DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (GOT A 93% ON ANOTHER EXAM, NICE!)

Ch.65 - A New Chapter Begins: The Chunin Exams!

- In Konoha -

It was an unusually busy day in Konoha (Hidden Leaf), the village bustling with more activity than anyone had anticipated. The Chunin Exams (Chunin Senbatsu Shiken) were three days away, and the anticipation was palpable. Swathes of merchants, businessmen, and tourists had flocked to Konoha, drawn by the allure of the exams and the vibrant festivities that accompanied them. The village buzzed with frenetic energy, the air thick with excitement and anticipation.

With the influx of visitors, Konohahad no choice but to heighten security to ensure the village remained safe throughout the event. Additional Konoha shinobi patrolled the streets, their eyes vigilant for any sign of trouble. Sensor ninjas were strategically positioned around the village, their senses attuned to the slightest disturbances. The Kekkai-han (Barrier Team), worked tirelessly to maintain the protective barrier encircling the village, known as the Kekkaimon Gofūjutsu: Hachimon Heijō (Barrier Gate Five Seals Technique: Castle Closing Eight Gates).

Meanwhile, numerous shinobi from participating villages began to make their way to Konoha. These included Sunagakure no Sato (Village Hidden in the Sand), Takigakure no Sato (Village Hidden by a Waterfall), Amegakure no Sato (Village Hidden by Rain), Otogakure no Sato (Village Hidden in the Sound), and Kusagakure no Sato (Village Hidden in the Grass). Each of these villages sent their finest and most promising young ninja to compete in the Chunin Exams. The streets of Konoha soon transformed into a colorful tapestry of different hitai-ate, each symbol representing a different village and a different story.

With multiple villages mingling, each participating village expected everyone involved in the event to be on their best behavior. The leaders and representatives of the villages had emphasized the importance of diplomacy and respect. They understood that the Chunin Exams were not just a test of individual strength and skill, but also an opportunity to foster alliances and strengthen bonds between the villages.

We then find Asuma walking along a busy street, his steps steady and deliberate amidst the hustle and bustle. He could hear the lively chatter of people and the clinking of tools as vendors set up their stalls in preparation for the exams. The influx of visitors meant good business, and everyone was eager to make the most of it. Asuma's eyes scanned the crowd, ever watchful, even as he allowed himself to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

"Sarutobi-san! Sarutobi-san!" a voice called out, breaking through the cacophony of sounds.

The bearded jounin turned around, his curiosity piqued by the familiar voice. As he turned, he saw a familiar face emerging from the crowd. It was Eguchi Kunijiro, a previous client who had once enlisted the services of his team.

"Kunijiro-san?... You're here early?... The exams are two days away if I'm not mistaken..." Asuma said, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise.

"Ahhh, well... I just wanted to make sure that I'm completely prepared! You can't be too careful, am I right?..." Kunijiro said, chuckling heartily.

"Fair point," Asuma remarked with a nod.

"Oh! By the way, I'm guessing your students will be participating in the exams, no?..." Kunijiro inquired, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.

"Ahhh, actually... I'm on my way to meet them and talk about it, as well as give 'em these..." Asuma replied, revealing three scrolls that immediately caught Kunijiro's interest.

"What are those if I may ask, Sarutobi-san?..." Kunijiro wondered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he examined the scrolls.

"I suppose this is kinda like a contract, so to speak... It's protocol for jounin-senseis to give these out to their students if and when they decide to join the Chunin exams, especially if this is their first time," Asuma explained, his tone reflecting a sense of duty and tradition.

"Ahhh, I see... I see... Well then, if they do join, I am certain that they'll do great!" Kunijiro said with a warm smile, his confidence in Asuma's students unwavering.

But at the back of his mind, Asuma couldn't shake off a lingering sense of envy at Kunijiro's assurance. It wasn't that he doubted his students' skills and capabilities; on the contrary, he believed he had trained them diligently enough and believed in their potential. However, Asuma was all too aware of the ruthless nature of the Chunin Exams, having experienced their trials firsthand in his youth. He couldn't help but worry about the dangers his students might face, knowing that the exams were a test not only of skill but also of survival.

