Because of Rock Lee's sudden intervention, Neji and the others quickly came over as well, identifying the ninja hidden among the dense crowd who were creating obstacles for the examinees.
Taking this opportunity, Konoha's twelve rookies, who had originally been hiding among the examinees in their respective teams and had barely seen one another since graduating from the Ninja Academy, met again.
As the examinees poured into the rather inconspicuous building, the Chunin Exams officially began.
Walking down the corridor leading deeper into the building, the twelve rookies who had gathered together chatted among themselves.
Beside Naruto, a boy with a small white dog perched atop his head and markings painted on his face lightly nudged his shoulder. With a curl of his lips, he chuckled.
"Hey, hey, looks like you've been through quite a lot since graduating from the Ninja Academy, Naruto. I saw how you handled those guys just now."
Hearing that, Naruto's expression brightened. Rubbing the back of his head, he put on a modest smile.
"Ahaha, really...?"
"I thought I'd hidden it pretty well. I didn't expect you to notice it, Kiba!"
"Looks like you've improved a lot too, Kiba!"
At that, Kiba Inuzuka curled his lips, revealing a sharp canine tooth as he smiled confidently.
"Of course! Akamaru and I have improved by far more than just a little!"
At Kiba Inuzuka's words, the little white dog on top of his head barked happily a few times, as though agreeing with him.
Meanwhile, Neji walked beside Hinata, quietly giving her some instructions.
Although Hinata was somewhat embarrassed by Neji taking such care of her in front of so many people, she still listened obediently, looking humble and compliant.
As for Sakura, she had already run into Ino. Though they walked side by side, they kept