Chunin Exams (3)

In some secluded alleys of Konoha, teams of Konoha Anbu moved silently, checking dark corners that were easily overlooked. They were experienced in their search work.

Meanwhile, the civilians and ordinary ninjas on the main streets were completely unaware of the Anbu's movements in the shadows. Konoha's marketplace was as lively as ever, no different from any other day.

They chatted and laughed, browsed the streets; some were idle, others held dreams; some were unremarkable, while others held bright hopes for the future.

Civilians discussed daily necessities, while ninjas debated the upcoming Chunin Exams.

These smiling people were peace; the Anbu were the swords guarding that peace.

"Location 3 found."

From the shadows, an Anbu reported via radio. The eyes behind his animal mask looked at a summoning seal etched into the dark corner, almost imperceptible.

"Record the location, leave someone to watch, and don't make any rash moves."

"Understood."

The communicating Anbu made a gesture, and most of the Anbu dispersed with a "swish, swish, swish." Only one remained, silently melting into the darkness, meticulously watching the summoning array in the corner.

The building where the first stage of the Chunin Exams was held.

Kankuro, carrying his crow, walked down the hallway with purple face paint and an unfriendly expression. Beside him was his older sister, Temari, and behind them followed the brother he feared most... Gaara.

At a corner, bang, a girl rushed out and accidentally bumped into Kankuro.

Tch... That's why I hate brats the most...

Kankuro's eyes held a murderous intent. He grabbed the short girl's right hand and said coldly, "Can't you watch where you're going? Do you want to die? Little Konoha sister..."

Temari frowned, "Kankuro, don't cause trouble."

"S-sorry..." The short girl was startled and a little scared by Kankuro's fierce look. She looked up and apologized.

At this moment, Kankuro noticed the girl's eyes. They were peculiar pure white pupils... Konoha's Byakugan? With his extensive knowledge, he immediately recognized it as the Kekkei Genkai of Konoha's Hyuga clan.

Just as Kankuro was about to teach this Byakugan-wielding girl a small lesson, his hand, which was gripping hers, was suddenly grabbed by another hand.

It was a strong hand.

Kankuro felt a slight pain and instinctively released the girl's hand. He looked over and saw a blonde-haired brat who had appeared out of nowhere, calmly restraining his wrist.

"In another village's territory, you should at least restrain yourself a bit," Naruto said calmly.

"Hmph..." Kankuro was incredibly annoyed. Another incredibly arrogant brat... He forcefully shook off Naruto's hand and reached for the bandages on his crow behind him.

Smack!

A small stone flew over and hit Kankuro's hand.

"A ninja from Sunagakure... What, do you want to unleash the puppet on your back?" Sasuke walked over from the side. Temari gasped in surprise, "So cool."

"Stop embarrassing yourself, Kankuro..."

A cold, emotionless voice came from behind Kankuro and Temari. Naruto and Sasuke looked over and saw Gaara, with his distinctive red hair and gourd, slowly walking out.

"This person... is so scary..." Hinata felt the danger emanating from Gaara. This person exuded an aura of coldness and bloodshed from every pore.

"Hinata, don't be afraid, I'll protect you," Naruto said, standing in front of Hinata to comfort her.

Naruto-kun's presence was very reliable and reassuring... Hinata thought, feeling warm inside.

So I can't disappoint Naruto-kun either, the young girl silently encouraged herself. No matter how many difficulties this exam presents, I absolutely cannot give up, I absolutely cannot be a burden to Naruto and Sasuke!

"What are your names?" Gaara asked coldly. He could feel that these two people in front of him were the kind of people who would allow him to have a good fight.

My blood is starting to boil...

Mom... Don't rush... There will be more blood...

"Before asking someone's name, you should state your own first, shouldn't you?" Sasuke didn't know who Gaara was at this moment, only feeling that this guy was a bit troublesome.

But no matter what, could he be more troublesome than Naruto...

Sasuke didn't think so.

Gaara granted the prey's small request and replied in his indifferent voice, "Gaara of the Sand..."

"Sasuke Uchiha."

"Konoha ninja, Naruto Uzumaki."

Unlike Sasuke's confidence and eagerness, Naruto looked at Gaara with a bit of a headache...

In his memories, he had fought a bitter battle with this One-Tailed Jinchuriki. Under extreme exhaustion, he had still managed to awaken Gaara. It was the value and persistence he placed on his comrades that ultimately moved Gaara, leading him to a complete change of heart...

But Naruto felt that with his current strength, he wouldn't fall into such a bitter struggle to defeat Gaara. Would he have to let Gaara grow on his own? Then would he still become the Kazekage?

As a fellow Jinchuriki, Naruto truly wished for Gaara's salvation.

But if it was too deliberate, it would seem disingenuous.

Only sincerity could earn the understanding of tailed beasts and Jinchuriki.

"I won't let you cause trouble! You better remember that!" Regardless, it's never wrong to warn this lawless guy first... Naruto looked at the expressionless Gaara with utmost seriousness.

Is this guy dangerous? Sasuke heard something in Naruto's words.

The genjutsu on the second floor had likely been dispelled by someone long ago. Naruto and the other two quickly reached the third floor and found the location for the first exam: Classroom 301.

Kakashi waited for the trio outside the classroom door.

Without saying anything like, "I'm happy you made it here through your own will," Kakashi simply nodded with satisfaction and then said softly, "Remember, you are the strongest genin. Go on in."

"Naturally."

Nodding, the three pushed the door open and entered.

The examination hall was chaotic. It fell silent for a moment as they entered. The members of Team 10, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, noticed Team 7, who had just arrived, and walked over to greet them. "Yo, isn't that Sasuke and Naruto? ...So you guys decided to participate too."

Shikamaru chuckled.

Sasuke's outstanding performance during the Land of Waves mission had left a deep impression on him. Sasuke was much stronger than he was when he graduated. So, was Naruto, who was on the same team... even stronger? What troublesome guys they were...

"Hi, Hinata!" Sakura greeted Hinata enthusiastically upon seeing her.

"Sakura... you guys are here too." Seeing familiar faces in a place like this put Hinata at ease. She smiled, feeling that Sakura had become much stronger recently.

"How could this great me possibly not come?" Kiba, with Akamaru on his head, looked down at Naruto and Sasuke. "This time, I'll definitely defeat you two and prove who the strongest genin of this batch is!"

"Honestly, Kiba, that's unrealistic. If you ask why, it's because Naruto and Sasuke have always been first and second place." Shino, the masked young man, spoke in his usual style.

Sasuke was speechless. He shook his head slightly and stopped looking at them.

Just then, a voice came from behind them.

"You guys, are you the nine rookies who just left the Ninja Academy? Making all that noise, it's really annoying... Don't treat the Chunin Exams like a field trip."

They all turned around and saw a Konoha ninja with gray-white hair standing there. He wore round glasses and adopted the demeanor of a senior lecturing his juniors.

Kabuto...

Naruto quietly watched this person. It was this person who, "in the future," would ignite a ninja world war and inflict countless casualties on the Shinobi Alliance using the Impure World Reincarnation jutsu.