Unbelievably, another year had passed, and it was time for the Chunin Exams again.
That morning, Hao Shuai arrived at the Ninja Academy, looking bored. The first part of the Chunin Exams—the written test—would be held there.
As soon as he entered the school grounds, he spotted Kakashi's Team 7: Naruto and the others. They saw him, too. The four of them met up and headed for the classroom building together.
During their chat, Hao Shuai learned that, just as in the original story, Naruto and the others had signed up for the Chunin Exams.
He wasn't surprised.
Of course they'd signed up!
Kakashi wasn't blind. Naruto and Sasuke were already approaching Special Jonin level. Keeping them as Genin and having them do those pointless D-rank missions would be a complete waste of time.
Of course, Naruto also learned that Hao Shuai was there for the same reason they were: to take the Chunin Exams.
How could he miss out on something this fun? Besides, Orochimaru would show up during the second part of the Chunin Exams, and Hao Shuai didn't want to miss his chance to catch that snake.
As for the rule that the exam teams had to have three members?
Hao Shuai had a close enough relationship with the Third Hokage that it was a trivial matter.
As they walked down the hallway in the school building, Naruto and Sasuke were brimming with excitement. Confident in their own strength, they were sure they'd do well in the Chunin Exams.
Hao Shuai didn't try to dampen their confidence. Snake Uncle would make his move soon enough and show them there was always someone stronger.
They hadn't gone far when they spotted a group of people arguing in the hallway ahead.
As they came closer, they saw Neji, Tenten,