After Haku left, Sasuke divided the 15 million ryo into four parts and handed them to Kakashi, Naruto, and Sakura, saying:
"I captured Zabuza, so I'll take 20 million ryo. The remaining 15 million is for the three of you."
Kakashi felt astonished. This was a full 15 million ryo! Sasuke was being unusually generous!
He stared at Sasuke, noticing the unwavering resolve in Sasuke's eyes. It was clear that Sasuke had made up his mind, and Kakashi knew better than to argue when Sasuke had already decided something.
With a resigned sigh, Kakashi turned to Naruto and Sakura. "Alright, in that case, we'll divide the 15 million ryo equally between the three of us. Naruto, Sakura, you'll each get 5 million ryo."
Keep in mind, even for an S-rank mission, the reward usually only amounted to about 1 million ryo. For Kakashi, 5 million ryo was a significant sum, and for Naruto and Sakura, it was enormous.
Naruto was stunned. It took him a while to process the news. "Wait... we get some of that too?" he mumbled to himself. Five million ryo! That was enough money to buy ramen for a long time! Naruto was so overjoyed that he resolved to treat himself to a huge bowl of luxurious ramen as soon as they completed the mission.
Sakura, on the other hand, felt a bit shy. Blushing, she softly whispered to Sasuke, "I'll give my share to you, Sasuke. If you need it, you can use it anytime." After saying that, she quickly lowered her head, too embarrassed to meet Sasuke's gaze, though the blush on her cheeks lingered.
Later, Sasuke sent a shadow clone to the black market to buy some chakra metal. The process went smoothly, without any issues. With that done, Team 7, having successfully completed their mission in the Land of Waves, began their return journey to Konoha.
---
A few days later, Konoha Village was as peaceful as ever on the surface. However, beneath this calm exterior, a storm was brewing.
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, gathered a group of people and addressed them: "I've called you all here today for an important reason. I'm sure you already have an idea of what it is."
Kakashi nodded slightly, understanding the implications. He whispered to himself, "It's that time already."
Asuma, standing nearby, chimed in, "We've been seeing signs of it around the village, and the related reports have already been sent to other nations."
Kurenai Yuhi, confused, asked, "When exactly will it happen?"
Hiruzen took a deep breath and exhaled a puff of smoke before replying slowly, "In one week."
Hearing this, Kakashi furrowed his brow and muttered, "That's pretty urgent."
Hiruzen continued, "Then, I officially announce that seven days from today, on July 1st, the Chunin Selection Exams will begin."
The announcement stirred the crowd, but Hiruzen wasn't finished. "Now, I'll need the Jonin instructors in charge of the Genin teams to come forward. Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma—do you have any Genin to recommend for the exam? Formally, any Genin who has completed more than eight missions can be recommended for the Chunin Exam."
Starting with Kakashi, he spoke firmly, "The 7th Team under my command—Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and Haruno Sakura—are recommended to take the Chunin Selection Exam."
Yuhi Kurenai followed, "The 8th Team under my leadership—Hyuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino—are also recommended for the exam."
Finally, Sarutobi Asuma added, "The 10th Team under my supervision—Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Choji—are recommended as well."
The room erupted in murmurs and discussions. It had been five years since new Genin had taken the Chunin Exam, and this announcement caught many by surprise. Iruka, who had been standing quietly by, was especially taken aback. His expression grew serious as he raised his voice.
"Wait! Lord Hokage, please hear me out. I know I might be overstepping, but the nine Genin who were just listed were my students at the Ninja Academy. While there's no doubt that they're all talented, I think it's too soon for them to take the Chunin Exam. They need more time to gain real combat experience before facing something like this."
Iruka's concerns were rooted in the fact that the Chunin Exams often resulted in casualties, and with the exam being held in conjunction with other ninja villages, the risks would be even higher. Iruka didn't want to see any of his former students lose their lives in this dangerous test.
"When I became a Chunin, I was six years younger than they are now," Kakashi suddenly remarked.
Iruka, clearly frustrated, shot back, "But they're not like you, Kakashi! You were a genius! Are you really willing to risk their lives?"
"Genius?" Kakashi's expression remained unreadable. "Compared to Sasuke, I'm hardly a genius. For him, this exam will be a walk in the park."
Thinking of Sasuke's immense talent, Kakashi spoke with quiet confidence.
"Enough!" Hiruzen interrupted. "Iruka, since Kakashi has recommended them, it's decided. You should make the necessary preparations for the Chunin Exam."
Iruka and Kakashi exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.
---
Meanwhile, out on the streets of Konoha, Naruto and Sakura were walking side by side.
"Ah, Kakashi-sensei asked us to meet him. What do you think it's about?" Naruto asked, scratching his head in confusion.
Sakura frowned slightly. "Sasuke's always so mysterious, just like Kakashi-sensei..." she muttered. "Could it be another special mission?" Naruto guessed.