Registering for the Chunin Exams

After Hayato left the Hokage Building, Sakumo stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Hiruzen with a hint of confusion.

"Lord Hokage, are there any other important matters?"

Hiruzen gently picked up the pipe on his desk, took an elegant puff, and slowly exhaled rings of smoke, creating an atmosphere of composure and depth.

"Sakumo, I kept you here because I want to discuss a matter of vital importance."

Upon hearing this, Sakumo's expression turned solemn, and he replied respectfully, "Please instruct me, Lord Hokage."

Hiruzen remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his words, before finally speaking: "The Chunin Exams are approaching. I want to hear your thoughts on Hayato—do you believe he is ready to face this challenge and participate in the Chunin Exams?"

Ordinarily, this matter would have been discussed at a collective meeting of the jonin instructors, but because Sakumo and Hayato were away on a mission, they had missed that session.

Therefore, Hiruzen had specifically asked for Sakumo's opinion in private.

Hearing this, Sakumo felt a secret sense of relief; he had feared that the Hokage was dissatisfied with Hayato acting on his own initiative.

So that was it—it was about the Chunin Exams.

He carefully recalled Hayato's recent performance, a flash of certainty crossing his eyes: "Lord Hokage, I believe Hayato already possesses the strength and wisdom to become a chunin."

Hiruzen's face showed a flicker of surprise at these words: "Are you sure? After all, he has been a genin for less than two months."

Sakumo smiled and shook his head, his tone firm: "Time cannot fully measure a person's growth. The potential and ability Hayato has displayed lead me to believe he is capable of handling the challenges of the Chunin Exams."

A brief silence fell over the room. Hiruzen knew well that Sakumo understood Hayato far better than he did. He nodded slightly, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

"Very well. Since you recommend it so highly, let Hayato participate in the exams. You are responsible for notifying him," Hiruzen decided, finally settling the matter.

"Yes, Lord Hokage, I will handle it properly." Sakumo bowed his head slightly, and after confirming there were no other matters, he left the Hokage's office.

On the other side, after leaving the Hokage Building, Hayato quickly found the Kazama brothers and brought them back to his home.

His house had five spacious rooms, and with three guest rooms still vacant, there was enough space to accommodate the two brothers.

Hayato first discussed the matter with Shota and Misaki, and both expressed their support for his decision.

Since Hayato trusted these two brothers, they would not object.

After settling the brothers in, Hayato greeted his parents and hurried to the Grand Elder's residence.

To support the Kazama brothers' scientific research, he would need help from within the Uchiha Clan.

Before long, Hayato arrived at the Grand Elder's home. Seeing Hayato return, the Grand Elder's face lit up with pleasant surprise.

"You're back. You look quite spirited."

Hayato did not engage in much small talk and cut straight to the point.

"Grandfather, I came here today to ask for your help."

Seeing Hayato's serious expression, the Grand Elder put away his smile and sat up straight: "Speak, Hayato."

Hayato then told the Grand Elder the whole story from beginning to end.

The Grand Elder frowned as he listened, clearly not expecting such a request from Hayato.

"However, judging by the current situation, those two brothers haven't made any substantial progress yet. This could end up being a disappointment," the Grand Elder said with some concern.

Moreover, was it really necessary to invest so many resources into this uncertain Long-distance Communication Technology?

Hayato responded firmly: "Grandfather, I believe in them. The efficiency of intelligence transmission on the front lines is crucial; improving this will have significant strategic value. Furthermore, if this technology is held by our Uchiha Clan, our prestige will reach even greater heights."

Hearing this, a glimmer appeared in the Grand Elder's eyes, and he fell into deep thought. A moment later, he spoke slowly: "I need to discuss this with the Clan Head. After all, it involves the interests of the clan."

The development and maintenance of a new technology were indeed beyond the scope of what the Grand Elder could decide on his own.

A look of anticipation appeared on Hayato's face: "I believe the Clan Head will support it."

Although the Grand Elder was not entirely certain, he promised to do his best to communicate with the Clan Head.

After finishing his talk with the Grand Elder, Hayato left and headed straight home. Having been away for over half a month, he just wanted to get a good night's sleep.

Watching their sleeping son, Shota and Misaki felt a sense of deep gratification. Misaki whispered, "Hayato has truly grown into an excellent ninja."

Shota nodded with a smile: "Indeed. We had a premonition of all this the moment he was born, didn't we?"

The two could not help but sigh at how quickly time flew; in the blink of an eye, Hayato was already able to stand on his own.

The next morning, the sun gently spilled onto Hayato's face, waking him from his slumber.

Listening to the pleasant birdsong outside the window, Hayato got up, feeling refreshed, and washed up.

Afterward, he headed to his usual training spot. His training had been put on hold during this recent mission.

Minato hadn't come today, and Hayato wasn't sure if he was out on a mission or resting at home.

