Chunin Exams.
The second exam continued.
Of course, Team 7 was excluded.
Naruto and Sasuke had been exceptionally promoted to Chunin and no longer needed to take the exam. This was not merely Hiruzen Sarutobi's decision—none of the other examinees had any objections to the two being promoted exceptionally.
Anyone who objected would be an idiot. Taking an exam alongside freaks like them was way too much pressure!
As for that lucky girl named Sakura Haruno, whatever. Nobody cared.
Naruto left with Hiruzen Sarutobi, chatting and laughing along the way like a harmonious grandfather and grandson. The old cherished the young, and the young respected the old.
After the Third Hokage and Naruto left, Anko Mitarashi looked at Danzo and Root, who were still cleaning up the area. By then, Orochimaru's corpse had already been pieced back together.
After giving Orochimaru's corpse a complicated look, Anko Mitarashi composed herself and said to Sasuke and Sakura, "Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, I'll take you out."
Sasuke and Sakura exchanged a glance, nodded, and followed Anko Mitarashi out.
Meanwhile, in another tea room, Asuma, Kurenai, and Kakashi were drinking tea. They were the instructors leading these nine newcomers, so naturally they sat together, hoping their students would pass this Chunin selection exam.
That would bring them some glory as well.
Asuma puffed away at his cigarette. Smoking was hereditary—Hiruzen Sarutobi was an old chain-smoker, and Asuma was no exception. He exhaled a smoke ring and said to Kakashi and Kurenai, "I hope they can all be promoted to Chunin through this exam."
Kurenai nodded and said with a smile, "The three little ones I lead are no pushovers, especially that girl from the Hyuga Clan. She's incredibly strong, the strongest of the three."
As Kurenai spoke, she could not help thinking of her