The real Shinobi World...
Time flowed slowly beneath the Heavenly Screen, like an invisible river quietly carrying away every moment in the Shinobi World. In their spare time, people across the Shinobi World gathered to discuss the third video that was about to play on the Heavenly Screen. They guessed who its main character would be this time.
"It won't be someone from Konoha again, will it?" someone muttered, a hint of resignation in their voice. After all, Konoha had always been the focus of the Shinobi World, producing countless legendary ninja.
"Who knows? Maybe this time it'll be someone from another ninja village," another replied, their eyes sparkling with hope. They longed to see their own village's heroes display their prowess on the Heavenly Screen.
"The Kazekage of Sunagakure is a force to be reckoned with too," someone suggested, a trace of pride in their voice.
"And Killer B of Kumogakure—no one can match the power of his Eight-Tails," another added, their voice full of admiration.
"Mei Terumi of Kirigakure has mastered Water Release to an extraordinary degree." Someone else mentioned the powerful kunoichi, their eyes full of admiration.
Finally, someone mentioned a ninja whose vigor had not faded with age. "Ōnoki of Iwagakure—no one can stop his Dust Release," they said, their voice full of respect.
Everyone joined in, the discussion growing lively. They hoped the third video on the Heavenly Screen would bring them a spectacular battle and let them witness another legend of the Shinobi World.
The Heavenly Screen still hung overhead, and time continued to pass. The people of the Shinobi World were full of anticipation and curiosity. They knew that whoever appeared in the third video, it would be a feast for the eyes and the soul. They waited for that moment to arrive.
Konoha
The sky was a clear blue, and sunlight fell on Hokage Rock, illuminating Hiruzen Sarutobi's resolute face. He stood at the window of the Hokage's office, gazing into the distance, his mind full of thoughts. Although the Heavenly Screen's appearance had brought unprecedented shock and uncertainty to the Shinobi World, as Konoha's Third Hokage, he knew he could not afford to lose his composure now.
"The Chunin Ninja Exams have already been announced. They cannot be interrupted because of the Heavenly Screen," Hiruzen Sarutobi said gravely, his voice carrying unquestionable authority. He turned to the Anbu Ninja beside him and ordered, "Send word to the other ninja villages immediately. Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams will be held as scheduled. No matter what plays on the Heavenly Screen, Konoha's order and the future of the Shinobi World must not be disrupted."
The Anbu Ninja nodded in acknowledgment and swiftly vanished from the room. Hiruzen Sarutobi looked out the window again, feeling a little more at ease. He had just received word that two of his disciples, Jiraiya and Tsunade, were on their way back to Konoha. These two legendary Sannin were not only pillars of Konoha, but also the disciples he trusted most.
"So Jiraiya's finally decided to come back?" The corners of Hiruzen Sarutobi's mouth rose in a faint, relieved smile. Jiraiya spent years traveling, gathering intelligence and writing novels, while Tsunade had stayed away from Konoha because of past wounds. Now, their imminent return undoubtedly gave Hiruzen Sarutobi more confidence.
With them here, Konoha will be even stronger, Hiruzen Sarutobi thought. He knew that Jiraiya's wisdom and strength, and Tsunade's Medical Ninjutsu and monstrous strength, were indispensable to Konoha. Their return was not only support for Konoha, but also a safeguard for the current stability of the Shinobi World.
Just then, there was a gentle knock at the office door. A ninja entered and respectfully reported, "Lord Hokage, preparations for the Chunin Ninja Exams are complete. Messengers have been sent to invite the daimyo and the ninja villages participating in the competition."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said firmly, "Very good. Inform all examiners and guards that they must ensure the exams are safe and fair. No matter what appears on the Heavenly Screen, we must put Konoha's will and the future of the Shinobi World first."
The ninja left to carry out his orders, and Hiruzen Sarutobi looked out the window again. He was full of confidence. Although the Heavenly Screen's appearance had brought unknown challenges, he believed Konoha was capable of facing any problem. Whether it was the Chunin Ninja Exams or any future crisis, he would lead Konoha to meet the challenge head-on.
