Jiraiya sat in the Hokage's chair, with a Hokage senior to him standing on either side. Outwardly, he remained composed, but no matter how mentally resilient or easygoing he was, he still felt immense pressure.
As Hokage, though, he could only pull himself together. "Ahem. You're here, Sasuke Uchiha, Neji Hyuga."
"Yes, sir."
Both answered quickly, then waited for Jiraiya to continue.
Surely these big-shot Hokage hadn't gathered here just to make small talk with them?
"...Have you eaten?"
Sasuke and Neji both froze.
Jiraiya's question instantly dispelled the somewhat solemn atmosphere.
"I have."
"Not yet."
Still, they were in front of the Hokage. Perhaps the question held some deeper meaning, so both answered.
Jiraiya looked conflicted.
Why does the Fifth Hokage look like that? Is he concerned because I haven't eaten?
Looking utterly puzzled, Neji glanced at Sasuke beside him.
Sasuke was also deep in thought, wondering whether there had been something wrong with the tomatoes he had bought with Karin that day.
They didn't know Jiraiya well. Their impression of him came mostly from his brief stint teaching them and the plans he had arranged for the Chunin Ninja Exams. Like the villagers, they saw him as a powerful strategist.
Naturally, it didn't immediately occur to them that Jiraiya might simply be grasping for something to say.
After hesitating for a while, however, Jiraiya made his decision and spoke. "Sasuke Uchiha, Neji Hyuga, your abilities and performance have been outstanding. As chief examiner during these Chunin Ninja Exams, I rated both of you very highly. Without question, you are exceptional candidates worthy of promotion to chunin."
"In fact, in terms of strength, you've already reached the threshold for jonin."
"Before the results are announced tomorrow, I can tell you now that you are already chunin of Konoha."
Neither