Chapitre 72: Chapter 72
Time flies, and months pass in the blink of an eye.
During this period, Naruto learned the Three Body Technique, the Shadow Clone Technique, and the Konoha Style Sword Technique from Kazuki.
Kazuki also received the strongest wind-release talent and a large amount of chakra feedback from Naruto. Originally having no talent for wind-release, Kazuki could now easily learn wind-release ninjutsu. Chakra he possessed had increased by at least 30%.
With Naruto's and Sasuke's combined chakra feedback, Kazuki might even rival Hashirama in endurance.
Hokage Building
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat at the front as all the leading Jounin were summoned and quietly awaited his instructions.
"This time, the Chuunin Joint Examination is scheduled to take place in Konoha. The Jounin who is recommending their Genin team for the exam, step forward."
"Ninja Tenzuo of Class 15 recommends....!"
Some veteran classes stepped forward, recommending their subordinates to take the exam.
After a while, all the veteran classes had made their recommendations. Then, Kakashi stepped forward.
"Kakashi, the leader of the seventh team, recommends his subordinates Kazuki Gekko, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno to take the Chuunin Exam!"
"The leader of the eighth team, Yuhi Kurenai, recommends Hyuga Hinata, Aburame Shino, and Inuzuka Kiba."
"Jounin Sarutobi Asuma, leader of team 10, recommends Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, and Akimichi Choji."
Hearing the recommendations from the three freshman classes, many Jounin who were unfamiliar with the situation expressed surprise.
"Are they really ready to take the Chuunin Exam in their first year after graduation?"
"This isn't just a Konoha Chuunin Exam; they'll face ninjas from other villages. It could be dangerous if they encounter powerful opponents."
"These three are really pushing it!"
Iruka hesitated, glancing at the other Jounin but said nothing.
"Quiet!" Sarutobi Hiruzen scolded, silencing the room. He glanced at Kakashi, then at Yuhi Kurenai and Asuma. Seeing the determination in their eyes, he said, "I trust that their students have undergone rigorous training under their guidance."
"Although there are only nine who passed the graduation exam this year, they are undoubtedly geniuses. Since their mentors believe in them, so do I."
Listening to the Third Hokage's defense of the freshman Jounin, the others had no further objections. They understood it wasn't their responsibility if any of the recommended candidates failed or died in the exam.
With no further objections, Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "Is there anyone else who wishes to recommend students for the Chuunin Exam?"
After a brief pause with no responses, he continued, "If not, let's proceed with selecting the candidates for this Chuunin Exam. Next, we'll discuss precautions during the exam…"
An important event like the Chuunin Joint Examination would undoubtedly draw attention from many. Wealthy merchants, politicians, and possibly even dangerous individuals might take the opportunity to sneak into Konoha.
When there are fewer people, it's easier to detect strangers entering the village. However, with large crowds, investigating every individual becomes challenging, creating potential security loopholes.
Thus, it was necessary to rearrange Konoha's alert and defense systems.
Since the Uchiha clan's extermination, much of Konoha's vigilance had fallen to the remaining forces, including those led by Morino Ibiki.
After the meeting, Kakashi stayed behind.
"Kakashi, how is Kazuki Gekko doing?"
"He's capable of handling himself. His experience and skills are already superior to mine."
In the past few months, Kazuki had not only trained Naruto but also participated in numerous missions: assassinations, protection, infiltration. His mission experience was now on par with a seasoned Jounin, and he could lead a team on his own.
"Really? It's unfortunate that he doesn't want to join ANBU. Training there could have further honed his abilities."
Kakashi remained silent, unwilling to comment.
ANBU was a dark and unforgiving place. It was filled with relentless missions, constant danger, and the daily struggle of either killing or being hunted. While it could push a shinobi's potential to the limit, it could also lead to losing oneself to the darkness.
Kakashi knew Kazuki's potential and didn't want him to be swallowed by ANBU's shadowy world. If Kazuki lost himself or fell into darkness, it would be a disaster for Konoha.
Kakashi's own experiences haunted him—his father's death, the loss of Obito and Rin, and his teacher's demise had left him empty, drowning himself in missions to numb the pain. Without Hiruzen pulling him out of ANBU and Gai's companionship, Kakashi feared what he might have become.
Seeing Kakashi's silence, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't press further. He knew the complexities of ANBU all too well. Some were destined to live in the light, while others bore the burdens of the darkness for the sake of Konoha.
"Have you informed Kazuki and the others about the Chuunin Exams?"
"Not yet."
"Find time to talk to them. Once Kazuki passes, I want to arrange for him to take the Jounin exam."
The Jounin exam differed from the Chuunin exam. It wasn't about basic skills but raw strength and exceptional abilities. There were no restrictions on the number of people who could pass or when the exam could be taken.
"I understand," Kakashi nodded. "Also, Third Hokage, Uchiha Sasuke is stronger than many Chuunin. I would like to recommend him for the Jounin exam as well."
"Uchiha..."
"Sasuke still needs more experience compared to Kazuki. We'll wait on him."
Kakashi was surprised but quickly regained his composure.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's stance on Sasuke had always been complex—admiring his talent but cautious of his ambitions. Until Sasuke's intentions were clearer, Hiruzen wasn't ready to elevate him too quickly within Konoha's ranks.
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