Upon hearing the details of the mission to the Land of Waves, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, couldn't help but change his expression. "I never imagined that a C-rank mission would turn out like this. Kakashi, it's all thanks to you."
Kakashi chuckled wryly and scratched his head. "Speaking of which, Naruto should have deserved the most credit for this mission."
Hiruzen smiled slightly. "Indeed. Naruto, well done."
Naruto crossed his arms and laughed triumphantly. Sasuke just snorted beside him, while Hinata smiled gently, though helplessly. The relationship between the two boys had become increasingly complicated since that life-or-death battle. For Sasuke, being saved by Naruto was probably the last thing he had ever wanted, but he couldn't help but feel grateful, and perhaps, truly moved. Given his personality, however, he would never show it. He could only maintain his original persona, looking down on Naruto and making sarcastic remarks as if that were the only way he could continue to interact with him. Naruto, with his carefree personality, couldn't understand Sasuke's complicated feelings and was just annoyed that the person he had saved was still so cold and disdainful.
Hinata smiled to herself. She knew that although the two of them bickered constantly, when it came to a life-or-death situation, they were more in sync than anyone else. Perhaps that was the true essence of Team 7.
"Given the difficulty of this mission," Hiruzen sighed, "it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it an A-rank mission. However, Mr. Tazuna only paid the fee for a C-rank mission, so there are only 50,000 ryo in total." Naruto knew that the reward for an A-rank mission could be as high as a million ryo.
"It doesn't matter!" Naruto declared. "The important thing is that we grew!"
Hiruzen smiled. "Kakashi, you can handle the allocation."
"Hmm... then let Naruto handle it," Kakashi said, scratching his head.
"Me?"
"You were the biggest contributor, so of course you get to share the spoils."
Naruto thought for a moment. "Then let's have Kakashi-sensei take 20,000, and the three of us will each take 10,000."
"Naruto, aren't you going to take more?" Kakashi asked, surprised.
"No need! I already have plenty of money!" He wasn't lying. The sheer number of D-rank missions he had completed had netted him a small fortune of four to five hundred thousand ryo.
Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction. "By the way, Kakashi, there's something important I need to discuss with you."
"It's about the thing that's coming soon, isn't it?" Kakashi had anticipated this.
"Yes."
"What's coming soon?" Naruto asked, filled with curiosity. "Lord Hokage, Kakashi-sensei, stop keeping us in suspense!"
Kakashi smiled slightly. "This matter is indeed of great concern to you, but it's not time to announce it yet. Just wait for my news. Now, go back and get some rest. Team 7, dismissed!"
"So stingy! Hmph!" Naruto curled his lip, put his hands behind his head, and left. Hinata and Sasuke followed closely behind. As they disappeared, Hiruzen remarked, "What an impressive team."
"Yes," Kakashi nodded. "Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata are all true geniuses. And more importantly, although they often bicker, they are all very reliable in crucial moments. They work in close coordination, united in purpose, and fight side by side. Most importantly, they have an unwavering determination to protect each other, even at the cost of their own lives."
"It was definitely the right decision to put you in charge," Hiruzen said. "Of course, finding the right people is also crucial. You've already dismissed two other teams."
"The Chunin Exams are coming up soon," Hiruzen continued. "Would you recommend Team 7 to participate? Generally speaking, newly graduated genin can only participate after at least one year, but..."
"I recommend it," Kakashi said with a smile. "Team 7 is already prepared. In fact, they already possess power surpassing that of a Chunin."
"I see. Then I'll register Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata. Alright, Kakashi, you must be tired. Go and rest."
Meanwhile, Naruto couldn't contain his curiosity. "Hey, Hinata, Sasuke, do you know what Kakashi-sensei and the Hokage were talking about?"
Sasuke just snorted and ignored him, but Hinata replied, "I have a rough idea."
"As expected of Hinata! Tell me quickly!"
"Because it's something that's about to happen, and the Hokage wanted to discuss it with Kakashi-sensei alone, it must be closely related to us. If we take all that into account, it should be... the Chunin Exams."
Upon hearing these words, not only Naruto but also Sasuke's expression changed slightly. "The Chunin Exams?!"
Hinata nodded. "Generally, there are two Chunin Exams every year. As the name suggests, they are used to select outstanding genin and promote them to Chunin. Of course, because the exams are often held jointly with other villages, there's also the element of competing with other villages and demonstrating one's own strength. In short, this is a major event that all ninja villages pay close attention to."
"There are ninja from other villages participating?!" Naruto was overjoyed. "Great! This is practically a stage prepared just for me! I must defeat everyone, successfully become a Chunin, and make the entire ninja world acknowledge my existence!"
Not only was Naruto excited, but Sasuke was also deeply moved. He was unwilling to be surpassed by Naruto time and time again. The mission to the Land of Waves would forever remain a mark on his heart. In truth, his performance had been outstanding, but the most important event was Naruto risking his life to save him. This filled him with gratitude, but also a deep sense of resentment.
"Naruto," Sasuke said bitterly, "I will definitely defeat you and prove my strength! Let's see who's truly capable in the Chunin Exams!" After saying that, he turned and left.
"What's wrong with that guy? He's suddenly having another fit!" Naruto said, confused.
"Because," Hinata said gently, "Sasuke, who was originally a genius, is unwilling to be surpassed by you. And most importantly... I'm afraid he has experienced a terrible ordeal, which has filled his heart with a desperate need to become stronger. Being surpassed by you under these circumstances has only made him more anxious."
Naruto nodded. "You're right, Hinata. Although I don't know what happened to him, there must be a reason why he turned out this way. But he doesn't always have to get angry at me!"
"Because..." Hinata stopped, unable to bear continuing. But Naruto, unusually, was clever enough to understand her meaning.
"You mean, I'm actually the one who understands him the most? Because we're both..."
"Yes," Hinata's expression darkened, "I'm sorry, Naruto-kun."
"What's there to apologize for?" Naruto laughed. "It's just the truth! Besides, I think what you said makes a lot of sense."