He hadn't yet had the chance to share with Minato that he had learned the Flying Thunder God Technique.

After training for the morning, Hayato decided to pay a visit to Minato's house.

Just then, Sakumo's voice came from not far away: "I knew it. I was right; you really are here."

Seeing Sakumo, Hayato felt a knot in his stomach. Was it time for another mission?

He said softly, "Sakumo-sensei, I think we also need to balance work and rest."

Even a donkey on a production team isn't worked this hard.

I only just returned yesterday.

Sakumo laughed heartily upon hearing this. "I remember not long ago you were clamoring for high-level missions; why are you backing down now?"

Hayato shook his head helplessly. He didn't resist high-level missions, but the travel time was simply too exhausting.

Suddenly, he felt that low-level missions were actually quite nice.

Seeing Hayato remain silent, Sakumo waved his hand. "Alright, I won't tease you. I didn't come here today to talk about missions."

With that, he took a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Hayato.

Hayato took the paper in confusion and looked at it; it was an application form for the Chunin Exams.

"Teacher, this is..." Hayato asked in surprise.

Sakumo replied with a smile, "Although I recommended you for this exam, the final decision is in your hands. If you feel you are ready, go and sign up. But take note, the deadline is before sunset today."

Hayato hadn't expected to earn Sakumo's recognition after having been on missions with him for less than two months.

Without hesitation, he took out his pen, found a spot to squat down, and began filling out the application form.

He just found a place to squat and started filling out the form.

Truth be told, Sakumo had really done him a huge favor.

To become a Jonin, one naturally had to pass the Chunin Exams first and be promoted to a Chunin.

If he missed this opportunity, there was no telling how long it would be before Konoha held the next Chunin Exams.

Sakumo watched Hayato filling out the form earnestly, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

He recalled how he had hesitated for a long time when he had to make his own choice back then.

Before long, Hayato finished filling out the form and capped his pen. "Done, Teacher," he said.

"You're certainly in a hurry," Sakumo teased, then led Hayato toward the Hokage Building to register.

Registration for the Chunin Exams required both the supervising Jonin and the Genin to be present, with the supervising Jonin acting as a guarantor.

With Sakumo's accompaniment, the registration process went very smoothly.

"The assessment will be held in a week. Don't take any missions during this time; use it to prepare well," Sakumo said with a smile, patting Hayato on the shoulder.

"Yes, I will," Hayato nodded firmly.

As soon as the registration formalities were finished, Hayato felt like a happy little bird. He waved goodbye to Sakumo and sprinted toward Minato's house with wind at his heels.

The sun was bright, the breeze was gentle, and his mood was as radiant as the weather.

He knocked on the door lightly, humming a little tune to himself, looking forward to Minato's smiling face.

However, there was only silence behind the door, as if time itself had frozen in that moment.

Did he go out on a mission?

Hayato pondered to himself, finally deciding to try his luck at Kushina's house; perhaps Minato was there.

He mainly wanted to find Minato to share the joy of having mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, and also to express his gratitude for the Rasengan experience Minato had shared previously.

Before long, he arrived at Kushina's doorstep.

The door opened, and the gentle face of Kushina appeared before his eyes.

"Oh? Hayato, why are you here? Did you miss me?" Kushina teased.

"Sister Kushina, do you know where Brother Minato went?" Hayato asked innocently, blinking his eyes.

Of course, he wouldn't directly ask if Minato was at her house.

Kushina heard this and a mysterious smile curled at the corners of her mouth. "Oh, you're looking for Minato? As it happens, he's at my place. Come on in."

So he really is here.

Minato is something else, running to a girl's house every few days. It's... truly enviable.

Hayato followed Kushina into the house.

"Minato, Hayato is here to see you!" Kushina's voice drifted through like a spring breeze.

Just then, a dripping wet head poked out from the bathroom—it was Minato.

He was holding a wrench, water droplets clinging to his body, and he looked at Hayato in surprise. "Oh, Hayato, you're back?"

Good grief, he's playing the role of a plumber? Minato, you're really something.

"Yes, Brother Minato, I just got back yesterday," Hayato said.

"Wait a moment, let me finish what I'm doing. It'll be quick. Kushina, please look after Hayato for me." After a brief greeting, Minato ducked back into the bathroom.

"It's fine, I'm not in a hurry," Hayato said with a smile.

He was then led to the living room by Kushina to wait.

Soon after, Minato emerged from the bathroom, wiping his hands as he asked, "What's wrong, Hayato? Is there something you need?"

Hayato took a deep breath, a proud smile blooming on his face. "Brother Minato, I have good news! I've succeeded with the Flying Thunder God Technique!"

Minato's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this. "Really? You succeeded too? That's fantastic!"

Too?

So that means Minato has also mastered it. Hayato felt a slight tinge of regret; he could only say that Minato was truly worthy of his reputation.