96: Chunin

Chunin

Hiruzen cleared his throat, quieting down the crowd around them.2

"You all produced exemplary performances. In this stage, which our villages use to fight for supremacy, you battled with your heart and soul... Fighting for your homeland."

"People from every corner of this continent, from lands even more distant, have come to witness this event... And I'm certain that you've amply satisfied them. I couldn't have asked for a better show."

Inhaling through his pipe, Hiruzen blew a cloud of smoke forwards, partly covering his face.

"Through this event, you have all contributed to your respective villages. I want you all to remember that as you progressively advance in your shinobi careers."

"With my help, the proctors have judged your abilities... From the way you approached unexpected situations, to how able you were in combat. All of these things have been taken into account, and the results are in."

Nodding, Shigeo walked up to Hiruzen and handed him a piece of paper before bowing and retreating to his spot.

Reading through it, the third Hokage rose his voice so that the crowd could hear him.

"Fuguki Suikazan, congratulations on your ascension to Chunin!" Smiling, Hiruzen motioned for a Jonin to hand Fuguki his vest.

Accepting it, he remained absent-minded.

"Nozomi Hyuga, congratulations on your ascension to Chunin!"

"Me...?" Still in disbelief, Nozomi bowed as she accepted the vest and diploma. Looking at it, she found it hard to believe.

"YEAH! GO!" The crowd roared in excitement. Nozomi had clearly become a fan favorite.

"Minato Namikaze, congratulations on your ascension to Chunin!"

Hearing his name, Minato nodded respectfully and accepted the reward. Bowing, the corners of his mouth rose into a small smile.

"That's my Minato!" With his foot on the handrail, Jiraiya excitedly cheered for his student. Seeing him, Tsunade and Dan pretended they didn't know him.

"Are the other two even his students? Is Minato all he sees?"

"Eh, seems like it..." They both smiled wryly, unable to understand the toad sage's way of thinking. Maybe his brain was just wired differently.

"And finally, our champion. Jun Uchiha, Congratulations on your ascension to Chunin!"

"Make the village proud. I'm counting on you!" With a warm smile, Hiruzen personally delivered the vest to Jun. When the Genin took it, he placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke in a friendly tone.

Jun caught the invisible undertones in the Kage's voice. Deep down, when he said that, he was asking Jun to please prove them wrong and redeem his clan's status. After all, what that man wanted was peace, though his methods were flawed.

"Mm. I will." Nodding, Jun gracefully accepted the vest and diploma.

Walking back to his previous spot, Hiruzen cleared his throat once again and began to speak.

"On this day, you all become leaders of men and women! When you go out on a mission, whether your subordinates survive will be decided by your decisions!"

"Keep in mind that this is no small responsibility. After all, the death of a comrade can weigh greatly on a person's conscience and even break them entirely! We have deemed you all capable of making the right decisions when they are required!"

Hiruzen's expression became stern as he placed his hands behind his back and continued.

"You are now Chunin!"

"Hai!" All of the graduates bowed in thanks.

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Finally, the Chunin exams are over! On to the next arc!

Special thanks to Frozoka Swaggins, God Erebos, and Daniil!

Don't forget to drop some stones!

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