"Regardless, I apologize for holding you up, Sarutobi-san. I am sure you have a lot on your plate right now, but before you go..." Kunijiro trailed off, his voice pulling Asuma's attention back to the present moment as he presented four small boxes to the bearded jounin.

Asuma's curiosity piqued as Kunijiro unveiled the contents of the small boxes. "Not just any ordinary kunai! No, these are made out of shimako (frost-steel) from Shimo no Kuni (Land of Frost)! Its blade is very sharp, freshly honed too. On the other hand, its grip is made out of the finest leather in all of Hi no Kuni (Land of Fire)! Consider it as a thank-you gift for your students, Kunihisa told me he had a blast with your students!" Kunijiro explained, his smile radiating genuine warmth.

Asuma gingerly opened one of the boxes, his fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. Inside lay the kunai, its dark blue hue catching the sunlight and casting a mesmerizing sheen. The blade, as promised, gleamed with a razor-sharp edge. With a cautious touch, Asuma ran his finger along the tip of the blade, feeling its keenness as it pricked his skin with surprising ease. "*whistle* Damn... You weren't kidding about its sharpness..." Asuma remarked, his admiration evident in his tone.

"Absolutely! Just think of this as a marketing scheme, if you will... As you know, my business involves making premium weapons. And what better way to advertise my product than by giving one to a well-respected shinobi of the Leaf Village! I am confident in the quality of my product, and I trust that word of mouth will simply do its thing!" Kunijiro said, his enthusiasm infectious.

Asuma couldn't help but nod in agreement, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Kunijiro's logic was sound, and the gesture was undeniably generous. As a shinobi who understood the value of trust and reputation, Asuma could appreciate the significance of such a gift, both for his students and for Kunijiro's business. With a grateful nod, Asuma accepted the gesture and bid farewell to the man, silently resolving to ensure that his students put the weapons to good use.

- With Naruto, Shino, and Ino -

The three of them waited for their sensei to arrive at their usual training grounds. The air was unusually quiet; Naruto and Ino, who normally filled the space with their playful bickering, were uncharacteristically silent. Even Shino, always the calm observer, seemed more introspective than usual. Two major concerns weighed heavily on their minds.

The first was the looming Chunin Exams. Asuma had brought up the topic some time ago, but the uncertainty of whether to participate still lingered. The way Asuma had described the exams made them uneasy. Ino had even shared what she learned from her parents, adding to their apprehension.

According to her father, the exams had no set pattern. Each village typically changed things up to keep the participating students on their toes, preventing them from relying on memorization of past exams. Moreover, the exams served as a critical assessment to determine if a Genin (low/junior ninja) possessed the traits and skills of a Chunin (middle/journeyman ninja). Essentially, it was a culmination of their hard work and training, a test to see if they were ready to advance in their careers.

The second concern was the aftermath of their recent mission in Kawa no Kuni (Land of Rivers). They were still shaken by Asuma's ruthless decision to take Ranmaru hostage to control the situation. They understood the necessity of the action, but seeing their sensei in such a light was unsettling. It was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of being a ninja, and that their sensei was capable of such things.

Moments later, the very person they had been waiting for arrived. All three of them turned their attention towards their sensei, who brought along three scrolls as well as three small boxes. The bearded jounin nodded at them, acknowledging their presence. He then cleared his throat and greeted his students as usual.

"Sorry for the hold up, I ran into Kunijiro-san a while ago and he told me to give you guys these," Asuma said as he handed the small boxes to each one of them.

Curious, all three of them took a box from their sensei and inspected it, wondering what could be inside. But instead of answering, Asuma simply urged them to open the boxes and find out for themselves. Naruto, unable to contain his curiosity, was the first to lift the lid of his box. Inside, he found the same kunai that Asuma had inspected not too long ago.

"Whoa... Is this for real?..." Naruto exclaimed in disbelief.

"I know, right?... Not gonna lie, I was skeptical at first. Turns out, he wanted to give you guys a thank-you gift for doing a great job of looking after his son. He also wanted me to tell you guys that Kunihisa had tons of fun," Asuma explained.

Despite the gift they had just received, Asuma sensed the tension lingering in the air. He knew he had to address the elephant in the room.

