Advancement to Chunin

Sasuke's training continued for over a month before Naruto returned with the Fifth Hokage. The village then entered its preparation phase, and guests arriving for the ceremony came one after another. This was an important event—the Third Hokage's retirement and the Fifth Hokage's inauguration. Sasuke was unaffected and paid little attention to it. Besides, the Fifth Hokage was an oddball; staying far away from her was the safest choice. Still, he definitely would not leave the village. Who knew where the Sound Four might be waiting for him? Konoha's defenses were truly speechless, though. They had never managed to stop anyone, especially Orochimaru's people. They simply could not be stopped. The defenses were like a sieve.

Sasuke's training still focused mainly on Taijutsu. Although he already had a considerable amount of Chakra, that was only natural since both his spiritual energy and physical energy were high. His chakra pathways had also been nourished well, and most of them had been opened. Though there were no obvious benefits for now, didn't novels always write it that way? In any case, there were no drawbacks at present. Still, he tried to use Ninjutsu as little as possible in battle to conserve Chakra. Taijutsu was better as his main focus. After all, his Taijutsu incorporated martial arts, and after a month of special training with Kakashi, it had basically taken shape. If he wanted to take it further, he would need time to build experience. His combat experience was limited, and he had never fought a true life-or-death battle. Relying on his advantage of foresight, he could always find ways to simplify matters. That had both benefits and drawbacks. Everything had two sides.

The Third Hokage's retirement ceremony was held soon afterward, and it was rather simple. The Fifth Hokage's inauguration ceremony was scheduled for a week later, so those who had come to attend remained behind to wait for the next ceremony. Konoha's security was now extremely tight, given the large number of outsiders. Team 7 was also assigned guard duty. Since it was within the village, ordinary guard duties did not require too many high-ranking ninja. The village's missions could not simply be put on hold, either. This was also a way of displaying strength. Konoha had enough power to accomplish more things. That was its foundation.

"Sasuke, you haven't met Granny Tsunade yet, have you?" Naruto asked while Team 7 patrolled the village.

"No, I haven't. But isn't the ceremony happening soon? I'll see her then. The Fifth Hokage is very strong, right?" Sasuke asked casually. He knew just how formidable Tsunade was. "And I heard that the Fifth Hokage's Medical Ninjutsu is incredible. It would be great if Sakura could study under her."

"Yeah, yeah, Granny Tsunade is really strong. I couldn't fight back at all in front of her. But I'm definitely going to become Hokage—the strongest Hokage!" Naruto's understanding of the Hokage had risen to another level. After all, the Third Hokage had once seemed like nothing more than a kind old grandpa to him.

"Sasuke, do you want me to learn Medical Ninjutsu from the Fifth Hokage?" Sakura asked.

"That's right. Your Chakra control is excellent, so you're suited for both Genjutsu and Medical Ninjutsu. But I think the Fifth Hokage's Medical Ninjutsu would suit you particularly well. At the same time, you could learn her fighting style."

"I wonder if the Fifth Hokage would be willing to teach me." Sakura felt a little downcast. The suggestion was tempting, but that was the Hokage.

"I think she will. Besides, I need to leave the village to train for a few years, and Naruto probably will too. By then, you'll be the only one from Team 7 still in the village. I think the Fifth Hokage will agree then."

"What? You're leaving the village to train?" Sakura and Naruto were both shocked.

"That's right. I need to train alone for a few years, and I also need to go to the Land of Iron. I want to forge a good weapon, and that's the only place where I can find a Forging Master."

"Then let's go together." Sakura truly did not want to be separated from Sasuke.

"You can't. You have your own things to do. Besides, we won't even be thirteen for another few months. I'll only be gone for three years at most. There's no need to be sad. Study and train hard, and time will pass quickly."

"Yo." As they spoke, Kakashi appeared before them. "Sasuke, come with me to see the Fifth Hokage. You're being promoted to Chunin." Kakashi's words stunned all three of them. Naruto asked in confusion, "Why is Sasuke being promoted to Chunin? What about me?"

"You're not ready yet. Although the Chunin Exams were interrupted, everyone agreed that Sasuke's performance during them qualified him for promotion. The Chunin Exams do not assess combat power alone. They also test reaction speed and command ability. When facing danger, Sasuke can calmly make the best judgment. That is the foundation for promotion."

"Congratulations, Sasuke." Sakura was quite happy to see Sasuke promoted. Naruto, meanwhile, felt that he had been left behind again. He still needed to work harder. Naruto's motivation now was to become Hokage and earn the villagers' recognition, as well as surpass Sasuke. He did not know how strong Sasuke had become. Even though he had defeated Gaara, he wanted to fight Sasuke once.

"Sasuke, congratulations. But before you leave, please fight me once," Naruto said seriously. Sasuke looked at him, smiled, and nodded. "All right. I also want to see how much you've grown, Naruto." With that, he left with Kakashi.

On the top floor of the Hokage Tower, Shikamaru was already waiting in the Hokage's office. When he saw Sasuke arrive, he nodded in greeting.

"You both performed very well in the Chunin Exams and meet the requirements for promotion. I hereby formally promote you to Chunin. These are your credentials."

"Fifth Hokage, I have something I need to request," Sasuke said after receiving his Chunin credentials. Shikamaru glanced at Sasuke, then took his leave. Only then did Tsunade ask, "Go ahead. What is it?"

"After you take office, I would like to apply to leave the village for training. For approximately three years," Sasuke said seriously. Kakashi froze. He had not expected Sasuke to have such an idea.

"Oh? Tell me your reasons." Tsunade asked expressionlessly. She already knew all about Sasuke, since he was on the same team as Naruto, so she had paid him particular attention.

"When Itachi Uchiha came last time, I was the first to encounter him. I was completely no match for him and had no way to take revenge. So I need real combat experience and to temper my willpower. But Konoha is too peaceful. Even carrying out missions would not accomplish much."

"Is that all?" Tsunade remained expressionless. Such a reason alone was not enough for her to allow Sasuke to leave the village and train by himself.

"Of course it isn't that simple." Sasuke smiled.