CHŪNIN EXAMS I - REGISTRATION

Hokage's Office

With the final decision concerning the Chūnin Exams being made, Tsunade looks over the four Jōnin commanders gathered.

"Your teams have shown the best results even in such a short span of time. As such, with your permission, they will be accepted to participate in the Chūnin Exams. Do you agree?"

The first man steps forward, wearing his forehead protector as a bandana with two red half-circles under his eyes. He holds his right hand in front of him in a half-sign. "Tessen-led Team 2. Chinatsu Yanagikage, Netsu Tokisuki, Momiji Shigure. Under the name Tessen Togeito, I accept their selection to take the Chūnin Exams."

Shino steps forward next and performs the same half-sign. "Shino-led Team Five. Genzai Sarutobi, Kashiwama Senju, Jiriki Hyūga. Under the name of Shino Aburame, I accept their selection to take the Chūnin Exams."

The third man steps forward, his forehead protector also worn as a bandana. The most notable feature of his being the symbol 陰, shadow, tattooed on his left cheek. "Kokage-led Team Six. Tsukune Nabe, Sansho Asakura, Mibuna Komatsu. Under the name Kokage Yanagikage, I accept their selection to take the Chūnin Exams."

Finally, Naruto steps forward and does the same. "Naruto-led Team Nine. Kotori Uzumaki, Yokumaru Kigatsu, Shoto Teshin. Under the name of Naruto Uzumaki, I accept their selection to take the Chūnin Exams."

Tsunade smiles and nods. "So you all four accept, that's good. You have faith in your students. Of course you must all be aware how important these Exams will be. We may be heading to a new war and we need our best to become even better. Speak with your students' parents or guardians and ensure they're familiar with the risk."

"Yes, ma'am." The four of them say in unison.

Shizune takes out four small stacks of three papers each and pushes them to each Jōnin sensei. They all step forward to take the registration forms.

"Once, or if, all parents have agreed, hand the forms to Suika at Mission Assignment. She'll take it from there. Dismissed."

Kokage and Tessen bow before both heading out.

Kokage pats Tessen on the back. "I hope Chinatsu hasn't been causing too much trouble."

Tessen laughs. "Not at all. She's been the backbone of the team, actually."

Shino prepares to follow right after them but stops at the door when he sees Naruto not moving. "Are you coming, Naruto?"

Naruto shakes his head. "Not yet, I gotta talk to gra- I mean, the Hokage, about something."

"Very well." Shino nods and leaves them to speak in the Office.

Tsunade can't help but smile at the young man's newfound tact. 'The kid really has grown.'

Naruto spins around and slams his hands on the desk. "So! Granny."

'Aaand there it goes.' She audibly sighs. "Yes, Naruto?"

"Look, I know things are real serious right now and we probably don't have the manpower, but I got a big favour to ask."

Tsunade raises a brow. "Oh? What kind?"

"Kotori's… not really in the best place right now. She says she's fine but I can tell she's got a lot on her mind. About that Mōkin guy, about her parents…"

"I can only imagine what she's going through." Shizune says in a sympathetic tone.

"So I was hoping to invite some people to the Chūnin Exams. Maybe seeing them'll help her."

"Who did you have in mind?" Tsunade asks.

Naruto pulls up a chair and sit down, to go over his request with her.

Sarutobi Household

As the time has come for an important discussion, Shino requested an audience with not just his students but their parents, as well, to discuss the important next step in Team Five's journey.

The Sarutobi clan offered to host this meeting, not just to discuss their children's careers but as a bonding experience, as well.

In order to be able to view everyone equally, Shino Aburame sits on one side of the table while eight individuals sit opposite him. Fusuma, Shōji, and Kashiwama Senju. Toboshi, Tsuyu, and Jiriki Hyūga. Taisaku and Genzai Sarutobi.

Genzai and Jiriki take a peek at their teammate who they'd not seen in over a week due to what they were told was extensive training. Looking him over, he does appear somewhat battered and bruised. His hands are covered in bandages and what skin is still visible is clearly calloused. His face is also covered in scratches and medical tape.

Kashiwama gives them his usual unconcerned grin and waves.

Taisaku bows his head to the others present. "I apologize my wife isn't available for this meeting, she was sent away on an urgent mission."

"That's quite alright." Shino says.

"We've had a lot of emergency missions, after all." Fusuma sighs.

