Inside the Hokage Office, Nangō Kumoi had just finished adding the final notes to a document concerning the opening of Konoha University in the eastern district and the assignment of its first faculty members when someone knocked on the office door.
"Come in."
Hiruzen Sarutobi pushed open the door, carrying a file scroll that was not especially thick but had clearly been carefully organized.
He walked up to the desk, placed the scroll before Kumoi, and spoke in his usual pragmatic tone:
"Hokage-sama, this contains the comprehensive evaluations and preliminary placement recommendations for the core students of this year's Ninja Academy graduating class.
The time is about right. We should begin considering the specific instructor assignments, as well as confirming the final list for the first round of selections into Konoha University under the new system."
He paused, then added:
"You should be fairly familiar with this group of students.
They are the class centered around Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Uchiha Gen.
According to our previous evaluation standards and their actual performance over the past few years, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Uchiha Gen rank at the top of the recommended-admission candidate list for Konoha University. Their advantages are obvious."
Kumoi picked up the scroll and rapidly scanned the data and comments on it. A faintly teasing smile curled at his lips as he looked up at his strict and meticulous senior brother.
"Oh? Senior Brother, there is still some time before their official graduation, yet you are already worrying over your 'prospective students'?
You are awfully invested. Don't tell me you are afraid that Jiraiya will fail the new system's assessment and end up unable to follow you?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's mouth twitched slightly at that, and he could not help muttering inwardly:
*Wasn't it you who half-jokingly, half-seriously "reserved" those kids