Chapter 62: The Gathering Storm
Tap… Tap…
Hiruzen Sarutobi took two slow drags from his pipe, his gaze lingering on Minato Namikaze. After careful contemplation, he finally spoke in a solemn tone.
"Minato, do you truly believe that Veigar Koshima possesses the strength to become a Chūnin?"
Tap… Tap…
He took another puff.
Hearing Hiruzen's question, Minato immediately straightened his posture and responded with unwavering certainty.
"Yes, Lord Third. I am confident that Veigar now has the strength required of a Chūnin."
A faint smile flickered across Hiruzen's face as he nodded at Minato.
"Since you insist on recommending Veigar for this Chūnin Exam as a special case… then, as the Third Hokage of Konohagakure, I will approve it."
The stern expression on Minato's face softened into one of quiet satisfaction. He bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Lord Third."
Hiruzen simply chuckled in response.
Veigar was no stranger to him. The boy's talent had long been on his radar.
For over a year, Hiruzen had closely monitored Veigar's progress. And now, seeing Minato personally request an exception for Veigar to take the Chūnin Exam, he couldn't help but feel a sense of expectation.
Veigar's time to prove himself had finally arrived.
The last person to receive such a special exception was none other than Minato's other student—Kakashi Hatake.
With the final list of Chūnin Exam participants confirmed, the assembled Jōnin gradually dispersed.
Hiruzen remained seated in the Hokage's chair, turning his gaze toward the village outside the window.
A heavy sigh escaped his lips.
"These are turbulent times… I only hope war does not come too soon."
The storm clouds of conflict loomed over the ninja world.
With the shifting tides, where would Konoha stand in this era? How many shinobi would vanish forever? How many more names would be engraved upon the Memorial Stone?
There were no answers.
Not even the Third Hokage could predict what lay ahead.
...
After leaving the Hokage Residence, Minato made his way straight to Veigar's home.
At that moment, Veigar had just finished his lunch when he heard a knock at the door.
"Veigar, are you home?"
Minato's voice came from outside.
Peering out from the second-floor window, Veigar spotted Minato standing at the entrance and immediately responded.
"Minato-sensei! What brings you here?"
"Hold on, I'll be right down."
A moment later, Veigar opened the door and welcomed Minato inside. After pouring a cup of warm tea for his teacher, he finally asked,
"Sensei, what's the occasion?"
Minato took a sip of his tea, then smiled.
"I have a big surprise for you."
Veigar raised an eyebrow.
"A surprise?"
Minato nodded, then handed him a document.
"Here. Take a look."
Veigar took the paper and glanced at the bold title at the top.
Chūnin Exam Confirmation Form.
After scanning its contents, he turned to Minato with mild surprise.
"Sensei… you're recommending me for the Chūnin Exam?"
Minato nodded calmly before explaining,
"Yes. I've put your name forward for the Chūnin Exam being hosted by the village next week."
"As long as you pass, you'll officially become a Chūnin."
"So, do your best!"
Veigar had no objections. Becoming a Chūnin would be a beneficial step forward.
However, one detail caught his attention—the mention of a special exception on the form.
"Minato-sensei, what does this 'special exception' mean?"
Minato remained composed, still smiling as he explained,
"The special exception refers to your situation."
"Normally, Chūnin Exam participants enter in three-man squads."
"But in your case, you'll be taking the exam solo."
"That's what makes you a special exception."
Understanding the reasoning, Veigar didn't hesitate.
He picked up the pen and signed his name on the form.
Minato, satisfied with his decision, took the signed form and stood up.
"Well then, I'll be heading back."
After seeing his teacher off, Veigar closed the door behind him.
His mind immediately shifted to preparation—he needed to get ready for the Chūnin Exam.
...
A week prior, invitations for the Joint Chūnin Exams—personally signed by the Third Hokage—had been sent out to the other great nations.
In the Kirigakure (Village Hidden in the Mist), within the Land of Water…
The Fourth Mizukage*, Yagura Karatachi, sat upon the Mizukage's seat, skimming over the invitation from Hiruzen Sarutobi. His youthful, doll-like face remained unreadable, though a cold glint flashed through his crimson eyes.
"Oh? An invitation from Konoha?"
The Mist-nin kneeling before him shuddered at the Mizukage's emotionless tone, his voice trembling with both reverence and fear.
"Yes, Lord Fourth."
Yagura slowly lifted his gaze.
"Then go."
"Let's see what Konoha is planning."
...
Meanwhile, in the Kumogakure (Village Hidden in the Clouds)…
The Third Raikage, A, was a towering figure of sheer muscle. Despite his seemingly rough and short-tempered nature, he was a leader known for his strength and wisdom.
Upon receiving Konoha's invitation, he let out a booming laugh.
"What? Konoha wants us to join their Chūnin Exam?"
His laughter echoed through the room.
One of his Jōnin, clad in the standard flak vest, knelt before him.
"Lord Third, should we accept the invitation and send a team to participate?"
A slammed his massive fist onto the table with enthusiasm.
"Of course, we're going!"
"Why wouldn't we?"
"Our young shinobi should see firsthand why Konoha is called the 'Cradle of Geniuses'…"
"…and Konoha should see that we of the Hidden Cloud are no weaker than they are!"
...
Of the Five Great Nations, the Mist and Cloud had confirmed their participation in Konoha's Chūnin Exam.
However, the Hidden Sand and Hidden Stone refused.
Iwagakure (Village Hidden by Stone) gave no reason for their rejection.
But if there was a reason, it could be summed up in a single name—Ōnoki.
As for Sunagakure (Village Hidden by Sand), their refusal stemmed from a different crisis.
The Third Kazekage had been missing for quite some time.
With no leader to make the decision, the Sand Village had more pressing matters—finding their missing Kage.
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