Naruto Cursed Child Chronicles Ch 13 (Chunin exams), a naruto fanfic

(Well I know my story may be come out in am trying out too much this story is something I was writing as my 1st story and I wanted this thing to be the best but don't worry Just give me few chapters I will Try my best to make it Good thank for understanding)

Two months had passed since the Wave mission, and life in the village had settled into a new rhythm. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the village as Konohamaru, ever the mischievous prankster, hid behind a tree, peeking at Natsu and Suki Namikaze as they made their way toward their father's office.

With a sly grin, Konohamaru threw a smoke bomb at the pair, causing a sudden explosion of smoke. As the smoke began to clear, he jumped out, brandishing a toy kunai. "Hey, Natsu, Suki! Let's play ninja with me and my friends, Udon and Moegi!" he declared enthusiastically.

Natsu, coughing slightly, waved his hand to clear the smoke. "Konohamaru, what are you doing?" he asked, irritation creeping into his voice.

Sakura Haruno, who had just arrived on the scene, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "what kind of ninja plays ninja?" she asked, clearly unimpressed.

Konohamaru stuck his tongue out at her. "What would you know, forehead girl?"

Suki sighed and stepped forward, placing a hand on her hip. "Konohamaru, do you remember what I told you about ninjas being fast? Let's put that to the test."

Konohamaru's eyes widened as he noticed Sakura's rising anger. Without another word, he turned and bolted down the street, laughing mischievously. "Catch me if you can!"

"Get back here, you little brat!" Sakura shouted, taking off after him with determination.

Natsu and Suki exchanged amused glances before following the chase, their footsteps echoing in the bustling village streets.

Konohamaru glanced back over his shoulder, his laughter filling the air. "You guys are too slow! Real ninjas are way faster!"

Sakura, fueled by frustration, quickened her pace. "When I catch you, Brat, you're going to regret this!"

Natsu smirked. "He's really asking for it this time."

Suki nodded, keeping her eyes on the fleeing Konohamaru. "Let's make sure he learns his lesson."

Naruto was sitting in a quiet corner of the village, engrossed in an old, weathered book he had taken from Ichiro, the kind old man who had taken him in and treated him like family before his untimely death. The book was a mystery to Naruto, filled with tales of ancient goddesses and cryptic passages. He ran his fingers along the pages, trying to decipher the meaning behind the stories, particularly intrigued by a recurring figure, a goddess whose identity eluded him.

Lost in thought, Naruto barely noticed the world around him until he was jolted back to reality by a sudden impact. Konohamaru had come barreling down the street and crashed into him, knocking the book from Naruto's hands.

"Hey! Watch it!" Naruto snapped, his voice rough with annoyance. Known for his grumpy demeanor and reluctance to socialize, he glared at Konohamaru.

Konohamaru scrambled to his feet, eyes wide with apology. "I'm sorry, Naruto-nii!"

Naruto picked up his book, dusting it off. "I know I have long hair and may look like a girl," he said with a scowl, "but that doesn't mean you can crash your face on my ass. You understand, brat?"

Before Konohamaru could respond, Sakura appeared, clearly irritated. "Konohamaru!" she yelled, her hands on her hips. "You called my forehead huge again, didn't you?"

Konohamaru's eyes widened in fear, and without another word, he turned and ran. "I'm sorry, Sakura-neechan!" he shouted over his shoulder, sprinting away as fast as his legs could carry him.

Sakura chased after him, determined to teach him a lesson. "Get back here, you little runt!"

Konohamaru, in his frantic escape, collided with another figure, this one dressed in a black, baggy, full-body suit with a red and yellow circle on the front. The figure also wore a black hood that completely covered his head, adorned with cat-like ears. Konohamaru looked up, his face paling as he realized he had bumped into a stranger.

Naruto, who had been watching the spectacle, smirked. "Looks like it's a cat boy. I was expecting a cat girl, though."

The stranger, Kankurō from the Sand Village, grabbed Konohamaru by the collar, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. "Watch where you're going, brat," he growled.

Before things could escalate, a girl with blonde hair tied in four pigtails approached. It was Temari, Kankurō's sister. She placed a hand on his arm, urging him to lower the boy. "Kankurō, put the kid down. We're not here for trouble."

Kankurō hesitated but eventually complied, dropping Konohamaru to the ground. Konohamaru stumbled back, looking frightened and confused. "Let me teach this brat a lesson," Kankurō muttered, his fist clenching in frustration.

As he raised his hand, ready to strike, he added with a sneer, "He's not here, so I can be myself for a few minutes."

Naruto, still holding his book, watched the scene unfold with a mixture of amusement. He knew he might need to intervene if things got out of hand, but for now, he observed, ready to see how this confrontation would play out.

Just as Kankurō was about to strike Konohamaru, a series of small pebbles hit his palm, forcing him to release his grip. The pebbles had come from a tree nearby, where Sasuke Uchiha stood, arms crossed and a smirk on his face.

"Hey, cat boy, shouldn't you pick on someone your own size?" Sasuke remarked coolly.

Naruto glanced up at Sasuke, a smirk spreading across his own face. "Looks like the Uchiha is trying to impress the girls from the other village."

Sakura, who had been momentarily distracted, snapped her head towards Naruto, her face showing panic. "What? No way!" She demanded, "What are you two even doing here?"

Temari, who had been watching the exchange with mild amusement, chuckled. "Is this really the standard for Konoha kunoichi?" she mocked. "How disappointing."

Sakura's face turned red with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "What did you say?!"

Temari smirked, twirling her fan. "We're here for the Chunin Exams. But if this is what we're up against, it's going to be easier than I thought."

Naruto grinned at Sakura, adding fuel to the fire. "Looks like you've got some competition, woman."

Sakura clenched her fists, clearly irritated but also feeling the weight of the challenge. Meanwhile, Kankurō rubbed his palm, glaring up at Sasuke. "You got lucky this time, brat," he muttered, clearly not pleased with being interrupted.

The tension between the groups was palpable as they stood in the street, each sizing the other up. The Chunin Exams promised to be more challenging—and more interesting—than anyone had anticipated.

Naruto smirked, looking up at the tree. "Won't you go with them as well?" he called out.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, annoyed. "Have you lost your mind, Uzumaki? Why would I go with them?"

Naruto's smirk widened. "Who said I was talking to you, Uchiha? Look above."

Sasuke followed Naruto's gaze and saw a figure with pale skin and short, straight, brick-red hair hanging upside down from a branch. The figure's light turquoise eyes, surrounded by dark tanuki-like rings, stared down with an eerie calmness.

The stranger used sand shunshin to descend gracefully to the ground, landing silently. He introduced himself in a monotone voice, "My name is Sabaku no Gaara."

Gaara then turned his unsettling gaze to Sasuke. "What's your name?"

"Sasuke Uchiha," Sasuke replied, eyes narrowing slightly as he sized up Gaara.

Gaara's gaze then shifted to Naruto. "Mother asks your name," he said, referring to Shukaku, the One-Tail beast inside him.

Naruto chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, tell your mother the name is Naruto. Otherwise, she can also call me Daddy."

The tension in the air grew even thicker, as the weight of Naruto's audacious statement hung between them. Gaara's expression remained unreadable, but his eyes seemed to darken ever so slightly.

