Chapter Summaries

Naruto and Team 7 returned to Konoha after their mission in the Land of Snow, where they had overthrown Kazahana Dōtō and installed a new daimyo. Kakashi went to report the mission while Naruto returned home to rest, confident that the future would not follow Konoha’s plans.

• Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi arrived at the Land of Fire’s port after a fast, storm-free voyage from the Land of Snow.
• Kakashi led Team 7 directly back to Konoha, where they arrived around dusk and received three days off.
• Kakashi took the mission scroll to the Hokage Building to report how Team 7 had changed the Land of Snow’s leadership.
• Naruto went home, cleaned up after his long absence, ate dinner, and fell asleep, planning to rest for the next two days.

Naruto collected his custom clothes and was pleased with his refreshed appearance. He spent the next two days resting and considered the physical and mental limits he would need to overcome to use Kurama's chakra safely.

• Naruto went to the shopping district to collect his custom clothes.
• Naruto tried on the dark outfit and white coat, approved the fit, and packed the clothes after paying the balance.
• Naruto rested for two days instead of training intensely.
• Naruto judged that he could likely handle Four-Tails Chakra with Kurama's cooperation, but that Five-Tails Chakra would exceed his current physical and mental limits.
• Naruto resolved to strengthen his body and mind gradually before relying more on Kurama's chakra.

Naruto planned to use the coming Chunin Ninja Exams and the chaos after the Third Hokage’s death to escape Konoha, while he waited with Team 7 for Kakashi. When Kakashi finally arrived, Naruto’s new outfit reminded him of the Fourth Hokage.

• Naruto decided to avoid disrupting the timeline and planned to leave Konoha after the Chunin Ninja Exams created an opportunity.
• Naruto arrived at Team 7’s meeting place in new clothes and explained that he had bought them with money from Gato’s contribution.
• Sakura praised Naruto’s new appearance, while Sasuke reacted with his usual reserved manner.
• Kakashi arrived more than two hours late and saw the Fourth Hokage in Naruto’s confident look and outfit.

Kakashi dismissed Team 7 after receiving a summons, and Naruto realized the Chunin Exams were likely imminent, leaving little time to prepare for the coming Konoha Crush Plan. As Naruto turned a street corner, he encountered Konohamaru being threatened by older boys.

• Kakashi arrived late and told Team 7 they would take lower-rank missions to let their recent training and experience settle.
• A hawk summoned Kakashi to a meeting, so he dismissed Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura for the day.
• Sakura tried to approach Sasuke, but he rejected her, while Naruto returned to the training grounds.
• Naruto suspected the Chunin Exams would begin within a week and the Konoha Crush Plan within a month, and he reviewed his preparations.
• Naruto came across Konohamaru being held by the collar by an older boy as two other children demanded that he let Konohamaru go.

Naruto intervened when Kankuro bullied Konohamaru, then forced Kankuro and Temari to apologize. He still seemed unwilling to let the confrontation end, leaving the Sand siblings wary of what he would do next.

• Naruto recognized Kankuro and Temari as Sand Ninja visitors and realized the Chunin Ninja Exams were near, with Gaara likely nearby.
• Kankuro held Konohamaru aloft and mocked him until Temari urged him to stop before someone showed up.
• Naruto appeared, freed Konohamaru from Kankuro's grip, and restrained Kankuro while confronting the Sand siblings.
• Temari apologized for their rudeness, and Kankuro lowered his head in a reluctant apology.
• Naruto continued to look calm and unwilling to let the matter go, leaving Temari and Kankuro braced for what might happen next.

Naruto confronted the Sand Ninja and met Gaara after uncovering the reason for their visit to Konoha. Gaara left looking forward to fighting Naruto, while Naruto considered whether Gaara could serve his future plans.

• Naruto released Kankuro and warned him and Temari to behave carefully in Konoha.
• Naruto called out Gaara, who emerged from the shadows and silenced Kankuro with a threat.
• Temari showed Naruto the Sand Ninja's official invitation to take part in Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams.
• Gaara asked Naruto's name, and they introduced themselves before Gaara said he looked forward to fighting him.
• Gaara left with Temari and Kankuro, while Naruto watched him go and considered his plans.

Naruto warned Konohamaru and his friends to stay safe before leaving to prepare for the Chunin Exams. At a meeting in the Hokage Building, Kakashi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Asuma recommended all nine members of their new Genin squads, prompting Iruka to object that they were too young.

• Naruto told Konohamaru and the other children to watch out for visiting ninja, then used the Body Flicker Technique to leave.
• Konohamaru declared that he would make Naruto his big brother the next time they met.
• The Third Hokage convened Konoha instructors to discuss which Genin would take part in the joint Chunin Exams.
• Kakashi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Asuma each recommended every member of their newly graduated squad for the exams.
• Iruka protested that Naruto and the other eight Genin were too young and asked the Third Hokage to reject their recommendations.

