"My name is Rock Lee!" Rock Lee walked up to Sakura Haruno, struck a classic pose, flashed his pearly white teeth and a thumbs-up, "Your name is Sakura, right? Please go out with me! I swear, I will protect you until death!"
This earth-shattering first meeting and confession instantly petrified everyone around them.
Sakura was caught off guard by this sudden "straight shot," and even her previous nervousness about the Chunin Exams was completely washed away, leaving only a huge sense of speechlessness. She looked like a messy stick figure in the wind.
"Absolutely not…"
Meanwhile, Hyuga Neji completely ignored the chaos his teammate had created. He quickly stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Naruto, his voice slightly deep from suppressing some kind of excitement.
"Hey, what's your name? Can… can we talk?"
His tone seemed to be a discussion, but his constantly approaching steps and his undeniable aura clearly revealed a stubbornness that "even if rejected, he wouldn't give up easily."
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto…" Naruto was a bit flustered by this sudden enthusiasm and subconsciously took half a step back, trying to ease the atmosphere, "Um… can we talk about whatever it is after the exam?"
"Hyuga Neji."
Neji quickly stated his name. For him, having finally found a clue that might be related to Lord Menma, the Chunin Exams were completely irrelevant!
"I have something very important I must talk to you about now!" Neji's gaze grew even more fervent, "Could you please come over alone?"
"Wait a minute! What are you two doing?! Stop it!" Tenten watched as one of her teammates made a public confession and the other was practically "harassing" a boy from another team. She immediately couldn't hold back, especially Neji's abnormal attitude, which made her feel incredibly confused and embarrassed.
And Satsuki, standing beside Naruto, had a face so cold it was almost frosting over. A visible low pressure emanated from her. If Neji were a girl at this moment, Satsuki would probably have taken some "dangerous" actions without hesitation.
——————
Eventually, Tenten, with great effort, almost dragging them, finally pulled her two misbehaving teammates away from Team 7.
During this, Sakura's clear and firm rejection, "I absolutely do not like bushy eyebrows," dealt a heavy blow to Rock Lee, instantly plunging him into a shadow of despondency. Naruto also repeatedly assured Neji, "I'll definitely find a chance to talk properly after the exam ends," which barely appeased Neji and made him temporarily give up the idea of pressing for answers on the spot.
Finally free from trouble, Team 7 was able to continue towards the real examination room on the third floor. Satsuki's tense nerves gradually relaxed, and she returned to her usual calm.
Yes, what was she nervous about? He was a boy, posing no threat at all. Perhaps he just wanted to ask Naruto for some advice on training… Was she overreacting a bit?
At this moment, Satsuki's gaze fell on Sakura beside her. She noticed that after the awkwardness from the recent farce dissipated, Sakura's face once again showed nervousness and unease about the Chunin Exams, her fingers unconsciously twisting together.
"Sakura," Satsuki suddenly spoke. "You were probably the first among us to see through that genjutsu barrier, weren't you?"
This sudden affirmation made Sakura look up, somewhat surprised, at Satsuki.
"Your analytical ability and understanding of genjutsu theory," Satsuki continued, her tone firm, "have always been the best in our class."
"…Satsuki." Sakura understood. This usually aloof teammate was now, in her own way, helping her relieve tension and build confidence. Looking at Satsuki's still expressionless but exceptionally serious profile, a warm current surged in Sakura's heart. Naruto understood; sure enough, even if she was raised a bit differently, deep down, she was still that Uchiha Sasuke.
The group arrived at the entrance of the real examination room and met Kakashi, who was waiting there. Just like in the original story, Kakashi revealed the truth of a test to the three—the Chunin Exams application form itself was a hidden hurdle.
Simply put, this exam had to be taken as a three-person squad. If one person was absent, the entire team would be disqualified. It was a test of teamwork and mutual trust.
Although, according to the original trajectory, Naruto eventually passed all these so-called tests… but until he became Hokage, Naruto always held the title of Genin? This experience was indeed a bit special.
After Kakashi left, the three pushed open the classroom door and stepped into the real examination room. The sight before them instantly made them hold their breath.
The huge classroom was almost filled with a dense crowd, and the air was permeated with an invisible, heavy pressure mixed with tension, hostility, and scrutiny.
As far as the eye could see, there were only Ninja from various countries with grim expressions, sharp eyes, and even fierce looks. They either stood with folded arms, coldly observing, or wiped their weapons, or conversed in low voices. A quick glance revealed that there were at least over a hundred candidates gathered here!
With the initial screening that had such a high elimination rate, how could so many people still make it here?
At the same time, Naruto keenly noticed that many of these Ninja appeared older, some even approaching their twenties or thirties, yet they were still sitting here as candidates.
The Ninja promotion system in this world is truly cruel; talent and opportunity are both indispensable… Hmm? I'm the one with the biggest cheat? Then never mind.
In this oppressive atmosphere, fortunately, several familiar figures proactively approached them.
"Yo, you guys really came." Nara Shikamaru dragged out his lazy tone, hands in his pockets, his face practically screaming "trouble." "Though I personally don't want to participate in such a troublesome exam."
Beside him, Akimichi Choji was still single-mindedly munching on potato chips. Seeing Naruto, he naturally offered the bag of snacks. "Naruto, want some?"
"Thanks, Choji." Naruto smiled and thanked him, symbolically taking a chip. The familiar taste slightly eased the tension in the air.
Ino Yamanaka stood to the side, looking a bit nervous. Sakura, seeing her long-unseen best friend, immediately went up to her joyfully.
"Ino! Long time no see! Are you also here for the Chunin Exams?"
Ino's expression, however, seemed a bit strange, her eyes filled with a mix of complexity, concern, and even a hint of disbelief. She held Sakura's hand and whispered, "Yes… Sakura, you're here too?"
However, the thought truly churning in her mind at this moment was: You're actually still standing here perfectly fine?
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