Trials Roster

The bridge was finally completed, and it was time to name it. After much discussion, Jimo gave the final answer.

The bridge had been built with donations from the people of Wave Country. It carried their hopes. It was a bridge of life, a bridge of hope, and a bridge belonging to every citizen of Wave Country.

"How about calling it the People's Bridge?"

One after another, the others agreed. They also erected statues of the four of them at the bridgehead.

Back in the village, life settled down. The four little ones continued their work of catching cats and chasing dogs.

Naruto and Sasuke came to train with Jimo from time to time, and even Sakura refused to fall behind.

"Jimo, you're a real genius!" Naruto shouted excitedly as he watched Jimo demonstrate the incredibly powerful Hole Hole Wave.

"That piercing power may be stronger than that of ordinary Lightning Release ninjutsu..." Sasuke studied the hole in the rock, its edges smooth and rounded.

Taking everyone's strengths into account, Jimo selectively taught them techniques he knew.

Naruto had a large chakra reserve, so he learned the simplest technique: Shockwave.

Sasuke had excellent control, so he learned Hole Hole Wave.

Sakura shyly wore the Weighted Turtle Shell Jimo had prepared for her. Blushing, she ran laps around the village with him to build up her stamina.

In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage was very pleased as he read the mission report Kakashi had submitted.

"The children have grown nicely... especially Jimo. He's already reached Chunin level."

Kakashi left out what had happened with Zabuza. Since Zabuza wanted to live in peace and Jimo had vouched for him, Kakashi decided to let him be. If he reported the matter to the Third Hokage, it would only lead to another round of arguments.

"With the Chunin Ninja Exams approaching, I have a bad feeling," the Third Hokage said, puffing on his pipe. "In a week, we'll hold joint exams with Sunagakure..."

"The Kazekage, huh... He's not one to keep quiet..." Kakashi scratched his head. "When things are out of the ordinary, there's usually something fishy going on..."

"You've changed quite a bit, Kakashi. You've spent too much time with Jimo."

The Third Hokage smiled at how much Kakashi had changed. "Before, you would probably have thought this was nothing but a nuisance."

"That kid always manages to surprise you... It feels like there's no limit to what he can do..."

As they spoke, several Jonin arrived one after another.

"Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma, do any of the trainees you teach seem suitable for the exams?" the Third Hokage asked gently.

"The basic requirement is to have completed eight missions. Generally, those who've completed sixteen are better suited."

The three stepped forward.

"From Team 7, Uzumaki Naruto, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno are well suited to take part in these exams," Kakashi said.

"From my Team 8, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame can take part, too."

"From my Team 10, Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi can take part as well."

All three gave the names on their lists.

"Mr. Kakashi, wait! It's too soon for them to take the Chunin exams! They only graduated a few months ago!" Iruka objected when he realized that all the names belonged to students he had taught. "They should gain more experience first..."

"I was six years younger than Naruto when I became a Chunin..." Kakashi cut Iruka off.

"That's not the same thing! You'll ruin them if you do this!"

"Someone in my class, Jimo, once said something I think was spot-on: a thousand times hearing about something can't compare to doing it once. I'm going to say something that may upset you: don't treat these kids like they're still your students at the academy... They're already qualified Genin," Kakashi said seriously.

"Speaking of which, I recommend promoting Jimo directly to Chunin..."

Kurenai and Asuma were both taken aback. Konoha had a rule allowing team leaders to recommend their students directly for promotion to Chunin, but no ninja had ever been recommended to skip the exams after only a few months.

"Hmm, I agree," the Third Hokage said.

The others hadn't expected him to accept Kakashi's suggestion so readily.

"Hasn't that student barely attended the academy? He's still living in the dorms..." Asuma asked.

"That's right. Can a student like that really be promoted directly to Chunin?" Kurenai chimed in.

"He can..." Kakashi said with a smile. "Though we could let him go through the motions. As for his strength, I doubt all the students who graduated this year and last year could take him on together."

Kakashi handed the two of them the mission report.

"Demon Zabuza? He fought Demon Zabuza to practically a draw?" Kurenai asked in disbelief.

Behind her, Genma Shiranui and the other Jonin all looked stunned.

"The Demon of the Hidden Mist..."

"Yes. When Zabuza tricked me and trapped me in Water Prison, this kid worked with Naruto and the others to free me. Then he held off one of Zabuza's clones on his own... And in the end, he single-handedly took down hundreds of thugs..."

"Jimo... He's grown that fast?" Iruka smiled with pride. He remembered Jimo as polite and very well-behaved. If Jimo took the exams—or even got promoted directly—Iruka had no objections.

"Then it's settled."

At Ichiraku Ramen, the four little ones brought Konohamaru and the others along for ramen. They had just gotten into a scuffle with the people from Sunagakure.

"Jimo, can you beat Gaara of the Sand?" Sasuke asked, thinking about the unpleasant feeling he got from him.

"I should be able to..." Jimo ate his ramen with an even expression. "Sasuke, I suggest you go ask Kakashi-sensei if he knows any ninjutsu that suits you. That guy gives me a very dangerous feeling..."

Sasuke said nothing more and went back to eating.

"Here's the side dish you wanted!" A pretty young woman came over to Jimo with a plate of pickled radishes.

"Thanks, Ayame! Your pickled radishes are as delicious as ever!" Jimo took the side dish and bit into one. It was delightfully refreshing.

"I'm glad you like them." Ayame's smile was like the warm winter sun. No wonder Ichiraku Ramen was so popular.

The next day, Kakashi called everyone together and handed them the application list.

On the way back, Naruto and Sasuke were both very excited.

Sakura alone was downcast.

After Naruto and Sasuke went ahead, Jimo wandered the streets with Sakura.

"Feeling anxious?" Jimo asked, his hands clasped behind his head and his expression carefree.

"A... a little."

Sakura felt that she wasn't just falling behind Jimo and Sasuke—she couldn't even keep up with Naruto anymore.

"You're worrying too much! You're already really strong!" Jimo smiled like a gentle spring breeze.

The two of them arrived at the Training Ground.

"Kakashi-sensei said you have a knack for Genjutsu and Taijutsu. Genin can't really learn Genjutsu yet, but Taijutsu is another matter. Go punch that post over there and see what happens!"

Sakura walked up to the wooden post and punched it. It shattered with a crack.

"This..."

"I had you take on delivery jobs and tasks like hoeing and loosening the soil every day while wearing weights so you'd work strength and stamina training into your everyday life until it became instinct. You might not have noticed it yourself, but you're stronger than Naruto and Sasuke now."

Jimo eased her worries and walked her home.

Sakura's parents thought the two of them were on a date, leaving Sakura blushing furiously.