Iruka objected to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura entering the Chunin Exam, but the Third Hokage accepted Kakashi’s recommendation and settled the participant list. The next day, Kakashi told Team 7 about the exam and gave them registration forms, leaving them to decide whether to participate.

• Iruka argued that Naruto and the other newly graduated Genin were not ready for the Chunin Exam, but Kakashi insisted they had the ability to take part.
• The Third Hokage backed Kakashi’s recommendation, finalized the participant list, and assigned Ibiki and Anko the remaining details.
• The next morning, Kakashi arrived early to meet Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, surprising his team.
• Kakashi explained that he had recommended all three for the Chunin Exam and gave them registration forms with instructions to report to Classroom 301 in five days.
• Sasuke showed eagerness to participate, Sakura looked unsure, and Naruto studied his form thoughtfully.

Kakashi told Team 7 they could enter the Chunin Ninja Exams and warned them about the danger. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura all chose to participate, while other Konoha teams also prepared for the exam.

• Sakura asked Kakashi whether his announcement meant Team 7 could become Chunin, and Kakashi explained the exam’s risks and that participation was voluntary.
• Sasuke and Naruto chose to enter the Chunin Ninja Exams to test themselves against powerful opponents.
• Kakashi reflected on Sakura’s progress in genjutsu and sensory skills as she resolved to enter and keep striving to catch up with Naruto and Sasuke.
• Kakashi gave Team 7 exam advice, dismissed them, and sent them home to prepare.
• Konoha’s other recommended Genin teams, including Teams 10 and 8, received the exam details, and Hinata and Kiba chose to participate.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura arrived at the Ninja Academy for the Chunin Exams, where they faced the hostility of rival villages and found a genjutsu blocking the hallway. Naruto identified the illusion as a preliminary test, and the team prepared to continue.

• Genin from across the shinobi villages gathered in Konoha for the Chunin Exams.
• Naruto encouraged Sakura, easing her doubts about competing against the gathered Genin.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura entered the Ninja Academy and noticed other villages' Genin watching Konoha's teams with hostility.
• Naruto and his teammates reached a hallway affected by a genjutsu, which Naruto recognized as a test for the candidates.

Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke saw through the disguised entrance to Classroom 301, where Izumo and Kotetsu were testing the Chunin Exam candidates. After the pair revealed the real stairway and demanded a fight, Lee stepped forward before Naruto could respond.

• Naruto recognized Rock Lee among the candidates and considered him one of the few Genin who could threaten him.
• Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke ignored the fake Classroom 301 and approached the two Konoha gate guardians.
• Naruto calmly asked Izumo and Kotetsu to move because they were blocking the stairs.
• Izumo and Kotetsu dropped the illusion, revealing Classroom 201 and a stairway, then challenged the candidates to defeat them.
• Lee shouted and stepped in before Naruto could act.

Sasuke clashed with Rock Lee, who stopped his attack and revealed impressive speed. Naruto ended the confrontation before it escalated, and Team 7 headed back as the Chunin Exams were about to begin.

• Sasuke attacked Izumo, but Lee rushed in and effortlessly blocked the blow.
• Sasuke recognized Lee's speed and began treating him as a serious opponent.
• Neji and Tenten joined Lee, introduced themselves, and expressed interest in Sasuke and the upcoming exam.
• Lee declared that he would defeat Sasuke in the exam, and Sasuke prepared to respond.
• Naruto told Sasuke to stop wasting time, and Sasuke relaxed and turned away.
• Naruto exchanged a parting remark with Neji, Lee, and Tenten before Team 7 left.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura made their way to Classroom 301 for the Chunin Ninja Exams, where they reunited with their classmates. Neji took an interest in Naruto and Sasuke, while the classmates reacted to Naruto’s new appearance.

• Naruto introduced himself to Neji as Naruto Uzumaki, and Neji recognized him as Team 7’s central figure.
• Rock Lee confessed to Sakura, who rejected him because she already liked someone and disliked his thick eyebrows.
• Neji watched Naruto and Sasuke leave and remarked that the Chunin Ninja Exams would be interesting.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura entered the crowded Classroom 301 without facing another exam.
• Shikamaru, Kiba, Choji, Hinata, Ino, and other classmates greeted the team and complimented Naruto’s new look.
• Ino and Sakura traded their usual insults, while Sasuke remained aloof toward his classmates.

Naruto and the other Konoha Genin gathered for the Chunin Exam, where Naruto intimidated hostile candidates from other villages. Yakushi Kabuto approached the group under his harmless Genin guise, and Naruto recognized him as Orochimaru’s spy investigating Naruto and Sasuke.

• Shikamaru, Kiba, and Naruto discussed taking part in the Chunin Exam, and Kiba vowed to defeat Naruto.
• Naruto sensed hostile looks from Genin of Kusagakure, Takigakure, and Otogakure and used his intimidating aura to make them back down.
• Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji were astonished by Naruto’s presence, and Shikamaru realized Team 7 had become more battle-hardened than his own team.
• Yakushi Kabuto approached Naruto and the others, and Naruto recognized him as Orochimaru’s spy gathering intelligence on Naruto and Sasuke.