This would normally be highly classified information, but Shino is one of the few people aware of Ikusa Sarutobi's status as a high ranking member of the ANBU Black Ops. Right now, every village's ANBU are stretched thin with the sudden disappearance of two Tailed Beasts.

Shino clears his throat and presses a paper forward to each set of Genin and parents. "I'm certain news has reached all of you of the events that have transpired recently and have been transpiring for the last few years. We face a new threat and we must prepare ourselves to meet it."

The parents each take a look at the paper.

"Chūnin Exam registration papers, huh?" Taisaku Sarutobi says.

"That's correct." Shino nods. "The next joint Chūnin Exams are to take place in the Land of Water and for them we are selecting our best and brightest to represent us. Lady Hokage has deemed Team Five as one of the teams worthy of representing us."

"Alright!" Kashiwama jumps up from his seat and pumps his fist. "We get to really prove ourselves!"

Genzai and Jiriki smile, still elated, even if not at the same level as Kashiwama.

"We won't let you down, Shino-sensei." Genzai says.

Taisaku crosses his arm. "So, you think them ready?"

"I do." Shino answers. "They've shown remarkable growth and have what it takes to be Chūnin."

"But this isn't just about the Exams, is it?" Fusuma shares a look with Taisaku, as the two clan leaders are more aware than most what's going on behind the scenes at the Leaf.

"You're correct. If Team Five prove themselves worthy of a promotion, it would put them in the forefront in any upcoming conflicts. A promotion to Chūnin would carry with it more weight than before. That is why I wished to speak to you personally on this matter, so that it's clear that we potentially head to yet another time of conflict."

"We can handle it, you don't need to worry about us." Kashiwama declares.

Toboshi and Tsuyu exchange a concerned look before Tsuyu speaks up. "What if… we don't give our agreement?"

Jiriki whips his head back to his parents. "Mom? What're you saying, why wouldn't you?! This is why I became a shinobi!"

"To go to war? You most certainly did NOT become a shinobi to go to war!" Tsuyu says.

"If you decide not to approve of Jiriki's participation, then a replacement will be found to fill in." Shino answers.

"Don't say that, Shino-sensei!" Kashiwama chimes in. "We won't need a replacement 'cause there's no way we're going this without Jiriki! We're a team."

"That's right." Genzai says. "Dad, tell them, we have to do this together."

Taisaku shakes his head. "This isn't for us to say, Genzai. This decision is for Toboshi and Tsuyu to make."

Jiriki clenches his fist. "Why… Where's this even coming from?"

"It's coming from everything turning upside down." Toboshi says. "Jiriki, you're not like them." He motions to his son's teammates. "Kashiwama and Genzai, they're the sons of clan heads, they have different expectations placed on them, different goals. We're… a minor family from a minor branch of the Hyūga clan, we have no such expectations. You don't have to go out there and put yourself at risk."

"That's not fair." Jiriki says through gritted teeth. "I'm good at what I do, even Lord Hiashi said so! I don't have to stay minor, I want to be better!"

"Jiriki, please see-"

"You're the one not seeing anything." Jiriki interrupts his mom, the veins around his eye pop as he activates his [Byakugan]. "I can see. I'm the only one who can." He runs out of the room, afraid his emotions will get the better of him.

Genzai and Kashiwama stand up and run after him.

Tsuyu wraps her arm around her stomach and leans forward, her long hair covering her face.

Toboshi bows his head to the host and the other guests. "I'm… sorry you had to see that. We'll leave."

"No, please stay." Taisaku raises a hand. "Jiriki just needs time to cool down. I believe there's still things to be discussed. Let's just wait for them."

-x-

Jiriki doesn't really get far before he stops to hit a tree in his frustration, shaking it with repeated bursts of his chakra.

"Jiriki…" Genzai and Kashiwama approach.

He rests his hand against the tree and uses it to lean over in his frustration. "I didn't become a shinobi just to stop here, damnit."

"I'm sure we can convince them!" Kashiwama says in a hopeful tone. "They'll understand just what it means to you."

"And to us." Genzai adds.

"Yeah."

Jiriki shakes his head. "You heard them. They're fine with being in the backlines. Maybe they're right; I don't belong with clan heads."

"Come on, man, you know we don't care about any of that." Genzai walks over and places a hand on his back.

Kashiwama crosses his arms in frustration. "Well if you're not going then neither am I. Either we do this together or not at all, so let's go and talk to your parents about it."

"I don't think I can talk about it right now." Jiriki says in a mellow tone.

"Then we'll do it later. Let's go inside." Genzai offers

Jiriki nods. "Sure."

