The Chūnin Exams? I didn't expect them to be held this year... If it were next year, the timing would be perfect. But this year... leaving the others aside, even Menma and Sasuke are still too young...
Standing in the queue, Iruka shook his head gently, lost in thought.
In fact, after Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, none of the Chūnin who had just started leading teams this year spoke up. They knew their own situations well. The squads led by these Chūnin consisted mostly of ordinary graduates. In the nearly half-year since graduation, they had been executing D-rank missions, with only a few squads just starting on C-rank ones. Trying to participate in the Chūnin Exams now was far too premature.
Therefore, not a single one of these Chūnin spoke.
A look of "just as I expected" appeared on Iruka's face.
Just as Iruka thought the meeting was about to conclude...
"I, Kakashi Hatake, in the name of a Jōnin, recommend Menma Uzumaki, Naruto Namikaze, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno of my squad to participate in these Chūnin Exams."
"I, Asuma Sarutobi, in the name of a Jōnin, recommend..."
"I, Kurenai Yuhi..."
Just like in the original story.
Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai successively recommended the newly graduated Genin of their respective squads to participate in the upcoming Chūnin Exams.
All three of them recommended their subordinates?
Didn't they just graduate recently?
Is this just a rivalry thing?
Surely not, right?
I still feel it's not very reliable.
Maybe that's just what geniuses are?
The other Chūnin below showed looks of surprise, frequently exchanging glances with one another.
Iruka's expression changed instantly. He immediately stepped forward, addressing Hiruzen Sarutobi in the main seat with a tone that was respectful yet urgent: "Lord Hokage, please forgive my bluntness, but allowing Genin who graduated only half a year ago to participate in the Chūnin Exams... I do not think this is appropriate. Please reconsider."
Even though Iruka knew his words might offend the three Jōnin who had just recommended their subordinates, as an Academy teacher, he felt an obligation to stand up at this moment. He couldn't just let these children take pointless risks, could he?
"Iruka-san, Menma and Naruto are no longer your students; they are official Leaf ninja. Furthermore, you probably aren't aware of their growth over this past half-year, are you? As the captain of Team 7, I know their current strength well. They are fully qualified to participate in these Chūnin Exams!"
Before Hiruzen Sarutobi could say anything...
Kakashi turned his head to look at Iruka, speaking with a very serious expression.
"But!"
Iruka clearly didn't quite believe Kakashi's words. Instinctively feeling that Kakashi and the others were rushing things, he prepared to speak again.
"Enough, Iruka. Just as Kakashi said, Menma, Naruto, and the others are now official Leaf ninja. They are qualified to participate in these Chūnin Exams. For them, this will also be a very good tempering experience. Besides, a Jōnin's recommendation is a form of recognition in itself."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, interrupting Iruka, and spoke slowly.
Iruka might have summoned the courage to refute Kakashi and the others, but with Hiruzen speaking...
Even if Iruka had a thousand words, he could only hold them in his heart.
His expression unchanging, he sighed silently internally, took a step back, and bowed his head. "Yes, Lord Hokage."
"Good. Then the list of participants for this time is settled. There must be no mistakes in the upcoming preparatory work. Is that understood?!"
Hiruzen leaned forward slightly, speaking with solemnity.
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
The ninja below responded in unison with deep voices.
---
After giving a few final instructions regarding other matters, Hiruzen announced the dismissal.
The Chūnin Exams.
This was considered one of the major affairs of a ninja village.
In times of peace, the most direct means of wrestling for power between the ninja villages of various nations was the Chūnin Exams. Through such joint assessments, villages could display their strength to win a larger share of mission commissions.
This was a major event tangibly related to the village's interests.
As the Kage of the village, Hiruzen naturally needed to pay close attention. Even if most tasks could be delegated to subordinates, there were still necessary matters that required his personal review and handling.
For example, it was already confirmed that the Kazekage of the Hidden Sand would come to the Hidden Leaf personally to watch the finals. Additionally, the Daimyōs of the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and other surrounding countries would attend. These people would require Hiruzen to receive them personally.
---
While the meeting was being held at the Hokage Residence...
Menma, who was technically on vacation, was walking toward the largest commercial street in the Hidden Leaf Village.
After completely resolving his financial worries a while ago...
Menma planned to get himself a brand-new set of equipment.
Not just regarding ninja tools.
But also regarding his attire.
Previously, he had been wearing clothes almost identical to Naruto's in the original story. While not exactly ugly...
No matter how he looked at it, it felt tacky.
Therefore, Menma took some time to draw a few rough sketches of clothing. He referenced the Akatsuki organization's fire cloud robes for the changes, removing the high collar and the fire clouds, and modifying it into a mid-length sleeve coat style.
Underneath, it would be paired with a dark ninja combat suit and slim-fit trousers.
He had taken the designs directly to the largest clothing store in the Hidden Leaf for custom tailoring.
He ordered several sets with different base themes: red and black, white and blue, and red and white.
Today happened to be the day he was notified to pick up the goods.
Upon arriving at the shop and seeing the finished products, Menma was already very satisfied. He went into the fitting room and changed into the red and black themed outfit.
Looking at himself in the giant floor-to-ceiling mirror...
The corners of Menma's mouth curled up into a handsome arc.
Even the shop assistant standing behind him instinctively lit up at the sight.
Menma's base appearance was already quite good, bearing a strong resemblance to Minato. Now, paired with this outfit, he looked every bit the handsome youth.
However, it only lasted for a second.
The shop assistant lowered their eyes again.
Menma's image in the minds of the Hidden Leaf villagers hadn't changed at all. It was only because of the forehead protector on Menma's head that these civilians were forced to suppress their emotions on the surface.
Menma didn't care about these people's opinions or feelings.
After verifying that the other sets of clothes met his requirements...
Menma paid the remaining balance and leisurely left the clothing store.