"Konoha's flame will never go out," Hiruzen Sarutobi murmured, determination shining in his eyes. He turned and walked to his desk, beginning to handle the matters ahead. Whatever the future held, he would protect this land and its people as Hokage.
Within the Land of Rice Fields...
Orochimaru moved swiftly through the dense forest, a cold light flickering in his golden, slit-pupiled eyes. His goal was clear: the Land of Wind. He had already reached a secret agreement with Sunagakure's Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, to launch the "Konoha Crush Plan" during Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams. However, the Heavenly Screen's appearance had disrupted his plans.
"Will that fellow Rasa change his plans because of the Heavenly Screen?" Orochimaru murmured, his voice tinged with cold disdain. He knew Rasa was cautious and suspicious, and the images of the future shown on the Heavenly Screen would undoubtedly make him reevaluate their cooperation. After all, although Sunagakure hoped to improve its standing by destroying Konoha, the Heavenly Screen's appearance had made the situation throughout the Shinobi World more complicated.
"Hmph, whatever happens, Sunagakure's strength is indispensable." Orochimaru sneered and quickened his pace. He needed to meet Rasa in person and reconfirm the details of their cooperation. He might even have to use certain methods to ensure Rasa did not back out at the last moment.
A few days later, Orochimaru quietly reached the border of the Land of Wind. Yellow sand filled the air, the desolation of the Land of Wind standing in stark contrast to Konoha's prosperity. Hidden behind a sand dune, Orochimaru waited quietly for his meeting with Rasa.
Timeline shift...
Morning came to Konoha. Sunlight fell across the training grounds, and the air was filled with a mixture of tension and excitement. One after another, the Konoha 12 received word from their teachers: the Chunin Ninja Exams were about to begin, and their teachers had already registered them to participate.
On the way to turn in a mission
As soon as Naruto heard Kakashi-sensei's announcement, he jumped up and waved his fists excitedly. "All right! I've finally been waiting for this day! I'm going to become a Chunin and make everyone see me in a new light!" Sasuke kept his hands in his pockets and cast Naruto a cold glance, though the corners of his mouth rose slightly. "Hmph, just don't hold me back, dead last." Sakura clenched her fists nervously and made a silent resolution. I have to prove my strength this time. I can't keep relying on Sasuke-kun and Naruto!
Kakashi leaned lazily against a tree, watching his three students' different reactions. A trace of satisfaction flashed in his eyes. "You'd better prepare yourselves. The Chunin Ninja Exams are no joke."
Training Ground 37
After hearing Kurenai Yuhi's announcement, Kiba immediately patted Akamaru on the head and said excitedly, "Akamaru, our chance is here! This time we'll show everyone what we can do!" Hinata lowered her head, her cheeks slightly flushed, and spoke in a voice barely above a whisper. "I... I'll do my best..." Shino adjusted his sunglasses and said calmly, "The Chunin Ninja Exams are a good opportunity to show our teamwork. We can't let our guard down."
Kurenai Yuhi looked at her students gently and encouraged them. "You've all grown a lot. I believe you can get good results in the exams."
The barbecue restaurant
After hearing Asuma's announcement, Shikamaru sighed lazily. "What a drag... Still, since we've signed up, I guess we have to take it seriously." Ino excitedly patted Shikamaru on the shoulder. "Shikamaru, don't hold us back! I'm going to show everyone what I can do this time!" As he ate slices of grilled meat, Choji mumbled, "After the exams, let's have another barbecue together to celebrate!"
Asuma held a cigarette between his lips and shook his head with a smile. "You three, don't get too relaxed. The Chunin Ninja Exams aren't that simple."
Training Ground 66
When Rock Lee heard Might Guy's announcement, he immediately waved his fists, his blood burning with enthusiasm. "Guy-sensei! I'll prove my strength with the passion of youth! I'll pass these exams!" Neji folded his arms and said calmly, "The Chunin Ninja Exams are a good chance to test our strength. We can't afford to be careless." Tenten smiled and patted Rock Lee on the shoulder. "Rock Lee, don't get too excited. We need to make a proper plan."
