Stay where you're comfortable. If you ever change your mind, just tell me."
Kisame nodded happily. "Understood, Hokage-sama."
Fugaku then turned to Yakushi Kabuto, who sat very straight beside him. His eyes gleamed slightly.
"Kabuto, would you like to join Naruto and Sasuke's team?"
Yakushi Kabuto froze for several seconds. He never imagined the Hokage would suggest he join the teams of the two "princes."
After all, he wasn't even a recent academy graduate — he was a shinobi who had already carried out infiltration missions.
To suddenly place him in the same genin team as Naruto and Sasuke…
What was Hokage-sama's intention?
Kabuto knew well that Naruto and Sasuke's strength had likely surpassed that of a chunin. From the way they were overwhelming their examiners, their power was undeniable.
He had even discussed them with the Matron on the way here — her evaluation had been extremely high.
Kabuto felt he was nowhere near their level. Wouldn't he just drag them down?
Why would Hokage-sama want him there?
Fugaku smiled.
"Of course you can join, if you're willing. And if you do…"
He glanced briefly at Yakushi Nono and continued,
"I'll allow you to choose one Forbidden Jutsu from the Book of Seals to learn."
The Book of Seals!
A Forbidden Jutsu!
Yakushi Nono and Kabuto both felt their hearts tremble.
Even Itachi's eyes flickered with surprise.
Did Father value this child that highly?
He was even willing to let Kabuto learn a technique from the Book of Seals?
Itachi's evaluation of Kabuto immediately changed. He recalled seeing Kabuto briefly at the orphanage during a family visit last year, but he hadn't paid him much attention. Now, it seemed this young man possessed considerable talent.
To gain such trust from Fugaku — Kabuto must indeed be exceptional.
Kabuto didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked toward Yakushi Nono.
For him, strength and ambition weren't what mattered most. He simply wanted to stay with the Matron and the children of the orphanage.
But Yakushi Nono met his eyes with an encouraging gaze.
That alone was enough.
And Kabuto made up his mind.
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