In addition to their allies from Sunagakure, other large and small villages like Otogakure, Kusagakure, Amegakure, and Takigakure also sent shinobi to participate. Konoha Village grew increasingly lively and bustling. However, with more ninja came more friction. Historical conflicts between the various villages meant that disputes would break out from time to time.
Finally, the day the Chunin Exams were set to begin arrived. Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata, registration forms from Kakashi in hand, headed toward the designated venue.
"Naruto!" a warm voice called out.
Naruto looked back and his face lit up. "Lee! It's been a while!"
The newcomers were Rock Lee, Neji Hyuga, and Tenten—the members of Team 3.
"Yeah! You seem to have grown taller, and I bet your strength has improved by leaps and bounds!" Lee said enthusiastically. "I heard you defeated the Demon of the Hidden Mist, Zabuza Momochi! That's amazing!"
Naruto scratched his head and chuckled. "It was nothing, really!"
Hyuga Neji replied coldly, "Zabuza Momochi was a Jonin and one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Your strength is insufficient to defeat him. That victory was thanks to Kakashi Hatake."
Naruto, who had been about to be modest, found Neji's dismissiveness hard to swallow. "Of course it was thanks to Kakashi-sensei! But we also defeated Zabuza's water clones, and in the end, I was the one who finished the job! What, you don't believe it?!"
Hyuga Neji simply said, "Then don't go around spreading tales that you were the one who killed Zabuza."
Naruto roared, "Damn it! When did we go around telling everyone?!"
Hinata advised gently, "Never mind, Naruto. There's no need to explain..."
Naruto snorted. "Hyuga Neji, Rock Lee and I made a promise with you a year ago! We said we'd have a fair fight and defeat you completely! Let's settle that bet during these Chunin Exams!"
Neji said indifferently, "It doesn't matter. You are no match for me anyway." After saying this, he strode away arrogantly. Tenten gave the three of them a slight smile and followed him.
Rock Lee sighed. "That's just Neji's temperament. He's not a bad person... but you're right about one thing, Naruto. This Chunin Exam is our moment to fulfill that promise! Whichever of us encounters him, we must defeat him!"
"Oh! You bet!"
Rock Lee smiled confidently. "I've become much stronger, too. I have a secret weapon that will definitely make everyone acknowledge my power!"
Naruto laughed. "Me too! See you in the exams!"
"Right!"
Team 3 had just left when they encountered Teams 8 and 10.
"Sasuke! It's been so long!" Sakura Haruno was the first to cry out, immediately running toward Sasuke and chattering incessantly. Sasuke just grunted and ignored her.
Ino approached Hinata with a smile. "Hinata, you came too. It seems we were all recommended to participate. So, are you confident?"
Hinata nodded. "I will try my best."
"Hey, your Team 7 will definitely be fine. You're a recognized team of geniuses, the strongest squad, and Konoha's top contenders for the exams!" Ino rolled her eyes at Shikamaru, who was yawning, and Choji, who was frantically eating potato chips. "Look at my two teammates, then look at yours... Ugh, comparisons are so frustrating!"
Naruto excitedly greeted his friends. "Shikamaru, Choji! You guys are participating too! Are you sure you're up for it?" It was no wonder Naruto was suspicious; while most of their classmates had been swept up in a new wave of determination, these two remained completely unchanged.
Shikamaru stretched and rubbed his sleepy eyes. "It's all because of Asuma-sensei. He insisted on enrolling us. It's such a drag..."
Choji munched away. "Don't say that, Shikamaru. Asuma-sensei did it because he trusts us."
Ino sighed. "Forget Asuma-sensei, even I don't believe in us!"
Hinata smiled. "Ino, you're very strong. You should have more confidence in yourself."
From the other side, Kiba Inuzuka stepped forward. "Naruto, Sasuke, you two are really making a name for yourselves! But hey, I won't lose to you!" Akamaru, perched on his head, barked twice to cheer him on.
Naruto grinned. "Oh yeah? Bring it on!"
Shino Aburame said flatly, "Please do not ignore my presence."
Kiba laughed heartily and patted Shino on the shoulder. "Right, right, and Shino too. Don't underestimate him; he might just be the strongest one here!" He then turned to Sakura. "Alright, it's time to go, Sakura!"
Sakura complained, "What's the rush? I was just getting to chat with Sasuke!"
Kiba said nonchalantly, "That wasn't a chat, it was a one-sided conversation! Let's hurry up, or we'll miss registration and all of Kurenai-sensei's efforts will be wasted."
Thinking of Kurenai, Sakura could only sigh. "Alright." She turned back to Sasuke one last time. "Sasuke, I've made great progress training with Kurenai-sensei. She says I have a real talent for genjutsu. I'm sure I'll shine in the exams, so please keep a close eye on me!" After saying this, she joined Kiba and Shino, and they left together.
Ino shook her head as she watched her retreating figure. "Sakura is still so obsessed with Sasuke..."
Hinata asked softly, "Ino, what about you?"
"Me? Of course I still like Sasuke! But... I can tell he doesn't have time for romance. His heart is filled with a deep sadness, and he's only focused on his own path... So Hinata, if you can, please help him out a bit more..."
"Yes, I will."
"Thank you. You're as gentle as ever." Ino smiled brightly, waved goodbye, and left with Shikamaru and Choji.
After everyone had registered, the ninja from all the villages gathered in one place. Naruto pushed open the door and entered, and was immediately met with an overwhelming sight. The huge room was packed with shinobi of all shapes and sizes—men and women, young and old, each radiating a palpable aura of strength. Though it was called the Chunin Exams, the variety of contestants was staggering, from teenagers their own age to seasoned young adults, middle-aged veterans, and even the elderly.
As Naruto pushed the door open with a bang, the entire room fell silent. Countless gazes shot toward them like a volley of shuriken. Undeterred, Naruto crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and strode inside.
"Who is that arrogant brat?"
"According to intelligence, he's from the Konoha team led by the Copy Ninja, Kakashi Hatake. Name's Naruto Uzumaki. He was on the Land of Waves mission... they say Zabuza Momochi died at his hands."
"What?! Zabuza, one of the Seven Swordsmen, died at the hands of a kid like that?!"
"It must have been Kakashi, considering the vast difference in their strength..."
"But there's no doubt that Team 7 is considered the strongest squad in Konoha..."
"Hmph, just a fresh graduate, and he dares to be so arrogant. He probably doesn't even know you can die in these exams!"
"Heh, let's just wait and see..."
Naruto quickly spotted the other Konoha rookies. In addition, Gaara, the monster from Sunagakure, was also among them with Temari and Kankuro. Just as the room was buzzing with discussion, several figures burst through the windows, landing precisely in various parts of the classroom and blocking all exits. Then, a tall and imposing figure strode in through the front door.
The man was not only tall but powerfully built, standing as steady and heavy as an iron tower and exuding a powerful sense of pressure. He wore a ninja forehead protector like a bandana, his features sharp and fierce. His eyes were cold and piercing, and his face was covered with terrible scars, giving him a ferocious and twisted look. One glance was enough to silence everyone.
Naruto couldn't help but swallow hard. "Who is that terrifying man?" he whispered. Hinata shook her head, and even Sasuke frowned.
The man walked up to the podium and said coldly, "I am the examiner for the first part of the Chunin Selection Exams. My name is Ibiki Morino. The exams are now officially open! Distribute the test papers."
"Yes, Lord Ibiki!" several equally grim-faced ninja replied, immediately handing out the confidential exam papers one by one.
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