"Listen up, there's something I want to talk about with the three of you... Is that okay?" Asuma asked, his voice steady yet gentle. The three of them nodded in agreement, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Lately, I've noticed that something's been off with the three of you, and I know what it is... I know it's about Ranmaru and Raiga back in Kawa no Kuni (Land of Rivers), and I understand..." Asuma began, his tone sincere. "Though to my defense, it was a split-second decision made in good faith, and I'm sure the three of you can at least understand that. BUT I also understand if your perception of me has changed, and I can't blame you for that... Regardless, I do hope that we're still on good terms..." he explained, his gaze meeting each of theirs with honesty and respect.

"We understand, Asuma-sensei... And don't worry, none of us think you're a bad person because of it... We were just shocked, is all..." Ino replied, her voice firm yet reassuring. Shino and Naruto nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting understanding and acceptance.

"You did what you had to do, Asuma-sensei," Shino added, his tone unwavering.

"Ne, Asuma-sensei?... What happened to Ranmaru anyway?..." Naruto interjected, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"For now?... Ranmaru's receiving proper treatment somewhere. I can't really tell you guys where he is, Hokage's orders, sorry... But don't worry, he's in good hands," Asuma reassured them, his voice carrying a sense of conviction that eased their concerns.

With that matter addressed, Asuma shifted his focus to another important topic he needed to discuss with his students—the upcoming Chunin Exams.

"Anyway... As you all know, the Chunin Exams are about to begin, and I haven't gotten an answer from you guys just yet... So?... What will it be?... Are you in?... OR are you out?..." Asuma asked, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation as he handed each of them a scroll.

All three of them unfurled the scrolls and began to read its contents thoroughly, their minds racing with thoughts of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

- (Chunin Exam Participation Form) -

*Personal Information*

Name of Participant:

Date of Birth:

Village:

Current Rank:

(If the individual is being recommended to join the exams) Jounin-sensei:

*Acknowledgment and Agreement*

I, the undersigned, agree to the following terms and conditions for participating in the Chunin Exams:

[Eligibility:

- I confirm that I meet the eligibility requirements to participate in the Chunin Exams, including having accomplished a total of 12 missions, regardless of their rank, as stipulated by the regulations of my village.

[Risks and Responsibilities:

- I understand that the Chunin Exams involve significant physical, and mental challenges, and I accept all associated risks.

- I acknowledge that the exams are inherently dangerous and may result in serious injury or death. I accept full responsibility for my actions and any injuries or damages that may occur as a result of my participation.

[Withdrawal and Forfeiture:

- I understand that I may withdraw from the exams at any point if I feel unable to continue, and I agree to inform the examiners immediately of my decision to withdraw.

- I acknowledge that withdrawing from the exams will result in forfeiture and I will not be considered for promotion to the rank of Chunin.

[Liability Waiver:

- I release the organizers of the Chunin Exams, including the respective villages, examiners, and medical staff, from any liability for injuries or damages incurred during my participation in the exams.

*By signing this agreement, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions of participation in the Chunin Exams*

For Official Use Only:

Participant's Signature:

(If the individual is being recommended to join the exams) Name and Signature of Jounin-sensei:

Received by:

Kage's Signature:

Remarks:

- (End of Form) -

"I know... I know... It ain't an easy question, but I really need an ans-" Asuma was suddenly cut off by Naruto's decisive voice.

"I'm in," Naruto declared, his tone resolute. The unexpected declaration surprised both Shino and Ino, but Asuma couldn't help but feel impressed by Naruto's boldness. Not only that, he felt proud of him too.

Ino and Shino exchanged glances, silently communicating their thoughts. Finally, Shino followed suit, his voice steady and determined. "Count me in as well," he said, his commitment echoing Naruto's resolve.

With two of her teammates showing bravery, Ino felt the weight of their decision pressing down on her. She feared she wasn't ready, worried that she would only be a liability for her teammates, dragging them down with her. But then Naruto placed his hand on her shoulder, his foxy grin melting away a majority of Ino's doubts and uncertainties.

