Written Test

Kabuto Yakushi pulled out Naruto's file and said, "Naruto Uzumaki, orphaned since childhood, suffered discrimination in Konoha and was called a monster by the villagers. He has known Sasuke Uchiha and Hinata Hyuga since he was five."

Sasuke said impatiently, "I know all that. What I want to know is Naruto's strength."

Kabuto adjusted his glasses and said, "Currently, we only know he possesses the Uzumaki Clan's bloodline limit, the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God, and the Rasengan. His strength should be at the jonin level."

Sasuke said with disappointment, "It seems your intelligence-gathering ability is only so-so. Forget it, I'm done asking."

Kabuto asked curiously, "Oh? The way you put it, it seems Naruto Uzumaki's strength is even beyond that, isn't it?"

Sasuke ignored Kabuto's question and simply said, "In this Chunin Exam, he is the only one worth my attention."

At this moment, Orochimaru's three subordinates heard Sasuke's words and retorted indignantly, "Kid, you're pretty arrogant. Today, I'll show you what it means to not know the immensity of heaven and earth."

Sasuke looked at the three of them and said, "If you want to die, I can grant your wish."

Just as Sasuke was about to finish off the Sound Ninja Trio, Ibiki arrived at the exam hall and shouted, "You trash, all of you behave yourselves! Anyone who causes trouble will automatically fail. The exam begins now."

Naruto looked at the test in front of him and thought, Heh, testing our ability to gather intelligence, are they?

Looking up, Sasuke had already activated the copying ability of his Sharingan, and Gaara's Sand Eye had already been deployed. Many others were using various abilities to cheat.

Naruto smiled and said, "A hundred flowers blooming, indeed. I'll join in, then. Byakugan, activate." After Naruto activated his Byakugan to scan Sakura, he picked up his pen and began copying. During this time, quite a few people were eliminated.

Once everyone had finished the questions, Ibiki wrote the tenth question on the blackboard and said, "There is one final question. If you answer this one correctly, you pass the exam regardless of how you did on the previous ones. However, if you answer incorrectly, you fail regardless of your previous score, and you will never be allowed to take the Chunin Exam again."

"Furthermore, if you choose to quit, if one person quits, the whole team fails. Now, make your choice, you trash." Hearing Ibiki's harsh conditions, many people wavered, and as time passed, more and more chose to withdraw.

Ibiki continued to use his words to manipulate and harass the candidates' judgment. Finally, when only 26 teams totaling 78 people remained and no one else chose to quit, Ibiki said, "Then, to those of you sitting here, I now announce that you have all passed the first exam." This announcement shocked all the candidates.

Someone asked, "What about the tenth question? How did we pass?"

Ibiki said, "Your choice was the tenth question. This test was about your team's cohesion. While believing in your own ability to handle the upcoming trials, you also had to believe that your teammates could do the same. You chose to persevere, so you have passed the first exam."

Just then, Anko Mitarashi crashed through the window and made a ridiculous entrance, announcing, "This is no time to relax! I am the proctor for the second exam, Anko Mitarashi. Everyone, follow me now."

The entire room was left speechless by Anko's entrance and announcement, all looking at her as if she were a clown.

Ibiki said from behind Anko, "Look at the atmosphere in the room before you speak."

Anko saw the candidates' expressions and was immediately struck by the blow. Anko did a quick count and said to Ibiki, "78 people, 26 teams. You went easy on them for this first exam, Ibiki."

Ibiki replied, "It's just that this year's candidates are too excellent."

Anko said dismissively, "For the second exam, I'm going to weed out at least half of them." The entire room was stunned.

Anko continued, "The exam starts tomorrow. Go ask your jonin instructors for the time and location. Dismissed."

After Naruto and his team received the time and location for the second exam from Kakashi, they left Sasuke and Sakura to be with Hinata.

Walking down the streets of Konoha, Hinata said to Naruto, "Naruto-kun, I'm a little worried about tomorrow's exam."

Naruto smiled and replied, "What's wrong? Afraid of being eliminated tomorrow? Don't worry. With your current strength, as long as you have confidence, many people won't be your match, so there's no need to worry."

Hinata said worriedly, "But, Anko-sensei said she wants to weed out half the people."

Naruto laughed, "Don't pay attention to what the teacher says. Even if half are weeded out, you won't be one of them. You have to have confidence, you know?"

Hinata nodded and replied, "Mm, I believe in Naruto-kun's words."

Naruto smiled gently, "That's right. My Hinata is the best, so you have to believe you can do it."

Hinata called out "Naruto-kun" with emotion.

Naruto responded to Hinata, and the two embraced tightly. The glow of the setting sun spilled over them, casting a long, long shadow of the lovers in each other's arms.

Night shrouded all of Konoha as Kabuto quietly arrived in a forest to meet Orochimaru.

