A week later, Hokage Building.
Led by an Anbu, Kazuku reached the Hokage's office door.
He knew today decided his chunin promotion.
His fight with the Third Kazekage was spectacular, and he won.
Even now, people discussed it.
But…
Promotion wasn't about victory or fame.
The vague criteria easily mixed personal bias.
Tobirama might deny him, citing his youth.
"It's like a certain ministry."
Kazuku recalled his past life.
Bored in school, he wrote web novels, but one was banned for supernatural elements.
Yet the ministry never clarified standards.
It was "I think you're problematic, so you are."
Without standards, someone's power grew unchecked.
"But if I become Hokage, I wouldn't reform the chunin exam…"
Kazuku only mused internally.
He had no plans to change it to "win and promote."
He even thought it benefited Konohagakure's leadership.
If a clan grew too strong, they could limit their chunin promotions.
Ultimately, promotion was the Hokage's word.
No chunin meant no special jonin, elite jonin, or Anbu.
The deeper Kazuku thought, the more he admired Tobirama's cunning.
Knock knock.
As Kazuku pondered, the Anbu knocked on the office door.
"Come in."
At Tobirama's permission, the Anbu opened the door.
"Thanks."
Kazuku politely thanked him, striding in confidently.
He scanned the room, finding it simpler than expected.
Less ornate than Sarutobi's era.
Tobirama's desk was piled with documents.
"No wonder…"
Though stern with Hashirama, Tobirama deeply respected him.
No less than Uchiha Madara or Uzumaki Mito.
With Hashirama ill, Tobirama spared him village duties.
And…
During Sarutobi's reign, Koharu, Homura, and Danzo assisted.
But now, Konohagakure was rebuilding, the youth unready.
Tobirama had no one to share his burden.
"Kazuku."
Tobirama's voice was low, seated as Hokage, fingers interlaced, elbows on the desk, leaning forward, eyeing Kazuku's youthful face. "You know why I called you?"
"Yes." Kazuku nodded, stepping forward, chest out, posture straight. "For the chunin promotion."
"Correct." Tobirama confirmed, pulling Kazuku's file from the pile, glancing at it. "You're an exceptional genin. I'm inclined to promote you."
"But…"
He paused deliberately.
"But?" Kazuku's brow furrowed. A "but" likely meant bad news.
"You're only seven, with a long road ahead. No need to rush. Consider carefully if you want this."
"As a chunin, you'll face B-rank or higher missions. Ninjas like Chikusho will be common."
"You'll also need leadership to command subordinates, unite them, and complete missions."
Though Kazuku qualified, he was Hashirama's grandson.
If unready, Tobirama could delay.
But…
He hoped Kazuku would be defiant.
Obedient kids earned praise but rarely high expectations.
Tobirama saw Kazuku as a future Kage.
"No need to consider."
"If I wasn't ready, I wouldn't have entered the exam!"
Kazuku declared, voicing his resolve.
He passed both exams. Backing out now?
His mental fortitude would be pathetic!
Plus, Kazuku gleaned key info from Tobirama.
His second-grandfather planned to make him a squad leader!
Kazuku added, "My word is my bond—that's my ninja way."
Actually, it was Naruto's.
Kazuku hadn't defined his ninja way but borrowed Naruto's line.
It worked well.
Tobirama's eyes flashed hearing it.
Kazuku, noticing, marveled inwardly.
As expected of a master of talk-no-jutsu.
His lines were lethal.
Tobirama only wanted Kazuku's attitude and resolve.
"Very well…"
Tobirama slammed his hands on the desk, standing. "As acting Hokage, I declare…"
"From today, you're a Konohagakure chunin!"
Kazuku froze.
He'd guessed this outcome, but hearing it stunned him.
He, Kazuku, seven, a Konohagakure chunin!
"Now, come in."
Tobirama's gaze shifted past Kazuku to the door.
At his command, it opened again.
Kazuku turned, seeing familiar faces.
Uchiha Kagami.
Hatake Sakumo.
And…
"That's… Maruhoshi Kosuke?"
Kazuku recognized the last ninja.
Tobirama announced loudly, "From today, you form Team 7, with Kazuku as leader."
"Your first mission…"
"Patrol the border."
(End of Chapter)