Below, Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado had rather grim expressions.
The previous meeting was considered a high-level conference, and Hiruzen Sarutobi had been somewhat restrained then.
However, now he didn't even bother to hide it.
This meeting was held in front of the majority of the Konoha Ninja.
He actually directly relegated the two Hokage Advisor to the lower seats.
At this moment, Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado were extremely dissatisfied internally.
But they couldn't act out, so they could only secretly ponder how to make Danzo Shimura'stand' up again.
"These are your respective missions. Does anyone have any objections?"
Asuma quickly got into the swing of things.
Since he had made his choice, there was no turning back once the arrow was released.
Furthermore, Asuma was unwilling to just watch Kurenai Yuhi drift away from him.
He absolutely would not allow such a thing to happen.
When he left in a fit of pique years ago, he returned to find the girl he once admired had grown into a graceful young woman, and Asuma resolved that he must win her over.
Fate was not kind.
Originally, under his persistent efforts, Kurenai Yuhi's heart had softened, or perhaps compromised, and she had begun to tentatively accept him.
But for some unknown reason, her attitude suddenly changed.
Asuma still hadn't figured out when this started or what caused it.
Senju Tobirama: "I'm a little curious too."
Mei Terumī: "It seems the Second Hokage of Konoha isn't very detail-oriented in this regard."
Kurotsuchi: "Isn't that easy to understand?"
Kurotsuchi: "The Second Hokage of Konoha was single until the day he died."
Senju Tobirama: "..."
Mei Terumī: "..."
Uchiha Izuna: His life's efforts were dedicated to his lineage and teachings. I understand.
Senju Tobirama:!!!
Forget it, I'll just be quiet.
"Please wait a moment!"
Just then.
An abrupt voice rang out.
Everyone looked towards the source of the sound.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been resting with his eyes closed, also opened them.
He glanced at the person who spoke, and ultimately shook his head inwardly.
Asuma frowned.
"Iruka, do you have a problem?"
His voice carried a warning tone.
Everyone else had agreed, yet this mere Ninja Academy teacher suddenly jumped out. Was he really so lacking in tact?
Hearing this, Iruka did not back down; instead, he stood up.
"Hokage Assistant, please allow me to speak."
Since things had reached this point, Asuma could only nod.
But his expression was not pleasant.
This was his first time presiding over a meeting.
This was also a public transfer of power. Even if one noticed a flaw in his plan, it shouldn't be pointed out in public.
If it were mentioned later, he might even be slightly grateful to the other party.
However, Iruka acted as if he knew nothing of this.
"Please forgive my rudeness..."
Iruka paused, then said seriously: "The nine Genin who have been recommended are all Genin who graduated less than a year ago."
"I taught them at the Ninja Academy, and I personally served as their examiner."
"Although they are indeed very talented and stronger than many Genin, they are still only newly graduated Genin. Isn't it too early to let them take the Chunin Exams now?!"
As his voice fell.
Asuma's eyes changed.
Kurenai Yuhi's delicate brows furrowed slightly.
Kakashi, who had originally intended to stay out of it, also looked at Iruka, his gaze sharp and carrying a hint of warning.
However, Iruka still ignored them.
As their teacher during their time at the Ninja Academy, Iruka naturally had to step forward and advocate for his students.
Ōnoki: "He is a competent teacher."
Ōnoki: "A teacher like this is indeed the most suitable to serve at the Ninja Academy."
Mabui: "However... the method he chose is too aggressive."
Sakura Haruno: "That's true... but if he didn't do this, he wouldn't be Iruka-sensei."
Mei Terumī: "In this case, he'll offend more than just the Hokage Assistant Asuma."
Kakashi looked at Iruka and silently sighed.
At this moment, he really should have been angry.
However, after learning about Iruka's care for Naruto.
Kakashi was unwilling to get angry... Moreover, Iruka's actions were fundamentally standing up for those children.
A look of slight annoyance appeared on Kurenai Yuhi's pretty face, but inwardly she nodded in agreement.
Finally, Kurenai Yuhi glanced at Kakashi.
Left with no choice, Kakashi had to step forward.
"I was already a Jonin at twelve."
"When I was promoted to Chunin, I was probably less than half their age."
"Whether they just graduated or have been Genin for many years, once they wear the headband, they are true Ninja."
"Those children are different from you!" Iruka did not back down because of this.
"It's not wartime right now, we can't because..."
Iruka couldn't finish his sentence.
If he had finished that sentence, his teaching career would likely have been over.
Kakashi directly interrupted him.
"Shut up!"
"Are you trying to ruin those children?!" Iruka said in a deep voice.
"They are already Genin. That means they are no longer your students, but our subordinates."
"Moreover, the final outcome is their own responsibility."
Gasp—
As soon as these words were spoken, Iruka immediately fell silent.
Kakashi's statement instantly stripped Iruka of his standing to speak further.
Even if he was unwilling, under the current Ninja system, unless he was promoted to Jonin, he would have no more say.
Phew—
Hiruzen Sarutobi had lit his pipe smoke at some point.
He glanced at Iruka, who was choked into silence. Although he was inwardly displeased, he still nodded secretly. With a teacher like this, he could feel slightly more at ease entrusting Konohamaru to him.
Asuma gave Iruka a deep look.
Then he said, "Alright, it's decided."
"The meeting is adjourned."
Having the rookies participate this time wasn't just his idea.
It was his old father's intention.
Although Asuma didn't know why, seeing his old father's confidence, as if no accident could possibly occur, he dismissed his concerns.
If Konoha's rookies won... then this Chunin Joint Exam would be perfect.
After the other Konoha Ninja left with varied expressions.
Asuma looked at the three who had stayed behind voluntarily, then glanced at the Anbu Ninja nearby.
The Anbu Ninja immediately brought the Chunin Exams application forms to Kurenai Yuhi, Kakashi, and Might Guy.
"I'll leave the notification duties to you."
Kakashi nodded slightly, and after taking the Chunin Exams application form, he didn't wish to stay long.
Seeing Kakashi leave, Might Guy quickly chased after him.
Kurenai Yuhi looked at Asuma, who had personally brought the Chunin Exams application form, and her delicate brows furrowed involuntarily.
"Kurenai..."
Before Asuma could finish speaking, Kurenai Yuhi took the Chunin Exams application form and immediately turned to leave.
"I understand."
Watching Kurenai Yuhi's figure leave without hesitation.
The smile Asuma had just forced froze on his face.