Chapter Summaries

Jiraiya told Naruto and Kakashi that Mount Myōboku had no news of Hayashi, leaving them to wait for his return. In Ryūchi Cave, Hayashi remained absorbed in meditation until Tagorihime woke him because it was time to go back.

• Jiraiya explained that Mount Myōboku had not heard from Hayashi, and Naruto apologized for calling Jiraiya useless.
• Jiraiya took Naruto back to the forest for more training while Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke returned to the training ground.
• Tagorihime asked the White Snake Sage about Hayashi, and the Sage told her to leave him alone and send him back tomorrow.
• Hayashi tried to understand why sage energy vanished when it reached his tailbone, then continued meditating.
• Tagorihime woke Hayashi and told him that matters in his world were about to begin.

Hayashi finished recovering in Ryūchi Cave, received a new coat from Tagorihime, and headed back to Konoha. He arrived at the Chunin Exam arena just as the examiner declared that he would forfeit if he did not report within half an hour.

• Hayashi thanked Tagorihime for the coat and went to the hot springs to clean up before returning to Konoha.
• Gekko Hayate began the arena-battle examination while the Konoha Genin deliberately stayed silent when their names were called.
• Gekko Hayate warned Naruto Uzumaki and the other Konoha candidates that they would forfeit if they did not report within half an hour.
• Hayashi tore open a dark fissure at the arena and strode out in his new coat.
• Kakashi welcomed Hayashi and told him it was his turn.

Uzumaki Hayashi returned just in time for the Chunin Exam and officially joined the Konoha genin, reassuring Gekko Hayate and drawing the attention of the Third Hokage and the Kazekage. After the genin began drawing lots for their matches, Hayashi selected a slip and started to unfold it.

• Hayashi accepted the tachi Sasuke had kept for him and announced that he was officially joining the exam, leading the Konoha genin into the arena.
• Hayashi reported to Gekko Hayate, who scolded him for worrying Yugao and him before welcoming him back.
• The Third Hokage told the Kazekage that Hayashi was the genin he had the most confidence in, and the Kazekage watched Hayashi with interest.
• Gekko Hayate explained the match-drawing process and warned the genin that killing was forbidden.
• Hayashi reached into the box, drew a slip, and began to unfold it as the other genin anxiously wondered who would face him.

Uzumaki Hayashi drew Temari as his opponent, unsettling the Sunagakure team, while the other examinees discovered their matchups. Gekko Hayate opened the preliminary exam by announcing Sasuke Uchiha versus Akado Yoroi as the first match.

• Uzumaki Hayashi drew Temari's name, and Temari remembered his frightening power as Kankuro worried she might have to face him.
• Gaara urged Temari to test Hayashi, while she reluctantly agreed to try.
• Naruto Uzumaki drew Kiba, Sasuke Uchiha drew Akado Yoroi, and Sakura drew Ino.
• Gekko Hayate recorded the matchups and announced the start of the Chunin Preliminary Selection Exam.
• Gekko Hayate called Sasuke Uchiha and Akado Yoroi to begin the first match, and Hayashi encouraged Sasuke before leaving the ring.