"Itachi, what do you think of this?"
Although Madara had no interest in engaging with Iruka, the Third Hokage still designated Madara Uchiha as the one to give the final answer on the matter.
In a sense, this was one of the Third Hokage's ways of reinforcing Madara Uchiha's standing. Having Madara give the final answer meant that his opinion carried the most weight.
After hearing the Hokage say this, Asuma also gave Madara Uchiha a long look. He did not understand why his father had suddenly begun attaching such importance to a member of the Uchiha Clan.
"There's nothing to discuss. I trust my subordinates."
"Since Itachi says so, then it's settled. I trust Itachi's judgment. As for Asuma and Kurenai, I trust your judgment as well."
Seeing that Madara did not want to say more, the Third Hokage picked up where he had left off.
Iruka, whose concern for his students had driven him to speak up, had become nothing more than a stepping stone for the Third Hokage to establish Madara's authority.
"Hey, have you heard? For the first time in five years, rookies are entering the Chunin Ninja Exams!"
After Madara Uchiha overruled Iruka's objections, news of the rookies' participation naturally spread. In a wooded area of Konoha, a boy in a green bodysuit with a bowl cut shared the news with his companions.
"No way. It must be those jōnin refusing to lose face again. I don't think those rookies are strong enough to take the Chunin Ninja Exams."
A female ninja with her hair in buns, wearing a pink top and holding a shuriken, gave a dismissive smile upon hearing the news from her companion.
"If it's Lord Itachi's squad, you two had better be careful, Tenten, Rock Lee."
To the female ninja's surprise,