The Chunin Exam

"Alright... I've got it, Might Guy-sensei... I'll work hard and not give up."

Seeing Might Guy launch into his self-hyped mode without warning, Takizawa Dan could only offer a wry smile to appease him.

After all, Might Guy and Rock Lee were cut from the same cloth—simple-minded, hot-blooded creatures who acted entirely on impulse.

"Haha, that's the spirit! As soon as I heard you were in trouble, I stopped my training and rushed right over! But... the roads in Konoha Village are just too complicated. I actually got lost halfway and have been wandering around until now."

Takizawa Dan: "..."

To get lost right outside the home he'd lived in for decades—there was truly no one like Might Guy!

As the two were talking, Rock Lee came running over.

"Dan! Are you alright? I already called Might Guy-sensei... Eh! Might Guy-sensei, why are you here!"

"Hmph, you brat! Didn't I tell you to stay home and rest your injuries? You ran out again just to get beaten up in a spar, didn't you!"

With a swift headbutt, Might Guy sent Rock Lee scrambling away, clutching his head.

Takizawa Dan was slightly surprised; it seemed Rock Lee hadn't told anyone about his increased strength.

"Takizawa Dan, as long as you're okay, that's what matters! If anyone gives you trouble in the future, remember to come find me! Hahahahaha—"

"Lee! Don't run! Wait until I get back, I'm adding extra training for you! Hahaha!"

The two bowl-cut figures in green spandex chased each other off into the distance...

"Phew..."

Takizawa Dan rubbed his forehead with a wry smile, though the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

Even if they were a bit annoying, it was precisely because people like them cared about him that he felt a touch of warmth from Konoha Village.

After returning home, Takizawa Dan didn't slack off, continuing his physical training in the courtyard.

Even with the system constantly allowing him to pick up fragments and gain skills, instinct and adaptability in battle were equally crucial.

If he neglected to train his instincts, he would lose the initiative in future fights and fall into a passive position!

It wasn't until the sky turned completely dark that Takizawa Dan ate something to fill his stomach, then went to bed.

The night passed without incident.

The next morning.

Knock, knock, knock—

Takizawa Dan was awakened by the sound of urgent knocking.

He opened the door to find Rock Lee!

"Dan! Hurry to the selection grounds! Lord Hokage said there's a special Chunin Exam being held today!" Rock Lee's face was full of excitement.

He had lost to Gaara in the last Chunin Exam, a fact that still rankled him; he had been looking forward to the next exam every day to prove himself!

Today, the opportunity had finally arrived!

"The Chunin Exam? Why so early?"

Takizawa Dan couldn't help but feel surprised.

The Chunin Exam was usually held only once a year, typically hosted jointly by several major nations, and included both written tests and combat trials.

Yet, it had only been half a year since the last exam, the one featuring Naruto and the others.

And judging by Tsunade's intent, it seemed she planned to skip all other stages and promote ninjas to Chunin based solely on their strength within Konoha Village!

This was highly unusual!

"Who knows? As long as I can get promoted to Chunin, that's all that matters! Dan, let's hurry to the selection grounds and grab a spot! If we're late, there might not be any room left!"

Rock Lee didn't overthink it, grabbing Takizawa Dan and pulling him toward the door.

Hiss! This guy was incredibly strong; despite the heavy injuries he'd sustained yesterday, he was already moving as if nothing had happened!

"Lee! Don't be in such a rush," Takizawa Dan said helplessly. "What time does the selection exam start?"

"Nine in the morning!" Rock Lee replied without hesitation.

"It's only six in the morning! Do you want to go over there and sit for three hours!?"

"That... haha, then I'll just sit here at your place for a while, Dan, and we can go a bit later..." Rock Lee gave an awkward laugh and quickly brushed it off.

Takizawa Dan shook his head and prepared breakfast for himself and Rock Lee. After they were full, they did some simple physical conditioning in the courtyard.

The courtyard at Takizawa Dan's house was quite small, incomparable to the large training grounds outside, so they could only do some light movement.

"By the way, Lee, didn't you say before... that I was some kind of super genius? But looking at yesterday... you didn't seem to mention it to Might Guy-sensei," Takizawa Dan asked tentatively.

"Haha, you mean that?" Rock Lee said with a smile. "Dan, you endured for thirteen years, choosing to suffer the mockery of your peers in the village rather than reveal your strength. Although I don't know why, you revealed it that day to save me. I'm not an ungrateful person; if I told others, wouldn't that be a betrayal of your trust?"

Takizawa Dan felt a warmth in his heart and patted Rock Lee on the shoulder: "I understand, Lee!"

At 8:30 AM.

By the time Takizawa Dan and Lee arrived at the selection grounds, many people had already gathered, including quite a few from the original main cast.

After all, during the last Chunin Exams, Orochimaru's interference had prevented almost everyone from being promoted to Chunin, with the sole exception of Shikamaru.

He even caught sight of the trio: Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Sakura!

It was strange, though. According to the original timeline, shouldn't Uchiha Sasuke have long since been seduced by Orochimaru and left the village?

Why was he still here, participating in the Chunin Exams?

After pondering for a long time without reaching a conclusion, Takizawa Dan shook his head and stopped thinking about it.

Perhaps his own arrival as an anomaly had caused a butterfly effect, altering the program of this world.

"Naruto! Where are you looking! You're asking for a beating!"

"Ouch, ouch, ouch... I'm innocent, Sakura!"

"Hmph. Don't waste time, you two."

Uchiha Sasuke was as handsome and aloof as ever, yet the moment Rock Lee saw him, he immediately straightened his face and marched over.

"Lee! Lee..."

Takizawa Dan called out a few times but couldn't stop him, so he could only shake his head and follow him over.

"Uchiha Sasuke! Do you remember me?"

Rock Lee arrived in front of Uchiha Sasuke and shouted.

"Ah! Bushy Brows, it's you!!!" Naruto exclaimed loudly.

"Lee? Are your injuries healed?" Sakura was more composed, asking with concern.

"Hehe, Sakura... I'm as strong as an ox now! Anytime, anywhere, I can protect you from harm!"

The moment he saw Sakura, Rock Lee immediately broke into a lovesick grin, his previous intensity vanishing into thin air.

"Idiot."

Uchiha Sasuke shook his head. He had intended to ignore Rock Lee, but upon seeing Takizawa Dan behind him, his brow couldn't help but twitch.

"Takizawa Dan? Why are you here too?"

There had already been many onlookers when Rock Lee approached, but now, with Uchiha Sasuke's remark, everyone turned their gazes toward Takizawa Dan!

A wave of discussion broke out, their expressions complex.

"Takizawa Dan? Isn't he not even a ninja... How did he get into the Chunin Exam venue?"

"He's probably just here to keep Rock Lee company and cheer him on; they've always been close. Sigh, how pathetic..."

"What's pathetic about it! If you can't cultivate, just be a normal person. Why insist on hanging around ninjas? What's the point?!"

Uchiha Sasuke looked at Takizawa Dan and spoke slowly: "Takizawa Dan, this is the site of the Chunin Exams. According to the regulations, ordinary people who are not ninjas are not allowed to enter."

"While there is still time, you should leave quickly. Otherwise, when the Hokage arrives later, you won't be able to avoid punishment."