"Huh? The Chunin Ninja Exams?!"
All three were startled, including Sasuke, who had seemed somewhat distracted.
Sakura tugged at the hem of her clothes in a fluster. "Can... can we really do it?"
After all, they had only graduated from the Ninja Academy about six months ago. Of course they lacked confidence when they suddenly heard news like this.
Oh, except for Naruto.
"Kakashi-sensei, I want to sign up!"
Brimming with confidence, Naruto was the first to jump forward, his expression full of excitement.
He had an air of, "They're just the Chunin Ninja Exams. Who else but me?"
Kakashi felt rather helpless. He actually hadn't really wanted Naruto and the others to participate, because in his eyes, they were still too green, lacking somewhat in both strength and experience.
But Lord Hokage felt they could use this opportunity to train and exchange knowledge with the young prodigies from other Shinobi Villages. Flowers that stayed in a greenhouse could never become powerful Ninja capable of standing on their own.
Besides, whether they participated ultimately depended on their own wishes.
Kakashi sighed. "Naruto, didn't you hear what I just said? Registration is in teams of three this time. In other words, unless Sakura and Sasuke both agree to participate, you can't sign up alone."
"Huh? Why is there such a weird rule?!"
Naruto's face fell, but he immediately perked up and began trying to win over Sakura and Sasuke beside him.
"Hey, hey... let's sign up together! Don't worry. With me around, we'll definitely pass the exams and become Chunin! Hehehe~"
Just imagining himself becoming a Chunin soon was enough to make Naruto start grinning foolishly.
Sakura couldn't help covering her face. Hearing Naruto say that made her give up hope even more.
Meet the Ninja Academy's number-one dead last, the