The Hokage's Office was filled with smoke.
Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly exhaled a puff of smoke as he looked at the gathered Jonin Instructors before him.
"I summoned you here. Looking at the people around you, I trust you understand why."
"Have the other nations already been notified?" Sarutobi Asuma removed the cigarette from his mouth and continued, "Still... there really have been quite a few more ninja from other villages in the village lately."
"Then when does it begin?" Yugao picked up the thread. "The Chunin Selection Exam!"
"Seven days from now." Sarutobi Hiruzen blew out a smoke ring. "The annual Chunin Exam."
The office fell briefly silent.
The Jonin exchanged glances, each lost in thought.
"Seven days from now, the Chunin Selection Exam will officially begin." Sarutobi Hiruzen tapped his pipe. "So, who here wishes to recommend their subordinates?"
After a brief silence, four figures stepped forward almost simultaneously.
Yamato, Kakashi, Sarutobi Asuma, and Yugao.
The other Chunin present, along with the Jonin Instructors of other teams, all revealed surprised expressions.
These rookies had graduated less than three months ago, yet four teams had already been recommended for the Chunin Exam.
It seemed this year's batch was something special!
That was what everyone murmured inwardly.
However...
As though recalling something, everyone looked up at the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
No matter how one looked at it, this year's batch truly was unusual. After all... it had produced a genius whom even the Third Hokage had taken as a disciple!
"Please wait!"
At that moment, Iruka squeezed out from the crowd, his expression anxious.
"Hokage, esteemed Jonin Instructors, isn't this too hasty? They've only just graduated from the Academy and lack experience. It's too early for them to take the Chunin Exam! They'll be facing elites from other villages, and