Naturally, Naruto had no idea that his battle with Terumi Mei had opened the door to an entirely new world in her life.
The only thing on his mind was that Terumi Mei-neesan was very impressive. Physically impressive.
If he were to compare her to the women he knew...
Hanabi was still flat as a board. Hinata had developed modestly. But Terumi Mei? She was in an entirely different category altogether.
Based on how calmly she'd admitted defeat, Naruto recognized that Terumi Mei was an extraordinary woman with a magnanimous heart. He couldn't help but appreciate her... magnanimity.
[Naruto, you've grown up,] the System's voice echoed in his mind, carrying an unmistakably teasing tone.
Hearing the slightly mocking inflection, Naruto was taken aback. What did the System mean? He was twelve years old now. Of course he'd grown up.
He nodded seriously. "I'm twelve years old. I have grown up."
[Hehe, Naruto, I think you know exactly what I mean.] The System's amusement was palpable.
"I don't know what you're talking about. If what you mean is what I think you mean, then what I mean is definitely not what you mean." Naruto's expression remained deadly serious.
[Sure, Naruto. But don't deny it. You glanced at Terumi Mei's chest several times just now.] The System exposed him directly.
Hearing this accusation, Naruto's cheeks flushed slightly. "I only looked a few times."
[Haha, admit it. And don't tell me you didn't have a physical reaction.] The System was clearly enjoying watching Naruto squirm.
"No! I respect Terumi Mei-neesan very much!" Naruto's face reddened further, his voice rising defensively. "Besides, I... it's only natural to appreciate beautiful things!"
In the days devoted to cultivation, time always passed quickly.
Finally, the day of the Chūnin Exam arrived.
Team Seven gathered at their usual training spot, waiting for Kakashi's arrival.
Sakura fidgeted nervously. Both Naruto and Sasuke would pass the exam without difficulty. She was the weakest member of Team Seven by far. During missions, she felt like she was only there to cheer them on from the sidelines.
Sasuke noticed her anxiety. "Sakura, don't be nervous. We believe you can do this."
Naruto also offered encouragement. "That's right, Sakura. We've all seen how hard you've worked this past month. If someone who works as hard as you can't pass the exam, then I can only say... the people who do pass must be the ones who worked even harder."
Sakura's expression shifted through several emotions. "(╯>д<)╯"
At first, hearing Sasuke and Naruto comfort her had been touching. But the more Naruto talked, the worse his encouragement became.
"Naruto, are you sure you're encouraging me and not destroying my morale?"
"Haha, Sakura, I'm just kidding!" Naruto clenched his fist and thrust it into the air. "You'll pass! Don't forget, Team Seven is the strongest team!"
"Right." Sakura nodded firmly.
Team Seven was the strongest. Though admittedly, that was mostly because Naruto was on it.
Whichever team Naruto joined would automatically become the strongest. That was simply an undeniable fact.
But this realization didn't discourage Sakura. Instead, it made her more competitive. Naruto's strength was a standard to aspire to, not a reason to give up.
Meanwhile, Kakashi stood before the Memorial Stone as he did most mornings. He sat casually in front of Obito's name, placing one hand on the carved surface as if holding his old friend's hand.
"Obito, today is the exam for Team Seven. If they pass, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura will all be promoted to chūnin. Maybe... maybe I'm not suited to be their sensei after all."
He traced the carved letters absently. "Sasuke's talent is undoubtedly exceptional. He's worthy of the Uchiha name. His potential far exceeds yours at that age."
A small smile touched Kakashi's visible eye. "This Chūnin Exam will be easy for Sasuke."
"As for Naruto..." Kakashi's voice grew thoughtful. "Talent can't even begin to describe Naruto's potential. To be honest, I've never actually taught him anything meaningful. You probably won't believe this, but when Naruto joined Team Seven, he was already stronger than me."
He chuckled softly. "For Naruto, the Chūnin Exam is just entertainment."
"The one I'm more worried about is Sakura. This girl is incredibly stubborn, and her talent is genuinely good. It's just that compared to geniuses like Naruto and Sasuke, she looks ordinary in comparison."