After a moment of the three walking in silence, Genzai finally turns to Kashiwama. "So what've you been up to, anyway?"

"Yeah, we haven't seen you in a week." Jiriki says.

Kashiwama grins. "Super special secret training."

Genzai raises a brow. "Right. Can you say what kind, or?"

Kashiwama takes a moment to think. "Shino-sensei did say he wanted us to train together, so I won't tell you until then." He gives a cheeky grin.

Genzai and Jiriki exchange a confused look. "Okay?"

As the three make their way to one of the buildings inside, their minds racing and worrying over the possibility of them not attending the Chūnin Exams, Kashiwama's attention drifts to one of the verandas not far from them. The screen door is open so that the people inside are in view, sparking his interest.

"Hey, isn't that your brother?" He says to Genzai before addressing Jiriki next. "And your clan heir?"

The two turn their heads to see that in the room are indeed Konohamaru Sarutobi and Hanabi Hyūga. Konohamaru is kneeling on the ground with a sword placed in front of him while Hanabi stands behind him with her arms crossed. Genzai's attention is also brought to the person Konohamaru is kneeling in front of. Well, not specifically a person, he's a bit too hairy and fuzzy to be a person.

"Yeah, they are. And that's… Master Enma? What's he doing there?" Genzai wonders.

"That's the monkeys' leader, right?" Jiriki asks.

"Yeah." Genzai confirms.

"Should we go take a closer look?" Kashiwama says with a comical grin on his face.

A voice interrupts their little gathering from right behind them. "I'd advise against that."

Startled, they all jump in surprise and turn around to see… Hanabi.

"How did… When did…" Kashiwama whips his head back to the room where now only Konohamaru and Enma are and then back to Hanabi.

"You boys having fun?" Hanabi chuckles.

"It's rude to eavesdrop, you know." Konohamaru says as he approaches, a sheathed katana in his hand. "Is your meeting with Shino-sensei over? How'd it go?"

"You all excited to become Chūnin?" Hanabi asks.

Jiriki averts his gaze and the three become oddly solemn.

'I thought they'd be in a better mood.' Hanabi scratches her cheek. 'Unless…'

"We were actually just gonna go to the backrooms and catch up so…. we'll leave you to it." Genzai tries to hurry along as to not have an awkward conversion.

"Sure thing." Konohamaru says, not entirely catching on. "Then we can do some training, yeah? Get you nice and strong for the exams.

"Sure thing." Genzai waves back at him as Team Five take their leave.

"Can I come by to train, too?" Kashiwama asks as he turns around and walks backward.

Konohamaru laughs. "You know you're always welcome."

He watches with a smile on his face as the kids head off.

Hanabi, on the other hand, looks a bit more concerned. "Did they seem off to you?"

"How so?" Konohamaru cocks his head in confusion. "They were just eager to hang out, they don't wanna be around us." He laughs and pushes away the katana on his waist, so the hilt isn't in his peripheral.

An act that doesn't go unnoticed.

"Although you're a bit off, too…" Hanabi places a comforting hand on his shoulder and looks at him with a sympathetic gaze. "You don't have to do this, you know."

"No, I probably don't." He sighs. "But if we're heading to another war, I can't let myself be clouded by bad memories. I have to do everything I can and use anything at my disposal." The katana flies out of its sheath entirely on its own and swings through the air a few times before stopping and hovering by his side. "Even if it means using the blade that killed my grandfather."

"Ten years already…" Enma approaches them from behind. "I know this isn't easy but I know if anyone can put Kusanagi to good use, it's you. Honourable grandson." He adds the last bit with a playful smirk.

Konohamaru visibly cringes but can't help but smile despite his worry. "Please don't call me that."

"Remember that you have us to count on. Enra will always fight by your side, and so will I. Just as I did by Hiruzen."

"Thank you, Enma. That means a lot."

With that, the Monkey King returns back home, leaving Konohamaru and Hanabi on their own. Konohamaru places the sheath in a strap on his lower back and the blade slides inside by itself.

Hanabi steps closer and rests her forehead on his chest. "I know it's wishful thinking but I really hope it doesn't come to that."

"Yeah, me, too." Konohamaru gently strokes the back of her head. "But if it does, this time we'll be there for Naruto and Hinata."

Hanabi looks up to him and smiles. "We will."

-x-

Tsuyu Hyūga questions everything with her face buried in her hands. "Did we make a mistake? Should we have just agreed to it?"