Yakushi Kabuto approached Naruto’s group before the Chunin Ninja Exams, presenting himself as a helpful Konoha senior while Naruto recognized him as a dangerous spy. After Kabuto left, chief examiner Morino Ibiki entered Classroom 301 to begin the first exam.

• Yakushi Kabuto warned Naruto’s group to keep quiet and offered advice as a senior Konoha ninja.
• Kiba asked Kabuto about other ninja, and Kabuto shared useful information while emphasizing the importance of gathering intel.
• Naruto considered whether he could someday use Kabuto’s knowledge, but knew he could not fully trust him.
• Yakushi Kabuto left the group as the first exam was about to begin.
• Morino Ibiki entered Classroom 301, introduced himself as the chief examiner, and announced the first test.

Morino Ibiki began the first Chunin Selection Exam, a written test designed to pressure the candidates. Naruto stayed calm and watched the other Genin instead of writing, confident that the delayed tenth question would let him pass; the exam continued with Hinata concentrating on her paper.

• Morino Ibiki warned the candidates that the exam had already begun and ordered them to follow his instructions or lose eligibility.
• Sakura felt confident about the written test, while Shikamaru, Choji, and Kiba reacted with dismay.
• Naruto took his assigned seat and recognized that the unanswered tenth question was the key to passing.
• Naruto reassured Hinata without speaking, and she returned her attention to her test paper.
• Naruto surveyed candidates including Yakushi Kabuto, Gaara, Neji Hyuga, and the Sound Ninja Kin, Zaku, and Dosu as the exam began.

Naruto and the other Genin faced the written round of the Chunin selection exams, where subtle cheating was allowed but crude attempts cost points and could disqualify an entire team. As the examiners eliminated teams, Naruto stayed focused on reaching the Forest of Death to meet Orochimaru, and the chapter ended with Morino Ibiki announcing the tenth question.

• Morino Ibiki explained that the written test judged the Genin’s ability to gather intelligence and that crude cheating would earn penalties.
• Many examinees used abilities such as the Sharingan, Byakugan, and Mind Transfer Jutsu to obtain answers without being penalized.
• Examiners disqualified eight teams after their members repeatedly used crude cheating methods.
• Naruto answered two simple questions and resolved to reach the Forest of Death so he could meet Orochimaru.
• At the forty-five-minute mark, Morino Ibiki announced that the examinees would receive the tenth question.

Morino Ibiki revealed that the tenth question was a test of resolve, and everyone who stayed passed the first stage of the Chunin Exams. Mitarashi Anko burst into the classroom to lead the second stage, but her dramatic entrance fell flat.

• Several examinees withdrew under Morino Ibiki's ultimatum, but Naruto, Hinata, Sakura, Choji, and Kiba chose to stay.
• Naruto encouraged Hinata, and his words strengthened her resolve to continue.
• Morino Ibiki announced that everyone who remained had passed, then explained the purpose of the tenth question and the earlier test.
• Mitarashi Anko crashed through a window, introduced herself as the second-stage proctor, and ordered the Genin to follow her.
• Morino Ibiki told Anko to read the room after her entrance left the examinees staring in silence.

After the first exam, Anko announced that the second exam would eliminate more than half the remaining candidates, and Naruto returned to his apartment to avoid disruptions to his plans. That night, Baki briefed Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari on Sunagakure’s plot to attack Konoha and warned Gaara to stay under control until it began.

• Anko questioned Ibiki about the number of candidates who passed, then warned that she would eliminate more than half of them in the second exam.
• Naruto left the exam room after greeting Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, Shikamaru, and the others, and returned to his apartment to focus on his plan.
• Baki explained Sunagakure’s attack plan to Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari, including the Kazekage and Orochimaru confronting the Third Hokage and Sand and Sound forces attacking Konoha.
• Baki warned Gaara not to lose control before the plan began, and Kankuro and Temari agreed to help carry out the mission.

Orochimaru and Kabuto prepared to use the Chunin Selection Exams as part of their plan, while the Third Hokage tightened Konoha’s security. Naruto met Kurama in his mental world and announced that he wanted to remove the Eight Trigrams Sealing Style talisman.

• Kabuto told Orochimaru that contact with the Sand Ninja was complete and that the One-Tail Jinchuriki would act during the Chunin Selection Exams.
• Kabuto reported that Sasuke Uchiha had awakened the Two-Tomoe Sharingan, and Orochimaru ordered him to continue with the plan.
• The Third Hokage ordered Anbu to reinforce barrier checkpoints and patrol Konoha during the exams.
• Naruto entered his mental world and told Kurama that he wanted to remove the Eight Trigrams Sealing Style talisman above them.