As Naruto's bold words hung in the air, Temari couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Quite the confidence for a loudmouth blonde," she remarked sarcastically, her voice laced with amusement.

Gaara's gaze snapped to his sister, the lightness in the atmosphere quickly dissipating. His voice was low and menacing, a stark contrast to his usual calm demeanor. "Shut up, or I will kill you," he stated bluntly, his expression unchanging but his eyes narrowing slightly at Temari.

The threat silenced Temari immediately, her playful smirk fading into a tense line. She glanced at Gaara, understanding the seriousness in his tone and choosing to hold her tongue.

Turning his attention to Kankurō, who had been quietly observing the exchange, Gaara's voice remained cold and authoritative. "And you," he began, his stare piercing, "if you try to do something like that again and disgrace our village's name, I will kill you."

Kankurō swallowed hard, visibly shaken by Gaara's threat. The usual bravado he carried was nowhere to be seen as he nodded quickly, understanding that his brother was not in a forgiving mood. Both Temari and Kankurō stood rigid, a palpable fear of Gaara evident in their stiff postures and wary glances.

The tension was palpable, and the other ninjas present felt the shift in the atmosphere, understanding just how serious and dangerous the Kazekage's children could be.

The heavy silence that followed Gaara's threats hung in the air for a moment before Naruto shrugged it off and turned away. Without another word, he started walking towards Training Ground 12, his steps purposeful and his expression unfazed by the encounter.

Sasuke watched Naruto leave, then glanced back at the Sand siblings briefly before turning on his heel and heading towards Training Ground 7. His thoughts were already shifting towards his training, pushing aside the recent confrontation as just another distraction.

Sakura stood there, her gaze fixed on the ground. The words of Temari and Naruto echoed in her mind, amplifying her insecurities. "Am I really that pathetic?" she whispered to herself, her hands clenching into fists. She felt a mix of anger and sadness, questioning her abilities and her place among her peers.

As Naruto and Sasuke walked away, each towards their respective training grounds, the village seemed to return to its usual bustling rhythm, but the weight of the encounter lingered in the minds of those involved.

Naruto arrived at Training Ground 12, the morning air cool and brisk around him. The ground was empty except for Miku and Ayato, who were already there, engaged in a subdued conversation. He approached, his steps quiet, noticing the absence of their sensei, Rin.

Ayato turned to Naruto as he approached, his expression curious. "Why do you think Sensei called us here so early? Any ideas?"

Naruto, with a straight face but a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, replied in a serious tone, "Maybe she's handing out wedding invitations."

Miku gave a small chuckle, shaking her head at Naruto's antics, while Ayato raised an eyebrow, not quite sure how to take the joke.

Getting back to business, Naruto added more seriously, "Chunin exams are in a few weeks; maybe that's why. Preparation makes sense."

"Yeah, who would've guessed," Ayato responded, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he gestured broadly towards the far side of the training field, where banners of different villages fluttered in the wind. "Especially since we haven't seen, what, five teams from other villages already?"

Naruto's face hardened slightly, the humor dropping as he shot back, "Then why the fuck ask me?"

As they waited in the crisp morning air, Ayato, looking to lighten the mood, proposed, "Let's make a bet. If Rin-sensei talks about the Chunin exams first, you pay me 100 coins. If she talks about something else, I'll pay you 200 coins."

Naruto smirked and glanced at Miku, who raised an eyebrow. In unison, they both said, "Does it look like I'm Tsunade?"

Ayato chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "Fair enough. It was worth a shot."

Meanwhile, in her office at the hospital, Tsunade suddenly sneezed. Rubbing her nose, she muttered, "Someone must be talking about me."

Back at the training ground, the three of them shared a brief laugh before returning to their silent anticipation, the weight of their upcoming challenges looming ever closer.

At Training Ground 12, the sun was already high in the sky. Naruto, Miku, and Ayato had been waiting for hours. The morning had dragged on, with each of them training independently to pass the time.

Naruto was practicing his kenjutsu with focused determination, each swing of his katana precise and controlled. Miku was perfecting her genjutsu techniques, her eyes closed in concentration, while Ayato worked on his taijutsu forms, his movements fluid and purposeful.

Finally, Rin Nohara appeared at the edge of the training ground, looking slightly out of breath. She approached her team with an apologetic smile.

"Sorry I'm late, everyone. Got caught up with some urgent matters at the village," Rin explained.

Naruto paused, lowering his katana and raising an eyebrow. "Three hours late, sensei? Did you get lost on the way or were you just practicing your own version of ninja stealth?"

Miku stifled a giggle, and Ayato couldn't help but smirk.

Rin chuckled, shaking her head. "Very funny, Naruto. I'll make it up to you all with an extra intense training session today. How does that sound?"

Naruto shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "As long as you can keep up, sensei. We've been training hard while you were away."

Rin's eyes sparkled with a mix of challenge and amusement. "Oh, I think I can manage. Let's see if you three can handle what I've got planned."

The team gathered around her, ready for whatever Rin had in store. Despite the delay, the bond between them strengthened with every moment they spent training together, their trust and camaraderie growing with each challenge they faced.

Rin's smile faded as she straightened her posture, her expression turning serious. The shift in her demeanor caught the attention of Naruto, Miku, and Ayato, who all instinctively stood a little straighter.

"Enough of the nonsense," Rin said firmly. "We need to get serious now. The Chunin Exams are in two weeks."

She pulled out three forms from her pouch and handed them to each of her students. "Here are the application forms. You can join if you want to. I believe in your abilities, but the decision is yours. If you choose not to participate, I will support that too."

Naruto glanced at the form, then back at Rin, his usual smirk replaced by a look of determination. "So, two weeks of intense training, huh? Sounds like fun."

Miku nodded, her eyes reflecting her resolve. "We'll be ready, sensei. Whatever it takes."

Ayato clenched his fists, his determination mirroring that of his teammates. "We won't let you down."

Rin's serious expression softened slightly. "Good. For the next two weeks, we'll be pushing beyond your limits. This is going to be the toughest training you've ever experienced. Understood?"

All three nodded in unison, their faces set with determination.

"Understood, sensei," Naruto said firmly.

"Let's get to work," Rin instructed, her tone leaving no room for hesitation. "This is your chance to show the village—and yourselves—what you're truly capable of."

With that, the team launched into their training, each giving their all, driven by Rin's faith in them and their own determination to succeed.

Rin's serious expression set the tone, but the determination in the air was palpable. Each of them gripped their forms with a mix of excitement and resolve.

"We're going to be the best, sensei," Ayato said optimistically, a confident grin spreading across his face. "We'll be on top."

Naruto couldn't resist and said, "Save that for your wedding night, Ayato."

The group momentarily dissolved into blushing and awkward laughter. Miku, her cheeks tinged pink, shot Naruto a look. "Honestly, Naruto, do you ever think before you speak?"

Naruto raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Why are you getting so excited, Miku? Is there something going on between you two?"

Ayato and Miku both turned an even deeper shade of red, avoiding each other's eyes. Before they could respond, Naruto's expression turned serious. "But seriously, sensei, I have a question. What's the mortality rate in the Chunin Exams?"

Rin's face grew somber. "The Chunin Exams are dangerous, and there is a risk of injury or worse. However, the exams are designed to test not just your strength, but your ability to work as a team and make smart decisions under pressure. The mortality rate varies, but it's not insignificant. That's why these next two weeks are crucial. You need to be at your best, both physically and mentally."

