Mifune's POV (Courtyard of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Hiruzen was last but certainly not the least. The man was a living legend, just like Onoki. The crowd allowed their approval to be heard. Hiruzen showed no reaction kindly regarding the crowd and Chunin hopefuls, with a grace and aura that few could hope to match. Mifune felt shame once again. Nearly every failure of the Iron these exams had been at the cost of the Hokage. But despite it all, Hiruzen seemed pleased and patient as he allowed the crowd to quiet before speaking.
"First, let me say, regardless of the results or words of my colleagues. I want to assure all the Genin and future Chunin who have fought, bled, and, in some unfortunate cases, even died today that such was not in vain. These exams serve as peace-keeping practice, representing the unity between our villages, our willingness to peacefully discourse, and the focus on the future we've held. Not too long ago, the treaty all five villages signed was printed, and it was an even shorter time since we decided to change how we did Genin. This exam has shown the benefit of such. But before I can address the future, the present must be accepted. During these exams, there was a tragedy. Kiba Inuzuka, Choji Akimichi, Yuno Uchiha, Rock Lee, and Sakura Haruno all disappeared during these exams, and their fates are currently unknown. Please keep them in mind. Hopefully, they shall be found soon. But for now, let us focus on the positive, as it were. Because of the number, excuse me for being a little brief while I discuss my men. Firstly Shikamaru Nara,"
Shikamaru stepped forward, looking utterly miserable and despondent.
"You showed great strategy, wisdom, restraint, and the ability to improvise; while not the strongest, you use your tools well. I am proud to promote you to Chunin; take your vest and stand with pride." Shikamaru took his vest as if disgusted by it. Hiruzen nodded at the Nara, who matched it after some hesitation. Hiruzen continued on to the next Leaf Genin. "Shino Aburame."
Shino stepped forward as unreadable as ever. However, Mifune noticed a slight excitement in his step. It seemed even the Aburame could be emotional.
"You did not get much chance to showcase your skills, an unfortunate draw to combat one's teammate. I know such a battle is not one easily won. However, we must judge based on what is shown. Unfortunately, such is not enough to receive a promotion." Shino nodded at such and marched back into line. Mifune nodded at such, respecting the dignity the young man held in defeat. "Next up Sasuke Uchiha."
The crowd roared in response to such with a roar of approval. Sasuke allowed a slight smirk but marched to face Hiruzen without theatrics.
"Your performance will be remembered well. You faced an onslaught of skilled and powerful opponents. Each of you matched and eventually overcame, even that of a jinchuriki. I am aware of how you may feel about me. The man who ultimately agreed to have the Uchiha… taken care of. But I must admit, you do the Leaf justice and the very blood in your veins. I proudly promote you to Chunin for your skill, power, and adaptability." Hiruzen finished with a slight bow, not one of subservience but acknowledgment.
Sasuke repaid such with a mere second of hesitation. Which led to further support from the crowd. The support increased in volume as he accepted the vest.
"Neji Hyuga," Hiruzen continued. Neji received the most polite applause and faced Hiruzen politely, bowing to show his loyalty. "You only had one battle to showcase your abilities. Yet it would be remiss of not only me but my fellow Kage if I did not acknowledge your performance. You showed adaptability, decent strategy, and the skill to back it up. In fact, it is doubtless. Had your luck been better, you would've done much better. With this in mind, I insisted on making this decision. Neji Hyuga, I will promote you to Chunin. Own this vest with pride, for it was earned." Neji bowed deeply to such before he rose, retrieved his vest and rejoined the line. Seeing the youth maintain the decorum and manners their predecessors had developed over the years was good. "Hinata Hyuga."
Hinata politely walked forward, stopping to bow to Neji, who matched such, then once facing the Kage, bowed again, not rising and in perfect pose.
"It is not always easy to participate with family, as has been shown it is easy to be outshined by one's peers. Especially when one is an inherent prodigy, but you've managed such with grace and gusto in equal measure. Your battle with Sai showcased your unique skills and abilities. Your battle with Gaara showed ingenuity and the willpower to surpass your limits and achieve your goals. As such, I am proud to promote you to Chunin." Hiruzen explained with a kind smile to the female Hyuga.
Hinata bowed even deeper, and though the crowd could not see the tears drop from her face, the Kage bore witness. Onoki and Hiruzen smiled at the pleasant moment, and Yagura, Rasa, and Mifune bore it no mind. Though A made sure to loudly snort at such, Mifune sighed as he glared at A. The combined efforts of both him and Hiruzen silenced the Raikage for now. Hinata regained her composure, took her vest, and retreated to the line.
"Tenten of the Leaf." Hiruzen said.
Tenten marched forward, looking remarkably unbothered. Mifune was impressed; she must have nerves of steel.
