Chapter 4
A few days had passed since the Hokage announced that the Chuunin Exams were to be starting soon. That was all the talk around the village. Everyone was excited, even those from the other villages that had already made it here. The ninjas from the other villages seemed to differ. They were taking things seriously. Then again you didn't see much of them unless they were out getting food. Most tended to be secretive, not wanting to give their secrets away so they could have an edge against their opponents.
Today it seemed there would be another meeting, which I was headed to, about the exams. I never got to be a part of any of these as I normally was out on missions. This year was different. I managed to get banned from the Hokage's office. Apparently asking him on a daily basis, more than once a day, to get put back on the active list, managed to get on his nerves. This would actually be my first day back to that office since that ban had been placed. A ban I decided not to break after Sarutobi made it clear I would be punished. Even though I figured it to be more of a joke I didn't want to chance it and spend the rest of my life doing...nothing.
Stopping outside the door, I walked in, taking my time in finding the perfect spot to stand. Once I spotted Iruka I made my way over towards him, nodding my head to anyone who greeted me. I stood on Iruka's right side and was about to greet him but was interrupted by Sarutobi as he decided to get the meeting underway.
"Now that we are going to start the Chuunin selection exam, those who are in charge of new Genins, step forward. Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma."
All eyes followed the three named as they listened and stepped forwards towards the Hokage's desk. I grinned as I stood beside Iruka wanting to know what would happen. Not many rookie Genin got the change to enter this exam. I'd seen more wait, like Guy had, to enter them. The more experience the better off they were.
"Are there any Genins you wish to enter into the exam among the ones you teach? You probably already know this, but any Genin who has completed more than eight missions is eligible to enter the exam through your recommendations. But normally, those who have done twice that amount of are more suited. Let's start with Kakashi." The Hokage asked turning to Kakashi.
"From the seventh squad that I lead: Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura. I recommend those three to the Chuunin selection exam under my name, Hatake Kakashi."
Iruka shocked me as I noticed his expression turn to one of shock. He obviously hadn't been planning on Naruto, let alone any of the rookies, having been nominated. With a kind smile I placed a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him down. He ignored me. I trusted Kakashi with his decision but I had to admit even I wasn't planning on that.
"From the eighth squad that I lead: Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba and Aburame Shino. I recommend those three to the Chuunin selelction exam under my name, Yuuhi Kurenai."
"From the tenth squad that I lead: Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Chouji. I recommend those three to the Chuunin selection exam under my name, Sarutobi Asuma."
Whispers went around the room from some of the ninja present in the room. All nine of the rookies had just been recommended to be in the exam. Even I had to admit this was rather shocking. I don't recall that many rookies being part of this exam before. Apparently this year was to be an interesting one.
"Please wait!" Everyone turned to look at Iruka as he spoke out.
"What is it, Iruka?" Sarutobi asked.
"Please let me speak, Hokage-sama. Excuse me for interfering, but the nine who had their names called were students of mine at the academy. Every one of them is talented, but it's too early! They need more experience before they enter the exam!" Iruka said almost begging.
"I became a Chuunin when I was six years younger than Naruto." Kakashi pointed out.
"Naruto is different from you!" Iruka said, taking steps forwards. "Are you trying to ruin him?"
"They always complain during important missions. Putting them into a dangerous situation might be interesting. Ruining them is also interesting."
With that statement said I looked at Kakashi with a raised brow and a hopeful, skeptical look. I even managed to miss what Iruka said, let alone his expression.
"That was a joke. Iruka-sensei, I understand what you are saying. You must be upset as well, but..."
I let out a silent sigh at the first part of what he had said. Sometimes it was hard to tell when he was joking, at least in times like this, but he really did care for his team. Just then Kurenai came into the conversation, trying to stop Kakashi, already knowing where he was headed.
"Don't interfere! They are no longer your students. They are my subordinates now." Kakashi stated, trying to bring the conversation to a stop.
I still can't agree! They may be your subordinates, but they were my students! I know them very well..!
Iruka still wasn't content with the answer he had gotten. He was still angry and I stepped out of my original spot and came to stand next to him once again trying to calm him down. This time he acknowledged me and closed his eyes, trying to accept what was going on. Just then Guy stepped forwards, green jumpsuit and all, entering the conversation.
"What Iruka is saying is true. This isn't that easy. You're in too much of a hurry. I made my squad skip for a year so that they could gain more skills. Make them take the exam after they enjoy the spring time of life a bit more."
"They sometimes screw up at the end, but they'll become stronger than your children in no time." Kakashi looked straight at the now, shocked Guy as he spoke.
The Hokage interrupted before another word was said. "Stop right there. The case concerning the rookies will cease now. Next, I will hear the recommendations for the non-rookie Genins."
"Don't second guess my decision."Kakashi said getting in the last word.
The rest of the meeting went on without any such interruptions and turned out to rather dull. I would admit it was nice being aloud back into the Hokage's office but if I knew it would have been to bore me to death I think I would have much preferred the ban to this. Being lost in my thoughts I don't know how much time had passed until I heard Sarutobi dismiss everyone as the meeting was now over. Shaking my head to clear me of my thoughts I went to leave.
"Tsuki-san." Sarutobi called.
I stopped, a small but of curiosity and dread, welling up inside. Turning around I looked at him, noticing that I wasn't the only one who was still here. Ibiki stood not to far away, watching with slight interest.
" Hai, Hokage-sama?"
"I am surprised at you." He said with a slight grin. "I figured you would have already been bothering me to get..."
"Oooh no." I said slightly embarrassed. "You made it rather clear to not do so."
Sarutobi chuckled at my comment. "You never were one to keep my threats to heart but I have a something I need you to do."
Upon hearing that my eyes sparkled with joy. It was then that Ibiki let out a small chuckle, I assumed on my behalf. Looking over at him I stuck my tongue out, acting even more childish. We had worked on at least two mission together but I was just not one for the interrogation that we applied. Could I do it? Yes, though not nearly as good as Ibiki or his team.
"Ibiki will be the first examiner of the Chuunin Exam..."
"Those poor Genin." I interrupted, Sarutobi's one eye twitched, before realization dawned on me. "You want me...to work with Ibiki?"
"All you will have to do is use your eyes." Ibiki finally spoke.
I looked between the two before letting out a sigh. "I'm in and sorry for the interruption earlier Hokage-sama."
"Good." Sarutobi said seriously before another grin broke out. "Till then... just relax."
Looking over at the Hokage I raised my eyebrow at him and let out a small laugh. "I will do my best to...relax. I guess that means I'll see you some time before the exam starts, Ibiki. I will have to get that awful uniform to where. "
Without waiting for a response I left quickly, grinning like a fox. This exam was going to be fun and I could only imagine what that day would hold.