Naruto nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. "Understood, sensei. We'll be ready."

Miku and Ayato exchanged a glance, their earlier embarrassment overshadowed by the gravity of the situation. "We'll train harder than ever," Ayato said, his voice steady.

"Count on us," Miku added, her resolve clear in her eyes.

Rin nodded, a hint of pride in her eyes. "I know you'll make me proud. Now, let's get to work. We have a lot to do and not much time to do it."

The team launched into their training with renewed focus and determination, the looming Chunin Exams a constant reminder of the challenges ahead.

As the team settled into their training routine, Miku couldn't help but voice her concerns about the hours they would be dedicating to their preparations.

"So, what will be our training hours, sensei?" Miku asked, her tone respectful but curious. "And how long will we stay here to train?"

Rin considered her question thoughtfully, her gaze scanning the sky as if seeking guidance from the passing clouds.

"We will follow the rhythm of the natural world," Rin replied, her voice carrying a hint of reverence for tradition. "We will rise with the sun and begin our training shortly thereafter. Our sessions will last until midday, when the sun is at its peak and the heat becomes too intense to continue."

Naruto glanced at the position of the sun, gauging the time with a practiced eye. "So, roughly four hours of training in the morning?"

Rin nodded. "Exactly. After our midday break for rest and nourishment, we will resume our training in the late afternoon, when the sun begins its descent. We will train until dusk, when the sky is painted with the colors of twilight."

Ayato's brow furrowed slightly as he processed the schedule. "That's a long day of training, sensei."

Rin's expression softened with understanding. "Indeed, it will be challenging. But remember, the path to becoming a Chunin is not an easy one. It requires dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice. We must be willing to push ourselves beyond our limits if we are to succeed."

Miku nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "We're ready, sensei. Whatever it takes."

Rin smiled, a mixture of pride and encouragement in her gaze. "I have no doubt about that, Miku. Now, let us begin. The journey to becoming Chunin awaits, and we have much ground to cover."

As Rin stood at the edge of the training ground, she could hear the familiar voice of Isobu, the Three-Tails Turtle, rumbling in her mind.

"You know, Rin, you and your future husband are the only ones who are teaching their students so tough. And by the way, you used to call all of them by 'cutie.' Why did you stop that? They seemed to like it a lot," Isobu teased.

Rin smiled softly and decided to take Isobu's advice. She turned to her students, her voice playful, "Alright, cuties, let's get started."

Miku's face lit up with happiness at the familiar term, "It's been a while since you called us that, sensei."

Ayato looked confused, glancing between Miku and Rin. "What got into her today?" he murmured to himself.

Naruto, on the other hand, completely ignored her, focusing on practicing with his hunting spear. Rin noticed his lack of reaction and walked over, pinching his cheeks gently. "They are so soft," she said with a grin.

Naruto pulled back, scowling. "Leave me alone, woman."

Ayato and Miku exchanged smug looks, clearly plotting to tease Naruto about this forever. Naruto sighed internally, thinking, "I hate my life."

Rin, catching the playful mood, glanced at the sun high in the sky, signaling it was noon. "Okay, cuties, it's time for lunch. Your task is to catch fish on your own."

Everyone gave Rin a 😐😑😐 look.

Miku sighed, "Really, sensei?"

Ayato shrugged, "Well, let's get to it, I guess."

Naruto grumbled, "Great, more work."

As they moved toward the river to catch their lunch, Rin couldn't help but chuckle. Despite the grumbles and complaints, she knew they would rise to the challenge, just as they always did.

At Training Ground 11, Team 11, consisting of Kiyomi, Sakura, and Suki, was hard at work. They had just received the news about the upcoming Chunin Exams and were pushing themselves in their training. Sakura, however, reached her limit and sank to the ground, exhausted and disheartened.

Obito, Suki, and Kiyomi approached her. Kiyomi, who was somewhat arrogant but genuinely cared about her friends and teacher, noticed the tears in Sakura's eyes.

Sakura choked back a sob, remembering the harsh words from Temari, the Sand Genin, and the constant teasing about being a fangirl. "I want to change, but I don't know how. Please, help me, sensei," she pleaded.

Obito knelt beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "First of all, stop crying, Sakura. Calm down and take a deep breath."

He then looked at Kiyomi and Suki. "Girls, please help calm her down. You understand her struggles better than I do."

Kiyomi, her usual arrogance replaced with genuine concern, knelt down next to Sakura. "Hey, Sakura, we all have moments when we feel weak. But you're not weak. You've got the strength to change, and we'll help you."

Suki nodded in agreement, sitting on Sakura's other side. "Remember, we're a team. We'll get through this together. And Temari doesn't define you. You define you."

Sakura wiped her tears, looking at her teammates with gratitude. "Thank you. I just... I just want to prove to everyone that I'm not just a fangirl. I want to be strong."

Obito watched as Sakura calmed down, her tears drying up. He gave her a moment before speaking up.

"Are you okay now? Crying session over?" he asked gently, giving her a reassuring smile.

Sakura nodded, wiping the last of her tears away.

Obito continued, his tone more serious. "Sakura, do you know why people call you a fangirl? I know you like Sasuke. I love Rin too, and I used to be called a fanboy as well. But we all grow up from that phase. You should know that loving someone is different from being obsessed with them."

Suki and Kiyomi remained quiet, listening intently.

"You have an obsession over Sasuke," Obito said bluntly. "And if you want to show Sasuke how much you love him, you need to be strong. Strong enough to show him how much you've changed."

Sakura looked up at him, her eyes wide with realization.

Obito placed a hand on her shoulder. "You understand, Sakura? Being strong isn't just about physical strength or jutsu. It's about mental and emotional strength too. Show Sasuke, and everyone else, that you're more than just a fangirl. Show them that you're a capable kunoichi, someone who can stand on her own."

Sakura nodded, her determination renewed. "I understand, sensei. I'll work harder. I won't let my feelings for Sasuke define me. I'll show him and everyone else how much I've grown."

Obito smiled, satisfied with her resolve. "Good. Now, let's get back to training. We have a lot of work to do before the Chunin Exams."

Suki and Kiyomi exchanged supportive smiles with Sakura as they all stood up, ready to continue their training. With a newfound determination, Sakura felt more motivated than ever to prove herself.

Obito paused for a moment, looking at Sakura with a thoughtful expression. "And remember this, Sakura," he said, his tone serious. "Don't be scared of a guy or a girl who can perform a thousand different attacks. Be afraid of a guy or girl who can perform one technique but has practiced it thousands of times."

Sakura absorbed his words, understanding the wisdom behind them. She realized that mastering a single skill through relentless practice could make her formidable in battle, even if her range of jutsu was limited.

"Yes, sensei," she responded, determination shining in her eyes. "I'll focus on mastering my techniques."

Obito nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, let's get to work. The Chunin Exams are just around the corner, and I want you all to be at your best."

As they resumed their training, Sakura felt a renewed sense of purpose. She was ready to push herself harder than ever before, knowing that true strength came from dedication and mastery. With Obito's guidance and her own resolve, she was confident she could rise to the challenge.

Obito nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "But for now, I have a technique for you. It requires less chakra consumption but demands a lot of focus."

