Konohagakure No Sato :
Chunin Exams Venue :
-UCHIHA "
The word "Uchiha" hung in the air , making all Genins head spun and soon realisation dawned on them .
The corridor went deathly silent. In Konoha or even in Shinobi world , there wasn't a single soul who hadn't heard of that name—the legendary prowess, the scarlet eyes, and the midnight massacre that ended it all.
Even years later, the weight of that legacy was heavy. Every genin in the hall shifted their gaze, their eyes locking onto the fan-shaped crest on the back of Sasuke's shirt with a mixture of awe and morbid curiosity.
( The Last Survivor Of The Uchiha Clan )
Sasuke's reaction was visceral. The veins in his neck bulged, and his Sharingan snapped into existence, the crimson tomoe spinning , Ready to kill. He was ready to start a war right there in the hallway.
But someone else was faster.
Before the crowd could even begin to whisper, before Sasuke could take a single step, the air itself seemed to fracture. Hyuga Neji suddenly felt a crushing, vertical pressure on the crown of his head.
Before his Byakugan could even process the movement, an iron-like hand had clamped down on the top of his skull, five fingers digging in with enough force to make his forehead protector groan.
*Creak*
The sound of the metal plate straining under the pressure was the only thing audible in the suffocating silence. It was then that Sasuke, Sakura, Ten-Ten, and Rock Lee heard a whisper—low, soft, and vibrating with a terrifying, calm authority that only reached them and the hidden proctors.
" His clan is in the same place as your dad."
Naruto was suddenly there, standing behind Neji. His arm wasn't wrapped around the Hyuga's shoulder in a friendly greeting; it was a shinigami's grip.
He was forcing Neji toward his knees, yet the grip was so firm it wouldn't even let the Hyuga finish the fall. Naruto's other hand had simultaneously seized Neji's wrists in a matching lock.
( So much Stupidity & insenstivity ....and from a similar Tragic orphan no less )
Up until that moment, Naruto had treated the bickering as child's play. But the moment Neji spat that sentence, Naruto's Mind Partition roared. The absurdity of it—the sheer, staggering stupidity of an orphan mocking another for the loss of their family—hit him like a physical weight.
Those words reminded Naruto an old saying from his previous world.
( Sometimes... words really hurt more than Wounds ) Naruto thought, his internal sigh masked by his outward ferocity.
He had moved with a speed that defied logic, not just to show Sasuke that he had his back, but because he knew where this was headed. This wasn't just a Clan rivalry , Child Bickery or some Trash Talk .
This was a fuse leading to a bloodbath and so Naruto decided right then to put the "Genius of the Hyuga" in his place, regardless of the boy's own tragic history. All this to stop the Blood bath Scenario .
( Let's Divert Everyone's attention too )
[Genjutsu: Overwhelming Killing Intent]
Naruto let his chakra flare. It wasn't a gentle wave; it was a tsunami of cold, suffocating power. Combined with the D-rank Genjutsu, the effect was instantaneous. Every genin in the corridor froze in primal terror. Even the people outside the building felt a sudden, inexplicable chill.
All the Genins , Including Sakura, Ten-Ten, Lee and Even Sasuke were paralyzed.
Especially Sasuke, who had been a second away from a blind rage, stopped dead in his tracks as he realized Naruto had subdued the opponent before He could even register the movement.
Just as everyone was sweating , a Sharp Voice cut over
"STOP!"
The two hidden proctors finally unraveled their Transformation Jutsu, appearing in a blur of smoke between Naruto and the rest of the teams.
"Enough! There will be no violence at the Chunin venue!" the first proctor shouted, his hand on his kunai pouch.
"Cease at once, or your entire team faces immediate disqualification!"
the second added, though he was visibly sweating. Even as Chunin, they had felt that wave of killing intent, and their instincts were screaming at them to get away.
