Trial List

The bridge was finally completed, and when it came time to name it, after much deliberation, Jimo gave the final answer.

This bridge was built with funds raised by the people of Wave Country, carrying their hopes. It was a bridge of life, a bridge of hope, a bridge belonging to all the citizens of Wave Country.

"How about calling it People's Bridge?"

Everyone agreed to the name, but they erected four statues at the bridgehead.

Back in the village, life settled down for the group. The four little ones were still doing odd jobs like catching cats and teasing dogs.

Naruto and Sasuke would occasionally come to Jimo to train together, and even Sakura refused to fall behind.

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

"This penetrating power is probably stronger than most lightning-release jutsu..." Sasuke remarked, looking at the hole in the rock, its edges perfectly smooth and round.

Based on each person's traits, Jimo selectively taught them the techniques he knew.

Naruto, with his massive chakra reserves, learned the simplest Shockwave.

Sasuke, with his excellent control, learned the Hole Hole Wave.

As for Sakura, she shyly carried the Weighted Turtle Shell Jimo had prepared, blushing as she ran around the village with him to build up her stamina.

In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage looked over the mission report Kakashi had submitted, thoroughly satisfied.

"The kids are growing well... Especially Jimo, he's already reached chunin level."

Kakashi had omitted the matter of Zabuza. Since Zabuza wanted to live a peaceful life and Jimo had vouched for him, he let it go. Reporting it to the Third would only lead to endless complications.

"The chunin exams are coming up, and I have a bad feeling about it," the Third said, pipe in mouth. "In a week, we'll hold joint exams with Sunagakure..."

"The Kazekage... that guy's restless," Kakashi said, scratching his head. "When something's out of the ordinary, there's bound to be trouble..."

"You've changed a lot too, Kakashi, from spending time with Jimo."

The Third Hokage smiled at Kakashi's transformation. "Before, you'd probably just think it was a hassle."

"That kid always brings surprises... I feel like there's endless potential in him."

As they chatted, several jonin arrived one after another.

"Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma, do any of the genin you're teaching have suitable candidates for the exam?" the Third Hokage asked gently.

"At minimum, they need to have completed eight missions. Sixteen is generally more appropriate."

The three stepped forward.

"Team 7's Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Haruno Sakura are well-suited for this exam," Kakashi said, stepping out.

"Team 8's Hyuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino can also take the exam."

"Team 10's Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Choji can too."

All three stated their chosen candidates.

"Kakashi-sensei, wait! Isn't it too early for them to take the chunin exam? They only graduated a few months ago!" Iruka objected, seeing that all the names were his former students. "They should gain more experience first..."

"I became a chunin when I was six years younger than Naruto," Kakashi interrupted Iruka.

"That's different! You'll ruin them like this!"

"Jimo from our team has a saying I think is great: a thousand words in the mouth are worth less than one pass through the hands... I'll say something that might upset you, but don't treat these kids as your academy students anymore. They're already qualified genin," Kakashi said seriously.

"Speaking of which, I recommend Jimo be promoted directly to chunin."

Kurenai and Asuma were both taken aback. Though Konoha had a rule allowing a team leader to directly recommend a genin for promotion, no ninja had ever been recommended to skip the exam entirely in just a few months.

"Hmm, I agree." No one expected the Third Hokage to approve Kakashi's proposal so easily.

"That student hasn't even attended many classes, has he? He's still living in the school dormitory..." Asuma asked.

"Yeah, can a student like that really be promoted directly to chunin?" Kurenai chimed in.

"He can," Kakashi said with a smile. "But we can let him go through the motions... His strength—I think all the graduates from this year and even last year combined might not be a match for him."

Kakashi handed the mission report to the two of them.

"The Demon Zabuza? He fought the Demon Zabuza to a near draw?" Kurenai said in disbelief.

Behind him, Genma Shiranui and the other jonin all showed shocked expressions upon hearing this.

"That Mist Demon..."

"Yes. When I was trapped by Zabuza in a water prison, this kid worked with Naruto and the others to free me, and he single-handedly held off one of Zabuza's clones... At the end of the mission, he took down hundreds of thugs all by himself."

"Jimo... grew that fast?" Iruka smiled warmly. His impression of this student was that he was polite and obedient. If he took the exam, or even got a direct promotion, there was no issue at all.

"It's settled."

At Ichiraku Ramen, the four little ones brought Konohamaru and the others to eat. They had just had a run-in with the people from Sunagakure.

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

"I should be able to," Jimo replied, eating his ramen calmly. "Sasuke, I suggest you go find Kakashi-sensei and see if he has any jutsu suited for you. That guy gives me a feeling... he's dangerous."

Sasuke said nothing more and quietly ate his noodles.

"Your side dish!" A graceful young woman placed a plate of pickled radish in front of Jimo.

"Thanks a lot, Ayame-nee! Your pickled radish is still as delicious as ever!" Jimo took the side dish, took a bite, and found it perfectly refreshing.

"As long as you enjoy it." Ayame's smile was like a winter sun. No wonder Ichiraku Ramen's business was so good.

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

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

Only Sakura was downcast.

After Naruto and Sasuke left first, Jimo accompanied Sakura as they strolled through the streets.

"Feeling anxious, aren't you?" Jimo had his hands clasped behind his head, his expression utterly carefree.

"A... a little."

Sakura felt that even if she didn't mention catching up to Jimo and Sasuke, her current strength couldn't even keep pace with Naruto.

"You're overthinking it! You're really strong now!" Jimo's smile was like a gentle spring breeze.

The two arrived at the Training Ground.

"Kakashi-sensei said you have good talent in genjutsu and taijutsu. Genjutsu is something genin can't touch yet, but taijutsu? Go try punching that wooden post over there!"

Sakura walked up to the wooden post, threw a punch, and the post shattered with a crack.

"This..."

"The reason I've been making you wear weights every day to take on delivery and hoeing tasks is to integrate strength and stamina training into your daily life, making it instinctual. Maybe you haven't noticed yourself, but your strength is now greater than Naruto's and Sasuke's."

Jimo untied the knot in her heart and saw her home.

Sakura's parents thought the two were on a date, which made Sakura's face flush bright red.