"The Chunin Exams? This early?" Iruka thought, quietly folding his arms among the assembled jonin and chunin inside the Hokage's office. "If it were next year, it would be better. This year, even Menma and Sasuke are still too young…"
As the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, finished his announcement, the room was silent. The newly assigned chunin leaders — those who had only begun leading Genin squads after the recent graduation — exchanged uncertain glances. They knew their students well enough. Half a year of D-rank and C-rank missions could not possibly prepare a fresh Genin team for the Chunin Exams.
None of them spoke.
Iruka's expression softened into a resigned sigh. As expected.
But before the meeting could adjourn, a familiar voice broke the silence.
"I, Hatake Kakashi, as a jonin of Konohagakure, recommend Uzumaki Menma, Namikaze Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Haruno Sakura to participate in this year's Chunin Exams."
Almost immediately, two more voices followed.
"I, Sarutobi Asuma, recommend Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, and Yamanaka Ino."
"I, Yūhi Kurenai, recommend Hyuga Hinata, Aburame Shino, and Inuzuka Kiba."
Just like in the original timeline.
Whispers spread quietly through the ranks of the gathered chunin and jonin.
"They're recommending rookies?"
"Didn't those kids just graduate?"
"Is this pride, or do they really believe in them?"
"Maybe they're geniuses… but still—half a year?"
Iruka frowned deeply. His instincts as a teacher screamed concern. He stepped forward, bowing with respect yet speaking firmly.
"Lord Hokage, forgive my interruption. But I believe it's premature for Genin who have only been active for half a year to participate in the Chunin Exams. I ask you to reconsider."
He knew these words might offend Kakashi and the others, but as an Academy instructor, Iruka still felt responsible for the safety of his former students.
Before Hiruzen could respond, Kakashi turned his visible eye toward Iruka. His expression was calm but unyielding.
"Iruka-san, Naruto and Menma are no longer your students — they're full-fledged shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. You haven't seen their progress during these past months. As their captain, I can assure you they've already reached the level required for the exam."
Iruka opened his mouth to argue, his heart uneasy.
"But—"
"Enough, Iruka," Hiruzen interrupted gently, his voice steady but final. "As Kakashi said, they are no longer Academy students. They are shinobi of Konohagakure, and this is both a challenge and a recognition of their growth. The recommendation of a jonin is not made lightly."
Iruka fell silent. He clenched his fists but bowed his head.
"Yes, Lord Hokage," he murmured, retreating to his place.
Hiruzen took another slow puff from his pipe, the smoke curling upward like mist. His expression hardened slightly as he leaned forward.
"Very well. The list of participants for this year's Chunin Exams is now confirmed. I expect each of you to ensure the preparations go flawlessly. Understood?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
The collective reply echoed through the office.
After final details were addressed, the meeting dissolved.
⸻
The Chunin Exams — A Village's Pride
The Chunin Exams weren't merely a test for Genin — they were a stage for nations. In times of peace, these exams became the battlefield where hidden villages competed through skill and prestige. Each exam displayed a village's rising strength and secured future mission contracts.
For that reason, Hiruzen personally oversaw the proceedings. The Kazekage of Sunagakure had already confirmed attendance, along with the daimyos of the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and several neighboring nations. Their presence turned this event into a political summit as much as a competition.
Every decision, every name on the roster, carried diplomatic weight.
⸻
Menma Uzumaki — A Change of Image
While the village leaders met in the Hokage Building, Menma Uzumaki walked the busy streets of Konoha's central market district. The air was warm and vibrant, filled with the chatter of merchants and shinobi alike.
For once, Menma had nothing to worry about financially. The earnings from recent missions — and a few "creative" deals — had secured him well beyond the reach of poverty.
Today's goal was simple: upgrade his gear.
His old orange outfit, almost identical to Naruto's, felt childish and outdated. Though it wasn't ugly, it lacked individuality. Too bright. Too loud. Too much like my brother, he thought.
In his downtime, Menma had sketched a few outfit designs — inspired by the Akatsuki's cloud-pattern cloak, though he altered it to his taste. He removed the high collar, replaced the red clouds with sleek accents, and shortened the sleeves into a mid-length coat.
The design was sharp, tactical, and imposing.
He had several color combinations custom-made at the largest tailoring house in Konoha: red and black, white and blue, and crimson over white.
Today, his order was ready.
Menma examined the finished set, slipping into the red-and-black version inside the fitting room.
In the full-length mirror, a confident smirk curved his lips. The reflection staring back wasn't just a Genin — it was a shinobi with the aura of someone who refused to be overlooked. His white hair framed his face perfectly, and the crimson-lined coat gave him an almost regal sharpness.
Even the store clerk behind him couldn't help but be momentarily captivated — Menma's features were strikingly reminiscent of the Fourth Hokage, though colder, sharper.
But the spell lasted only a moment.
The clerk quickly looked away, hiding her expression. To most villagers, Menma was still a name whispered with unease. The son of the Fourth Hokage, yes — but also a child marked by mystery and resentment. The forehead protector on his brow kept open hatred at bay, but not judgment.
Menma noticed their restraint but didn't care. The opinions of others were background noise.
After checking that all his other ordered outfits met his standards, he paid the remaining balance and stepped back into the sunlight of Konoha's bustling streets.
A faint breeze tugged at his coat as he walked, his new look drawing quiet glances from every passerby.
Menma didn't glance back.
The Chunin Exams were approaching — and with them, the perfect chance to show Konoha exactly how far the Uzumaki twins had come.
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