Kakashi stood, brushing dirt from his pants. "But I believe Sakura will pass this exam. Heaven never owes those who work hard."
After rambling a while longer, he straightened fully. "Anyway, I should go. Today's schedule is tight, and this is an important day for Team Seven. I'll come talk to you again soon."
With that, Kakashi headed toward the meeting point.
"Kakashi-sensei!" the three genin chorused as he appeared.
"Well then, are you all ready?" Kakashi had originally intended to ask Sakura specifically, but realized that might damage her confidence. Instead, he addressed all three simultaneously.
"Ready, Kakashi-sensei!"
Their responses, however, carried very different tones.
Sakura's voice was particularly solemn, with nervousness underlying the determination. This exam was tremendously important to her. Her civilian background meant that promotion through the ninja ranks was her only path to changing her circumstances. She couldn't afford to be anything less than serious.
Fortunately, Konoha's class system wasn't completely rigid. A commoner like her still had opportunities to advance.
Sasuke appeared indifferent. Being promoted to chūnin wasn't important to him. What mattered was becoming stronger so he could kill that man with his own hands, avenge his parents and his clan.
Naruto didn't care about the Chūnin Exam itself at all. What excited him were all the ninja from other villages coming to Konoha. Friends from afar! The thought made his response noticeably enthusiastic.
"Very good. It seems you're all prepared." Kakashi gave them a final encouraging look. "Go on, then. Do your best. Your sensei will always be watching over you."
Team Seven didn't waste time with further conversation. They headed directly to the exam building.
As soon as they entered the corridor leading to the assembly hall, they could hear the din of voices—hundreds of people talking, laughing, arguing.
When Naruto walked into the lobby, his eyes lit up immediately. The space was packed with genin—hundreds of them wearing forehead protectors from different villages. Some sat, some stood, all talking amongst themselves.
So many friends! Naruto's entire being radiated excitement.
"Sasuke-kun! You're finally here! I've been waiting forever!" Ino Yamanaka rushed out from the crowd and grabbed Sasuke's hand.
She'd wanted to hug him directly but feared that might reduce his opinion of her.
"Get away from Sasuke-kun, you big fat pig!" Sakura's face darkened immediately. She was on Team Seven, spent every day with Sasuke, yet had never dared make such an intimate gesture.
"Haha, if it isn't Sakura!" Ino, having seized her advantage, showed no mercy. "Your forehead is as huge as ever, Billboard Brow!"
"Uh... hello, Ino." Sasuke gently extracted his hand from her grip.
"Alright, stop fighting. We're all friends here." Naruto stepped between them diplomatically.
"Naruto's right," Ino said immediately, backing down. In front of Sasuke, she and Sakura were romantic rivals. But in front of Naruto, they were both friends first.
Both girls understood this hierarchy perfectly well. Mainly because they feared getting beaten otherwise.
"Naruto! You're here! We've been waiting!" Shikamaru and Choji appeared nearby, with Shikamaru greeting him first.
"Naruto." Choji acknowledged him calmly while munching on snacks.
"Where is everyone else?" Naruto glanced around, not seeing the rest of his friends.
"Hey, Naruto! We're here!" Rock Lee's voice boomed across the hall.
Lee approached with his teammates. Tenten followed obediently beside him, completely unaware of what awaited her. Neji trailed behind with obvious reluctance.
He desperately didn't want to greet Naruto face-to-face. But with Lee's loud announcement, if Neji didn't acknowledge Naruto, the blonde would probably think their friendship had weakened and suggest they "maintain it properly."
Neji glanced at the innocent Tenten. He suddenly felt sorry for her. Soon, very soon, she would become Naruto's friend too. Through the standard process.
"Lee! Good to see you!" Naruto was genuinely pleased. Lee had lasted longer than expected. More than a month had passed, yet Lee still hadn't backed down from their "youthful promise."
"Neji, long time no see!" Naruto waved at the Hyūga.
"Yes, Naruto, it has been a while." Neji forced enthusiasm into his voice. "I've missed you. Every time you visit Hinata at the compound, you never come see me."