The paralysis broke. Naruto eased his grip and released the Genjutsu , letting his chakra retreat like the tide. He freed Neji's head and hands, but before he stepped back, he leaned down and whispered into the still-shaking Hyuga's ear.
"....wanna meet them? You can find me any time."
Naruto stepped back, lifting his hands in a mock gesture of surrender. The proctors remained in a defensive stance, their hearts still hammering against their ribs. After a tense moment, one of them cleared his throat.
"Alright. Take your team and get moving. The exams are about to begin."
"Oh." Naruto nodded casually, as if he hadn't just mentally scarred a room full of people. He turned to his teammates, his voice soft again.
"Let's go, guys."
Sakura fell in line behind him instantly & Obediantly , her head ducked. Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear.
( How could that Hyuga guy say something so cruel to Sasuke-kun? Aren't we from the same village? And Naruto... since when did he become so scary?)
Naruto looked at Sasuke. The Uchiha was still glaring at Neji, who was currently on one knee, clutching his head and gasping for air. Naruto walked up beside him.
"You can settle this during the exams," Naruto said quietly. "Beating him in front of the whole village would be a much better statement..... Come on. Let's go."
Sasuke's eyes flickered. After a long moment, the Sharingan faded back into his natural black. He let out a sharp grunt and turned away, following Naruto. The crowd in the corridor parted like the Red Sea, everyone scrambling to stay out of the blonde's path.
Silence followed Team 7 until they disappeared around the corner. Then, the dam broke.
"Damn... who was that?"
"Did you feel that chakra? It was more than my sensei's!"
"I think I actually shat myself. No joke."
"That's why I told you to go to the bathroom first, idiot!"
"I'm going home. I'm not fighting that."
"Shut up, man! This is getting interesting."
"Do you know who he is?"
"Those are this year's rookies... so that must be..."
"Uzumaki Naruto."
"Right! The kid who defeated the Uchiha in the Academy!"
"You mean that 'Civilian Genius'?"
"Yeah. He looked so cool just now. How did he move that fast?"
"I didn't see anything. He was just... there."
"So his name is Uzumaki Naruto..."
"That monster is from Konoha."
"Think he's single?"
" Me too , I shitted "
" That's why I told you to head to bathroom first "
' I am Going Home '
' to Think there was someone like that in our Village '
' so his name is Uzumaki Naruto '
' That Monster is from Konoha '
' Uzumaki Naruto '
" So Handsome , Naruto samaaaaa "
THe proctors finally sighed in relief seeing Team 7 out of their sight , They also heard the crowds whispers , hearing it they both brethed out and spoke
" so That is Kakashi senpai's squad "
" pretty strong "
" hm , especially that Blonde "
" Uzumaki Naruto ...... well at least our village has a monster this time in chunin exams "
" hmm "
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*Smack! *
( what !! How did even sharingan didn't see through that technique )
Sasuke didn't even see it coming. His head snapped back as a heel connected squarely with his chin, sending him sailing through the air. Sakura watched in total disbelief, her voice trembling.
"No way... Sasuke-kun even activated the Sharingan!"
Rock Lee straightened up, his eyes locked on the Uchiha who was currently scrambling to his feet. He looked at Sakura with a calm, focused expression.
"That's right... my technique is neither Genjutsu nor Ninjutsu."
Without missing a beat, Lee lunged again. He moved through Sasuke's defensive strikes like they were in slow motion, ducked low, and buried a liver blow into Sasuke's midsection.
"Ughh!"
Sasuke clutched his stomach, staggering back. The Sharingan was spinning frantically, but the shock on his face was undeniable.
"My technique is mere Taijutsu, Uchiha Sasuke," Lee stated flatly. Then, in a blink, he vanished, reappearing directly behind Sasuke's shoulder.
(When did he—?!)
"You may not be able to believe it just like that, but—"
"Shut up, punk!" Sasuke roared, swinging a blind backhand.
Lee dodged it effortlessly and hopped back to create some space. The sheer speed of the exchange had Sakura and the other spectators completely floored.
