The sun hung high over Konohagakure, casting golden light through the windows of the Hokage's Office, where a group of elite shinobi had gathered. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat at his desk, pipe in hand, his eyes scanning the assembled Jōnin sensei before him.
The room was filled with experienced shinobi, including Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yūhi, and Gai Maito. The air was thick with anticipation—this meeting would determine which genin teams would be nominated for the upcoming Chūnin Exams.
Iruka's Protest
Before the meeting could proceed, the Academy instructor, Iruka Umino, stepped forward, looking concerned.
"Hokage-sama!" he said firmly. "With all due respect, I don't believe the rookie genin teams are ready for the Chūnin Exams!"
Some of the Jōnin raised their eyebrows at Iruka's sudden protest.
Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke before responding calmly. "Elaborate, Iruka."
Iruka turned his gaze to Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma. "The teams you're considering—Team 7, Team 8, and Team 10—are all fresh out of the Academy. They've only been in the field for a few months. They haven't had enough real-world experience!"
Kakashi, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets, gave his usual lazy expression. "Experience isn't always measured in time, Iruka."
Iruka frowned. "Kakashi-sensei, I know you trained them, but these are still just kids!" He turned toward Hiruzen again. "The Chūnin Exams are dangerous. They'll be going up against genin from other villages, many of whom have far more experience in life-or-death situations. Our rookies aren't ready!"
Kakashi's Confidence in Naruto
Kakashi let out a small chuckle. "Iruka, I get that you're worried, but you should have more faith in them. Especially in Naruto."
Iruka flinched slightly. "Naruto?"
Kakashi's single visible eye sharpened. "You've been his teacher for years, but you haven't seen what he's really capable of in the field. He's grown immensely in the past months."
Iruka still looked hesitant. "But—"
Kurenai stepped in. "The same can be said for Hinata, Kiba, and Shino. They've already shown significant growth under my guidance."
Asuma crossed his arms and smirked. "And my students—Shikamaru, Ino, and Chōji—have proved that they can handle themselves. The Chūnin Exams will be a good test for them."
Gai finally spoke, giving Kakashi a thumbs-up. "If Kakashi believes in his students, then I believe in them as well! The flames of youth burn brightly in them!"
Hiruzen listened to the arguments before finally raising his hand, signaling silence.
"Very well," he said. "Team 7, Team 8, and Team 10 will all be nominated for the Chūnin Exams. We will observe their progress closely."
Iruka still looked uneasy, but he bowed respectfully. "Understood… Hokage-sama."
After the Meeting – Kakashi Notifies Team 7
Later that day, Team 7 was summoned to their training ground, where Kakashi stood before them, holding three forms.
"You've all been nominated for the Chūnin Exams," he announced, his tone unreadable.
Sakura gasped. "Wait… seriously?! Already?!"
Sasuke smirked, clearly expecting this. "Hn. It's about time."
Naruto, keeping his act as an impatient and reckless genin, put on an excited face. "Oh yeah! Finally, something interesting!" Of course, he already knew this was coming thanks to Uzuhiko monitoring the meeting.
Kakashi held out the forms. "These are individual participation forms. Whether you take the exams or not is your choice. Think about it carefully and come to the Academy tomorrow morning if you want to participate."
With that, he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Naruto looked at his teammates. "Well, I dunno about you guys, but I'm definitely doing it!"
Sasuke scoffed. "As if I'd pass up a chance to prove myself."
Sakura still looked hesitant. "I… I don't know… But if you guys are doing it, I'll go too."
Naruto grinned but thought to himself, This will be interesting… Time to see how strong the competition really is.
As the night settled over Konoha, Naruto sat cross-legged in his underground base. The soft blue glow of Uzuhiko's interface illuminated the dimly lit chamber, casting shadows on the walls lined with countless Fūinjutsu inscriptions and research notes.
Tonight, he wasn't training. He was waiting.
After a moment, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki's soul fragments materialized, their warm smiles filling the space. Uzuhiko's deep, mechanical voice followed, resonating in Naruto's mind.
Minato's Wisdom
Minato folded his arms, gazing at his son with pride. "Naruto, you've come so far. Even I couldn't have imagined you would achieve this level of skill at just 12 years old."
Naruto chuckled. "Heh, thanks, Dad. But I still have a long way to go."
Minato nodded. "True, but you're approaching a turning point. The Chūnin Exams will expose you to many strong individuals, not just from Konoha but from other villages as well. You must be prepared for anything."
Naruto's expression became serious. "I know… That's why I've been holding back. I don't want to attract too much attention yet."
Kushina's Advice
Kushina placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, her expression soft yet firm. "That's smart, but listen, Naruto—hiding your strength forever isn't an option."
Naruto tilted his head. "What do you mean, Mom?"
She sighed. "One day, people will find out who you truly are. Whether it's through battle, strategy, or sheer luck—your real power won't stay hidden forever. When that time comes, will you be ready to face the consequences?"
Naruto clenched his fists. He understood her words all too well. The more he revealed, the more dangerous enemies he would attract.
Uzuhiko's Decision – Restriction Lifted
Uzuhiko's voice echoed in the chamber.
