Konoha.
Kakuzu used Ninjutsu to carve out markets in various countries, but Ren only paid slight attention to it and wasn't too concerned.
At this moment, Ren was in his office looking at the newly released list of Genin Konoha.
It's not about who's who, it's just about the number of people.
Hmm, a multiple of three?
Let's add Sasuke Uchiha then.
Ren only paid attention to the Genin because the Joint Chūnin Exams were about to be held, and he wanted his younger sister to go and broaden her horizons.
Even if Natsuri doesn't know any Ninjutsu, she can still defeat an ordinary Chunin by simply brute force after awakening the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
Paying attention to the Genin roster is just a way to find teammates for Natsuri.
Since the newly Genin just formed a team, it would be good to let Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha graduate early as well.
In Konoha, where it was practically a one-man show, Ren's will was quickly implemented.
Ninja Academy.
Iruka arrived at the classroom door, gestured for the teacher to pause the lesson, and then spoke.
"Uchiha Natsuri, Uchiha Sasuke, Naruto Uzumaki, come with me!"
After spending several years together, Iruka came to know the real Naruto, but he still harbored some resentment and remained somewhat uncomfortable around Naruto.
Without experiencing life-or-death choices, it's difficult for people to truly understand their own hearts.
The three boys who were called out left the classroom with Iruka and walked into the corridor of the school building. Naruto then asked a question.
"Iruka-sensei, what are you taking us to do?"
Upon hearing Naruto's question, Iruka unconsciously wanted to frown, but he restrained himself before taking action and patiently inquired instead.
Have you all heard about the upcoming Joint Chūnin Exams Konoha?
Without a doubt, it was Naruto spoke first.
"Once people heard about it, the Voice of Konoha would talk about it Tenten!"
Sasuke Uchiha and Natsuri both nodded in response to Naruto's answer, indicating that they had also heard about it.
After receiving a reply, Iruka continued in a tone full of pride.
"This Joint Chūnin Exams is unlike any before; it's confirmed that all ninja villages in the Shinobi World will participate, making it a highly anticipated event."
Upon hearing this Natsuri, Sasuke Uchiha, and Naruto all straightened up slightly, filled with pride that Konoha was able to host such a grand event.
The three children's reactions were exactly what Iruka had expected, and he went on to explain.
"This is an unprecedented event, and its future is uncertain. The Lord Hokage hopes that more Genin from Konoha can participate, and you three are very fortunate to have this opportunity."
After Iruka finished speaking, he observed the three little ones' reactions.
Natsuri and Sasuke Uchiha frowned slightly and pondered for a moment, then their brows relaxed, clearly having guessed what would happen next.
Naruto, however, remained staring intently at Iruka, waiting for further explanation.
When Naruto realized Iruka had finished speaking, he still didn't understand and continued to ask.
"Iruka-sensei, what does this have to do with us being called out?"
"Idiot Naruto, the Chunin Ninja Exams are so prestigious that Genin can participate. We're just students at the Ninja Academy right now, how do you think we can participate?"
Without waiting for Iruka's reply, Sasuke Uchiha, having figured things out, seized the opportunity to mock Naruto.
"You Sasuke Uchiha, you don't even know this? Genin who completes a certain mission can apply to participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams!"
Unlike the Naruto at least memorized everything he was supposed to.
"Tch, you idiot!"
Sasuke Uchiha gave Naruto a disdainful look, thinking, "All you know is how to recite."
"Boss Natsuri, look, Sasuke Uchiha's starting to act all cocky again."
Naruto knew that arguing with Sasuke Uchiha would be pointless, so he decided to find someone to help him.
Having seen through everything long ago, Natsuri has always maintained an attitude of not participating in, not advising, and ignoring the arguments between Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha.
That is, until Naruto tried to pull himself into this argument between boys.
Natsuri didn't indulge Naruto either, and looked at Naruto with the same expression of looking at an idiot.
"Naruto, you really were the dumber one this time!"
After saying that, Natsuri ignored the two of them and quickly followed Iruka's footsteps.
Seeing this, Sasuke Uchiha raised his chin, glanced at Naruto with disdain, and strode away.
Naruto, still in a daze, remained standing there.
At this point, Naruto had completely forgotten about why they had come out in the first place.
He kept muttering to himself.
Why?
I followed Shikamaru's instructions exactly, so why didn't it work?
Am I really not as smart as Shikamaru?
Wrong!
It's definitely Sasuke Uchiha's fault; it's all because Sasuke Uchiha is too arrogant.
Having found the reason, Naruto became energetic again, and shouted as he looked at the three who had now spread out in distance.
"Wait for me!"
He then quickly chased after them.
As for Natsuri and Sasuke Uchiha saying he was stupid, Naruto was already immune to it and didn't care at all; it was all fake anyway.
Naruto himself knows he's smart, that's enough.
A few minutes later.
Inside the training grounds of the Ninja Academy.
The graduation assessment specifically designed for the three students has finally been completed, and the students to be assessed have arrived.