Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled as he swept his gaze over the three of them.
"As long as they are Genin who have formally completed more than eight missions, you may recommend them for the exam based on your own judgment."
"Of course, under normal circumstances, they should have twice that number of missions before they have enough experience to take it. But I trust that you all know your students well enough."
Naruto raised his hand.
"All three on my side."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's forehead filled with black lines. Seeing Naruto unwilling to say even one extra word, his gaze shifted to his own son.
Asuma formed a reconciliation seal toward the Third.
"Team 10, led by Asuma: Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi. I, Sarutobi Asuma, recommend all three to participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams."
Kurenai formed the same seal.
"Team 8, led by Kurenai: Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame. I, Yuhi Kurenai, likewise recommend these three to participate in the exams."
The group of Chunin in the back began whispering among themselves.
"They're serious? All the rookies this year are signing up?"
"No, no, one of them got sent back to the Academy. That Nine-Tails team is entering because he wants to."
"Damn, isn't that bullying? A Tailed Beast is taking the Chunin Exams too?"
"Wait!"
Iruka sprang to his feet, his face flushed red as he called out to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Lord Hokage, could we reconsider this? Naruto's team is one thing, but the other six are also students I taught. Forgive my bluntness, but even if they are all talented, isn't it too soon to aim for Chunin right after becoming Genin?"
Several politically savvy Chunin shot Iruka strange looks, thinking it was no wonder he had been shoved into the Academy as a