"[Naruto, I have been monitoring your progress and analyzing the risks of continued suppression of power. Based on current calculations, the necessity for complete concealment is no longer viable.]"
Naruto blinked. "Wait… are you saying—"
"[The restriction on hiding your strength is officially removed.]"
Minato and Kushina smiled as Uzuhiko continued.
"[However, you must still reveal it gradually. You will not go from an 'average genin' to an 'elite jōnin' overnight in the eyes of the public. Instead, you must escalate your strength strategically.]"
Naruto smirked. "Got it. I'll ease them into it."
Uzuhiko's interface glowed, and a new task appeared on Naruto's system panel:
[TASK: Survive the First and Second Round of the Chūnin Exams]
Objective: Successfully pass the written test and Forest of Death survival round.
Restrictions: Maintain controlled power revelation.
Reward: Chakra Chains (Uzumaki Kekkei Genkai) & Mind's Eye of Kagura (Advanced Sensory Ability).
Naruto's eyes widened. "Chakra Chains and the Mind's Eye of Kagura?!"
Minato nodded. "Chakra Chains are an invaluable ability that you inherited from your Uzumaki lineage. With proper training, they will become one of your most powerful tools."
Kushina grinned. "And the Mind's Eye of Kagura is a unique sensory technique that allows you to sense chakra across long distances and even see through illusions!"
Naruto grinned in excitement. "Alright! Now I'm fired up!"
Minato chuckled. "Remember, don't rush. Play smart."
Uzuhiko's interface flickered. "[Preparations complete. Naruto, it is time to enter the Chūnin Exams.]"
Naruto stood up, stretching his arms. "Alright then… Let's do this."
Encounter with the Sand Siblings – Naruto's Bold Move
Konoha Streets – Morning
Naruto walked alongside Haku, heading toward Ichiraku Ramen for breakfast. The sun was shining, villagers were bustling about, and everything seemed peaceful… until he heard a familiar voice yelling.
"Let me go, you bastard! Do you know who I am?!"
Naruto's gaze snapped toward an alley where a tall boy dressed in a black, cat-eared hood and face paint held Konohamaru up by his collar.
Haku's eyes narrowed. "That boy… he doesn't seem like a villager."
Naruto sighed, already recognizing the insignia on the boy's forehead protector. Suna.
Naruto appeared behind Kankurō in an instant, grabbing his wrist before he could do anything else.
"You might want to put him down," Naruto said in a lazy yet dangerous tone.
Kankurō scowled. "And who the hell are you?"
Naruto smirked. "The guy who just stopped you from starting a war."
Temari, standing beside Kankurō, raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Naruto's eyes gleamed with amusement. "You're bullying the Hokage's grandson. That's basically an act of war. Imagine if I went to Suna and threw your Kazekage's kid around."
Kankurō hesitated, then clicked his tongue and dropped Konohamaru to the ground.
"Fine. The brat's not worth my time anyway."
Konohamaru scrambled behind Naruto. "Boss! These guys were picking on me!"
Naruto patted his head. "Don't worry, Konohamaru. I've got this."
Naruto turned toward Temari, who had been watching him with curiosity.
But Naruto, never one to let an opportunity slip, grinned mischievously.
"I know I'm handsome," he said smoothly, "but if you keep staring at me like that, I might just start blushing."
Inside Uzuhiko, Kushina burst into laughter.
"Bwahaha! That's my boy!" she cheered.
Temari's eyes widened as a red tint crept onto her cheeks. She had indeed been looking at him—his confidence, his build, and the way he handled Kankurō. She quickly looked away, flustered.
"You… shut up, idiot."
Naruto smirked. "Oh? Did I hit a nerve, princess?"
Haku, standing beside Naruto, covered her mouth to suppress a giggle.
Gaara's Arrival – A Moment of Tension
Before Temari could respond, a cold chilling presence filled the air.
Gaara.
The red-haired boy walked silently into the scene, his jade-green eyes locking onto Naruto with curiosity… and something else.
Kankurō stiffened immediately. "G-Gaara! I was just—"
Gaara's sand wrapped around Kankurō's arm. "Shut up before I kill you."
Kankurō gulped and nodded, stepping back.
Naruto met Gaara's gaze without fear. He could feel the bloodlust coming from him, but Uzuhiko's interface kept track of Gaara's chakra fluctuations.
"This guy… he's just like me," Naruto thought. "He has a bijū inside him."
Gaara studied Naruto for a long moment before speaking. "You… interest me."
Naruto grinned. "Glad to hear that. But if you want to fight, let's wait for the exams. No need to start trouble in the streets."
Gaara smirked slightly. "Hmph. Very well."
As the situation settled, Naruto turned without fear and waved over his shoulder.
"You can come out now, Sasuke."
From behind a nearby stall, Sasuke stepped forward, arms crossed.
"Tch. I was enjoying the show," Sasuke said, looking at Gaara with interest. "That guy… he's strong."
Naruto smirked. "Yeah. He is."
With that, he and Haku continued toward Ichiraku, leaving a flustered Temari, a nervous Kankurō, and a curious Gaara behind.