Two weeks had flown by, filled with rigorous training sessions and intense preparations. The day of the Chunin Exams had finally arrived. Naruto stood in his old, worn-out shirt and pants, ready to leave his home. As he opened the door, he noticed a neatly wrapped gift box on the doorstep.

Curious, Naruto picked up the box and opened it. Inside, he found new clothes and a note from Rin. He unfolded the note and read it aloud:

"Naruto, stop wearing such dull clothes! These are a few new ones for you. Best of luck, cutie. – Rin Sensei."

Naruto chuckled softly at the familiar nickname. He held up the new outfit: a dark blue tunic with intricate silver patterns and a pair of matching pants. It was a significant upgrade from his usual attire.

He quickly changed into the new clothes, feeling a surprising sense of confidence and warmth. As he adjusted the tunic, he thought to himself, "She really does care, doesn't she?"

Ayato and Miku waited at the entrance of the Chunin Exam venue, chatting idly as they scanned the crowd for their teammate. Ayato leaned against a pillar, occasionally glancing at Miku.

"Where's Naruto?" Miku wondered aloud, looking around.

Ayato shrugged. "Knowing him, he's probably running late."

()

Just then, the crowd parted, revealing Naruto in his new outfit. His attire, a white garment with black trim and a layered design, was inspired by traditional Japanese kimono or hakama styles. The overcoat had white edges, and the sleeves displayed a subtle blue gradient detail. He looked composed and elegant.

Ayato straightened up, eyes wide. "Whoa, Naruto! You look... different."

Miku smiled warmly. "Yeah, you look really nice, Naruto! New clothes?"

Naruto approached, adjusting his sleeves with a hint of self-consciousness. "Yeah, Rin-sensei gave them to me. Said my old clothes were too dull."

Ayato grinned, giving Naruto a playful nudge. "You ready to pull some girls with that look?"

Naruto smirked, rolling his eyes slightly. "Whatever, Ayato. We've got an exam to focus on. Let's go."

Miku chuckled at their exchange. "Good luck, you two. Let's give it our best."

With their spirits high and a renewed sense of camaraderie, the trio walked into the Chunin Exam venue, ready to face the challenges ahead.

Ayato, Miku, and Naruto descended the stairs to the first floor of the Chunin Exam building, moving through the crowd of genin gathered around. Miku, always perceptive, stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing as she studied the door marked "Room 206."

"Wait," she said, her voice firm. "This is a genjutsu."

Ayato and Naruto looked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean?" Ayato asked.

Miku pointed at the door. "This isn't the right room. It's a trick to weed out those who aren't ready. The real Room 207 is on the floor above."

Naruto smirked, impressed. "Good catch, Miku. Let's go."

They made their way to the correct floor, finding the true Room 207. As they approached, the door opened, revealing Rin, their sensei, standing with a proud smile.

"I'm so glad to see all three of you here," she said, her voice warm with pride. "I was worried if one of you didn't come, I wouldn't let the others take part. But here you are, together, just as it should be."

She pulled them into a tight, affectionate hug, her arms wrapping around them securely. Miku and Ayato smiled, embracing the moment, while Naruto, though initially stiff, eventually relaxed.

Naruto's thoughts raced as he endured the hug. *Kami-sama, help me, please.*

Rin released them, her eyes shining with pride. "Remember, I'm proud of you no matter what. You've already proven your strength by making it this far. Now go and show everyone what Team 12 is made of."

The trio nodded, their resolve strengthened by Rin's words and the bond they shared. Together, they stepped into Room 207, ready to face the challenges of the Chunin Exams.

As the hostile glares continued, Miku leaned in closer to Naruto and Ayato, her voice low but urgent. "They'll try to attack us, Naruto. We need to be careful."

Naruto, unfazed, raised his voice again so that everyone could hear him. "They can try their best, but in the end, they may die."

The room's atmosphere grew even more charged. Many of the weaker-minded ninja started reconsidering their aggression towards Team 12, while others shouted threats at Naruto.

One particularly bold ninja stepped forward, his eyes burning with anger. "You think you're tough, blondie? You're gonna regret those words."

Naruto turned to face him, his eyes cold. "Try me if you want to die," he said, his voice dripping with menace. As he spoke, red smoke began to emanate from his mouth, and his teeth sharpened into fangs. The sight was terrifying, and many in the room began to step back, reevaluating their choices.

()

Just as the tension reached its peak and a fight seemed imminent, Shikamaru's voice cut through the chaos. "Troublesome blond, shut up." He walked over to the group, his expression bored but firm. Addressing the room, he added, "I apologize for my teammate's behavior. He's always like this."

The offended shinobi glared at Shikamaru. "You better watch your friend, or he won't live to see another day."

Naruto, undeterred, flashed a defiant grin and gave the shinobi a rude gesture with his middle finger. The room was silent for a moment, everyone processing the audacity of Naruto's actions.

Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Naruto, you're making this way more troublesome than it needs to be."

Naruto shrugged, his red eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. "Just letting them know where we stand."

Despite the tension, the rest of Team 12 stood their ground, their unity and resolve unshaken by the threats surrounding them. They knew that together, they could face any challenge that came their way.

Naruto sat quietly in the corner of the room, his reserved and calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the buzz of activity around him. His sharp eyes observed every movement, every conversation, as if judging the worth of everyone present. His hidden anger simmered beneath the surface, invisible but ever-present, lending a certain edge to his otherwise tranquil appearance.

At a nearby table, Ino and Chouji chatted animatedly with Miku and Ayato about the upcoming Chunin Exams, while Shikamaru lay sprawled across the table, lazily dozing off. Naruto's team was close-knit, a testament to his leadership and strategic thinking. He was determined and hardworking, traits that his teammates admired and respected.

As he continued to watch the room, Naruto noticed Kiba approaching him with his usual boisterous energy. Without warning, Kiba slapped Naruto hard on the back. The force would have made most people flinch, but Naruto remained utterly still.

"Can you just keep your voice low, man?" Naruto said, his voice calm and even. His blunt honesty cut through the noise like a knife. "And who are you again?"

Kiba blinked, momentarily taken aback by Naruto's lack of reaction and his sharp wit. "It's me, Kiba! Don't tell me you don't remember?"

Naruto's expression remained impassive. "Oh, right. The loud one with the dog," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Just try to keep it down. Some of us prefer a bit of peace before the exams."

Kiba frowned, clearly irked by Naruto's bluntness, but before he could retort, Miku stepped in. "Naruto, don't be so harsh. He's just excited about the exams."

Naruto shrugged, his distrust of authority and protective nature over his independence evident in his demeanor. "Excitement's fine. Noise isn't."

Ayato chuckled, nudging Miku. "That's Naruto for you. All business and no nonsense."

Despite his guarded exterior, there was a subtle warmth in Naruto's interactions with his team, a sign of his care for them. He was a strategic thinker, always considering the bigger picture, and his strong presence as a leader was something even his blunt honesty and sharp sarcasm couldn't overshadow.

"Can you just keep your voice low, man?" Naruto said, his voice calm and even. His blunt honesty cut through the noise like a knife. "And who are you again?"

Kiba blinked, momentarily taken aback by Naruto's lack of reaction and his sharp wit. "It's me, Kiba! Don't tell me you don't remember?"

