While the three genin recovered in the village, Hayate went to check the battlefield.

Unfortunately, 42's corpse didn't have anything to deduce his identity, so Hayate assumed it was one of the other villages' plot.

Still, since the bandits disbanded and fled, it was concluded that the bandits were forced by 42, so it would be highly unlikely that the bandits would gather here again.

Which means, the mission could be counted as a success.

After that, they returned to the village.

Hayate allowed them to rest for a few days, while he went to give his mission report.

Of course, when Hiruzen heard that there was a strong shinobi who lead a bandit group nearby and that his goals are still unknown, he felt troubled, but he was certain it was a plot of a village with bad relations like Kumogakure.

But even more so, he felt troubled that not only Team Kakashi's mission was far more dangerous than he initially anticipated, but now it was the case for Team Hayate's as well.

So the first thing he did, was to order to check all current missions on their difficulty level.

Anyway, he was still glad that there were no casualties from both teams and that the Genin showed an unexpected skill and mental fortitude.

So he decided to ask Hayate if he wants to recommend his team for the Chunin-exams as well.

After some days of rest, the members of team eleven got a notice to meet up with Hayate.

Hayate's arm was still injured since it wasn't a clean break like Arina's and needed more time to heal.

"Koff, I summoned you here today to tell you that I recommended you all for the Chunin-exam."

Silence.

"Ehmm sensei, what is this Chunin exam?" - Kotaru

'I feel bad for Hayate sensei, here he is basically saying that he acknowledges us and then those two have no idea...' - Eiji

"It's basically an exam which allows us to be promoted to Chunin. As far as I know, it's pretty rare for rookie Genin to be recommended for them..."

"Is this really a good idea for us?" - Arina

"..." - Kotaru

"Koff, Eiji's explanation is right. Anyway, the exam is voluntary, so if you don't want to participate, you just have to not turn those applications in. But if you instead want to participate, report to room 301 at the school by 4 in the afternoon tomorrow. That's all."

'So it starts...now I must do everything to help Hayate-sensei' avoid his death...' - Eiji had a dark expression.

Hayate initially thought they would be happy about their chance to take the exam this early, but they all had gloomy faces.

'Maybe they still didn't sort their emotions about last mission out...but that's something which shinobis need to learn to deal with...'

Eiji and Arina went home, but Kotaru called out to Hayate before the latter went off as well.

"Sensei, please wait! Can I talk to you for a bit?"

"Sure, what's wrong?"

"You know, on our last mission Eiji was undisputable the reason we survived and even Arina pulled something amazing off...but I - I was just useless...I couldn't even move...so I don't know if I'm qualified for this exam..."

"Koff, I know how you feel, but I wouldn't recommend you just so you aren't left behind. This exam is dangerous and I would only recommend you if I acknowledged your skills as a shinobi."

"But...I don't have anything special about me and I'm not as brave in a dangerous situation as Arina..."

"Precisely because you are so normal I recommended you...you know, as someone who is completely normal, the only thing you can do is to slowly accumulate experience and to use it. You may certainly fail this exam, but you will use the failure to grow. But don't overexert yourself, the exams are dangerous, so if you are at your limit, just quit. Taking baby steps and doing the exams over till you pass is really okay."

Kotaro thought some time about Hayate's words.

After some time it looked like he was convinced and said with a smile: "Thanks sensei, you are right! I will just take baby steps and then one day I will surpass this stupid Eiji!"

CrusadeAgainstFurries

Today I wasn't able to pull a double chapter off, but this just means that it will be another day instead. Furthermore, you guys voted to keep the length and upload like it was till now, so we will go with that for now. Maybe in the future when the plot gets more complicated and the chapters need more length I will change it then. Anyway, thanks for all your support and reading! Also, stay healthy!