Warning: USUAL WARNINGS APPLY!
This is a bit of a short chapter so sorry for that! Also, sorry for the long wait!
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Sandaime Hokage Interlude: Unexpected Message
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Hiruzen smoked his pipe as he stared pensively at the scroll before him. He was alone in his office, devoid of his usual ANBU guard and his office completely secured by the use of privacy seals. Solitude was necessary in his opinion considering the nature of the message and it was something that demanded his attention.
"Hm…" Hiruzen hummed, "So Kirigakure wants to extend an alliance and trade agreement with Konohagakure? My, how peculiar… Just yesterday, Nami no Kuni extended a promising trade agreement, no doubt due to the heroic actions of Team Seven…" Hiruzen mused aloud.
If anyone had received news of the contents of the message, Hiruzen would have had to call a Council meeting. He would still have to but he was sure that if he did, there would be much argument of the matter at hand.
Kirigakure was still known as the Bloody Mist but it had apparently gone under a drastic change of command in a short amount of time, much to the ignorance of the other Hidden Villages. The Yondaime Mizukage stepped down and was replaced by the Godaime Mizukage under the reign of none other of Terumi Mei. But what caught Hiruzen's concern was the fact that the Yondaime Mizukage had apparently been under the control of a powerful genjutsu for years without anyone being none the wiser and it was during that time that much damage had been, specifically concerning the Bloodline Purges and the extreme graduation exams.
Hiruzen could only feel relief that the Mizukage had been disconnected from the Genjutsu that he had been held under for so long, especially because of the immense danger that Yagura posed as a Jinchuriki. The thought of that power being in the hands of someone capable of subduing a Jinchuriki in the first place…. Well, it brought images of a certain fateful night.
The one that attacked the Yondaime Hokage… Could it be the very some person? Hiruzen thought grimly. The Mizukage's status is unknown and perhaps that is the best for now. If that knowledge were to be revealed in an abrupt manner, it would no doubt cause chaos.
There was a need for extreme caution, Hiruzen realized, especially in such a delicate situation.
There was also a different matter that Hiruzen needed to address. Terumi Mei would no doubt take Kirigakure into a new era vastly different of the time of the Bloodline Purges, seeing as she wielded two Kekkei Genkai herself. The Yoton [Lava Release] and the Futton [Boil Release] were formidable indeed. She would better the sullied image of Kirigakure and provide a much needed figure for kunoichi.
The newly indicted Mizukage was busily revolutionizing Kirigakure and it had occurred to her that one way to way to change its image, speedily and effectively, was by participating in the Chunin Exams. It was ingenious, Hiruzen admitted to himself but it was also last minute. Hiruzen could allow them to participate in the exams but it would be risky and would no doubt spark protest.
Danzo and the Elder Council would be the loudest protesters but Hiruzen could see the promise that the new Mizukage wielded.
Hiruzen breathed out a billow of smoke as he reached for a blank scroll, readying his reply. He already decided. It was nigh time that he retook the power that the Council should have never even gained in the first place. He was the highest power in the village and it was he that had the final word. Danzo and the Elders thought him a fool but he was hardly blind to their machinations.
It would be interesting to see the reactions that this would garner, Hiruzen decided. In the meantime, he needed to talk to Shikaku as Jounin Commander and as well as the head of T&I, Morino Ibiki, as well as his ANBU Commander to plan and further prepare for the onslaught of shinobi during the Chunin Exams. The Chunin Exams were a trying time of the year after all, considering that there was always a risk of security and attack.
Kirigakure wasn't the only worry he held. There was the mysterious emergence of a new village, Otogakure and the strained alliance with Sunagakure that they had to worry about.
The Chunin exams were going to be a pain but they weren't something that could be canceled, especially because of the great economic gain and potential political ties that could arise in favor of Konoha. The Chunin Exams were a chance to show the might of a village and if they canceled, they would no doubt look weak in the eyes of the other Hidden Villages and that wasn't something that they could afford. Konoha was still recovering from the sharp loss of the Uchiha Clan, after all.
On another note, this year of Chunin Exams seemed promising for Konoha. The Rookie Nine were some of the best Genin that have come from the Academy in years and the fact that the majority of them were Clan children didn't hurt either. They also showed promising shinobi that weren't from shinobi clans. Asuka-chan would surely bring a great shock to the Elemental Countries as well as Team Seven as a whole.
Hiruzen sighed. "Now, if only I could finish this damnable pile of paperwork," the Sandaime grumbled under his breath. "At least Mei-chan will bless me with her presence." On that note, I'll need to recall Jiraiya to the village soon and hold a meeting for the Chunin Exams nominations… Iruka will not be pleased.
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A few days later, the Hokage found himself holding a meeting, one that he always held a short time before the Chunin Exams. A large majority of his Jounin were gathered as well as a few Chunin that pertained to the Exams, such as guard detail and the Academy Teachers that occasionally provided input.
"As you all know, we are gathered here for a very specific reason. It is time that we chose our candidates for the Chunin Examinations." Hiruzen said somberly as he stared intently at his shinobi. "To begin, will those in charge of the Rookie Genin step forward?"
Kakashi lazily stepped forward, one hand shoved in his pocket. Beside him, both Asuma and Kurenai stepped forward as well.