Without uttering a word, Naruto conveyed his unwavering confidence in her abilities. It was a silent gesture, but it spoke volumes. Encouraged by Naruto's belief in her, Ino took a deep breath and made her decision.

"Oh, what the hell! Make that three, Asuma-sensei..." Ino said, her voice tinged with determination.

Asuma couldn't help but swell with pride, though he still harbored some concerns for their safety. But as their sensei, he knew their capabilities better than anyone. He had witnessed them overcome countless hurdles and problems in various missions. Asuma had faith that each and every one of them would look after one another and give it their all to keep each other safe. Best-case scenario, all three of them would end up being promoted.

The idea of a three-man cell being promoted to Chunin at the same time wasn't unheard of, but it was rare and quite a spectacle to say the least. Asuma knew that their journey ahead would be challenging, but he also knew that they were more than capable of rising to the occasion.

With that, the trio set to work, diligently filling out the required details in their individual scrolls.

- Hokage Tower: Meeting Room C -

(Later That Day)

The meeting room buzzed with activity as Konoha shinobi, mostly jounins (high/elite ninja) and tokubetsu jounins (special high ninja) filled a majority of the room. In the expected front row, Kurenai and Asuma sat side by side, their expressions a mix of anticipation and readiness. Moments later, Kakashi entered the room with another individual in tow, catching the attention of both Kurenai and Asuma.

"OI! Kakashi! Gai! Get your asses over here!" Asuma's voice cut through the chatter, drawing the jounins' attention. Kakashi and Gai made their way over, taking seats in the still-empty front row.

"So, did you guys enter your students in the exams?" Kurenai inquired; her curiosity evident.

"Ye-" Kakashi began, but his response was drowned out by Gai's booming declaration.

"YOU BET! I THINK IT'S ABOUT TIME FOR EVERYONE TO SEE JUST HOW EXCEPTIONAL AND YOUTHFUL MY STUDENTS ARE!" Gai's enthusiasm echoed through the room, drawing a few amused glances.

Kakashi watched Gai's antics with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Despite their long history, Gai's boundless energy remained as infectious as ever.

"I see... So, any ideas about what the exams will entail?" Asuma redirected the conversation.

"No clue... All we know is that there'll always be a written portion," Kakashi replied, his gaze shifting between his companions.

"I suppose so... But then again, the exams always keep us guessing. We can never predict what they'll throw at us," Kurenai added, her tone thoughtful.

As their discussion continued, the room suddenly fell silent as the Hokage (fire shadow) entered, commanding the attention of every shinobi present. Hiruzen took his seat and spread sheets of paper across the table before making the formal announcement.

"There is no other reason to summon you here other than... As I assume you already understand, based on the faces you can see around... Now... I will make the formal announcement. Three days from today... The Chunin Exams will begin!"

- Extra -

How many missions in total did Team 10 do?

D - Ranks: 6 (3 from Chapter 2; 1 from Chapter 53/54; 3 Unnamed)

C - Ranks: 6 (1 from Chapter 2; 1 from Chapter 50; 1 from Chapter 56; 1 from Chapter 59-63 [Kawa no Kuni Arc]; 1 during Team 7 Arc; 1 during Team 8 Arc)

B - Ranks: 3 (1 from Chapter 4-7 [Ranch Arc]; 1 from Chapter 14; 1 from Chapter 46-48 [Animal Control Arc])

A - Ranks: 2 (1 from Chapter 20-30 [Mori no Kuni Arc]; 1 from Chapter 59-63 [Kawa no Kuni Arc])

S - Ranks: 0

Total: 17 Missions

(A/N: FINALLY! AFTER TWO YEARS SINCE THIS FIC HAS BEEN PUBLISHED, I'VE FINALLY REACHED THIS ARC HAHAHA. Now I understand as to why Kishi made Team 7 participate in the chunin exams right away! The pacing, though I admit I don't mind reading the extra missions and extra world building, though I suppose I can note that its fine to skip some chapters but I highly suggest to read 'em all if you can. And to address, the recent review, this fic will def get some action and plot progression I just wanted to train the characters up before shoving them in the exams. While I admit, they're rookies and exceptional, I still want them to be prepared for it nonetheless)