In Konoha, 55, Naruto and Menma faced their first year-end exams at the Ninja Academy.
The exams were an important test of the students' learning, and everyone took part with a mix of nerves and anticipation. Seven-year-old Menma was destined to become the center of attention.
The written exam covered a wide range of subjects, including ninja history, the principles of ninjutsu, chakra control, and the basics of various ninja missions.
Menma sat at his desk, his pen racing smoothly across the paper as he wrote his answers.
This is so boring. These are all questions for little kids, Menma thought.
Some of his classmates were still frowning as they pondered the questions, while others were so nervous that sweat beaded on their foreheads. Menma, on the other hand, looked completely at ease.
After finishing each exam, Menma made sure to draw a little head-patting face in the blank space, as if to taunt everyone.
When the results were announced, he earned perfect scores in every subject with astonishing ease, instantly causing a sensation throughout the school.
But what truly gave everyone a deeper appreciation of his abilities were the Taijutsu and ninjutsu tests.
Teachers and students crowded around the Taijutsu test area. Menma stood in the center, took a deep breath, and focused intently.
At the signal to begin, he moved with agility and speed. Every motion was powerful and precise, every step seemingly calculated to perfection.
He dodged the teacher's fierce, rapid attacks, easily evading them with well-timed sidesteps, bends, and leaps.
At the same time, he struck back with astonishing speed. His punches and kicks were so solid they left everyone stunned. Each move displayed a maturity and strength far beyond his years, and the wind from his blows whistled across the field, filling his classmates with