At the back of gathered shinobi, Iruka watched uneasily.
Hiruzen nodded. "What do you say? Are there any in your squads that you would recommend who are ready for the exams despite their inexperience? As you know, any Genin who has carried out ten or more missions are technically eligible for the examinations and beyond that, only you can decide if they are ready. Of course, most Genin require more experience and a larger training period or at least twice that many missions." The Hokage paused for a moment, letting his words seep into their minds.
Iruka frowned from where he stood. There's no need to say all of this, Iruka thought. It's way too soon for their squads!
Hiruzen nodded towards Kakashi who straightened under his gaze. "So Kakashi, you begin."
Kakashi stepped forward as he held his hand in a traditional hand sign. "I lead Team Seven: Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto and Asuka. I, Hatake Kakashi, recommend all three of these Genin for the Chunin Selection Exams." Kakashi said steadily despite the ripple of murmurs that broke out at his words.
Kurenai stepped forward after him, raising a hand in the same hand sign. "And my squad is Team Eight." Kurenai introduced confidently. "Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba and Hyuuga Hinata and now I, Yuhi Kurenai, recommend all three of these Genin for the Genin Selection Exams."
Asuma stepped forward next, copying the same sign with a smirk tugging at his lips. "And my squad is Team Ten: Akimichi Chouji, Nara Shikamaru and Yamanaka Ino and now I, Sarutobi Asuma, recommend all three Genin for the Genin Selection Exams."
At this, there was a larger explosion of whispers and murmurs of disbelief. It was unprecedented and unusual that all of the newly graduated rookie Genin be nominated. The Exams weren't easy and Genin were almost guaranteed to fail it on their first try.
Hiruzen remained silent for a moment and his face was stoic to the shinobi before him.
Iruka could hardly believe what he was hearing. Nominating all three of the Rookie Genin teams?! Are they insane?! Iruka surged forward, his disagreement visible for all the shinobi to see. "Hold on just a minute!" Iruka cried. "Hokage-sama, with all due respect, the nine names that were just given were my students in the Academy! I know their skills and abilities and every one of them has great promise but it's too soon!" He beseeched but at his words, the three Jounin Sensei remained silent and stoic, although Kakashi's gaze was particularly unreadable. "They need more experience before they're tested. If they try now, they're sure to fail the exams!"
Kakashi's eyes narrowed and the shinobi around him took a step back. "When I became a Chunin, I was years younger than Asuka, Sasuke and Naruto."
Iruka saw red. "Naruto is nothing like you!" Iruka said, his anger very near palpable. He tried to reign it in but it was a hard thing to do. He cared for his students, after all and he only wanted to do right by them. "Are you trying to destroy him?"
So is this about Naruto, hm? "They've come a far way, Iruka-sensei." Kakashi said with a deliberate shrug of his shoulders. "They're always seeking new challenges to overcome and the Chunin Exams would provide the perfect opportunity."
Iruka gaped at the other. "How can you say that?! The Exams aren't a joke!"
"A little pain is good." Kakashi continued, trying to be patient with other. "Relax, Iruka-sensei. I understand how you feel and I know that it's personal for you and it upsets you but─"
Kurenai stepped forward, a frown on her lips. "Alright that's enough from the both of you." Kurenai interrupted as she tried to diffuse the tension in the room. She turned her gaze to the silver haired Jounin. "Back off Kakashi. You've said enough."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed coldly. "On the contrary Kurenai, Iruka-sensei needs to understand and realize that they're not his students anymore." Kakashi turned his gaze to the Academy teacher. "They're mine."
His words were a warning clearly carried his message across but many didn't miss the undercurrent of danger and possessiveness that it carried. Hatake Kakashi was clearly protective of his students and Iruka could only widen his eyes in shock. That was not something he expected from Hatake Kakashi, at all.
Iruka hesitated. If he's that passionate about them maybe I was wrong? Iruka glanced to the other Jounin that have taken his students on. Maybe I should give them a bit more credit? But in the Academy… Iruka frowned.
Enough already, Asuma thought displeasingly as he gave an annoyed sigh at the unfolding drama.
"But these exams─" Iruka said bit he was interrupted by none other than the Hokage himself.
"Iruka," Hiruzen called out as he gazed at the other understandably, "you have made your point. I understand."
Iruka hesitated, about to protest yet again but he bit back the retort and stepped back with a nod of his head, much to the surprise of many. "Of course, Hokage-sama."
A small smile formed on Hiruzen's face. "Accordingly, I have decided that the best thing to do is to hold a preliminary test."
"Preliminary test?" Iruka repeated confusedly, as did others.
Hiruzen merely smiled as he began to explain. "The preliminary test would allow for only the truly prepared and well equipped Genin to continue to the Chunin Exams. They'll be held during the Second Portion of the Exams and those who pass and succeed will move forward to represent Konoha in the final portion of the Exams."
Many of the shinobi were surprised at the changes but it was a logical course of action and a favorable one as well.
The Chunin Exams will be interesting, indeed. Hiruzen decided as he and his shinobi began to prepare and plan. There was much to do, after all.
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SUCH A SHORT CHAPTER BUT NECESSARY!
ANYWAY, STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!
To be edited at a later date.
EDITED: 7/27/18