Fusuma places a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're doing what you think is right."

Taisaku sighs. "At the end of the day, you are correct. Genzai and Kashiwama have different expectations placed on them; Jiriki needn't travel at their pace."

Toboshi looks to Shino with a conflicted expression. "But can he, Shino-sensei?"

Shino nods. "I believe he can and does, yes. He's strong, capable, and smart. He could very well stand beside the best."

"At the end of the day, he's still your son first and foremost." Fusuma says. "They like to think of themselves as all grown up just because they're Genin but there's still much they don't know about. So despite how ready they feel, it's still up to us to take care of them as their parents."

"Jiriki can't see your point of view just yet but he eventually will." Taisaku says.

Tsuyu looks to Shino for advice, as well. "If it were entirely up to you, would you let Jiriki take part? Do you believe he has what it takes?"

"That's…" Shino takes a moment to gather his thoughts. "That's a difficult question. I have a different perspective than a Genin's parent. I'm the one who's instilled in them the core values of a shinobi and taught them how to operate. I would very much like to believe that my teaching has been enough thus far and prepared them for what lies ahead. However, I have a teacher's bias."

"So that's what it was all about." A foreign voice grabs their attention from the doorway.

Everyone turns around to see one Hanabi Hyūga leaning against the entryway, with Konohamaru Sarutobi walking behind her to join her.

"L-Lady Hanabi!" Toboshi and Tsuyu are quick to bow. "What brings you here?"

Hanabi points to the young man behind her. "My boyfriend lives here."

Konohamaru's expression turns to one of giddy and goofy excitement as his face reddens. "Aw, you're saying it out loud now."

"Don't make this weird." She throws a quick glance back.

"Sorry."

Hanabi walks over and sits by Toboshi and Tsuyu's side. "I saw Jiriki earlier. I expected them to be more excited about the Chūnin Exams, but I guess I see why they weren't."

"We're terribly sorry for worrying you with this." Toboshi bows his head once again.

"You… really don't need to do that." Hanabi sighs. "Look, aren't you overthinking this a little?" She then turns to the other parents and clan heads. "And aren't you trying too hard to remain passive in this?"

Fusuma scratches her cheek in embarrassment. "Well, we don't want to influence them with our own choices."

Taisaku crosses his arms. "And besides, Genzai and Kashiwama put even more pressure on them, by declaring they wouldn't participate without Jiriki. I know they're still young, but still…"

"The Chūnin Exams aren't what they were back in your day, are they? This is the Shinobi Union, where everyone's working together and helping each other, so it's not going to be like before the Fourth War, correct? We're competing with friends and allies, not enemies."

"I… suppose that's true." Tsuyu says.

"So, what's the worst that could happen? If he fails, then he comes back and will try again in a couple years when he's grown. If he passes, then he proves he's capable of standing beside the best." Hanabi shrugs. "You're stressing over it too much."

Toboshi says. "Perhaps you're right."

"May we have some more time to think on it?" Tsuyu asks.

"Of course." Shino responds. "I'll await your response."

"Thank you."

Uzumaki Household

In another part of the Leaf, Naruto has also gathered his own students and their families to tell them about the upcoming grand event.

Naruto sits on an armchair opposite of everyone else, to be able to look at and address them all equally.

Shoto Teshin, Yokumaru Kigatsu, and Kotori Uzumaki are all sitting on the ground in front of the table, with all of their parents occupying the living room sofa. Shoto's parents, Itosuke and Asami Teshin, Yokumaru's mom and stepdad, Yoi Kigatsu and Teuchi, and finally… both of Kotori's parents, Naruto and Hinata Uzumaki.

Whereas the Naruto that's sitting opposite them all is dressed in his standard Jōnin uniform and orange cloak, the Naruto sitting on the couch is dressed in everyday clothes. And has a mustache for some reason.

Dad Naruto leans forward after placing his hands on his elbows for support. "Naruto-sensei, has my daughter done something wrong?"

"There's nothing to worry about, Mr. Uzumaki." Naruto-sensei reassures him despite… obviously not needing to.

Dad Naruto leans back and shakes his head. "She's always been a troublemaker." He turns to Hinata. "She gets that from you, you know!"

Hinata is trying her very best not to burst into laughter at the play in front of her. "Yes, dear."

Kotori buries her face in her palms. "Dad, please stop."

Yokumaru and Shoto are openly giggling at their sensei's antics.

Dad Naruto turns to the other parents and bows. "I hope my daughter hasn't been causing too much trouble."