Naruto's expression remained impassive. "Oh, right. The loud one with the dog," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Just try to keep it down. Some of us prefer a bit of peace before the exams."

Kiba frowned, clearly irked by Naruto's bluntness, but before he could retort, Miku stepped in. "Naruto, don't be so harsh. He's just excited about the exams."

Naruto shrugged, his distrust of authority and protective nature over his independence evident in his demeanor. "Excitement's fine. Noise isn't."

Ayato chuckled, nudging Miku. "That's Naruto for you. All business and no nonsense."

Despite his guarded exterior, there was a subtle warmth in Naruto's interactions with his team, a sign of his underlying care for them. He was a strategic thinker, always considering the bigger picture, and his strong presence as a leader was something even his blunt honesty and sharp sarcasm couldn't overshadow.

In the bustling room where various teams gathered for the Chunin Exams, Naruto stood with his usual reserved and calm demeanor, eyes sharp and watchful. He observed every detail, every movement, calculating and judging the worth of everyone present.

Natsu, Sasuke, and Mito from Team 7 entered noisily, with Kiba and Natsu talking loudly, their voices grating against Naruto's nerves. Across the room, a team from Kumo (Hidden Lightning Village) caught his attention. A girl from Kumo glanced disdainfully at Natsu. "The blonde one is annoying," she said, referring to Natsu. "Don't you think, Yugito?"

Yugito, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, was looking intently at Naruto. "That blonde one and his team," she pointed out, nodding towards Ayato with his dual-colored eyes and Miku with her white hair. "We'll be avoiding them."

In Yugito's mind, the Two-Tailed Cat Bijuu, Matatabi, spoke. *"Yugi-chan, there are four Jinchuriki here. The Nine-Tails is split into three parts and sealed in those three,"* Matatabi pointed out, indicating Natsu, Mito, and Suki.

Yugito's mental response was a mix of shock and disbelief. *"What the...?"* she thought, her expression momentarily reflecting her surprise. *"And there's one Jinchuriki of the One-Tail as well."*

Naruto's patience was wearing thin with Kiba and Natsu's incessant chatter. His hidden anger simmered as he struggled to maintain his calm exterior. Finally, he turned towards them, his voice dangerously quiet. "Can you two just shut up?" he said, his blunt honesty cutting through their noise.

Natsu glared at him, hatred evident in his eyes. "Why don't you make us?" he shot back defiantly.

Naruto took a step forward, his intent clear. He was about to forcefully silence them when Miku grabbed his bicep, her touch firm yet gentle. "Naruto, don't," she said softly but firmly. Beside her, Ayato nodded in agreement.

"Leave them be," Ayato added, his calm voice providing a counterbalance to Naruto's rising anger.

Naruto clenched his jaw, his distrust of authority and protective nature over his independence battling with the restraint his teammates urged upon him. With a sharp exhale, he relented, stepping back and folding his arms, his eyes still cold and piercing.

"Fine," he muttered, his sharp wit and sarcasm barely concealed. "But if they keep this up, I won't be so patient next time."

In the crowded room filled with eager Genin preparing for the Chunin Exams, tensions ran high as Kiba and Natsu's loud banter drew disapproving glances from their peers. The atmosphere shifted when a silver-haired Genin named Kabuto interjected, his calm demeanor cutting through the rising tension.

"You should calm down, boys," Kabuto advised, his voice gentle but firm. "You're drawing too much attention."

Kiba and Natsu exchanged uneasy glances as they noticed the many Genin glaring in their direction. "These exams are no joke," Kabuto continued, his tone somber. "I should know. I've failed this exam seven times."

Kiba couldn't resist a jibe. "Seven times? You must be weak," he retorted, his tone mocking.

Naruto, who had been observing from a distance, scoffed quietly at Kiba's comment. His gaze shifted to Kabuto, intrigued by the newcomer's presence.

Unfazed by Kiba's remark, Kabuto reached into his pocket and pulled out a few cards. "I may have failed the exams, but I've learned a thing or two," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "As a newcomer, I can still be of assistance. Tell me the Shinobi's name, and I'll provide you with their information."

Sasuke stepped forward, his expression serious. "I have a few people in mind," he said, his voice determined. "Gaara of the Sands, Rock Lee, and Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto, still ignoring their conversation, approached Kabuto by the window. He pointed discreetly towards a tall girl from Kumo and asked, "Tell me about her."

In the midst of the bustling room filled with genin preparing for the Chunin Exams, a silver-haired genin named Kabuto approached Kiba and Natsu, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to their heated exchange. "You should calm down, boys. You're drawing attention," he advised, nodding towards the numerous genin glaring at them.

Kiba snorted dismissively. "Who cares? We're here to prove ourselves," he retorted, his competitive spirit undeterred.

Natsu's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, and we'll wipe the floor with anyone who gets in our way," he added, his tone brimming with confidence.

Kabuto shook his head, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. "These exams are no joke," he warned solemnly. "I should know. I've failed them seven times."

Kiba smirked arrogantly. "Seven times? You must be weak," he remarked, his disdain evident.

Naruto, who had been observing from a distance, scoffed quietly at their exchange, his thoughts elsewhere.

Undeterred by their dismissive attitude, Kabuto pulled out a deck of cards, a new addition to the room. "As a newcomer, let me help you out. Tell me the shinobi's name, and I'll tell you their information," he offered, extending the deck towards them.

Sasuke, intrigued by the offer, spoke up. "I have a few people in mind. Gaara of the Sands, Rock Lee, and Naruto Uzumaki," he said, his gaze flickering towards Naruto.

Ignoring their conversation, Naruto approached Kabuto, his expression serious. "Near the window, there's a tall girl from Kumo. Tell me about her," he requested, his tone curt and focused.

Kabuto nodded, shuffling through his deck before pulling out a card. "First up is Rock Lee," he began, his voice steady as he recited the information. "He's a year older than you guys, with twenty 4th-ranked missions and eleven 3rd-ranked missions under his belt. His sensei is Might Guy, and his taijutsu skills have grown exponentially this past year. He has no other talents worth mentioning."

Kabuto continued his informative briefing, his voice calm and collected as he flipped through the cards. "The second one is Gaara," he stated, his tone carrying a hint of reverence. "He's completed twenty 3rd-ranked missions, eleven 2nd-ranked missions, and an impressive twelve 1st-ranked missions."

Pausing for effect, Kabuto's eyes flickered with a mixture of awe and caution. "His sensei is Baki, and he often works alongside his siblings. Gaara possesses a formidable sand-based kekkei genkai, a testament to his prowess as a shinobi. Additionally, he is the Jinchuriki of the One-Tailed Beast."

Naruto's brows furrowed slightly as he absorbed the information, his mind already strategizing potential encounters with the powerful sand user. "He's strong," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else, a note of respect evident in his voice.

Sasuke's expression remained stoic, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of interest. "Gaara," he repeated, committing the name to memory. "We'll need to be cautious around him."

Kiba, ever brash and confident, grinned eagerly. "Sounds like a challenge," he declared, his competitive spirit ignited by the prospect of facing a formidable opponent.

Natsu, however, remained silent, his gaze distant as he processed the information. Despite his usual bravado, there was a hint of apprehension in his eyes at the thought of confronting such a powerful adversary.

