Things went in a similar sequence to the original plot. The only difference is that Naruto is obviously stronger than in the original and Gaara got a VIP ticket as he watched as things unfold.

When Lee came to challenge Sasuke, Naruto still came forward and gave Lee much more of a challenge than he did in canon. Although he still lost in the bout of taijutsu it can be said that he really didn't exert that much effort into it either as no ninjutsu was involved.

There's a world of difference between watching the anime and spectating live. There's nothing much to do anyway.

'As expected, these guys are still just a bunch of kids playing 'ninja' at this point in time.'

Gaara smiled while undoing his third eye technique.

"Found anything interesting?"

Temari asked.

"Nah... Just a bunch of kids going at it for love and vengeance. hehehe."

Gaara replied briefly with a smile. It was always fun watching as kids quarrel amongst themselves.

"You do you."

'Seriously this kid...'

A few minutes later and the trio of team seven arrived in room 301 to register. They seem surprised to find that there are already many genins from konoha and other villages crowding the room.

Sasuke is still out of sorts after getting an unexpected beating from Rock Lee, he silently pondered upon the meaning of existence and questioned his resolve after learning that he is just a little frog in the well who thought he counted for something. Now his face got kicked and jolted his mind.

Sakura is still being her useless self who believes it was unfair for someone her age to be matched against more experienced and more powerful shinobi of other villages.

Naruto on the other hand is picking his nose annoyed that he couldn't reach that one patch of booger further in.

Their classmates then arrived to welcome the arrival of the main casts followed by Kabuto who was selling his wares for cheaps. (Kabuto is actually giving intel for those who didn't know.)

The porcupine from Ottogakure got offended by one of his remarks and saw the need to rectify Kabuto's perception toward their village. He attacked the ultimate spy kid using his special technique showing everyone how dumb he is by revealing his cards prematurely.

He did shock the kids though, so there's that.

Poof*

"I am Ibiki Morino your proctor, and as of this moment, your worst nightmare. How dare you make a move without permission!?"

"I'm sorry sir, we are just a little... excited."

Dosu reasoned matter-of-factly.

Ibiki just smiled at his response. He's been hot headed once upon a time.

'For sure you'll be bald too.' He thought.

"Listen up I'm only gonna say this once..."

Rules are set, mainly about no attacking with lethal force or something and then he explained how the written test will roll. Naruto is already in despair by the time he finished talking.

45 minutes later...

Naruto's son of destiny status never failed him again as things seemed to roll in his favor. He passed the test after giving a motivational speech. This speech also cause a higher number of teams to also pass against the expectation of the supervising team.

'Not my problem.' Ibiki thought.

Just as Naruto was about to celebrate, Mitarashi Anko decided to make a cool entrance at the cost of incurring damage to public property. Pretty sure they're taking it out on her next payday.

'I'm not gonna pay for that you crazy snake woman. I have to report this to sandaime or my allowance for the hair treatment I ordered is doomed.'

After introducing herself as the proctor for the second phase of the exam, she asked those who passed to follow her towards the site for the exam.

Ibiki in his solo appearance walked to retrieve Naruto's test paper and found it in the most prestine condition. It has never been touched nor damaged.

"He sure is special."

'I hope he gets bald.'

In the exam venue.

"This is where the second phase of the exam will take place, its the 44th battle training zone... but we call it... Forest of Death."

The very ominous name shook the younglings while Anko who didn't really care began to explain the rules for the exam.

The participants are made to sign liability waivers in case of severe injury or death.

Inside the FoD a few hours later.

"Tsk, did you guys come across a black cat or something? This is the second team we wiped and we still get the same scroll."

Kankuro asked no one in particular while questioning his lucky stars.

"It can't be helped, coz you have a birthmark on your butt... hahaha!"

Temari said with a smirk which she covered with a small fan. Kankuro regretted asking almost immediately and couldn't find words to deny as his sister did help take care of him as a child and naturally saw his butt once or twice. Probably more. The truth is just a bitch sometimes.

"Okay my bad. I'm sorry for inconveniencing your highness luck goddess Temari of the sand."

Yes, own it. When others poke at your weak spot... reveal it to the world! 'Wear it like an armor' like what a wise drunk imp once advised towards a moping bastard.

"Let's just go, we're not in a hurry anyways. Besides, cutting down these dregs will only benefit us in the future exams. Don't you think so too?"

Gaara cut in just as Temari was about to retort with her own piece of mind.

"You're right. These guys aren't even worth the time to summon my puppets."

'I got scammed, I should have just stayed home. Pride my ass, I feel like we've been picking on children ever since we came here. It was fun at first... but I got bored fast.'

"Don't be disappointed yet Kankuro, this forest is vast and there's plenty of plants here. I'm sure Konoha wouldn't mind if we took some for your project."

'This isn't illegal logging right? DENR wouldn't be filing a complaint at all. Right?'

"Aha that's right. Good Iron wood is expensive in sunagakure but in the tree hugger territory they're practically everywhere."

Kankuro's eyes flashed and he smiled widely while looking at Gaara and then towards Temari.

"What?"

Temari took a step backwards.

"Please help me cut down some trees."

Temari instinctively looked at Gaara.

"Don't look at me, you're the one with a sword. Plus you are physically stronger than the two of us."

The adventure continues as the trio leisurely walked under the forest canopy. Fighting unfortunate kids and young adults who crossed their paths. By the second day, their luck struck the jackpot so after a nine consecutive heaven scroll, they finally managed to get an earth scroll in their tenth attempt. They also collected enough iron wood and other various rare wood types to last Kankuro for a while in his endeavors.

"Hahaha! Tenth time is a charm! Let's go get this over with shall we?"

"Ei... what do you think we should do with the excess of heaven scrolls?"

"Just throw them out. Those who are fated will find them eventually."

'Sage mode xianxia style!' Gaara stroke his non existing beard, while his left hand rested on his lower back.

"Okie dokie... you go... I'll deal with the scrolls myself."

Kankuro suggested with a mischievous smile. Gaara's eye widened as he realized something important.

"I'll take part in this important matter." ~Gaara

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." ~Temari

His siblings of course knew what was running through his mind and decided to take part.

"Whatever pleases you."

The three quickly finished their 'very important' work and proceeded quickly towards the center of the forest.

The three sand siblings finished the second test in record time of 56 hours.