The Hokage, Homura, and the three Elders had settled on one month.
That would give ambitious Ninja enough time to regain some of their strength. At the very least, they would put on a better showing.
As word spread through the village, many young Ninja saw the competition as a chance to make a name for themselves.
The young talents of prominent families were especially eager. Hyuga Hiashi, Nara Shikaku, and Yamanaka Inoichi had all graduated only a few years earlier.
They wanted their moment in the spotlight. The Shinobi World had yet to settle down completely, so holding large-scale joint Chunin Ninja Exams was hardly realistic.
This competition was more of a formality, a way to promote outstanding Ninja and fill vacancies in the village's ranks.
In a forest on the Konoha outskirts, Fugaku and Minato stood together in silence.
"How is your Rasengan training going?"
Minato smiled. "I'm making quick progress. It shouldn't take six months. I should be able to use it by the competition next month."
Fugaku laughed. "Not bad. Looks like you've won our wager."
"Only because you went easy on me, Teacher. If you hadn't broken down the Ninjutsu beforehand, I doubt I'd have grasped more than the basics in six months."
"Don't sell yourself short. Jiraiya and I both recognize your talent. I haven't seen him since we returned from the Land of Earth.
"I passed the Bathhouse yesterday and didn't see him there either. Has he left Konoha?"
"Jiraiya has left. He only told the Hokage. He didn't say goodbye to anyone else because he was afraid it would make everyone sad."
Fugaku smiled. "That sounds like him. Konoha is too small for him. If I weren't the Uchiha Clan Leader, I'd want to wander the Shinobi World freely like he does.