"No, not at all." Yoi laughs as she responds.

"Dad!" Kotori pulls her head up and looks at him with reddened cheeks.

Naruto laughs and dismisses the Shadow Clone. "Alright, alright."

Kotori can only grumble in embarrassment.

Naruto places three papers on the table, one in front of each family. "So, you've probably heard about the Chūnin Exams. It's gonna be a big one this time and granny and the rest picked out the top teams."

"I can hardly believe our Shoto has done so well as a shinobi." Asami says with a smile.

Shoto smirks. "Of course I did."

"But I do have to warn you all. If any of them do get to Chūnin, they'll be in charge of leading missions and we're facing a serious enemy right now. We might be headed to another war. The future might be dangerous."

Itosuke leans back and crosses his arms. "There's a part of me that believes it would be a mistake, however I've come to realize my lapses in judgment. If the Hokage and you believe them to be ready, then I'll trust your decision."

Itosuke signs his name on Shoto's form, as does Asami.

Yoi looks down at her son and brushes his light blue hair, a spitting image of his father's. "I don't think I'll truly ever stop worrying. A shinobi's job is dangerous; I knew that when I agreed for you to teach him. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to him, too, but I don't think I have the heart to stop him after he's come so far."

She leans forward and signs her name on the form before sliding the paper over to Teuchi.

Teuchi looks hesitant. "I… don't think I should. I mean, I'm not…" He looks down to Yokumaru.

Yokumaru pushes the registration form further toward Teuchi, without turning his head. "Would… you sign it?"

Teuchi's eyes immediately begin to water which he tries to hide with a wide smile. "I'd be happy to." He reaches over and signs his name as Yokumaru's father.

He leans back and tries to quickly brush his eyes. Yoi smiles and places a hand over his.

Finally, both Naruto and Hinata sign Kotori's papers with no hesitation.

"Alright." Naruto grabs the three forms and puts them in a pile. "With this, we're all set for the Chūnin Exams." He looks over his students with a serious, discerning gaze. "Just know that whatever happens at the Exams, we're not gonna be Team Nine anymore. We'll be Team Naruto. You won't just be Genin I'm teaching, but shinobi who have what it takes to climb to Chūnin and Jōnin. Things'll be different from now on."

"Yes, sensei!" All three say in unison.

"Take the day off. Tomorrow, we start training harder than ever!"

"How about we have a celebratory lunch?" Hinata offers. "It's rare that we all gather like this, so we should make the best of it."

"That does sound wonderful." Yoi says and looks around if the others are in agreement.

Itosuke nods. "That would be pleasant."

"So it's decided." Asami smiles.

"Then how about going to Ramen Ichiraku?" Teuchi offers. "My treat!"

"Awesome!" Naruto pumps his fist. "Let's go!"

Teuchi's demeanor drops when he sees Naruto's enthusiasm. He got caught up in the excitement and forgot who was part of the conversation. This is going to cost him…

Ramen Ichiraku

After a pleasant afternoon of eating, Team Nine, plus parents, sit at their table to talk while Ayame keeps the place running and serving other customers. One of the workers comes by the table to clear the dozen or so bowls that Naruto alone ate while everyone else capped at one. Although where others see bowls, Teuchi sees ryō burning away.

As they sit and talk about the more mundane day-to-day happenings in their lives, Kotori's attention is brought to the front door where she spots Kashiwama and Genzai entering. She waves to them and hops to her feet to go and greet them.

"Hey, you two!"

"Hey, Kotori, did you miss me?" Kashiwama grins.

Kotori chuckles. "Maybe a little."

"You guys celebrating something?" Genzai nods his head to their table.

Naruto looks back and waves the boys. Kashiwama eagerly waves back. At this point, Yokumaru and Shoto also go to meet them.

"We are!" Kotori answers. "Celebrating going to the Chūnin Exams. Aren't you guys, too?"

Genzai slightly winces. "We're… not sure if we're going."

"Wh-why?!" Kotori questions.

"Is Shino-sensei not letting you?" Yokumaru asks.

"No, it's not that." Genzai shakes his head. "Jiriki's parents aren't sure about signing off on it."

"And I don't think I wanna take the Exams with Jiriki." Kashiwama says.

"I feel the same." Genzai adds.

"No way!" Kotori gasps. "They can't do that! … Can they?"

"I mean… I suppose they can." Yokumaru says. "That's what the forms were for, right?"