Kabuto came to Orochimaru's side and said, "Lord Orochimaru, everything is prepared."

Orochimaru smiled, "Kabuto, you did well this time."

At that moment, a voice came from the shadows: "Lord Orochimaru, long time no see. I didn't expect you to come to Konoha."

Kabuto was startled and pulled out a kunai, saying vigilantly, "Who's there? Come out!" A young man with bright red hair and a ghost mask emerged from the woods.

Orochimaru saw the youth and said, "Heh heh heh, I didn't expect it to be you."

The youth replied, "I didn't expect Lord Orochimaru to still remember me. It is truly my honor."

Orochimaru smiled, "Heh heh, I don't know what business you have coming to find me this time. Speak."

The youth replied, "Nothing much, just here to ask Orochimaru for something."

Orochimaru asked curiously, "I wonder what you want to get from me?"

The youth said, "The bodies of the First Hokage and the Second Hokage."

Orochimaru replied, "Oh? I wonder how you knew I had the bodies of the two former Hokage."

The youth smiled, "Actually, it's nothing. I once had contact with Danzo and learned from him that the bodies of the First and Second were in your hands, so I want to trade with Lord Orochimaru for the bodies of the two Hokage."

Orochimaru said vigilantly, "What do you want the bodies of the two former Hokage for?"

The youth smiled, "Nothing much. I've always been curious about the First's Wood Release, so I want to study it. I wonder if Lord Orochimaru could grant my request."

Orochimaru replied, "And what would I get in return?"

The youth smiled and said, "Of course I won't let you down. I know that Lord Orochimaru must be desperate to obtain Sasuke Uchiha's body right now, and this is something I can help you achieve."

Orochimaru sneered, "Oh? How can you be so sure that I want Sasuke's body?"

The youth laughed, "Because you returned to Konoha. I've been paying attention ever since you arranged for Kabuto and the Sound Ninja to infiltrate the Chunin Exams."

"Combined with the intelligence you obtained from me a few years ago, I assume you went to verify its authenticity. You must have confirmed it by now."

"You must have also encountered Itachi Uchiha, as he is the only Uchiha you could have possibly come into contact with, and you were defeated by his Mangekyō Sharingan."

"That is why you now desire Sasuke, who possesses the same bloodline as Itachi. Am I wrong, Lord Orochimaru?"

Orochimaru chuckled, "Hehehe, what a terrifying mind. You are correct; I did encounter Itachi Uchiha and suffered at his hands. However, it wasn't just Itachi I met—I also encountered the Rinnegan. I learned of the Rinnegan's terror, which is why I seek the Sharingan to counter the one who possesses it. What I truly desire most is the Rinnegan."

The youth said regretfully, "As for the Rinnegan, I truly have no way to help you obtain it. In that case, Lord Orochimaru, I apologize for the intrusion. I shall take my leave."

Just as the youth prepared to depart, Orochimaru said, "Wait. I can give you the bodies of the First Hokage and the Second Hokage, and even the body of the First's grandson, Nawaki Senju. But you must do something for me."

The youth asked in confusion, "What is it? Speak." Orochimaru replied, "You must not only help me obtain Sasuke's body, but you must also help me destroy Konoha. How about it? If you agree, I will give you what you want."

The youth asked curiously, "Do you hold such a deep grudge against the Third Hokage?"

Orochimaru laughed, "That is none of your concern. As long as you help me destroy Konoha, you shall have what you want."

The youth replied, "Very well. Just notify me when the time comes, though I cannot guarantee success."

Orochimaru smiled, "You only need to help me deal with the Third. As for Sasuke, I will handle him myself."

The youth replied, "Suit yourself. I only care about getting what I want." With that, the youth vanished.

Kabuto Yakushi said worriedly, "Lord Orochimaru, I don't think this person can be trusted."

Orochimaru smiled confidently, "I know what you are worried about, Kabuto, but I have my own plans. That old man may be aged, but he is still not easy to deal with. With this brat's help, even if I am outmatched, I can make a clean escape."

Kabuto realized and replied, "So if things fail, Lord Orochimaru intends to use him to draw the Third's attention so you can slip away."

Orochimaru laughed, "Exactly. To the old man, an unknown genius youth harboring hostility toward Konoha and wishing to destroy it is a far greater threat than I am. Even if the old man lets me go, he will never let him off."

Kabuto asked, "Then what shall we do next, Lord Orochimaru?"

Orochimaru smiled, "Everything proceeds according to plan. You continue with the exam and monitor every move Sasuke makes."

Kabuto replied, "I know what to do, Lord Orochimaru. Rest assured." With that, Kabuto used a Body Flicker technique and returned to Konoha.

Looking at Konoha in the distance, Orochimaru smiled, "We shall meet again soon, Teacher Hiruzen. I hope you won't disappoint me." Having said this, Orochimaru also departed.