The Chunin Selection Exam

Kankuro struggled with all his might, trying to wrench his wrist from Naruto's iron grip. No matter how hard he pulled, Naruto's hand didn't budge.

Anger and resentment surged through Kankuro. He spun around, and the Ninja Tool Puppets on his back sprang open. He was ready to get serious.

But just as the air grew tense, a cool voice rang out from above, interrupting the confrontation before it could erupt. "Kankuro, stop. You're nothing but a disgrace to our village." Gaara's voice cut through the air like a blade in the cold wind, clear and merciless. Hanging upside down from a branch, he watched everything below with cold eyes.

Kankuro froze mid-motion and looked up at Gaara, a flicker of fear in his eyes.

Though resentment still burned inside him, Gaara's authority forced him to rein in his anger.

He tried to explain, but Gaara cut him off without mercy. "Shut up. Say another word and I'll kill you." The words were icy enough to extinguish Kankuro's urge to fight back.

Gaara leaped down from the tree and landed steadily on the ground. He looked at Naruto and the others, his tone carrying a hint of apology. "Sorry for the trouble." In truth, he was astonished by Naruto's performance. He had thought his senses were already exceptionally sharp, yet he hadn't even detected Naruto's movement. It made him reconsider Konoha's strength.

Naruto smiled. He had already spotted Gaara with his keen Six Eyes.

He hadn't taken this children's squabble seriously, so naturally he hadn't gone all out. He patted Kankuro on the shoulder and said casually, "Forget it."

At Naruto's light pat on the shoulder, Kankuro felt indescribable humiliation and anger churn in his chest. He glared at Naruto, as if trying to pour out all his resentment and fury.

But the moment his peripheral vision caught Gaara's cold, imposing figure, his anger was suppressed.

He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, his fingertips nearly digging into his palms.

He knew that any impulsive move in front of Gaara would only humiliate him further. So, though he was filled with resentment and anger, he could only force himself to endure it.

Kankuro took a deep breath and tried to calm himself.

"You're strong," Gaara said to Naruto. He rarely acknowledged anyone like that. Wanting to know the name of this opponent, he asked, "What's your name?"

Naruto's lips curled into a confident smile. "Naruto Uzumaki."

Gaara nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flickering in his eyes. He introduced himself just as boldly. "Gaara. I'll remember you, Naruto Uzumaki."

Temari stood where she was, her gaze once again drawn to Naruto. Admiration shone in her eyes, and a strange flutter stirred within her.

"Temari, we should go," Gaara said, interrupting her thoughts. She snapped back to herself, realized she was still standing there, and hurriedly nodded before following Gaara with Kankuro.

Gaara was about to lead Kankuro and Temari away when Sakura's call stopped them.

Sakura's voice was clear and firm. "Wait. Judging by your Forehead Protectors, you're shinobi from the Sand Village, right? The Land of Fire and the Land of Wind may be allies, but the treaty explicitly forbids shinobi from entering each other's countries at will. State your purpose, and we'll decide what to do based on the circumstances..."

Before Sakura could finish, Temari sighed and interrupted her. "I suppose this is what they mean by not seeing what's right under your nose." She continued, "You don't know anything about it?" Then Temari took a travel permit from her clothes, unfolded it, and showed it to Sakura. "We are shinobi from the Sand Village, and we came here to take part in the Chunin Selection Exam. All the paperwork and permits are in order, so there's nothing to worry about."

"The Chunin Ninja Exams?" Naruto murmured. He had no memories of anything like that, so he was curious.

Sakura furrowed her brow too. Though she was more attentive and perceptive than Naruto, she knew just as little about the details of the Chunin Exams.

Just then, Konohamaru looked at Naruto and Sakura with excitement, as if he knew what they were wondering about.

Konohamaru cleared his throat and explained with great seriousness, "The Chunin Exams! If you pass, you can be promoted from Genin to Chunin!"

Once he saw that Sakura understood, Gaara turned to Kankuro and Temari. "We should get going."

Kankuro and Temari nodded and left with Gaara.

Just then, Naruto's Six Eyes shifted, finally settling on several lush green trees.