After a few more days, a brand-new Hokage Tower was finally completed. It stood proudly beneath the Hokage Rock, far more grand and imposing than the old, rundown building.
The Third Hokage was very pleased with it. He immediately moved in because sharing joy is better than enjoying it alone. He also called a meeting with many Jonin and Chunin, under the guise of a meeting, to hear their praises. The wrinkles on the Hokage’s face seemed to smooth out significantly.
After all, this Hokage Tower was a symbol of Konoha’s prestige. From the village gate, one could see the gleaming “Fire” character atop the tower, exuding an imposing aura that would awe any visitor. Yukigetsu’s move was indeed deeply appreciated by the Hokage and many ninjas.
“Hokage-sama, did you call us here to confirm the details of the Chunin Exams?” Iruka was the first to remember the important matter.
The Third Hokage sat comfortably in his main seat, exhaled a puff of smoke, and nodded, “Now, can the Jonin and Chunin who are mentoring new Genin step forward?”
As his voice spread, Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, and several elite Chunin stepped forward. Everyone focused their attention on them.
The Third Hokage knocked on his pipe and continued, “How about it? Do you have suitable Genin to recommend? You all know the basic requirement is to have completed eight missions. The rest depends on your individual recommendations.”
Iruka instinctively frowned, “Generally speaking, completing a C-rank mission is more appropriate. They’re still too early for this…”
The elite Chunin exchanged glances and shook their heads, clearly not considering their Genin teams qualified.
Kakashi, with his droopy eyes, stepped forward under everyone’s surprised gaze and said confidently, “Team 7 recommends Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and Haruno Sakura to participate in the Chunin Exams under my name.”
“What?” Iruka’s expression changed.
At the same time, Asuma stepped to Kakashi’s left, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, “Team 10 recommends Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Choji to participate in the Chunin Exams under my name.”
Kurenai blinked her charming eyes, stepped to the right, and said, “Team 8 recommends Yukigetsu, Inuzuka Kiba, and Hyuga Hinata to participate in the Chunin Exams under my name.”
The Third Hokage’s eyes deepened upon hearing Yukigetsu’s name as if pondering something. After a moment, he said, “Well… this decision is indeed unexpected…”
“Please wait!” Iruka, drenched in sweat, couldn’t help but speak up, “Hokage-sama, please allow me to say something!”
He stepped forward anxiously, “This may be inappropriate, but the nine Genin just recommended… were all my students at the academy! Although they are outstanding… it’s too early for them to participate in the Chunin Exams!”
He spread his arms towards Kurenai and the others, sincerely saying, “They should gain more experience… I cannot agree with the Jonin’s recommendations!”
Kakashi glanced at him, “I became a Chunin six years younger than them!”
“That’s not a fair comparison!” Iruka frowned, “That was during wartime. This could ruin them! Everyone knows the Chunin Exams are also called…”
Kurenai smiled gently, “It’s good to let them gain experience…”
“But…” Iruka said worriedly, “This time is unusual!”
Kurenai’s eyes flashed, “Don’t forget, Team 8 has a formidable member who cannot be absent!”
Everyone was slightly stunned, suddenly remembering Yukigetsu, who had recently been in the limelight. He seemed to be on Kurenai’s team!
Everyone had subconsciously placed him on the same level as Neji Hyuga all along. Only now did they recall that this boy had just graduated.
Kakashi looked at everyone’s astonished expressions, and his eyes curved slightly. This little guy had unknowingly gained such fame…
…
In a small alley in Konoha, Yukigetsu, wearing a brand-new windbreaker, sniffed the fragrance emanating from the girl beside him, feeling it dispel the exhaustion from his intense training.
A gentle breeze lifted the girl’s hair. Yukigetsu glanced at her and exclaimed, “Hinata, your hair has grown to your neck…”
Hinata lowered her head and softly said, “Yes… it grew out over the past few months…”
Yukigetsu remembered their previous promise and smiled, gently patting her head, “Good girl!”
Hinata’s face turned slightly red, but she mustered the courage to say, “I… I have been training hard during this time too…”
“Hmm?” Yukigetsu turned his head.
“I-I mean…” Hinata fidgeted with her fingers, “I will try hard to keep up with you, Yukigetsu-kun, and not hold you back!”
Yukigetsu was slightly stunned. When did this little girl develop such thoughts? Or had he always overlooked the pressure she felt?
In Yukigetsu’s mind, he never intended for Hinata to keep up with him. He was a staunch believer in protecting the girl he liked from any burden, always standing in front of her.
As Yukigetsu pursed his lips, about to say something to the little girl, a furious shout came from behind, “Enough already! We are a three-person team, not a two-person team!”
Yukigetsu turned around with a blank expression, unsurprised to see Kiba looking extremely aggrieved and finally erupting.
Indeed, this guy was in a tough spot. Whenever the three of them acted, Yukigetsu and Hinata chatted and laughed while he followed behind, unable to join the conversation. These two were so engrossed with each other, one continuously teasing, the other shyly responding, leaving Kiba and Akamaru as lonely onlookers.
Hinata blushed and apologized, “Sorry, Kiba, we didn’t mean to…”
Kiba wanted to express his dissatisfaction, but Hinata softly added, “Then Kiba… do you have something to share with us?”
Pfft.
A light chuckle from Haku sounded in Yukigetsu’s ear, and even he couldn’t help but laugh. Despite her shyness, Hinata had a keen and perceptive mind! Her determination to follow, coupled with her playful side…
“Haku, this girl must have been influenced by you!” Haku said with a laugh.
Yukigetsu touched his nose, looking down with a smile, “Heh, my charm is just that great!”
“Ah—”
Kiba clutched his head, completely frustrated. He never imagined that one day, gentle Hinata would rebuke him. What a world. Would he ever have a presence on this team?
“Hehe…”
Yukigetsu was surprised to see Hinata lightly laughing at this moment, her lips slightly curled, and that gentle smile instantly melted his heart. This little girl always unknowingly evoked his desire to protect her, his kryptonite…
The boy’s eyes softened. He quietly took the girl’s small hand, which was delicate and soft…
Hinata seemed a bit flustered, instinctively trying to pull her hand away, but the boy, with a slightly dominant nature, gently tightened his grip, holding her hand more firmly.
Willow leaves danced, falling on their hair and shoulders. The boy’s gaze was fixed on the girl’s face, and the girl’s gaze was on the ground, leaving no room for anyone else to intervene…
Time seemed to freeze at this moment.
—
When with Hinata, I always feel particularly at peace. Maybe that’s her unique charm. —Yukigetsu—
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