"It is said that the Sharingan has the ability to spot all Genjutsu, Ninjutsu, and even Taijutsu," Lee shouted, looking straight into Sasuke's eyes and sweating form
"The Sharingan reads Ninjutsu and Genjutsu because they require building chakra and weaving signs. However, Taijutsu is a bit different."
"What do you mean?" Sasuke spat.
Lee put one hand forward in a classic stance. "Even if you can spot my movements with the Sharingan, your body isn't fast enough to respond. In other words, even if your eyes understand what's happening, there's nothing you can do if your body can't keep up."
Sasuke looked shaken. The realization was starting to sink in, but Lee kept the pressure on.
"Did you know? There are two types of strong people: Genius types and Effort types. If your Sharingan is a Genius type drawing on Uchiha ability..."
Sasuke had heard enough. He charged.
"I am an Effort type who has patiently mastered only Taijutsu!" Lee dodged Sasuke's fists left and right, his voice steady. "Simply put, your Sharingan and my Ultimate Taijutsu have the worst compatibility."
*Smack! *
Lee delivered another brutal kick to Sasuke's jaw, launching him skyward. Lee blurred out of sight and reappeared right behind him in mid-air.
"Huh??"
"Dancing Leaf Shadow!" Bandages began to unwrap from Lee's arms like striking snakes. "I will prove that effort exceeds genius!"
Before Lee could finish the move, a pinwheel suddenly whistled through the air and pinned his bandages to the wall.
"That's as far as it goes, Lee!"
Everyone looked over to see a red turtle wearing a scarf. It was... definitely weird Inturruption
(Guess it's over,) Naruto thought, watching as Sakura rushed over to catch Sasuke before he hit the ground. Lee was already getting a lecture from the turtle. It felt just like the "canon" events Naruto remembered.
Just as Team 7 reached the main hall, Lee came running after them. After one more failed attempt at confessing his love to Sakura (and getting rejected again), he had challenged Sasuke.
Sasuke had accepted because Lee was on the same team as Neji. That Insolant Hyuga
The result? Sasuke got absolutely pummeled. Even with the Sharingan, the outcome didn't change.
Naruto had considered stepping in—after all, he was Sasuke's teammate and Lee's friend—but he was honestly too tired for the drama.
(I'm no nanny... and it's time Sasuke realizes there are people out there stronger than him.)
*Poof!*
Naruto's thoughts were inturrupted as Konoha's Blue Beast appeared
"Man, life treating you good? How are the flames of youth burning?!"
"WHAT??" everyone yelled at once.
Might Guy had suddenly replaced the turtle. In seconds, Guy and Lee were in their own little world, complete with dramatic tears, while Sasuke stared Everything in denial.
( I was beaten by these ...THINGS ?? )
"L... Lee!"
"G... Guy Sensei!"
"Now Lee, as punishment, take a hundred laps around the training ground!"
"Yes, Guy Sensei!"
Seeing Them leaving without any care while crying , Naruto stepped forward, sighing.
"Guy Sensei, Lee... there's a Chunin Exam going on, you know. There's no time for extra training right now."
The duo stopped their crying and looked at him. "Huh? Oh, that's right. Thanks, Naruto! And Lee..."
"Guy Sensei!"
"You will be punished for attempting to break the prohibition on top of fighting... in principle, after the Chunin Exams!"
"Sniff... GUY SENSEI!"
"YES, FIVE HUNDRED HOWLS OF ADOLESCENCE!"
"YES, SIR!"
Naruto's eye twitched as he looked back at Sasuke and Sakura, who were both looking like they'd lost their grip on reality. Suddenly, Guy's voice turned serious.
"Naruto-kun... how's Kakashi ?"
Sakura blinked. "You know Kakashi Sensei?"
Guy struck a pose, hand on his jaw. "OHH, I know him all too well. People call us Eternal Rivals!"