Kabuto stood before the room of attentive shinobi, flipping to the next card in his hand. "Next one, Naruto Uzumaki," he announced, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "Naruto has completed seventy-eight 4th-rank missions, twenty-nine 3rd-rank missions, ten 2nd-rank missions, and three 1st-rank missions."

The room buzzed with whispers of surprise, as many had underestimated Naruto's accomplishments. Kabuto continued, "His teammates are Ayato and Miku, and they seem to act as one unit. Regarding his personal skills, he is one of the best in weapon mastery, quite proficient in taijutsu, and his speed... well, he seems to have created a second-class version of the Flying Thunder God technique."

Gasps echoed throughout the room. Even the seasoned shinobi were taken aback by this revelation. Natsu's expression turned to one of irritation, his clenched fists betraying his inner turmoil.

Naruto's face remained stoic, though his mind raced. How does this guy know about that? I never showed it in public.

Just as Kabuto was about to continue, Naruto smoothly stepped forward, his movements measured and deliberate. He snatched the card from Kabuto's hand and glanced at it, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the details. "You know a bit too much, don't you?" he said, his voice low and dangerous. In one swift motion, he used his wind blade to slice the cards into pieces.

Sasuke, observing from across the room, couldn't help but make a comment. "Impressive show, Naruto. But what's the point of hiding your abilities?"

Natsu, now visibly angry, couldn't contain himself. "Who cares how many missions you've done or what tricks you have up your sleeve? You're still just the same outcast you always were."

Naruto stood there, his calm demeanor unshaken despite the tension in the room. He turned to Natsu, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. "Well, at least I don't have a huge fox with nine tails in my guts like you," he said, his voice carrying a sharp edge.

Natsu's face flushed with anger and embarrassment, realizing that Naruto had just exposed his status as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki in front of everyone. Sasuke's expression turned dark as well, knowing that this was a direct retaliation for leaking Naruto's information.

Naruto then shifted his attention back to Kabuto, his tone dismissive of the previous confrontation. "Tell me about the tall girl near the window," he said, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.

Kabuto, eager to oblige, glanced at the girl in question. "Ah, that's Yugito Nii," he began. "She is from Kumogakure and the Jinchuriki of the Two-Tails, Matatabi. Yugito has completed numerous missions, showing exceptional prowess in both ninjutsu and taijutsu. She's known for her incredible speed and deadly precision in combat. Her sensei is Killer Bee, and she's highly respected in her village."

Naruto absorbed this information, his mind racing. Two Jinchuriki in one exam? That's suspicious.

He kept his thoughts to himself, his strategic mind already working through the implications. "Thank you, Kabuto," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Natsu, still fuming, glared at Naruto. "You think you're so clever, don't you? This isn't over, Naruto."

Naruto ignored his brother's outburst, his focus already shifting to the next challenge. He turned away, leaving Natsu to simmer in his anger, while the rest of the room buzzed with the weight of the revelations.

Inside the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was tense. Jiraiya, Tsunade, Kushina, Minato, Asuma, Kurenai, Obito, Rin, and Kakashi were gathered around, watching the events in the Chunin Exam room through Hiruzen's crystal ball. The revelation of Naruto creating a secondary version of the Flying Thunder God technique had caught everyone's attention.

Jiraiya broke the silence, his voice heavy with concern. "Naruto creating a secondary version of the Flying Thunder God? That's no small feat. It's well known that he absolutely despises his family, so why would he copy Minato's technique?"

Rin, always the voice of reason, spoke up. "Well, Naruto may hate you, Sensei, but he's not a fool. He knows how strong your technique is. And from what I understand, Naruto's version isn't made by seals."

Minato, who neither hated nor fully understood his estranged son, sighed deeply. "He's resourceful, that's for sure. But this..."

Jiraiya nodded, his expression grim. "Listen, Minato, if Naruto knows the blueprint for your Flying Thunder God, I don't like to say it, but he is becoming a risk."

Tsunade, who had her own complicated feelings about Naruto, chimed in. "Jiraiya's right. With that kind of power, and given his feelings toward us, we have to be cautious."

Rin, visibly frustrated, defended Naruto. "Naruto has been through a lot, and despite everything, he hasn't used his abilities to harm the village. He's not a threat, he's a young man trying to find his place."

Obito, though sympathetic, added a note of caution. "Rin, as much as I wish well for the boy, we can't ignore the facts. He is a flight risk. His anger, his abilities... they make him unpredictable."

Kakashi, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "We need to approach this carefully. Naruto's potential is enormous, but so is his pain. If we push him away, we might lose him forever."

The room fell silent, each person lost in their own thoughts. The crystal ball continued to show Naruto in the Chunin Exam room, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the turmoil he had caused among the village's leaders.

Back in the exam room, Kabuto continued his explanation, "Well, in the room, we have teams from the Rice, Flower, Sand, Rock, and Leaf villages, and a new village that recently emerged—Sound Village. They're small but not very strong, though..."

Suddenly, Ayato bent down, alerting Miku, while Kabuto narrowly dodged an attack from a Sound Genin with bandages wrapped around his face. The Sound Genin's strike cracked Kabuto's glasses, causing his ear to bleed. Kabuto fell down, a cloud of smoke enveloping the room.

Out of the smoke emerged Ibiki Morino, his presence commanding immediate attention. "Very well, now sit down, you all fucking degenerates," he barked. "I am Ibiki Morino, your proctor for the first exam, which will be a written test."

The room fell silent as the tension rose. Everyone quickly found their seats, the gravity of the situation settling in. The sudden attack had put everyone on edge, and Ibiki's authoritative demeanor made it clear that this was just the beginning of a very challenging exam.

As the students settled into their seats, the tension in the room was palpable. There were 112 students in total, all bracing themselves for the first exam. Each of them received a question paper, and Naruto glanced down at his with a frown.

**Exam Questions:**

1. Describe the strategic importance of selecting a route for a mission in enemy territory. How would you minimize the risk of detection?

2. Outline the key steps to setting up a secure camp during a night mission.

3. Explain the importance of understanding local customs and languages during covert operations.

4. Detail the methods of gathering intelligence without arousing suspicion in a foreign village.

5. What are the primary considerations when planning an ambush on an enemy convoy?

6. Describe the most effective techniques for creating and using diversions during a mission.

7. Discuss the ethical implications of using civilians as cover during an undercover operation.

8. How would you handle the discovery of a spy within your own team during a mission?

9. Explain the procedures for securing and transporting a captured enemy ninja.

10. (To be revealed after the initial 2 hours)

Ibiki Morino's voice cut through the silence, "You have 2 hours to complete the first 9 questions. Each question is worth 1 point. I will give you an extra 30 minutes for the last question. If you get caught cheating, you and your team will be disqualified. Only 3 warnings will be given."

Naruto looked at the questions, a sense of disbelief washing over him. *These questions... They're nowhere near Genin level,* he thought, his mind racing.

On the other hand, Miku quickly understood the true nature of the exam. *This exam is meant to test our ability to gather information discreetly,* she realized. *But how can I convey this to Ayato and Naruto? I'll have to do my best to gather as much as I can without getting caught.*

Naruto, still stunned by the complexity of the questions, began to formulate a plan. *I need to figure out how to gather the answers without getting us all disqualified. These aren't just testing our knowledge; they're testing our ability to think and act like true ninja.* He glanced around, observing how others were approaching the task, ready to adapt his strategy as needed.

