Chapter 32 – Chūnin Promotions

Konohagakure – Hokage's Office

Tsunade sat at her desk, fingers interlocked as she surveyed the gathered Jōnin. Each had submitted their reports on the Genin under their guidance, but the final decision would be made through discussion. The room was filled with the village's elite—Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yūhi, and Might Guy—each prepared to make their case.

Shikaku Nara, who had been selected to oversee the promotions, sighed as he took his place near Tsunade. "Let's get this over with," he muttered.

Tsunade exhaled. "Alright, we'll go team by team. Make your case."

--

Team 7 – Kakashi Hatake's Team

Tsunade turned to Kakashi. "Your students had some of the most unpredictable performances. What's your stance?"

Kakashi closed his lone eye for a moment before responding. "I'll start with Naruto. His growth is undeniable. His performance against Neji and Gaara proves his strength and tenacity, but being a Chūnin requires more than raw power. He is reckless, easily provoked, and still too reliant on instinct over strategy. That said, he did inspire people—something even some Chūnin struggle with."

Asuma crossed his arms. "His battle sense is improving, but he still rushes into fights without a proper plan. A Chūnin needs to consider their team's survival as well as their own. Naruto isn't there yet."

"Agreed," Shikaku added. "During the invasion, he helped stop Gaara, but there wasn't a real strategy behind it. He's growing, but he needs time."

Tsunade nodded. "So, no promotion for Naruto?"

Kakashi sighed. "Not yet."

"Fine. What about Sasuki Uchiha?" Tsunade asked.

Kakashi frowned slightly. "Sasuki is incredibly skilled and has the intelligence to be a Chūnin, but her emotional state is… unstable. She is obsessed with power, and that tunnel vision makes her a liability as a leader."

Asuma tapped the table. "If anything, she's proven that she's not ready to lead. She refused teamwork against Gaara, went into battle against stronger opponents without consulting her comrades, and nearly got herself killed in the process."

Kurenai added, "And her fight with Yoroi in the preliminaries? It was efficient, but not the performance of someone thinking long-term."

"Then there's no question," Tsunade said. "Sasuki stays a Genin."

Kakashi nodded. "That's best for now."

"Sakura Haruno?" Tsunade asked, flipping through the reports.

Kakashi hesitated, but Kurenai was the first to speak. "Sakura has potential, but she lacks battlefield awareness and experience. She stayed out of the major fights and wasn't a significant factor during the invasion."

Might Guy hummed. "She did protect some civilians, but that's expected of any ninja. She hasn't demonstrated anything extraordinary."

"So, no promotion for her either," Tsunade concluded. "Moving on."

--

Team 8 – Kurenai Yūhi's Team

Kurenai sat up. "Shino Aburame should be promoted. He stayed calm under pressure, performed well in his matches, and played a key role during the invasion. His analytical skills are already at a Chūnin level."

Shikaku nodded. "I agree. He has leadership potential, and he doesn't let emotions control him. His tactics were well thought out."

Tsunade wrote something down. "Any objections?"

None came.

"Alright, Shino is promoted. What about Kiba?"

Kurenai sighed. "Kiba is strong, but he still acts recklessly. His decision-making during battles isn't refined enough."

Asuma shrugged. "He got overwhelmed in his fight against Naruto, and during the invasion, he charged into fights without assessing the battlefield."

Might Guy grinned. "His enthusiasm is commendable, but his temperament isn't suited for leadership yet."

Tsunade glanced at the reports. "Kiba remains a Genin, then. And Hinata Hyūga?"

Kurenai hesitated. "She has the heart of a strong ninja, but she lacks the confidence needed to lead. She has improved, but not enough to warrant a promotion."

Shikaku sighed. "She hesitated too much during her fight with Neji. Chūnin need decisiveness."

Tsunade nodded. "Hinata stays a Genin as well."

--

Team 9 – Might Guy's Team

Tsunade turned to Guy. "Your students are all exceptional, but do any of them qualify for promotion?"

Guy was uncharacteristically serious. "Neji Hyūga is undoubtedly strong enough to be a Chūnin. His technique and talent exceed most Genin, but before his fight with Naruto, he was too emotionally unstable. His obsession with fate clouded his judgment. Since then, he has changed, but is it enough?"

Shikaku scratched his beard. "If Naruto hadn't shaken his beliefs, I'd say no. But his change of heart after the fight suggests growth."

Kakashi nodded. "He also coordinated well during the invasion, but is that enough?"

Asuma exhaled. "He's on the borderline. The old Neji wouldn't qualify, but if we acknowledge his growth, he might be ready."

Tsunade thought for a moment. "We'll put Neji as a possible promotion and come back to him. What about Rock Lee?"

Guy clenched his fist. "Lee has the heart of a true ninja, but his injuries limit him. If he were at full strength, I'd argue for his promotion."

Kurenai shook her head. "He fights with everything he has, but he lacks the strategic mindset needed for leadership. He's strong but not ready to lead."

Tsunade sighed. "Lee remains a Genin, then. What about Tenten?"

Shikaku shrugged. "She's talented with weapons, but her performance didn't stand out enough. She still has a lot to improve before she's ready for Chūnin."

