Uchiha Izumi's name appeared on the third line of the roster.
That was the privilege of the Uchiha. This time, however, there weren't many Uchiha children participating—only two or three. Among them, Izumi was the most outstanding, and she was confident she would secure a place in the top ten.
Only by doing so could she prove to everyone that the Uchiha were unmatched.
Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, and Akimichi Choji also stared at the board, where their names weren't too far from the top. On another large blackboard were ten blank slots, reserved for the final ten.
Everyone knew the exam's ultimate selection would carve out ten names for all to see—proof they were the best of their generation.
"Shikamaru, you should draw lots for us later. If we end up on the same team, we'll definitely win."
Ino whispered at Shikamaru's side.
After all, the Ino–Shika–Cho formation had always been invincible in Konoha. Their teamwork was impeccable, honed through years of training. Even against stronger opponents, they could secure victory.
"Yeah."
Shikamaru nodded, agreeing to her plan. If they drew together, at least the first two rounds would be secure.
"Relax. With Shikamaru, we'll be fine."
Choji, seemingly unconcerned, munched on his chips. The crunching sound eased the tension of those around them.
"Finally, the Chunin Exam's starting! I can show off my skills! But this team format… I don't really get it. Back at the Academy, the teachers only showed us basic teamwork with Clone and Substitution Jutsu. Nothing useful."
Naruto scratched his head, troubled.
He'd never trained in true team coordination. If the lottery paired him with strangers, he'd have to figure out how to cooperate on the spot. What if someone dragged him down? He might not make the top ten—and people would laugh at him.
"Don't worry. With your strength now, even with two dead weights, you'll still pass."
Gaara said calmly, trying to reassure him.
Gaara himself had changed a lot. Maybe it was because of Naruto, the "little sun." Anyone's heart could warm under his presence. Though the pain of his past still lingered, Gaara was learning sincerity and slowly becoming the person he was meant to be.
"I know. Still, if possible, I'd like to be teamed with you."
Naruto grinned.
"Better not. Shukaku and Kurama don't get along. Even after all this time, they'd never cooperate. It's not that I don't want to, but Shukaku would never accept it."
Gaara sighed helplessly.
The relationship between the One-Tail and Nine-Tails was notoriously bad. Kurama, proud of being the strongest, often mocked Shukaku. Naturally, hostility brewed. Even if the two Jinchuriki were close, their tailed beasts refused to see eye to eye.
"Well, that's tragic."
Naruto could only shake his head.
"Ha! Naruto, your vocabulary's really grown. Watching you, Lord Minato must be proud. If you learn even half of what he knows, you'll be set."
Others laughed, teasing him.
But the jokes carried weight. Konoha no longer existed. The man once called the Fourth Hokage was now only Kaede's subordinate in the Nation of Gods.
"Hmph, I already know how amazing my dad is. You don't need to tell me."
Naruto muttered, a little sulky.
Still, he was happy. Unlike before, he now had a father and could feel his love. Though sometimes Minato was clumsy in his ways, they were learning to adapt to each other.
Nearby, Hinata Neji and Hyuga Hinata stood at the front of the Hyuga clan's group.
Because the truth about Hiashi had been revealed, Neji now knew how his father had really died. His resentment toward the main family had faded. His father's sacrifice had not been a scheme, but a heroic choice to protect the clan.
Neji's heart finally felt lighter. And with that, he no longer treated Hinata with bitterness but instead watched over her as family.
He looked at the ten blank slots on the board. His talent was among the best of the branch and main houses alike. Unless paired with the worst teammates, he believed he could secure one of those places.
When his name was carved among the final ten, he would prove that branch members could be just as strong as the main family. And if Kaede himself noticed him, perhaps the cursed Caged Bird Seal could be broken. That was the dream of every branch member.
"Neji-nii-san, good luck!"
Hinata secretly cheered for him.
But her eyes drifted toward the Divine Tree. Everyone from Konoha knew—that was where Kaede resided. Their god. Their eternal guardian.
As long as Kaede remained, nothing could threaten the Nation of Gods.
Meanwhile, Sakura was still just an ordinary girl. Tsunade hadn't taken her as a disciple, and her strength was limited to basic ninjutsu.
She stood quietly among the others, her heart filled with longing to prove herself.
(End of Chapter)
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