Some time later, Satoru felt Shiranui Genma, Might Guy, and Ebisu had made significant progress. Just then, the Third Hokage informed Satoru that a new chunin exam was coming soon.
"Want to be an examiner?" the Third asked, looking at Satoru.
"My team can participate in the chunin exam too, right?" Satoru inquired.
"Hm, you just took them over recently, and you're already that confident?" The Third Hokage added, "Theoretically, with enough missions, they can join. But then your students would compete with Kakashi's team."
"Isn't that good? You don't think my students are weaker than Minato's, do you?" Satoru was very confident. His three students' power definitely exceeded their original level now.
"If you're that sure, fine," the Third nodded. He still believed in Satoru's teaching skills.
Satoru immediately gathered his subordinates.
"Teacher? Something up?" Genma, Ebisu, and Guy looked at Satoru.
Satoru didn't disappoint them and pulled out registration forms.
"Your abilities let you try the chunin exam, guys. Of course, if you don't want to, no problem," Satoru looked at the three, awaiting their answer.
"Teacher Satoru! Awesome! Thank you so much!" The three subordinates were thrilled. Not just for the chunin exam chance, but because they felt Satoru's recognition.
"We're in!" The three students eagerly decided to register.
Satoru said, "Assuming no surprises, it'll be a written test, team battle, and individual fights. These days, don't overtax your chakra—just normal training."
"I hope you three can shine," Satoru had grown quite attached to his students. Might Guy's enthusiasm, Ebisu's seriousness, Shiranui Genma's perceptiveness—all earned his deep respect.
The chunin exam day neared, and Satoru was a bit nervous himself. After all, losing to Minato's team would sting. But he'd given max effort in their training.
Besides waiting for the chunin exam, Satoru used the free time for his own training. He was finally mastering his abilities better.
Finally, chunin exam day arrived. Jonin-mentors couldn't be examiners to avoid irregularities.
Satoru was right: first was the written test.
"With this stage, only Guy might struggle. I'm fine with the other two. They'll help each other anyway," Satoru thought.
The second stage was team battle. Same Forest of Death, same task—reach the central tower.
But Satoru and other jonin-mentors arrived at the Central Tower early.
"Satoru, long time no see," Minato naturally greeted Satoru. Satoru sensed Namikaze's power had grown even more.
While Satoru eyed Minato, Minato eyed him back.
"Satoru's chakra is so hard to sense now... He's become so unfathomable... Did his chakra reach Kage level already?" Minato didn't know Satoru's chakra had long hit Super-Kage level.
"Your subordinates are very strong. Looks like the final will be our teams?" Satoru smiled.
"The others are strong too, but I'm confident in mine," Minato's smile radiated strong confidence and infectiousness. Satoru nodded and said no more.
Time passed, and familiar students started arriving at the Central Tower.
"Shizune, Kurenai, Asuma..." Satoru recalled how these kids studied at the Ninja Academy two years ago.
"The kids grew up," Satoru muttered.
"Yeah, and you're gradually maturing too. Though you still look like a student," Minato couldn't help noticing, looking at Satoru.
"Ha, what can you do—power is power..."
"I heard you fought the Eight-Tails head-on. How strong are Tailed Beasts?" Minato then asked seriously.
"Hm, the Eight-Tails is very strong too. But I don't know about the Nine-Tails. Probably stronger than the Eight-Tails," Satoru thought of the Tailed Beasts, then himself. He realized he had a long way to go.
Uchiha Madara used Gedo Mazo to instantly capture all Tailed Beasts from One to Nine. Satoru was still far from the power of those near Sage of Six Paths level or the Sage himself.
Before Satoru could ponder more, he noticed his students had arrived in the Central Tower hall.
"Wow! Teacher Satoru!" The three subordinates were extremely excited.
"We passed the second round successfully!" Ebisu said excitedly.
"Congrats. But next is the third-round draw for fights. I hope you show your level," Satoru said.
"Don't worry! Teacher Satoru! I'm already burning with anticipation!" Might Guy's gaze was fixed on Kakashi at that moment.
Satoru knew Might Guy already saw Kakashi as his eternal rival back then.
"Teacher Satoru, we'll give it our all," Shiranui Genma said.
"Good! I'll cheer for you!" Satoru nodded.
Just then, commotion arose at the hall entrance.
"Please, please, let us through!"
"What happened?" Satoru asked.
"One genin really wants to watch the matches. Seems he was cut at the written test," a chunin organizer told Satoru.
"Let me see," Satoru instantly teleported to the entrance. A man knelt before the entrance examiners, begging to be let in.
He wore a green spandex suit with a mustache under his nose. He looked very much like Might Guy.
"You're Might Dai, right? Might Guy's father?" Satoru asked, helping Might Dai up.
"Yes!" Might Dai nodded.
"I just want to watch my son's fight! I just want to support him! Please let me in, I beg you!" Might Dai, standing before him, was ready to kneel again. Satoru naturally supported him.
"Fine, come in. I'm Might Guy's teacher. I permit it," Satoru led Might Dai inside.
"What?! You're the teacher?! You're... so young... and already a jonin-mentor?!" Might Dai was utterly shocked.
"Yes, Dai. I believe Might Guy has talent there too. A ninja isn't one who masters all techniques, but one who endures. Your son trains so diligently, and as his teacher, I'm very proud," Satoru patted Dai's shoulder. The scene was very touching, and tears welled in Guy's eyes as he awaited the fights.
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: Granulan