Five months later.
Naruto and Chiharu rose particularly early, as today marked their Ninja Academy graduation examination.
"We're heading out," they announced after breakfast, gathering their belongings and bidding farewell to their parents.
"You've got this!" Kushina exclaimed with an encouraging fist pump, her expression brimming with energy.
"Right," the siblings nodded firmly.
Minato stood and offered his own reassurance: "Just do your best."
He was well aware of his children's capabilities and knew the graduation exam wouldn't pose significant challenges for either of them. Their concern was merely where they would rank. Chiharu's exceptional performance was a foregone conclusion, while Naruto's only uncertainty lay in the theoretical section, despite Minato's frequent tutoring sessions.
After the siblings departed, Minato donned his Hokage robe. "I should leave as well," he told Kushina.
"Once they graduate, how do you plan to organize the teams?" Kushina asked, straightening his collar as she looked up at him.
"The foundation will be based on their results, of course," Minato replied.
He explained that Academy graduates were typically divided into balanced teams. However, Naruto's class included children from virtually all of Konoha's prominent clans. To provide optimal training for these promising young shinobi, both team composition and Jonin instructor selection required careful consideration.
"I see."
Kushina's acknowledgment carried a subtle note of concern. Though these were times of relative peace, the ninja profession remained inherently dangerous, and her children were about to step fully into that world.
"Don't worry," Minato said, reading her thoughts. "While I can't show favoritism in team assignments simply because they're our children, Naruto and Chiharu carry both your blood and mine. Have faith in them."
He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.
"You're right," Kushina nodded.
With that, Minato vanished from her sight.
In the Hokage's office, Minato reviewed a mission scroll with satisfaction.
"Well done on this mission, Guy," he said, looking up with an appreciative smile.
"The progress your three students have shown is quite impressive."
"This is merely the beginning!" Might Guy responded enthusiastically, flashing a thumbs-up and his signature gleaming smile. "Their youth has only just begun to blossom!"
"Heh..." Minato's mouth twitched slightly at Guy's characteristic exuberance.
"Lord Hokage, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Guy said suddenly.
"Is something urgent?" Minato inquired, raising an eyebrow.
Guy nodded. "I've arranged to train with Lee today."
"I see."
Minato's eyes flickered as Guy excused himself and quickly departed the office. Even after the door closed, Minato could hear the Jonin's rapid footsteps hurrying away.
The Academy graduation examinations concluded by midday. After completing their tests, the students dispersed to their homes.
Once compiled, the results weren't immediately announced but instead forwarded directly to the Hokage's office, as the Hokage personally assigned teams based on performance.
Minato accepted the report from Iruka. The first names that caught his attention were, predictably:
Uchiha Sasuke
Namikaze Chiharu
Both had achieved perfect scores, tying for first place. This came as no surprise, as Minato was well acquainted with their consistent academic excellence.
He continued scanning down the list:
Yamanaka Ino
Aburame Shino
Hyuga Hinata
Akimichi Choji
The next several names all belonged to children from Konoha's prominent ninja clans. Having received systematic training from early childhood, they naturally outperformed students from civilian backgrounds.
Haruno Sakura
This girl, ranked impressively high, demonstrated exceptional chakra control. Her theoretical knowledge earned perfect marks, while her taijutsu and shuriken skills surpassed the average.
Namikaze Naruto
Naruto's name appeared just below Haruno Sakura's. Minato examined his son's scores: perfect marks in taijutsu and shuriken techniques, near-perfect in ninjutsu, with only his theoretical knowledge achieving the minimum passing score.
"So you managed it after all," Minato murmured with a proud smile.
Naruto passing the theoretical portion, even by the narrowest margin, represented a significant achievement.
Minato continued reviewing the remaining students' results before beginning the complex task of team assignment.
By the time he finished, darkness had fallen outside his office window.
"We're one student short," he realized with a slight frown.
Ninja teams traditionally consisted of three-person cells, but the number of graduates in Naruto's class created an awkward remainder.
"Perhaps we could place the siblings together," Minato considered.
With Chiharu's exceptional abilities and Naruto's impressive physical skills, they might function effectively as a two-person team if one group needed to deviate from the standard format.
Knock, knock!
Just as Minato was finalizing his team assignments, a firm knock interrupted his concentration.
"Enter," he called, looking up expectantly.
The door opened to reveal three elderly figures, causing Minato's brow to furrow slightly.
"At this hour? Why would all three elder arrive together?"
Before him stood Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Shimura Danzō.
Danzō approached directly, prompting Minato to rise from his seat out of respect. Though he harbored deep misgivings about Danzō, the man remained a senior advisor to Konoha.
"Lord Fourth, have you completed the team assignments for this year's Academy graduates?" Danzō inquired.
Minato's frown deepened slightly. "Just now," he confirmed.
In previous years, the council would never have involved themselves in such matters. This year was clearly different—not only because the graduating class included numerous heirs to Konoha's major clans, but more likely because of Naruto's status.
As the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Naruto represented a matter of significant strategic importance.
"We've come merely to confirm your selection for the Jonin who will guide the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki," Danzō stated bluntly, confirming Minato's suspicion.
Utatane and Mitokado watched intently, their expressions revealing their interest in his response.
Minato recognized they weren't concerned with which instructor would best foster Naruto's growth. Rather, given Naruto's special status, they understood that no ordinary Jonin could be entrusted with his development.
Having anticipated this inquiry, Minato had already determined his choice.
Meeting the gazes of the three councilors, he responded with deliberate clarity:
"I plan to assign Uchiha Shisui as Naruto's Jonin instructor."