On a quiet afternoon in Konoha, warm sunlight pierced the sparse clouds and dappled the peaceful streets.
Kakashi stood beneath an ancient cherry tree, his eyes deep and thoughtful, as if contemplating some major decision. Beside him stood Iruka, who was also a teacher, gazing at Kakashi in confusion as he waited for an explanation.
"Senior Kakashi, are you really planning to have me disguise myself and test their determination to take the Chunin Exam?" Iruka's voice held a trace of hesitation and uncertainty.
Kakashi nodded lightly, a subtle warmth flashing through his eyes. "Yes, Iruka. I need to understand their true resolve and level of preparation. However, there's one thing I need to make clear: you don't need to test Naruto."
Iruka's brows furrowed even more deeply. He asked in confusion, "Why? Naruto has always worked very hard. His desire to take the Chunin Exam is no less than anyone else's."
Kakashi smiled faintly. "That's precisely why I said you don't need to test him. As for why Naruto doesn't need to be tested, you'll know when the time comes."
Iruka watched Kakashi's confident expression. Though he was still filled with doubts, he nodded and decided to follow Kakashi's plan.
On an ordinary day in Konoha, the sunlight was warm and bright.
Iruka, dressed in a black cloak and wearing a mask that concealed his face, disguised himself as an unknown enemy and quietly appeared within Naruto and Konohamaru's sight.
His target was to kidnap Konohamaru and use the incident to test how Naruto and the other Genin would react when faced with a sudden crisis.
When Iruka "kidnapped" Konohamaru with lightning speed, the Six Eyes beneath Naruto's sunglasses instantly saw through the truth.
A hint of amusement flashed through his eyes before they returned to calmness—the Six Eyes had clearly seen through Iruka's disguise, and he knew this was merely a test arranged by Kakashi-sensei.
After confirming that Konohamaru was in no actual danger, Naruto chose to go eat barbecue on the street. He had no desire to waste time playing this hostage-rescue game.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Sasuke, Sakura Haruno, Choji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka, Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, Tenten, Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuga, Kabuto, Shikamaru Nara, and the other Genin all displayed their courage and wisdom. Some relied on sharp instincts, while others used teamwork, and they successfully passed Iruka's test.
Naruto's inaction left Iruka feeling somewhat disappointed. After the test ended, Iruka reported the entire process to Kakashi with these complicated feelings weighing on him.
After listening, Kakashi curled his lips into a meaningful smile. He lightly patted Iruka on the shoulder and said, "Iruka, Naruto passed. Perhaps he saw through your disguise long ago."
Iruka was instantly shocked. "How is that possible? Naruto is only a Genin. How could he possibly see through my disguise?"
Kakashi only smiled without replying and seriously resumed flipping through the copy of Icha Icha Paradise in his hands.
Five days passed in a flash, and before they knew it, the day had arrived for them to enter the examination classroom.
When Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura arrived at the entrance to the examination classroom, the scene before them made them frown.
Two Leaf Ninjas were blocking the doorway, their expressions arrogant, while Rock Lee lay in a sorry heap on the ground. Clearly, one of the two had kicked him down.
The squinting Leaf Ninja sneered, "With skills like yours, you still think you can take the Chunin Exam?"
The other ninja immediately chimed in, his tone dripping with mockery. "That's right, you little brats. Go home!"
At that moment, Tenten was anxiously helping Rock Lee up. Her face was filled with worry and indignation. Yet even under such circumstances, she maintained a rare politeness and pleaded with the two ninjas, "Please let us through. I'm begging you." Tenten's voice trembled slightly, but her gaze was as firm as stone. Clearly, she had no intention of yielding.
However, just then, the squinting ninja suddenly threw a punch at Tenten and said coldly, "What did you say? Listen carefully. This is our 'gentle' instruction for you. The Chunin Exam is a cruel trial."
The other ninja added, "We've seen far too many people abandon the path of the ninja and fall into despair after taking this exam."
The squinting ninja continued, "Besides, the responsibilities shouldered by a Chunin aren't something you can imagine!"
The other ninja said mercilessly, "What's wrong with making those who fail eat their fill of a closed door here?"
However, the Six Eyes beneath Naruto's sunglasses had already seen through this simple Genjutsu. He wasn't the only one—Sasuke and Sakura had also seen through the truth.
Sasuke stepped forward and said arrogantly, "Drop this meaningless Genjutsu already. We're going to the third floor."
Before you continue