"...Sounds like a lie," Sakura muttered.
"What are you saying?! Guy Sensei really is—"
Guy held up a hand. "It's fine, Lee. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS."
Sasuke watched the bowl-cut Jonin with total suspicion, but before he could say a word, Guy vanished. His voice echoed from behind them.
"By the way, my record is 57 wins and 49 losses. It means I am stronger than Kakashi."
"Huh??" Sasuke turned around, stunned. ( how )
"This guy..." Sakura whispered.
(Ugh, his speed is still crazy,) Naruto thought.
"Hmm, Lee caused some trouble today," Guy continued. "How about forgiving him out of consideration for my beautiful youthful face? "
" Oh , it's ok , They both agreed before Fighting "
" OHh , What Youth "
" .....THis guy is weird " Sakura
" You huys , Guy sensei is cool no---"
"Anyway, you guys should head to the classroom soon. .... Lee! And everyone...Good Luck and LET THE YOUTH BURN!"
And with that, Guy disappeared. Naruto looked at a shaken Sakura and a fuming, ego-bruised Sasuke.
Sasuke looked back and cleched his fist ( stronger than That Kakashi .....Damn It )
Naruto looked at his team but was inturrupted as Lee spoke
"Naruto-kun."
Lee stood there, looking determined. "Oh, what's up, Lee?"
" I have one last thing to say ...to you "
Sasuke and Sakura both looked over. (To Naruto?)
"I came to this Chunin Exam to verify my own ability," Lee said firmly. "And I am entering this exam to defeat you—the strongest Genin. Make sure to prepare yourself, Naruto-kun... MY RIVAL!"
Lee jumped away, disappearing up the stairs. Naruto watched him go with a tiny smirk.
(That would have been interesting before, Lee... but now I have the Eternal Forge.) After three months of progress in that Technique , the idea of Lee winning with just Taijutsu seemed impossible.even with 8 gates ,
Still, he respected the hustle.
(No Matter , Come LEE , I won't underestimate you Or your Efforts .)
Watching the exchange , Sakura and Sasuke were confused but
"You know him?" Sasuke asked, his voice low.
"Yeah. I've been training Taijutsu with him for three years. We're friends."
Sakura looked shocked, while Sasuke's fists balled up again.
Looking at Sasuke and remembering Uchiha's thought process , Naruto decided to clarify something
"Lee trains like a beast In Taijutsu " Naruto added. "Day after day. Even More than me, and more than you too "
Sasuke gritted his teeth, looking at the his own hands and then at where Lee had been standing. Sasuke noticed Lee's calloused hands when the bandages were undone , and now hearing confirmation from Naruto , especially with NAruto admitting that Lee trains harder than Naruto himself ,
A new fire started to burn in Sasuke's chest.
(So many strong people...)
"Interesting... it's starting to get interesting," Sasuke muttered. "Let's see what's next."
Naruto looked at sasuke who seems to be getting fired up , this time Naruto was really impressed .
( such Mental resillance even after the beatdown and also after that earlier hyuga nonsense )
Naruto remembered Sasuke's sheer mental will and also his sole purpose Mentality , Mentality that didn't waver Sasuke in the slightest in his dreams or goals .
even if it is to sell his soul to devil or Snake sannin . ALLand everything to achieve his goals. Naruto soon heard Sasuke voice again,
"Let's go, Naruto. Sakura."
Sasuke headed for the door, with Naruto and Sakura flanking him. As they walked, Naruto Loked at sasuke with a glint , He leaned in and dropped one more detail to the fired uo Avenger .
"Just so you know... Lee beat you while he was still wearing heavy training weights."
"...WHAT??" Sasuke
"ARE YOU SERIOUS, NARUTO??" Sakura
"Yep," Naruto nodded. "And that wasn't even 30% of what he can really do."
"Impossible..." Sasuke whispered.
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Author's notes :
Well Forest of death Next