As the Three Sand Siblings are introduced, Gaara scolds Kankurō for his abuse of the kids. Gaara then apologises to Sasuke for Kankurō's behaviour. The three are ninja from Sunagakure and they come here in Konohafor the Chūnin Exams.
The Third Hokage asks Kakashi, Asuma and Kurenai to step forward and recommend any Genin they believe to be fit to take the Chūnin Exams. Iruka thinks that the rookies need more time, and that there is no way that any of them will be recommended. However, all three jōnin recommend their students which shocks Iruka greatly.
Iruka challenges their decision, as he believes Aika and the others are not ready for the exam. They however stand by their decision and the Hokage agrees, but only after Kakashi reminds Iruka they are no longer his students, but ninja under his command.
"Aika is only a child that will just get in the way, she doesn't even understand the basics of being a ninja, she needs more training then the others" Iruka said angrily
"Do not underestimate her" Kakashi said
The next morning Kakashi gives Team 7 the application forms for the Chūnin Exams. Both Sasuke and Naruto accept, but Sakura and Aika are uncertain. Later, all three of Team 7 are attacked by a mysterious ninja from a different village.
Moegi is captured by a mysterious ninja, and is seen tied up and gagged with a cloth. Naruto eventually saves her, but the mysterious ninja escapes. Sakura is taken in by his genjutsu but quickly figures it out. Despite this she is still uncertain about the exam.
Sasuke easily defeats the ninja, telling him to stay out of Konohagakure. Aika was easily knocked out by the ninja.
The ninja is revealed to be Iruka in disguise. He reports back to Kakashi, confirming they all passed his test, all but Aika.
"Withdraw Aika from the exams" Iruka demanded
"It will be her decision" Kakashi said sternly
Inside the school registration for the exam is taking place, they arrive on the floor, but two shinobi bar the way warning all the genin about the exam.
Aika tapped Sakura and concluded their was a genjutsu, it says they're on the 3rd floor but they're actually on the 2nd. The two girls knew that they were both afraid to take the chunin exams but they decided to go anyway.
An altercation nearly takes place between the ninja and Sasuke but Rock Lee steps in and diffuses the situation, which surprises Sasuke. Rock Lee later goes after Sasuke and challenges him to a duel.