"Everyone, follow this tunnel. It will take you into a forest. Inside, you will find two types of items known as Taiji Stones—one Yin and one Yang. Only the groups that obtain these stones will stand out and advance.
"In the forest, you are free to use any means to seize the Taiji Stones, but there is one rule: do not take lives. We will be monitoring every move you make.
"If we discover that you intentionally tried to kill another competitor, you will be immediately expelled from the forest and stripped of your qualification. You will also be banned from ever taking the Chūnin Exams again. In other words—if you don't want to remain a Genin for life, control yourselves."
Kaede's sharp voice echoed as he swept his gaze across the crowd. He knew these children—without strict rules, they would only bring chaos.
"Yes!"
The participants answered in unison.
"Guess it's my turn to appear!"
A flash of golden light cut through the air. In the next instant, Minato appeared before them.
"Dad?!"
Naruto's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected Minato to show up here.
"That's right, my son," Minato said warmly. "For this stage, I'll be your instructor. I'll guide you to the forest and explain its rules along the way. Remember—besides competing against each other, the forest is filled with ferocious beasts and even summoning creatures. Passing this round will not be easy.
"Some of you may also encounter illusions—where you might dream an entire lifetime, only to awaken and realize it was nothing but genjutsu. Keep that in mind."
Minato smiled as he explained, his eyes lingering on Naruto.
But Naruto only puffed his cheeks in protest.
"Hmph! So that's why you were gone this morning! Instead of making me breakfast, you were sneaking off to be the instructor. Because of you, I had to leave with just a glass of milk—you're a lousy dad!"
Minato could only shake his head helplessly, though a small smile tugged at his lips. This noisy, ordinary father–son quarrel was precious to him.
"Milk? Don't forget—someone came by my place this morning and devoured three bowls of ramen and some chestnut cakes. If you hadn't been too stuffed, my red bean mochi would've been gone too."
Gaara didn't hesitate to expose him.
"Hey, Gaara! Don't go ratting me out!"
Naruto's face flushed.
"Anyway, it's all Dad's fault. If he'd made me breakfast, I wouldn't have had to steal yours!"
He laughed sheepishly.
Gaara only sighed, but Sasuke's face darkened. His cold expression turned almost sickly pale as he watched Naruto and Gaara's easy closeness. He didn't know why it bothered him so much—but it felt as if something was being taken away from him.
"…Let's go."
Minato turned, still smiling faintly, and led the way into the underground passage.
The others followed.
Along the tunnel, roots of the Divine Tree stretched across the walls, glowing faintly with a soft light. The luminous veins brightened the passage, and with each step the air felt fresher, easing their fatigue.
It was yet another reminder of Kaede's overwhelming power—and of the might of the Divine Nation.
But to the Root agents in the group, the sight brought unease. With the Divine Nation already this powerful… could Danzo's plan really succeed? Their certainty began to waver without them even realizing it.
Soon, the group emerged into the forest.
This forest had been crafted entirely by Kaede's power. It was originally a training ground for the Divine Nation, filled with beasts, traps, and even illusions designed to test one's spirit. Now, it was the arena for the first stage of the Chūnin Exams.
At the entrance, Minato halted. His expression hardened.
"You've heard the rules. If there's anything unclear, ask me now. But once you step inside, you must obey them. Breaking the rules means punishment—at worst, disqualification."
No one spoke. Each carried the burning desire to prove themselves.
Minato's gaze swept the crowd, then he nodded.
"Very well. I wish you all good results."
He stepped aside.
The examinees surged forward, pouring into the forest.
Naruto, Gaara, and Sasuke were among the first to enter.
Their objective was clear: the Taiji Stones. If they wanted to pass, they needed to seize one quickly and escape just as fast.
Most of the other teams knew better than to confront them. Two Jinchūriki together were untouchable. When they crossed paths, others simply stepped aside.
"Where is it?"
Gaara closed his eyes, his sand spreading outward to sense the surroundings. Soon, it located one of the stones.
Without hesitation, Gaara's sand snatched it up.
It was a Yin-type Taiji Stone—its energy resonating perfectly with the Nine-Tails within Naruto.
"Here, take it."
Naruto, without a second thought, handed the stone to Sasuke.
(End of Chapter)
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