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Before anyone could say anything, Danzo spoke up.
"Well, Lord Hokage, there are multiple options from here. He can remain in the normal forces, but seeing that he's already an A-rank shinobi, we simply cannot put him in the Chunin Exams. That would cause a scandal. People will say that he's being given special treatment or that he's already a jōnin in disguise. That would ruin Konoha's reputation. Considering he's already known as an A-rank shinobi and even has his own moniker, other villages will not accept him being placed in the Chunin Exams—especially when he's only eight years old."
Minato nodded at that. It was understandable. Other villages would object to Konoha inserting a jonin-level shinobi—regardless of age—into an exam meant for genin.
He shook his head slightly. "So, what do you suggest?"
Another council member spoke. "He can remain in the normal forces for now, but given recent developments, we have to at least promote him to the rank of chunin. Otherwise, it will create too many contradictions. He's been working with Itachi Uchiha, and he should be sent on high-ranking missions to gain more experience. When the time is right, he can be evaluated for possible inclusion in the ANBU. That will help sharpen his skills further, and he'll eventually be accepted as a special shinobi of Konoha if he continues like this."
Minato thought for a moment. To be honest, the decision was already out of his hands. He couldn't reasonably argue that Naruto should remain a genin. That would cause a stir among the other nations. A child ranked A-rank in the Bingo Book doing basic D-rank or C-rank missions would spark suspicion and ridicule. Just a day ago, Minato had wondered if the Council would confront him about assigning Naruto a simple C-rank mission. Now they were insisting he be sent on A- and B-rank missions to match his level.
Minato sighed.
"Very well. The decision is ultimately up to Naruto if he wishes to join the ANBU. But you're right—I can't allow him to remain a genin after being officially recognized as an A- or even A+ rank shinobi in the Bingo Book. So, let's put it to a vote. All those in favor of promoting Naruto Namikaze to chunin, raise your hand."
Suddenly, every council member—civilian and shinobi alike—raised their hands.
Minato blinked. "Huh. That was fast… Usually, there's never been a unanimous vote in the history of the Council."
He smiled slightly.
"So, it's decided. By the power vested in me as the Hokage, I hereby promote Naruto Namikaze to the rank of Chunin, effective immediately."
The room nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Fugaku Uchiha was watching quietly as things finally seemed to be improving.
According to reports from the Konoha Police Force, the people of the village had started to warm up to the Uchiha Clan once again—thanks largely to the influence of that child. It had become common knowledge that Itachi Uchiha had been training Naruto, and rumors suggested that he had been doing so in secret for quite some time. It was only recently that the Hokage allowed this information to be made public.
This move had greatly improved the clan's reputation, not just among the shinobi ranks, but also with the civilian population. Even some of the clan heads who previously viewed the Uchiha with hostility now seemed more respectful—if not envious. Clearly, word had reached them as well, and it was undeniable: the Uchiha Clan's standing within the village was growing stronger by the day.
Fugaku smirked slightly. It seemed his son had made the right decision after all. Still, it might be a good idea to speak with Itachi soon. Perhaps even inviting his little apprentice over for dinner wouldn't be such a bad idea. He nodded subtly to himself, already planning the conversation in his head.
Elsewhere in the village, Menma and Mito were walking around, observing the changing atmosphere.
Usually, when they walked through the streets of Konoha, villagers would greet them warmly—smiling, offering handshakes, treating them like local celebrities. But today felt… different.
Instead of smiles, they were met with whispers and curious glances.
"Hey, isn't that Naruto-sama's brother?"
"Yeah, that's Menma, right? The Hokage's son."
"I heard his older brother already graduated… and there's talk that he's been promoted to Chunin."
"What rank is Menma, then?" someone asked.
Mito, overhearing the conversations, felt a strange tightness in her chest. She, too, had been hearing the same things.
"Nah, he's just an academy student," another voice replied. "I heard he's going back to class tomorrow—for only the third day."
"Really? I thought Jiraiya-sama, Tsunade-sama, the Hokage himself, and even his wife were training him."
"Yeah, I thought so too," the voice said. "But as I said, Naruto-sama had too much potential, and therefore he was allowed to graduate. Still, it seems they're having a bit of trouble now."
"Yeah, that must be the case," another added, as Menma and Mito overheard the conversation while walking home. Everywhere they went, people were talking about their older brother—like he was some kind of legend.
Both of them clenched their fists in frustration. Never in their lives had it been like this. No matter where they went, they were always recognized as the siblings of Naruto.
First, it was "Menma-sama" or "Mito-sama"—the honorable son and daughter of the Hokage. And they used to hate that label.
But now… things had changed. Now, they were merely Naruto's siblings—overshadowed by a brother whose name was already being whispered with awe across the village.
And worse yet, that shadow… it was already dwarfing even that of their father, the Fourth Hokage. Deep down, they felt something telling them that Naruto's legacy might soon outshine even the combined glory of all the past Hokage.
They exchanged a glance—one filled with quiet determination and complex emotion—before heading home in silence.
Meanwhile, Naruto stood in front of the Konoha Council alongside Itachi, who stood calmly beside him. Fugaku Uchiha observed them with a proud smirk, occasionally glancing at his son with a nod of approval.
Itachi, on the other hand, simply raised an eyebrow, silently wondering what this gathering was all about. Though, based on the tension and anticipation in the room, he had a hunch.
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, finally broke the silence.
"Naruto," he began, his voice steady and formal, "it seems that your recent performance against the Iwa shinobi has gained the attention and recognition of the council—and the outside world. As of now, you have been classified as an A-rank shinobi and labeled an A-rank threat within the Bingo Book."
Naruto raised an eyebrow at that.
"The Bingo Book?" he asked quietly. If he wasn't mistaken, that was the same book where the names of legendary and dangerous shinobi were kept. The fact that his name had been added was no small matter.
Minato nodded. "Indeed. And so, this council believes that you are far beyond the level of a Genin. Therefore, by unanimous decision of the council—and by my authority as Hokage—I hereby promote you to the rank of Chūnin."
There was a murmur of agreement in the room as Minato continued.
"Furthermore, if you are able to complete the following set of missions successfully, you will be eligible for automatic promotion to Jōnin."
At that moment, an ANBU stepped forward and handed Naruto a small scroll containing the mission agenda. Naruto took it in silence, his expression unreadable—but his presence radiated quiet power.