Guy sighed but nodded. "I agree."

--

Team 10 – Asuma Sarutobi's Team

Asuma smirked. "Shikamaru is a no-brainer. He led his team well during the invasion, and his strategic ability is well beyond a Genin's level. The only thing holding him back is his laziness, but when it matters, he steps up."

Shikaku grinned slightly. "He has his mother's temperament and my intelligence. He's ready."

Tsunade chuckled. "Shikamaru is promoted, then."

"As for Ino," Asuma sighed. "She's skilled in her family's techniques, but she relies too much on others to win her fights."

Kurenai nodded. "She doesn't have the combat skills or the leadership ability yet. She needs time."

Tsunade marked her file. "No promotion for Ino. What about Chōji?"

Asuma hesitated. "He has potential, but he lacks confidence. He hesitated too much in his fights and relied on Shikamaru for guidance. He needs more independence before he can be promoted."

Shikaku agreed. "His heart is in the right place, but he isn't ready for leadership."

Tsunade sighed, setting down her pen. "So, the final promotions are as follows:

Shikamaru Nara – Promoted to Chūnin

Shino Aburame – Promoted to Chūnin

Tsunade looked over the final list of promotions, tapping her fingers on the desk. "Before we conclude, there's one more case to consider—Sakura Haruno."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "I thought we already decided she wasn't ready."

Tsunade sighed. "I'm reconsidering. Chūnin aren't just front-line fighters. They need intelligence, composure, and the ability to support their team effectively. And while Sakura didn't stand out in terms of raw power, she did hold her ground in a high-pressure situation during the invasion, protected civilians, and showed the ability to adapt."

Kurenai nodded slightly. "She doesn't have the overwhelming strength of Naruto or Sasuki, but she's one of the few Genin with strong chakra control and medical knowledge. That's valuable in a Chūnin."

Asuma leaned back. "She may not have shined in combat, but leadership isn't always about fighting. The reports say she maintained control over a group of injured civilians, keeping them safe. That's responsibility."

Might Guy folded his arms. "A Chūnin must show the ability to think under pressure. Did she demonstrate that?"

Shikaku exhaled. "Not in the way we usually measure it. But if we consider non-combat leadership, she might have a case."

Kakashi looked thoughtful. "Sakura is intelligent and has the potential to grow into a leader. If we're promoting Shikamaru, who mainly led with strategy, then I suppose Sakura, who demonstrated emotional resilience, deserves the same chance."

Tsunade smirked. "Then it's settled."

She made a final mark on her list.

Shikamaru Nara – Promoted to Chūnin

Shino Aburame – Promoted to Chūnin

Sakura Haruno – Promoted to Chūnin

Tsunade stood up, closing the discussion. "Those are our promotions. The others will have more chances to prove themselves in the future, but for now, these four will carry the responsibilities of Chūnin."

Kakashi gave a small nod of approval. "They'll rise to the occasion."

The room fell into silence, knowing this marked the beginning of a new era for these young shinobi.

With the final decision made, Tsunade set down her pen and looked around the room. "Then it's settled. The official promotions are as follows—Shikamaru Nara, Shino Aburame, and Sakura Haruno."

Kakashi leaned back, his visible eye scanning the list. "Not a bad selection. All three showed leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt under pressure."

Asuma smirked. "Shikamaru's promotion was a given. The kid's a natural leader, even if he's lazy."

Kurenai nodded in approval. "Shino is one of the most composed Genin we have. He always thinks rationally, and his skills speak for themselves. He'll be a fine Chūnin."

Might Guy folded his arms, glancing at Sakura's name. "Her promotion is the most unconventional. She doesn't have the battle experience of the others, but her role in the invasion was crucial."

Tsunade smirked. "Exactly. She showed intelligence, resilience, and a willingness to protect others. Chūnin aren't just about fighting—they're about leadership, and she proved herself in a crisis."

Shikaku, who had remained mostly silent, finally spoke. "It's a good selection. The others simply aren't ready. Neji's skill is undeniable, but his mentality during the exams was flawed. Hinata still lacks confidence. Kiba and Chōji both have the potential but need more experience in leadership. Ino…" He shook his head. "Not yet."

Tsunade sighed, placing the official documents in a folder. "Then we'll make the announcements tomorrow."

--

The Next Morning – Hokage's Office

The three selected Genin stood in front of Tsunade, awaiting her words.

Tsunade smiled slightly. "Congratulations. As of today, you three are officially promoted to Chūnin."

Shikamaru sighed. "Troublesome…" but there was the smallest hint of a smirk.

Shino simply adjusted his glasses. "Understood."

Sakura clenched her fists, her eyes shining with determination. This is just the beginning.

Their journey as Chūnin had begun.

--

Author's Note (A/N):

Hey everyone! Thanks for sticking with this story. This chapter marked the beginning of major canon divergence, as the discussion around Chūnin promotions took center stage. As you saw, the decisions were based on overall performance, leadership skills, teamwork, and mental resilience—just as they should be. While Shino, Shikamaru, and Sakura were promoted, others still have room for growth.

Let me know your thoughts on the promotions! Who do you think deserved it the most? Who should step up their game?

As always, thanks for reading, and stay tuned for the next chapter!