"My name is Tenten, and I'd like to say that Neji was the top graduate of our class."
The girl beside Neji — a kunoichi with a confident smile and a hint of mischief — introduced herself. Her gaze drifted between Menma, Naruto, and Sasuke.
Truth be told, each of them carried a striking presence. Menma's calm and commanding aura, Naruto's fiery energy, and Sasuke's cold composure were all different shades of brilliance.
For Tenten, it was almost unfair — three prodigies standing side by side, and Sakura was the one among them. She couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of envy.
Meanwhile, the two so-called "Gate Guardians of Konoha," Izumo and Kotetsu, quietly slipped away after realizing their little illusion had been exposed. Only Menma noticed their discreet departure, though he said nothing.
"Oh? The top graduate from the previous year, huh?" Naruto grinned with excitement. "Wanna test your skills? I don't mind! And hey, you don't have to call me 'Master' or anything — just Naruto's fine!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, clearly irritated by Naruto's casual enthusiasm.
"Enough, Naruto," Menma said calmly, stepping forward. "Now isn't the time for sparring. The Chūnin Exams are about to begin — don't waste your energy."
Naruto blinked, then scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Right, right… got a little carried away."
Sasuke didn't speak, but his body language eased slightly. Over the past few months, Menma's steady leadership during missions had become second nature to the team. Even Kakashi often allowed him to take command during field assignments. Though Sasuke didn't like following anyone, Menma's decisions had never led them astray. For now, he chose to comply.
"Although you three only graduated a year after us, it seems we're already well-acquainted," Menma said evenly. "Neji-san, Lee-san — if you're curious about our strength, the Chūnin Exams are the right stage for that. We'll have plenty of opportunities to see whose skills shine brighter."
With a polite nod, Menma turned toward the staircase, leading the way.
"Hmph." Sasuke gave a cold glance toward Neji and Lee before following.
"Menma's right!" Naruto called cheerfully. "Let's save it for the exams — that's where the real fun begins!"
He waved playfully before heading upstairs with Sakura trailing behind him.
As Team 7 disappeared from sight, Neji's eyes lingered on their retreating backs. "Uzumaki Menma, Namikaze Naruto, and Uchiha Sasuke," he murmured softly. "This Chūnin Exam just got interesting."
Though his expression remained composed, his Byakugan eyes gleamed faintly. A challenge had been issued — and Neji Hyūga never ignored a challenge.
Menma, of course, remained indifferent. To him, the people of Konoha were just shadows in the background. Unless they stood in his way or held personal meaning to him, they were simply… irrelevant.
⸻
When Team 7 reached the true Room 301, they pushed open the door to find a packed classroom. The air buzzed with anticipation and the quiet tension of dozens of young ninja, each representing a different village.
Many turned their heads when the door opened — curiosity flickering for a moment before returning to their own groups. But some stares lingered, especially on Naruto and Sasuke, whose names were already whispered among the new generation.
Menma's presence, on the other hand, drew a different kind of attention. To those with keen instincts, his calm confidence radiated danger.
Among the sea of faces, one pair of sharp glasses gleamed faintly. Behind them were the calculating eyes of Kabuto Yakushi — the smiling spy in service to Orochimaru.
"So, Team 7 has arrived," Kabuto mused silently. "Naruto, Sasuke… and Menma Uzumaki. I'll need to report this to Lord Orochimaru."
He pushed his glasses slightly, studying them one by one. His smile never faltered.
Menma, however, wasn't fooled. His sharp senses picked up Kabuto's subtle chakra signature the moment they entered. To everyone else, Kabuto seemed harmless — polite, even friendly — but Menma knew better.
So, that's him… Kabuto Yakushi. Orochimaru's little shadow, Menma thought. A spy among spies — a man who can wear any face he wants.
His acting was flawless, his deception seamless. In another life, Menma mused, Kabuto would've been an award-winning actor.
But behind that gentle expression was a deadly predator. And Menma could already feel the faint trace of Orochimaru's intent through him.
It's enough to recognize him for now, Menma decided inwardly. I'll deal with him when the time comes.
He exhaled softly, the faint flicker of crimson chakra pulsing through his body before fading again.
⸻
"Didn't expect to see you guys here," came a familiar voice.
Turning toward it, Menma saw Shikamaru Nara walking over, his usual bored expression firmly in place. "What a drag. I thought only our class got nominated for the exams."
Behind him were Chōji Akimichi munching on chips and Ino Yamanaka, waving brightly at Sakura.
"Hey, Sakura! You made it too!" Ino said with a teasing grin before turning her gaze to Menma and Naruto. "Well, looks like your team's still full of surprises."
Naruto grinned. "Of course! Team 7 never loses!"
Menma, however, simply gave a faint smile, his mind already focusing on the tests to come. The Chūnin Exams were about to begin — a battlefield where power, wit, and destiny would collide.
And this time, he wouldn't be fighting just for Konoha…
but for the shadow of the Uzumaki name that still echoed within him.