"Why wouldn't they sign him up for it?" Shoto asks. "He's a good- I mean, he's decent enough, I guess."

Genzai chuckles lightly at Shoto's recognition. "He is, but his parents are worried about him."

"But they have nothing to worry about, Jiriki is Jiriki, so there's no need to worry for him." Kotori retorts.

Genzai sighs. "As much I can't disagree with that, there's not much we can-"

"Let's pay him a visit!" Kotori blurts out and before Genzai can even register, she's heading out the door.

"Oi, hold up, you can't walk over just like that!" Genzai calls out to her.

"Watch me!"

Kashiwama shrugs, "I guess we can." and follows after her.

"Welcome to our world." Shoto pats Genzai on the shoulder. "We may as well go with her."

Seeing no other course of action, Genzai, Shoto, and Yokumaru run after her at the very least to make sure she doesn't say something to make matters worse.

"You kids have fun!" Naruto calls to them from his seat."

-x-

Hyūga Clan District

"HEEEEY! JI~RI~KI~!" Kotori shouts at the top of her lungs.

Gaining access to the Hyūga clan's compound is a relatively easy task for the group. Genzai and Kashiwama are well known faces around here, and there's also Kotori who everyone is well aware to be Hinata's daughter. So the group had no issues with walking right up to Jiriki's home.

"WHAT?!" Jiriki slams the door open. "You can just knock, you don't have to shout."

"What's this about you not going to the Chūnin Exams?" Kotori asks bluntly.

Jiriki takes a moment to register her question and then stares daggers at Genzai and Kashiwama for feeling the need to open their big mouths.

"It's none of your business, alright?" Jiriki turns around and begins closing the door when Shoto chimes in.

"Are you just gonna give up like that?" Shoto steps forward.

"Hah?" Jiriki grimaces at him. "Who are you saying is giving up?"

"You have to take part in the Chūnin Exams, so I can beat you in front of the whole Shinobi Union. So don't you dare just accept your fate."

Jiriki shakes his head. "You're delusional, I'm not in the mood for any of this right now."

"Jiriki…" Kashiwama begins speaking. "Have you talked to them again? Maybe they'll change their minds?"

"I said I'm not in the mood. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Unceremoniously, Jiriki closes the door, leaving the five of them stranded outside his home.

The moment of silence that follows is broken by a frustrated Kotori. "What's his deal, anyway? Here we come worried about our dear friend and classmate and he just brushes us off!"

"I don't know if he sees us that way." Yokumaru says quietly.

Genzai sighs. "I told you you can't just walk up to someone's house unannounced. Let's go, we'll talk to him alone when he feels like it."

The rest begin walking away while Kotori pouts in front of the door. "You better be at the Chūnin Exams, you hear?! We'll be waiting!" She shouts while walking backward to join her friends.

Unbeknownst to them, two figures were watching the entire meeting from the second story window, initially drawn by the unnecessary screaming. Toboshi and Tsuyu Hyūga share a concerned look.

"Even his classmates are coming to encourage him." Tsuyu says.

"Maybe it's as Lady Hanabi said. We have to trust in him, as our family's future." Toboshi says.

Tsuyu walks over to the table where Jiriki's unsigned registration form sits. "Living in mediocrity, huh. It would be cruel to hold him back just because we're afraid. Jiriki, he has more spirit than we did. He can achieve more than we ever did."

"Then, maybe it's time to start trusting our son and listen to him for a chance." Toboshi takes an inkwell from the table and opens its lid.

"Maybe it is." Tsuyu takes a writing brush from one of the table's side drawers.

They both sign their names on the form.

Trivia

Tessen Togeito and Kokage Yanagikage are minor characters who appeared during the Pain Assault Arc, to assist Kakashi.

Kokage's Team Six- Tsukune, Sansho, and Mibuna all debuted in the novel and anime arc "Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding" (Naruto: Shippūden episodes 494 to 500). I just gave them family names. You don't need to remember them, I just did it for funsies.

Name Meanings

Tsukune Nabe (なべ ツクネ, Nabe Tsukune) - 'tsukune' is a Japanese chicken meatball. If put in a hot pot, the dish is called 'tsukune nabe'.

Sansho Asakura (あさくら サンショ, Asakura Sansho) - 'sanshō' is Japanese pepper, and 'Asakura zanshō' is a specific type of Japanese pepper.

Mibuna Komatsu (こまつ ミブナ, Komatsu Mibuna) - 'mibuna' and 'komatsuna' are both a variety of Japanese mustard spinach.