Naruto: I Have a Gravity Training Room

Time flew by, and once again, it was the season for the annual graduation of new students.

Natsuki didn't know any of the new graduates personally, but judging from the time, he guessed that this year's Chūnin Exams were approaching.

Recently, Tsunade had indeed held a mock exam, gathering all Genin teams who weren't out on missions to participate. Whether they intended to take the upcoming Chūnin Exams or not, participation in the mock exam was mandatory.

Unexpectedly, they managed to gather ten teams, using the Forest of Death's Heaven and Earth scroll capture mode.

To motivate the Genin, Tsunade promised that the top three teams would be rewarded with a ninjutsu technique.

As a result, the Genin were like chickens on stimulants, fighting with incredible zeal. Those normally unremarkable teams suddenly showed extraordinary performances, causing quite a bit of trouble for Asuma's and Kurenai's teams.

Though those two teams eventually passed, their performance during the exam was quite embarrassing, leaving Tsunade dissatisfied.

In comparison, Aoba Team performed excellently as always, finishing the exam in record time.

Natsuki didn't care much about it, but since he and Tenten hadn't taken any missions recently, Tsunade dragged them in as proctors, leaving them no choice.

Still, this mock exam gave Tsunade some relief.

At least Asuma's and Kurenai's teams showed better coordination now. By the time of the Chūnin Exams, they should perform more decently.

Naturally, Konoha's mock exam strategy was noticed by other villages, prompting them to imitate it.

After all, anyone with half a brain could see the benefits of mock exams.

If one school only taught textbook knowledge while another frequently organized real mock tests, it was obvious which school would perform better in the final exams.

Not only smaller villages learned from this – even the major villages followed suit.

For example, Sunagakure, upon learning that Konoha was conducting mock exams for their Genin teams, immediately panicked and began planning their own mock exams.

After all, the joint Chūnin Exams were a stage to showcase each village's strength. If only Konoha's Genin performed well while Sunagakure's teams flopped, they would become the laughingstock of the other villages.

Therefore, mock exams were a must!

Natsuki didn't know about these developments. Taking this opportunity, he recommended Tenten for promotion to Tokubetsu Jōnin (Special Jōnin) to Tsunade.

Tsunade was surprised after hearing his recommendation:

"Honestly, with Tenten's skills, she could even become a Jōnin. Why are you only recommending her as a Special Jōnin? Did you two have a lovers' quarrel?"

"Where did that guess come from?" Natsuki was speechless. "Tenten's strength mainly comes from her summoning weapons. Her base ability isn't yet at full Jōnin level, so she's more suitable as a Special Jōnin. Besides, Tenten is a proud girl – she wants to become a Jōnin by her own merit. But promotion from Chūnin to Jōnin requires a Jōnin recommendation. So, I can only recommend her for Special Jōnin for now. Once her strength gains your full recognition, Tsunade-sama, you'll promote her to Jōnin, right?"

"…You're not wrong."

Tsunade nodded in agreement.

She also vaguely understood Natsuki's hidden intentions.

After all, a Special Jōnin wasn't quite the same as a full Jōnin. Although they could take on Jōnin-level missions, the most dangerous tasks were still off-limits. This way, Tenten wouldn't encounter overly dangerous enemies, and her current strength would ensure her safety.

This little man… so meticulous in thinking about his girlfriend's wellbeing.

Tsunade actually felt a hint of envy, but couldn't help teasing:

"Girlfriend? Are you sure she's just a girl at this point?"

Natsuki's face turned bright red:

"Cough, cough… Tsunade-sama, what are you saying!"

Tsunade didn't bother exposing him further. As a medical ninja for so many years, she wasn't blind. These two kids had clearly been getting intimate, though thankfully not stupid enough to have children right now. Otherwise, she wouldn't have minded giving Natsuki a good beating.

"Alright, I approve your recommendation. Go bring Tenten in." Tsunade waved her hand dismissively.

"Oh, Tenten's right outside!" Natsuki grinned, opening the office door and bringing Tenten in from the hallway.

"You two already expected me to agree, didn't you?" Tsunade was half amused, half exasperated, but let it slide.

She spoke to Tenten:

"That's the situation. I've accepted Natsuki's recommendation. From today on, you are a Special Jōnin. Tenten, you have great potential. I believe you will continue to grow. When the time comes, you won't need anyone's recommendation – I will promote you to Jōnin myself."

Tenten's eyes lit up with determination:

"Thank you for your trust, Tsunade-sama! I will not let you down!"

Tsunade waved her hand:

"Alright, go on. Get out of here with your little boyfriend and stop bothering me!"

Natsuki and Tenten didn't care whether Tsunade was truly angry. Hand in hand, they ran out happily, making Tsunade chuckle despite herself.

"…These two youngsters… they're just too young." Tsunade muttered with a sigh.

"So young and already a couple… and so loving too. It's honestly enviable," Shizune added absentmindedly.

"Oh? Shizune, are you envious?" Tsunade suddenly turned to scrutinize her assistant. "Now that you mention it, you've been with me all these years. You're not young anymore either. It's time to find someone. Even Megumi has a boyfriend now. So? Do you have anyone you like? Whether they're Jōnin, Special Jōnin, or Chūnin, as your elder I can help you connect."

Shizune's face turned crimson as she waved her hands frantically:

"Tsunade-sama, please stop teasing me! I don't have anyone!"

"Really?" Tsunade narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Don't be shy!"

"I swear! There's no one! Please stop messing with me, Tsunade-sama!"

Meanwhile, Natsuki decided to celebrate Tenten's promotion by gathering the rest of the Konoha Twelve at Yakiniku Q, wanting his friends to share the good news.

He originally planned to invite Kakashi, Aoba, and Guy too, but they were all out on missions.

Inside Yakiniku Q, Natsuki ordered several large meat sets. The sizzling meat released such a rich aroma that Choji, Hinata, and Naruto were practically drooling.

"Natsuki, you're being so generous today. Don't tell me… are you and Tenten getting married?" Shikamaru guessed.

"That's a bold guess." Natsuki chuckled. "Though I hope that day comes true, Tenten and I are still young. Marriage will be a few years away. Today is to celebrate Tenten's promotion to Special Jōnin."

Nani?! Tenten was promoted to Special Jōnin?!

Everyone was stunned, their faces filled with disbelief.

But thinking about Tenten's strength, it wasn't exactly surprising. It just felt sudden, since there had been no signs beforehand.

(End of Chapter)

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