Might Guy raised a thumb, revealing his gleaming teeth. "That's right! This is the power of youth! You must give it everything you've got!"
Every team was caught up in excitement and anticipation, each member considering how to stand out in the Chunin Ninja Exams. On the training grounds, they worked harder than ever, each hoping to prove their strength and become a Chunin through the exams.
Naruto and Sasuke sparred in Taijutsu in the woods, while Sakura practiced Medical Ninjutsu diligently nearby; Hinata practiced the Gentle Fist alone beneath the setting sun, while Kiba and Shino trained in teamwork with Akamaru; Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji kept refining their strategies in tactical discussions; Rock Lee, Neji, and Tenten underwent intensive Taijutsu training under Might Guy's guidance.
Every corner of Konoha was filled with the spirit of youth and a passion for striving. The Konoha 12 knew that the Chunin Ninja Exams were not only their chance to become Chunin, but also a stage on which to prove themselves and surpass their limits. They looked forward to shining their brightest in the exams.
Iwagakure, Land of Earth...
Nestled among the mountains, the village was enclosed by massive stone walls, like an impregnable fortress. In Iwagakure's Kage office, the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, sat at his desk, holding an invitation to Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams. His brow was slightly furrowed.
"Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams... Hmph, I wasn't interested to begin with," Ōnoki muttered, a hint of disdain in his voice. Iwagakure had always been known for its cautious approach and had little enthusiasm for exams that seemed like a mere formality. Yet images from the Heavenly Screen involuntarily surfaced in his mind: the astonishing potential and indomitable will displayed in battle by the Konoha Genin named Naruto Uzumaki.
"That blond brat... He actually managed to unleash that kind of power." Ōnoki narrowed his eyes, thinking to himself. The images on the Heavenly Screen had made him realize that Konoha's new generation of ninja might not be so simple. If Iwagakure knew nothing about them, it might find itself at a disadvantage in the future.
"Someone!" Ōnoki suddenly raised his voice, a note of resolve in his tone.
An Iwagakure Ninja quickly entered the office and bowed respectfully. "Lord Tsuchikage, what are your orders?"
Ōnoki placed the invitation on the desk and said gravely, "Pass the word. Select several outstanding Genin teams and prepare them to go to Konoha for the Chunin Ninja Exams."
The ninja froze for a moment, clearly surprised. "Lord Tsuchikage, hadn't we decided not to participate?"
Ōnoki snorted, his gaze sharp as a blade. "The situation has changed. The images on the Heavenly Screen made me realize that Konoha's new generation is not to be underestimated. We need to test their strength ourselves and see what they're really capable of."
The ninja immediately understood Ōnoki's intention and nodded. "Yes, I'll make the arrangements right away."
Ōnoki waved him away, then leaned back in his chair and gazed thoughtfully out the window. An image of Konoha came to mind. The village that had clashed with Iwagakure many times during the great ninja wars now seemed to have produced a new crop of geniuses.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi... How many more secrets is your village hiding?" Ōnoki murmured, his voice tinged with wariness and curiosity.
On Iwagakure's training grounds, several Genin teams had assembled. Kitsuchi, the Jonin leading them, stood before the group, his serious gaze passing over each Genin's face.
"This trip to Konoha is not just about taking the Chunin Ninja Exams. It's also about testing the strength of Konoha's new generation." Kitsuchi's voice was deep and forceful. "You must stay alert at all times and observe how they fight and how strong they are. Understood?"
"Understood!" the Genin answered in unison, their eyes shining with excitement and fighting spirit.
One of the Genin said quietly to a teammate, "I heard there's a guy in Konoha called Naruto Uzumaki. In the footage on the Heavenly Screen, he was a tough customer."
Another Genin curled his lip disdainfully. "Hmph, the footage on the Heavenly Screen might not be real. I want to see just how strong he is." Kitsuchi heard their conversation and frowned, but said nothing more. He knew these young Genin were proud and arrogant, and only by experiencing battle firsthand could they truly understand their opponents' strength.
Meanwhile, preparations for Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams were proceeding at full speed. Hiruzen Sarutobi stood on Hokage Rock, gazing into the distance, a faint sense of unease in his heart.