A gathering of talents: Neji, the mature beauty who was last year's top rookie (fourth update)

"Good grief... how was this even fair?"

But while Naruto was admiring the sight, footsteps from a group of people sounded behind him.

He turned to look.

Heh.

It was Older Sister Little Deer, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi, from the three clans known for their secret techniques.

Right behind them came the well-developed, spirited Kiba Inuzuka, the sunny Hinata Hyuga, and Shino Aburame, who was practically invisible unless you looked closely.

Well-developed, though not that old in the narrative.

"Hey, isn't this Older Sister Little Deer?" Naruto stepped out of the crowd to greet Shikamaru and the others.

"Big Brother Naruto... long time no see." Seeing Naruto greet them, Hinata shyly responded first.

"Heh, I didn't expect Team 7 to enter the Chunin Ninja Exams too. I thought... only Sasuke would be entering," Kiba said meaningfully.

"Woof, woof... whine..." Akamaru seemed to have caught the scent of a womanizer and barked twice at Naruto in warning.

"Hmph, see? I told you Akamaru didn't like you." Kiba had no idea Naruto had secretly appeared in his boudoir more than ten days ago. He simply assumed Akamaru disliked Naruto.

"Naruto, is your Team 7 entering the Chunin Ninja Exams too?"

Compared with Hinata's shyness and Kiba's disdain...

Older Sister Little Deer was clearly a little more... like that.

After the spanking incident several years ago, two people had suddenly forced their way into her mind and heart.

One was Big Brother Uchiha Sagen, whom she adored and who had appeared only fleetingly. The other was Naruto Uzumaki, the man who dared to spank her.

"Heh, little Kiba, you'd better keep your dog under control. If he bites me, I'll have to stew him."

That dog had ruined his fun last time, and Naruto was still furious about it. He hadn't expected