Naruto: Tsunade's Apprentice

Chapter 17: Lightning Strikes Hokage Tower

It was a warm spring day that felt like it was already summer, though the mood was brought down a bit by the dark clouds that seemed to be forming overhead. Naruto was taking a break from his most recent lesson with Tsunade. To his dismay he was ordered to relax and "smell the trees." He wasn't even allowed to use his kage bunshin to continue his studies as he walked through the village.

He had to admit though, it was nice to feel the breeze of summer right now. Though he could do without the humidity. As he was walking closer to the outskirts of the village marketplace he began to look up at the clouds. It wasn't bad but Naruto preferred a clear sky. Then he would have the warmth of the sun to relax to as well as remember the time he and Tsunade rested in the field where he first summoned Katsuyu. He had gone back there several times since his return to Konoha, often times with Tsunade when they need to relax for a time. He did have to admit, his new vest made a great pillow when he wanted to lay down. Though he often lent it to Tsunade where she would then tease him about be a chivalrous little maelstrom, getting him to blush.

He had been promoted a few days after their return. Sadly, he was the only one to be promoted but Sasuke and Shino were close. It was barely a few days after he returned from his near two weeklong mission when the teams that had members that made it to the final round of the Chunin Selection Exams were called into Tsunade's office to announce any promotions. Every one of the Genin stood in front of their Jonin sensei as they all stood before Tsunade. Lee was once again back in his green spandex with orange leg warmers. Neji had both of his hands wrapped like Lee while Tenten seemed to add another utility pouch to her belt. Everyone was surprised to see the mask Naruto had on the side of his head. 'Why a kitsune?' thought Sakura. The Jonin, who were not on the mission, were surprised that the boy had chosen such a creature considering not only his relation to it but how Konoha felt about such creatures. Kakashi in turn also felt pride and was tempted to wipe away an imaginary tear from his eye. One of his students was going to wear a mask like his sensei, even if the mask was nowhere near like his own.

As they stood, Tsunade sat at her desk, her fingers steepled before her mouth as Shizune stood behind her with a clipboard in hand while Tonton seemed to be guarding the door. Tsunade began addressing everyone before her. "Thank you all for coming. First of all, I would like to congratulate each and every one of you for making it as far as you did for your first Chunin Exams." At those words many puffed up their chests in pride, even those that got knocked out in the preliminaries while another was silently promising to himself to go all the way next time. "Second of all, I would like to announce those that earned a promotion to Chunin." At those words, all the Genin stiffened as they hoped it would be them that got promoted. Tsunade ran her gaze across all those that were standing before her until her gaze settled on Naruto.

"Naruto Uzumaki. Step forward." Holding back his growing smile, Naruto did as order. "For your skills and tactics demonstrated throughout the exams. It has been decided that you are here by promoted to the rank of Chunin" she said as she smiled at her second apprentice. Naruto let out a cheer of happiness, as some in the crowd applauded his success. Shizune walked forward and presented her clipboard to Naruto. Held by the clasp was a form that awaited his signature that stated he is promoted and that his signature acknowledges the promotion. There was also a seal at the bottom of the page, that once he signed the paper, summoned a Chunin vest which Naruto eagerly put on as he smiled brightly.

The mood was broken when Kiba shouted out only to be chastised by his sensei afterwards, "WHAT?! How come he get promoted?!" Naruto took his place back in line as Tsunade turned her attention towards him. "He showed tactical thinking, the development of a new skill beyond the basic three from the academy, and the ability to both end fights quickly and efficiently as well as restraint so he could capture targets if required during the tournament. I understand that during the preliminaries his combat performance was unsatisfactory however the preliminaries were used as a supplement to narrow down the participants and not a true phase of the exam. It still allows all judges to see a Genin's skill however it can only be used as another note and not a make or break for promotion due to their rarity" explained Tsunade.