Natsu and Mito sat near each other, their eyes scanning the complex questions on their exam papers. Both realized the difficulty of the questions and knew they needed to work together without getting caught. Mito subtly picked up her wooden brush, tapping it against the side of her desk in a specific pattern.

Natsu recognized the code immediately. *She's using our sign language to communicate answers,* he thought, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He tapped his brush in response, careful to keep his movements discreet.

- Mito: *Tap tap pause tap tap tap* (Question 1)

- Natsu: *Tap tap pause tap* (Route selection, minimize detection by traveling at night and using natural cover)

Mito tapped back quickly:

- Mito: *Tap tap tap pause tap tap* (Question 2)

- Natsu: *Tap tap pause tap tap* (Secure camp, establish perimeter, use camouflage)

Their silent communication continued, each tapping out answers to the questions they knew, sharing their knowledge without drawing attention.

In the exam room, Sasuke and Kiyomi activated their Sharingan, scanning the answer sheets of other students. Their eyes flickered with the characteristic red glow, copying the movements and answers of those around them.

Maybe that's why you're one of the top students in class, Suki. No, maybe that's not it, but nevertheless, you're providing the answers to me, my dear Suki... This is working perfectly.

Kiyomi smirked slightly, feeling confident in her strategy as she seamlessly transcribed the answers.

These questions are absurd. They're definitely beyond Genin level. But with my Sharingan, I can copy the answers from those who seem to know what they're doing. I refuse to let anyone outshine me, especially not Natsu or Naruto.

Sasuke's eyes darted to a particularly studious-looking ninja, memorizing every pen stroke and swiftly replicating the answers on his own paper.

Meanwhile, Neji and Hinata utilized their Byakugan, the veins around their eyes bulging as they activated their unique bloodline ability. Their enhanced vision allowed them to see through the papers and the desks, clearly viewing the answers of multiple students at once.

This test is a means to gauge not just our knowledge, but our resourcefulness and ability to gather information. The Byakugan makes this almost too easy.

I must remain calm and focused. Father always emphasized the importance of utilizing our abilities to their fullest. I can't let him down.

Hinata glanced discreetly across the room, making sure to avoid drawing attention as she transcribed the answers onto her own sheet.

On the other side of the room, Ino employed her Mind Body Switch Technique, momentarily transferring her consciousness into Sakura's mind.

Sakura always studies so hard. She'll definitely know the answers. I just need to be quick and careful, so no one notices.

As Ino controlled Sakura's movements, she swiftly gathered the answers and returned to her own body, scribbling them down before the proctors could catch on.

All around the room, the exam was a display of cunning and strategic thinking, each team using their unique skills to gain an edge while maintaining the façade of writing their answers honestly. The tension was palpable, but so was the determination of each participant.

Ayato sat at his desk, frustration mounting as he struggled to come up with answers to the difficult exam questions. "Mother fucker, I don't even know an answer," he muttered under his breath, feeling the pressure of the situation weighing heavily on him.

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over Ayato, causing him to grip the edge of his desk for support. Before he could fully comprehend what was happening, he heard Miku's voice echoing in his mind.

"Ayato, I have connected your consciousness with mine," Miku's voice resonated within Ayato's head, clear and unwavering despite the chaos of the exam room. "We can answer together, pooling our knowledge and abilities."

Ayato blinked in surprise, his initial confusion giving way to a sense of relief. "Miku... How did you...?"

"There's no time to explain," Miku interrupted, her voice urgent. "We need to focus on answering these questions. Together, we're stronger."

Ayato nodded, a newfound determination coursing through him as he felt Miku's presence alongside his own consciousness. "Right. Let's do this."

As Ayato wrestled with the next question, Miku's guidance and insights provided a welcome boost. Their minds melded together seamlessly, their combined efforts resulting in swift and accurate responses to the challenging exam questions.

However, Ayato couldn't shake his concern for Naruto, who sat several rows away from them. "What about Naruto?" he asked Miku, his thoughts momentarily drifting to their teammate.

Miku's voice echoed in his mind once more, her tone determined. "There are five other Genin between us and Naruto. I can't risk connecting their consciousness. But if I see an opening, I'll try to connect him too."

Naruto sat at his desk, the difficult exam questions staring back at him. He took a deep breath and put his hand in his pocket, pulling out a small glass ball.

()

With a swift, discreet motion, he slipped a tiny piece of glass between his fingers, ensuring no one noticed his actions.

Glancing around the room, Naruto subtly used the glass ball as a magnifying tool. He positioned it just right and saw the answers clearly written on the paper of the student sitting a few rows ahead of him.

"What the...?" Naruto thought, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. He looked up at Ibiki, who was observing the room with an air of confidence.

"Sneaky bastard," Naruto muttered under his breath, realization dawning on him. This exam wasn't just about answering questions; it was about gathering information.

Understanding the true nature of the test, Naruto's mind raced. He had to be clever and cautious, ensuring he didn't get caught. With renewed focus, he continued to use the glass ball to glimpse the answers, his movements precise and calculated.

"Alright," Naruto thought, "I can do this. Just stay calm and blend in." He copied the answers efficiently, blending his actions seamlessly with the rest of the room's ambient noise and activity.

His mind was now clear on the purpose of this exam: it wasn't just about knowledge, but about the skills of a true ninja—stealth, observation, and intelligence gathering.

The exam room was tense with the quiet scratch of pencils on paper. Suddenly, a kunai whizzed through the air, narrowly missing Naruto and embedding itself in the desk behind him. The sharp thud drew the attention of everyone in the room.

"Team 22, you're out!" Ibiki's voice boomed, breaking the silence. The offending team members were promptly escorted out, their faces a mix of frustration and embarrassment.

Ibiki's gaze swept the room, assessing the reactions of the remaining students. His eyes landed on Naruto, who was calmly writing without a hint of emotion on his face, as if a kunai hadn't just narrowly missed him.

Ibiki thought to himself, "A kunai just went past him, and he didn't even flinch. Interesting."

Naruto's eyes momentarily flashed red, a subtle but clear signal. It was as if he was silently communicating, "Don't fuck around with me."

()

The intense look in Naruto's eyes caught Ibiki's attention. Despite the interruption, Naruto continued to write methodically, his focus unwavering. The veteran examiner couldn't help but be impressed by the young shinobi's composure under pressure.

"He's not just any genin," Ibiki mused. "He's got the nerves and instincts of a seasoned ninja."

Naruto's display of calm and control spoke volumes about his mental fortitude and experience, characteristics that set him apart from his peers.

As the exams drew to a close, the atmosphere in the room was thick with tension and anticipation. Ibiki stepped forward, his stern demeanor unshaken.

"Alright, the time has come for the tenth question to be given," Ibiki announced, his voice carrying authority. The exam participants looked up with almost palpable anticipation, while the Jonin watching smirked knowingly.

"But first, you will each be given the opportunity to decide whether or not you wish to answer this question," he continued, earning a number of raised eyebrows and confused expressions from the genin.

"Please note two rules in relation to this question. First: participants who choose not to attempt the tenth question will automatically forfeit all points and be disqualified along with their teammates. Second: those who answer the tenth question incorrectly will also automatically forfeit all points and, as well as failing the exam, will be barred from ever competing in the Chunin exams again."

