Naruto: The new beginning

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Four days later, in the Hokage's office, Teams 3, 7, 8, 10, and 11 gathered along with 20 instructors and a dog. The room felt uncomfortably cramped with everyone present.

The instructors, already briefed on the matter, ensured their students stood at the front to listen to Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage.

"I've carefully reviewed the report from Sunagakure. I've called you here to announce the results," Minato began, addressing the group of 15 nervous yet composed young shinobi.

"In light of your commendable performances during the Chunin Exams, I formally approve the promotion of Neji Hyuga, Tenten, Rock Lee, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka, Shiro, Kamo, and Hachi. As the Fourth Hokage, I declare these 12 shinobi officially promoted to Chunin."

A smile spread across Minato's face as he concluded, "Congratulations!"

"Yeah!!!" The room erupted into cheers, with Rock Lee and Kiba shouting the loudest. Even Shikamaru and Neji, usually calm and composed, allowed themselves small smiles.

Naruto observed the scene, feeling he understood Shikamaru's quiet joy. After all, he had 'accidentally' overheard Temari telling Shikamaru not to fall too far behind her since she was about to be promoted to Jonin.

Hinata, however, seemed concerned. She gathered her courage and asked softly, "Naruto-kun… What about Team 7?"

The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention to Minato, curious about the status of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.

Team 7's performance during the exams had been remarkable, and many felt they deserved more than just a promotion to Chunin.

Minato glanced at Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura before continuing, "Regarding Team 7… The Fifth Kazekage has personally expressed his admiration for your actions, and even Takigakure has sent a letter of gratitude."

"Based on your contributions and proven abilities, I am awarding each of you an S-rank mission record. Furthermore, you are all promoted directly to Special Jonin. Continue to strive for greatness."

"Yes!" the trio responded in unison.

Sakura clenched her fists in excitement. She hadn't even become a Chunin yet, and now she was skipping straight to Special Jonin a feat she hadn't imagined possible.

Sasuke smirked, his confidence surging. Even Minato acknowledged his strength. 'Special Jonin, huh? Maybe it's time to challenge Itachi.'

Naruto, on the other hand, was caught off guard. No one had warned him about this promotion.

Still, he couldn't complain; after all, a pay raise was always welcome. However, he wondered if losing the title of Genin might diminish his ability to "save the world."

Minato smiled warmly at the group before him. These young shinobi will undoubtedly become the pillars of Konoha's future.

The students were in awe. Kiba exclaimed, "They were promoted straight to Special Jonin?! That's so unfair! They used the exam to sneak in an S-rank mission!"

"As expected of them!" Lee shouted enthusiastically, flames of determination seemingly burning behind him. "Neji! Tenten! Let's take on an S-rank mission too!"

"I refuse," Neji and Tenten replied simultaneously, their faces showing equal disdain.

Hinata, however, was thrilled. "Naruto-kun, congratulations!"

"Thanks, Hinata. I'm sure you'll catch up soon," Naruto replied with a smile.

"But that's not the point right now. The real question is…" He turned and waved at Kakashi. "Kakashi-sensei, you're treating us to celebrate, right?"

Kakashi's eye curved into a crescent as he chuckled. "Alright, we'll go to your favourite barbecue restaurant. It's on me."

Inspired, Choji ran to Asuma and hugged him, looking up with wide, pleading eyes. "Asuma-sensei!"

"Alright, alright," Asuma sighed, prying Choji's greasy hands off him. "I get it. We'll celebrate too."

Hinata and Kurenai exchanged a glance. Kurenai smiled warmly at her students. "Of course, let's celebrate together."

"Count me in!" Might Guy interjected, his signature enthusiasm on full display. "It's a glorious occasion to celebrate my youthful students' promotions!"

Even Kushina, who had been observing quietly, clapped her hands. "Why don't we make it a big gathering? Minato, are you joining us?"

Minato gestured to the stack of documents on his desk with a helpless smile. "I'd love to, but I have work to finish. You all go ahead and have fun."

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That evening, the group celebrated with food, drinks, and laughter. Though they cherished the party, everyone understood that their responsibilities would soon grow, making such large gatherings rarer in the future.

The only minor hiccup occurred when Lee nearly grabbed the wrong glass, prompting Naruto to intervene just in time. The incident left Neji and Tenten briefly alarmed but relieved.

Meanwhile, Asuma stared silently at the exorbitant bill, sighing before reluctantly paying extra.

As the party wound down, Naruto stopped Kakashi before he could leave. "Kakashi-sensei, can I borrow you for something important?"

"Hm?" Kakashi looked curious. "What's this about?"

"It's a surprise," Naruto grinned. "But trust me, only you can handle this!"

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Later, at Mount Myoboku, Kakashi found himself standing in awe of the legendary site.

It was his first visit to one of the three great Sage Regions, and he couldn't help but feel curious about Naruto's request.

"Toadyoshi! I brought him!" Naruto called out, and with a puff of smoke, a two-meter-tall toad appeared before Kakashi.

"Is this the Kakashi-sensei you mentioned?" Toadyoshi asked politely.

"Yup!" Naruto replied confidently. "He's perfect for the task!"

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "What task?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Toadyoshi said with a respectful bow. "Follow me, please."

Naruto gave Kakashi a reassuring nod. "Don't worry, it's nothing dangerous. Once you're done, Toadyoshi will bring you back to me."

As Kakashi followed the toad, Naruto turned to Fukasaku, ready to resume his training. "It's been at least eight or nine days since the Chunin Exams began. I can't afford to slack off if I want to become a Sage!"

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