"And now," the Hokage's voice turned dry and businesslike, the moment he finished his grand introduction. "Let's move on to your new duties and opportunities. Jonin Dekai will fill you in on the details; I must take my leave. Matters have piled up at headquarters."
The old man is swamped and just didn't feel like explaining, I thought, watching Hiruzen Sarutobi exit the hall flanked by his personal guard. Apparently, politics and strategic maps interested him far more right now than briefing a freshly minted "Chunin."
A new figure stepped onto the balcony where the Hokage had just stood. He was a large, broad-shouldered man with dark skin, a piercing gaze in his black eyes, and short light hair.
Some guy named Dekai... I narrowed my eyes, sizing up his massive frame. He looks like he just arrived from the Hidden Cloud yesterday.
Dekai leaned his fists against the railing. His voice, thick and heavy as hammer blows, echoed through the room:
"Now that the words about 'spirit' have been spoken, let's get to what your new status actually means in practice," he said. The hall fell so silent you could hear a fly buzzing by the window. "As Chunin, you are officially out from under the constant guardianship of your Jonin mentors. The era of childhood games and apprenticeship is over. Now, you are the ones who lead. You have the right to independently command squads of three Genin on C- and B-rank missions."
He took a heavy pause, his gaze sweeping over us.
"This means that from this day forward, the life of every member of your team is your personal responsibility. You will make decisions in the heat of battle when there is no time for reflection. Your mistakes will no longer cost you a simple reprimand or a bruise from your sensei. Your mistake is the death of those who follow you. On the front lines, corpses do not forgive errors."
An interesting character...
"Along with this responsibility, you gain new opportunities," the Jonin nodded to assistants who began methodically handing out folders. "First, you receive clearance to the middle section of Konoha's archives and library. Chunin-level information scrolls will be available to you. Knowledge is survival, but choose wisely. There will be no time to study nonsense. There, you will also find detailed maps of neighboring territories that were classified until today."
He pointed a massive finger at a stack of brand-new vests lying on the table.
"Second: equipment. This green flak jacket is not just a symbol. Its structure is reinforced to provide protection against light kunai wounds and slashing attacks. It features specialized compartments for summoning scrolls and reinforced pockets for instant access to explosive tags. From this day on, you are entitled to expanded rations and an increased ammunition limit. Use this to ensure your pouch is never empty. An empty pouch is a direct path to the grave."
Dekai crossed his arms, his tone hardening even further.
"Third, your integration into Konoha's military machine will be absolute. You are required to stand duty at the Command Center and Headquarters according to the established schedule. Your tasks will include logistics, patrolling the internal and external perimeters, and processing reports. Your registry tags will be updated by the end of the day."
Looking at him, I realized he wasn't just a teacher; he was a gear in a massive mechanism, now slotting us into our places.
"Remember," Dekai added finally, "Chunin status is, above all, about your utility to the village in these shitty times. You are now junior officers. Try to live up to the rank—and try not to die in the first week. Dismissed."
The corridor was packed, but I recognized two figures immediately. Walking toward me were Guy, flashing his signature "dazzling" smile, and Genma, habitually rolling a toothpick in his mouth.
"Oh! Kotetsu!" Guy nearly knocked me off my feet, thrusting a thumb up. "Where have you been? We've been looking for you all over the Tower!"
Instead of answering, I silently lifted the brand-new green vest I was still holding.
"Ooh..." Genma whistled, squinting. "So you're 'Mister Officer' now. Congratulations."
"Thanks," I nodded, tossing the uniform over my shoulder. "Where were you guys? I didn't see you in the hall. Did they gather you separately?"
"Spot on," Genma replied for his friend, leaning against the wall. "We were at the results announcement for those who... let's just say, didn't make the cut this time."
I froze, confused. "What? How? You guys showed plenty of skill."
"Don't sweat it, Kotetsu!" Guy slapped my shoulder with so much enthusiasm I nearly dropped my folder. "They gave us a whole lecture! They said the exam is just one of many paths. The main thing is experience, blood, and sweat poured into missions! It turns out if we rack up enough completed missions and prove ourselves in action, we can be promoted without any exams at all, by special decree."
"Basically, they fed us some motivation so we wouldn't mope," Genma added with a skeptical smirk. "Explained that 'not passing now doesn't mean you're a bad ninja.' You just need more practice. All in all, they know how to sugarcoat the pill so the Genin don't run off in a huff, but instead throw themselves into village chores with even more zeal."
I looked at them. Guy was literally sparkling with energy, ready to run a hundred laps around Konoha right this second, and Genma, though relaxed, clearly felt a surge of confidence too.
A smart move, I thought to myself.
"Well, since that's the case, come on, my treat!" I said, waving toward the exit. "Let's celebrate your new surge of motivation and my new vest."
We were already descending the wide steps of the Residence when a painfully familiar, loud, and indignant voice pierced the air:
"Hey! You passed too?! No way!"
I turned to see a trio approaching. Team Minato in full force. Obito was flying ahead, flailing his arms. Following him, hands in pockets and pretending not to care, Kakashi trudged lazily along. Bringing up the rear was Rin, who looked noticeably tired but smiled warmly.
"Kakashi—I get it!" Obito jumped at me, pointing a finger at my vest. "But how did you make it, Kotetsu?! You lost your second fight to Aoba! How did they let you through before me?!"
"Hey, Obito, don't pester him, it's rude," Rin barked softly, catching up and gently tugging the edge of his jacket. "Forgive him, Kotetsu-kun, he's just... well, you know. Congratulations on the promotion!"
I chuckled, looking at this motley crew. Obito was boiling with righteous indignation, Kakashi merely raised an expressive eyebrow, and Guy beside me was already striking a "Power of Youth" pose, ready for a challenge.
"Well, since everyone's here," I glanced at all six of them, "I'm inviting everyone to eat. My treat! Let's celebrate the promotion and the fact that we're all alive after that insane exam."
After all, I need to advertise my establishment, a mercenary thought flashed through my mind.