The room erupted into a mixture of disbelief, shock, and outrage. Shouts and protests filled the venue, with a number of participants rising from their seats in a frenzy.

Naruto remained seated, unfazed by the chaos around him. He sat back, waiting for the noise to die down, determined to take the tenth question. To him, quitting when failure wasn't certain was foolish. He didn't for a second believe the proctor's announcement would hold true.

"Silence! I'll fail anyone who refuses to cooperate immediately," Ibiki warned sternly. The protesting genin begrudgingly silenced themselves and took their seats.

"Those who do not wish to take the tenth question, raise your hands!" Ibiki commanded. Silence filled the venue for a few moments. Murmurs grew audible as some genin slowly raised their hands. As minutes passed, more hands went up. Chunin exam proctors approached these genin, requesting their team numbers and calling out to the teammates of those who forfeited to leave the venue with their squadmates. Many wiped tears from their eyes, while others cursed at one another, looking on the verge of exchanging fists as they left the room.

Naruto watched on nonchalantly, arms crossed. He didn't expect either of his teammates to quit but couldn't be certain they would all find the answer either. He turned his head, an eyebrow rising as he saw the hand of the girl next to him rise.

Naruto thought, "Is she really giving up now?"

Ibiki noticed the reaction in the room, his eyes briefly meeting Naruto's. The veteran proctor was impressed by Naruto's calm and collected demeanor despite the high stakes.

"Interesting... this kid doesn't even flinch," Ibiki thought.

The room slowly quieted as those unwilling to take the risk exited. Finally, Ibiki addressed the remaining participants.

"Those of you still here have chosen to take the risk. Now, let's proceed with the tenth question."

Naruto's eyes narrowed, focused and ready. He knew whatever came next would be challenging, but he was prepared to face it head-on, just as he had done with every obstacle before.

But Suki's hand shakily rose, catching the attention of everyone in the room. Some gasped, recognizing the 'hero kunoichi'. Suddenly, her hand balled into a fist and swung down, impacting with her desk as she stood up.

"You'll have to try harder to get me to quit!" Suki shouted, her voice filling the silent room and earning the attention of all in it. "I don't care what you threaten me with. It doesn't mean anything because I'll never quit!" she yelled, her hair swaying from her head in nine tendril-like bunches.

Ibiki's eyebrows rose in surprise for a moment at the outburst before a small smile, accompanied by a chuckle, graced his lips.

"Seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree at all," he mused.

Naruto glanced around the room to see expressions of concern and fear shift with hope anew. He looked back up at the blonde girl, scoffing to himself. "Does she insist on galvanizing the competition?" he thought.

A few silent moments passed once again before the Jonin spoke.

"Very well then," Ibiki spoke. "...You all pass," he uttered, to the silent shock of the genin.

"We... pass?" Suki repeated in confusion. "But our exams haven't even been marked."

"The written exams are a decoy," Ibiki responded. "The first round of the exams was presented as a written exam but rather than testing knowledge, this was a test of two skills you will require in abundance as ninja. The first; your intelligence-gathering skills. The first nine questions were based on ninja theory beyond the level of even Chunin for the purpose of forcing each of you to use your skills to gather information, all the while maintaining stealth, as you will have to on active duty. Those who were caught cheating for the maximum number of permitted offenses proved they're not capable of achieving this to the level required to be a Chunin," Ibiki explained.

"And the second; your resilience. This was tested by the tenth question. As shinobi, you will encounter situations in which the circumstances are unfavorably weighed against you. To remain resilient in those situations, never compromising one's comrades, while giving all for the mission, is a quality essential to being a Chunin. Those who forfeited proved they don't possess said quality," he finished.

Naruto watched as some of the genin began to smile and nod in understanding. The realization dawned on them that they had passed the first exam.

Ibiki continued, "That's it then. You're all to wait here until the Proctor for the sec-"

He wasn't allowed to finish as the room erupted into raucous celebration. Many genin joyfully cheered their advancement into the next round of the exams.

"The first exam wasn't half bad," Naruto mused to himself. He hoped for some combat in the next one though. He rolled his shoulders in anticipation.

Suki turned her head to see Mito and Natsu making their way towards her. The three gathered, embracing one another and laughing. Suki glanced over to where Naruto was still seated, not sparing them a glance. Her smile faltered for a moment, but then she resolved to keep going, determined to earn his acknowledgment and respect.

Ibiki stood at the front of the raucous room, a deadpan expression on his face. All the fear he had inspired a few moments ago was suddenly gone. And worse, there were still 84 participants in the exam. Was he losing his touch?

He glanced among the joyous genin and saw three of the Fourth's children, embracing one another. He saw the blonde one among the three and smirked. If there was a reason for the high number of participants who passed, it was probably her. He saw her turn her head to lay her eyes on something for a few moments while embracing her siblings. Ibiki followed her line of sight to once again see the blonde boy in black, the Fourth's firstborn, sitting not too far away, arms crossed, sporting an expressionless look and paying his siblings as much attention as a stranger would. The scarred Jonin raised an eyebrow and frowned in thought as he noted, once again, the blonde's cold, deep gaze.

His train of thought ground to a halt as the sound of the window shattering silenced the celebratory noise while smoke filled the front of the class.

"Now's no time to celebrate, brats," a voice called out from behind the curtain of smoke, which then lifted to reveal a young woman of slender frame with light brown eyes and violet hair tied in a spiky ponytail. She wore a fitted mesh bodysuit from neck to thigh and a dark orange miniskirt beneath a tan overcoat. A banner tied to two kunai flutters behind her, reading, "The sexy and single Anko Mitarashi!"

"You've still got me to worry about. I'm Anko Mitarashi, Proctor for the second round of the Chunin exams," she introduced herself.

The room, now silent, stared at her in anticipation, their celebration momentarily forgotten.

As the exam room began to clear, Miku approached Naruto, her expression a mix of determination and regret.

"Sorry, Naruto," Miku said, her voice soft yet earnest. "I was unable to connect you in the mind link. There were too many other genin in the way."

Naruto gave her a small nod, his demeanor calm. "No worries," he replied, his voice steady.

As the trio moved out of the room with the rest of the participants, Naruto paused and turned to Ibiki, who was overseeing the departure.

"Proctor," Naruto called out, his tone firm. "What's the name of the next exam proctor?"

Ibiki looked up, a hint of a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "Forest of Death," he replied. "And for that, I wish you luck. You'll need it."

Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained composed. "Thanks," he said curtly, then turned back to join Miku and Ayato.

Miku glanced at Naruto, noticing the slight tension in his posture. "Forest of Death... Sounds intense," she murmured.

Naruto nodded, his gaze focused ahead. "We'll handle it," he said, a quiet determination in his voice. "We always do."

As they continued to walk, Ayato piped up, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, at least we know what to expect now. And hey, we made it through the first exam!"

Miku managed a small smile. "Yeah, we did. On to the next challenge."

Naruto remained silent, his mind already strategizing for the trials ahead in the Forest of Death.

Thank you for reading Chapter 13. Your engagement and support mean a lot! I hope you enjoyed the story and that it brought you some entertainment. Have a wonderful day ahead, and until next time, sayonara!

Ch 14 will be filled with action That a Promise Well you all later by