Forest of Death.
Inside the tower at the center.
When Naruto's group and Sasuke's group arrived, they immediately drew the attention of the various ninja teams that had gotten there earlier.
Seeing that the hall was already quite crowded, Naruto's face fell as he muttered.
"Have this many teams already made it here...?"
"I thought we were pretty fast too..."
Hearing him, Sakura lightly smacked her forehead, shot him a helpless glance, and sighed.
"Naruto, didn't you hear what Kabuto said?"
"This year's examinees are completely different from previous years, and besides..."
At this point, Sakura glanced around and lowered her voice.
"As the Hokage's son, you'll definitely attract a lot of attention by taking part in such a fiercely competitive exam. This is no longer about what rank you can achieve—it's about whether your safety will be threatened because of it!"
Hearing Sakura's words, an excited look appeared on Naruto's little face, and he immediately shouted.
"Sakura, does that mean you're worried about me!?"
At that, Sakura rushed forward with a flushed face and covered Naruto's mouth, scolding him awkwardly.
"You idiot, why are you shouting so loudly?!"
"Besides... I'm just showing concern for a teammate. Don't get the wrong idea!!"
Just as Sakura finished speaking, a voice brimming with fighting spirit suddenly rang out beside her ear.
"I knew you'd definitely make it here, Sakura! I've been waiting for you for a long time!"
Hearing this, both Naruto and Sakura froze slightly. Sakura stiffly turned her head toward the newcomer.
Dressed in a green skintight jumpsuit, with thick eyebrows and a determined expression, it was none other than Rock Lee, who had once confessed to Sakura!
The instant she saw Lee behind her, Sakura's face went a little pale. She took a few steps back and said in