Please don't come looking for me. I don't miss you at all, his thoughts screamed. I'm only saying this to avoid getting beaten.
Naruto nodded, then his attention shifted to the girl beside Lee. "This must be Tenten! Lee's mentioned you many times. He said he wanted to introduce us as friends."
Tenten smiled brightly. "Naruto! Lee's talked about you too. He says you're an excellent friend, that you get along really well, and that when it comes to youth, you've even surpassed him."
"Lee is excellent too. Tenten, let's be friends when we get the chance."
"Sure! No problem!" Tenten agreed readily.
Neji looked at Tenten with profound sadness. You poor, innocent soul.
"Naruto-kun... Neji-nii is here too... everyone's here..." Hinata's soft voice emerged from the crowd as she approached.
"Hinata!" Naruto's greeting was warm.
One by one, Naruto's other friends appeared. They gathered around him, chatting and encouraging each other. Their voices grew slightly louder, drawing attention from across the hall.
Not far away, in an inconspicuous corner, Kabuto Yakushi adjusted his glasses. He observed the twelve noisy genin and recalled the task Orochimaru-sama had given him. This seemed like the perfect opportunity.
The group was making quite a racket, even boasting loudly that they'd definitely pass the Chūnin Exam. They were obviously rookies taking the test for the first time. Kabuto decided this was an excellent chance to educate some newcomers.
And make contact with Sasuke.
He stepped forward with a practiced smile. "Hey, you guys!"
"You should keep it down a bit. You're nine newcomers who just graduated from the Academy, right? Fresh out of school? You're so cute, making all this noise. You do realize this isn't a field trip, right?"
Naruto and the others turned to look at the bespectacled senior approaching them with that condescending "I'm experienced" expression.
Good, Kabuto thought, seeing their silence. Rookies overwhelmed by my presence. He stepped closer to Naruto, preparing to continue his speech.
"You're annoying. I'm talking to my friends. It's none of your business." Naruto's voice was flat with irritation. His hand swatted toward Kabuto like one would brush away a fly.
Just as expected from a rookie. So impatient. Kabuto's smile didn't waver. He casually turned his head to dodge Naruto's lazy swipe.
The next second, Kabuto's arms and legs spread wide as he flew backward in a spinning arc. He hit the wall with a wet SLAP and stuck there for a moment before sliding down.
"Anyway, where were we?" Naruto turned back to his friends with a cheerful expression. "Let's keep chatting!"
Shocked murmurs rippled through the hall.
"That rookie is that strong?"
"What an arrogant newcomer... but I like it. The more arrogant you are, the more excited I get." Someone licked their lips hungrily.
"Hmph, the stronger the better. I hate encountering weaklings who don't put up a fight..."
Different voices rose and fell throughout the assembly hall.
Kabuto slowly peeled himself off the wall, his entire body dazed. Wait... the plot didn't develop like this. Shouldn't someone ask who I am? Then I use my information cards to impress them with my knowledge?
Why did they just attack immediately?
Kabuto felt deeply wronged.
"QUIET, YOU BASTARDS!"
A massive cloud of white smoke suddenly erupted at the entrance to the lobby.
When the smoke cleared, a group of severe-looking ninja stood there. The man in the center had two distinctive scars across his face. He continued in a commanding voice: "Listen up. I'm Ibiki Morino, the examiner for the first stage of the Chūnin Selection Exam."
The hall fell silent immediately.
Ibiki's intimidating gaze swept across the room before landing on Naruto. He pointed directly at the blonde genin. "You! Don't mess with me before the exam even starts. Do you want to be eliminated immediately? Let me make this crystal clear: without the examiner's permission, private fights are forbidden. Even with permission, killing your opponent is absolutely prohibited. Any stupid pig who disobeys will be eliminated on the spot."
Naruto looked at Morino Ibiki with interest. This examiner seems good. He'd make an excellent friend.
He stepped forward. "Examiner Morino, after the exam is over, would you like to be friends?"
Hearing this, Ibiki's mouth curved into what might generously be called a smile. It was actually more of a sneer. "Heh, little guy. If you want to be my friend, let's see if you have the ability first."