"Your performance was impressive, and I assure you that it was also enlightening. Unfortunately, it was not enough, and despite your impressive showing, you chose to fight head-on against a superior opponent. Perhaps you will write this in the future, but I must withhold a promotion for now." Hiruzen apologized.
Tenten nodded respectfully, taking it in stride. Mifune made a note to contact the young woman at some point; he might know where she could look into her newly discovered bloodline. And if Tenten's slight smile was any indicator, she likely was excited to explore her origins.
Hiruzen idly scratched his face. It was a small gesture to most, but to Mifune, it spoke of hidden stress. It surprised Mifune little to catch that Hiruzen felt miserable delivering bad news.
"Ino Yamanaka." Hiruzen said grimly.
To her credit, Ino marched forward with her head held high, though the grimace her face locked in made it clear. It was apparent to her how this would go, and Mifune respected her for facing such with dignity.
"I have met you several times, and every time, you have changed. Your growth this time was nothing short of unpredictable and shocking. Know that your time will come shortly, and when it does, I look forward to seeing it. But for now, I must ask you to hone yourself further…" Hiruzen politely lectured Ino. To her credit, Ino did not cry or flinch; she merely nodded, bowed, and returned to the line dutifully.
"Sai of the Leaf." Hiruzen began again. Sai, unlike those thus far, seemed awfully unaffected by it all. Facing his leader with an odd smile. "I know of you well, Sai, and I must admit I expected much from you. A shinobi who uses more than mere power or jutsu to overwhelm their opponents. As expected by a student of my old friend. You have performed well; just watch those people's skills."
"As you say, Old Man." Sai replied.
Hiruzen's smile disappeared for a moment before returning. "Quite, you have been promoted to Chunin. Congratulations", Hiruzen replied, a small measure of annoyance breaking through his tone.
Sai nodded as if unsurprised, gathered his vest, and returned with the others.
'Shinobi are always such strange people,' Mifune thought as he hummed as Hiruzen called the next one.
"Naruto Uzumaki." Hiruzen said he wore a smile yet again—more prominent than before. Mifune raised a brow at this but allowed it to go on.
Naruto stepped forward, head up high, yet there was a noticeable hesitance. Mifune was unsurpassed; a defeat of the nature Naruto had suffered often shook one's confidence.
"I met you several times throughout your life; each time, you warned me the time will come for you to take this hat from me." Hiruzen mused out loud. "I never took this all that seriously; determination and ambition are nothing special. However, you are a rarity, and I doubt anyone doubts your abilities. I can count the number of shinobi I know with the hand that has lived to tell the tale of a no-hold-barred battle against a jinchuriki. Now, I can add you to that list. I have decided to promote you to Chunin for fearless loyalty, impressive ability and power, and impressive battle intelligence."
"DAMN FUCKING RIGHT!"
"DAMN FUCKING RIGHT!"
Naruto and a voice from the crowd called in sync. Naruto smiled at such, sure it had been his mother.
Hiruzen rolled his eyes as he tossed Naruto his vest and nodded at Mifune. Naruto walked back to the line, smile huge and attitude infectious. Ino and Neji at his sides matched his smile, proud of their friend. Hiruzen nodded at Mifune, allowing him to handle the final part.
"As the leader of the Waterfall is unable to be present. I will take his place and present for Fuu of the same." Mifune explained. As such, Fuu cheerfully skipped over to the older samurai. Mifune eyed the strange young woman oddly, but Fuu merely smiled back. "We had discussed your performance at length; to call you anything less than a powerful warrior would be a disservice. Unfortunately, Chunin must be more than mere powerhouses. Even samurai see the value in strategy, flexibility, and intelligence. Such aspects of which you failed to show off." Mifune explained. "We have deemed you unworthy of a promotion."
Fuu shrugged at such, skipping back to humming quietly to herself, waiting.
Mifune was beginning to detest these damn shinobi.
"Right then. Those have been selected to become Chunin for this exam session. If those in question would step forward and allow the audience to congratulate them." With Mifune's words concluding, the new Chunin stepped forward; with a snap of Mifune's fingers, several anbu subtly activated an earth jutsu to rise above the others. As if to showcase them to the crowd. Who followed the words of Mifune, cheering wildly as they faced their champions. "The new Chunin of the Elemental Nation are Kurotsuchi of the Stone, Shikamaru Nara, Sasuke Uchiha, Neji Hyuga, Naruto Uzumaki, Sai of the Leaf, Hinata Hyuga, Samui of the Cloud!" Mifune roared but was soon drowned out by the loud roar of the citizens of the nations supporting the shinobi before them. Mifune could not blame them; these exams were nothing short of shocking. But he needed their attention; a quick smash of his sheath into the ground interrupted such, the loud snap it made cutting through their roar. "One more thing before we may all move on. We shall be holding another fair to celebrate the successful exams. So, if you wish to continue the energy and praise these wonderful shinobi of the future, do so!"
The crowd did reply, but it was merely the sound of thousands voicing approval.