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Inoichi stepped in front of Inoiki, placing a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. His voice was calm yet firm as he said, "Don't be disappointed, son. You may not have fully defended against the attack, but you managed to exhaust most of its energy. And remember, you're only twelve. You have plenty of time to grow and improve."
Inoiki managed a small smile and nodded, his youthful determination shining through despite the setback. Satisfied, Inoichi gave him a pat on the shoulder before straightening up. "I've got work waiting for me in the Intelligence Division," he said, his tone now brisk. "I'll see you later." With that, he turned and strode off, leaving Inoiki alone in thought.
As the boy stood there, droplets of water trailing down his soaked clothes, his mind wandered. By now, Team 7 must have returned from the Land of Waves after defeating Zabuza. A pang of regret flickered in his chest. I wish I'd been there. Facing someone like Zabuza would've been incredible. But I was out on a mission when it all happened.
He exhaled softly, brushing aside the what-ifs. Still, that mission was important for Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. It helped shape them. Everything happens for a reason, and maybe this was for the best.
Glancing down at his drenched clothes, Inoiki muttered, "I'm soaked. I need to head home and change before meeting the Hokage. My team and I have important matters to discuss about my participation in the Chūnin Exams."
Without wasting another moment, he crouched low, then sprang into the air, vanishing in a blur of motion toward his home.
Two hours later, the Hokage's office buzzed with quiet tension. The meeting of Jōnin had convened to discuss the upcoming Chūnin Exams.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, surveyed the room before addressing the gathered shinobi. His voice, though calm, carried the weight of urgency. "The Chūnin Exams will commence in one week."
The announcement was met with a wave of surprise. Murmurs spread among the Jōnin; they hadn't expected such short notice. Yet, as seasoned ninja, they quickly pieced it together. By now, invitations would have been sent to every allied village, and some of their Genin teams had likely already arrived.
The conversation shifted to the logistics. Essential matters were discussed in detail—how the exams would be conducted, the rules to ensure fairness, and the paramount importance of security. With Genin from other villages traveling to Konoha, any mishap would risk tarnishing their village's reputation. Every precaution had to be taken.
When the discussion concluded, Hiruzen gave a subtle nod to an ANBU operative concealed in the shadows. The masked ninja moved swiftly, disappearing through the doorway. Moments later, Izumo entered, flanked by Inoiki and Iruka. The trio approached the Hokage, bowing deeply out of respect.
Hiruzen acknowledged them with a slight smile before turning his attention back to the assembled Jōnin. "Now that everyone is here," he said, his tone steady, "you may recommend the candidates you wish to nominate for the Chūnin Exams."
The Jōnin began listing their teams. Kakashi Hatake stepped forward first, naming Team 7. Asuma Sarutobi followed, recommending Team 10, and Kurenai Yuhi named Team 8. One by one, the other Jōnin presented their choices, their voices firm with pride and confidence in their students.
Inoiki listened intently, a spark of excitement flickering in his eyes. The weight of the Chūnin Exams—and the opportunity they represented—hung in the air like a silent promise.
Finally, after all the Jōnin had finished nominating their teams, Izumo stepped forward. His expression was resolute as he said, "I would like to recommend my teammate, Inoiki."
The choice of words wasn't lost on the room. Despite his role as a mentor figure, Izumo had long ceased to refer to himself as Inoiki's sensei. Having witnessed the boy's strength firsthand and completed numerous missions by his side, Izumo saw Inoiki as a comrade—an equal, if not more.
Hiruzen regarded Izumo thoughtfully before speaking. "I understand your point, Izumo. However, as you know, the rules require a team of three to participate. Unfortunately, no other teams are missing a member this time. I'm afraid that means Inoiki cannot join the exams."
Izumo's brow furrowed, but he remained composed. "Hokage-sama," he began, his voice steady but impassioned, "I understand the rules, but I'm asking you to consider an exception. You know Inoiki's strength as well as I do. The rule exists to ensure team members can protect one another and to assess their teamwork. But in cases where there's a significant gap in strength, teamwork can't truly be judged. With all due respect, Inoiki doesn't need a team to showcase his abilities. Not three opponents, not even ten Chūnin-level opponents, would be a match for him."
The room fell into a brief silence, broken only by the quiet cough of Hayate Gekkō. The Tokubetsu Jōnin, known for his chronic lung condition, finally spoke. "Cough... cough... Izumo, you seem to have a great deal of confidence in your teammate," Hayate said, his voice rasping but tinged with curiosity.
Izumo's eyes flashed with determination. "I do, Hayate. I've seen him accomplish feats that would make even seasoned Jonin hesitate. Inoiki is ready for this, and I believe Konoha will only benefit from letting him prove it."
The weight of Izumo's words lingered, prompting all to carefully consider their meaning.
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