Originally posted by: AssertnFailure
yes, psyke, its only for establishing the level of missions and leadership abilties, but this means that naruto and sakura shouldnt be able to take any A or B rank missions if they're still genin (and that's where the fun stuff happens). Besides, if Naruto plans to be hokage, he has to climb those ranks eventually.
Don't think they follow the rules as as strictly as you say. Even Shikamaru can lead a team of Genins on an A rank mission. I know they were low on resources but it only proves that anything goes and the Hokage can make any decisions based on his/her judgement even if bypassing the rules of Jounin -> A rank missions, etc. The Hokage sends people out on missions and decides who goes, remember?

As for Naruto climbing the ranks I believe if he eventually gets strong enough to protect the village, he can use take over the role of the Hokage without having to go through any of the promotional examinations.

And was Dan Shizune's brother? I missed that part, can anyone else confirm?