At the stairwell of the Academy, two familiar Konoha shinobi stood guard — Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu.
Within the original timeline, these two often appeared together, serving as gatekeepers and mid-level officers in the Hidden Leaf Village.
Though they might look ordinary, their skills were nothing to underestimate. In fact, both had once held their own, however briefly, against Kakuzu of the Akatsuki — a shinobi of Kage-level ability.
To survive even a few exchanges with such a monster proved that their strength was far beyond the average chūnin.
Menma could immediately see through the weak transformation technique and basic genjutsu they were using to disguise the entrance.
He could tell — this wasn't just a prank.
So, the Chūnin Exams begin here.
Izumo and Kotetsu were clearly setting a trap for the arriving genin. Those unable to see through the illusion had no business participating in the exams at all. Still, their acting left much to be desired — they could only fool inexperienced rookies.
Menma's attention then shifted to the green-clad figure lying motionless nearby. The sight made his silver eyes narrow slightly.
Rock Lee…
The Green Beast of Konoha. Even at this stage, Menma recognized Lee's rare potential.
The Eight Gates Technique — a forbidden taijutsu art that unlocked the body's internal limiters — was something only a handful in history could master.
If it were truly simple, Root operatives or elite ANBU would have learned it long ago. Yet Lee, still a genin, had already opened five of the Eight Gates through sheer willpower and training.
That kind of talent demanded respect.
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"An illusion, huh?" Menma murmured. "Those two are deliberately blocking the real stairway."
Sasuke's Sharingan flickered briefly — he'd already seen through it. Sakura, familiar with the school layout, also noticed that this floor couldn't possibly be where Classroom 301 was located.
Naruto, however, looked confused.
"Eh? Illusion? Wait—oh! You're right! I knew something felt off! The real 301's upstairs!"
Sakura sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Naruto-kun, sometimes I wonder how you made it this far."
Naruto laughed awkwardly. "Heh, guess I just let my guard down a bit!"
Sasuke's lips curled in irritation. "You always do."
Menma smiled faintly. "Anyway, this seems to be the warm-up before the actual exam. No point wasting time."
With that, Team 7 stepped forward through the crowd. The surrounding genin turned to watch, whispering among themselves as the group approached Izumo and Kotetsu.
The two Leaf chūnin recognized them immediately.
Menma Uzumaki — the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.
Naruto Namikaze — the son of the Fourth Hokage.
Sasuke Uchiha — the last survivor of the Uchiha clan.
A trio like that drew attention everywhere they went. Even the exam proctors couldn't help but be wary.
Still, Izumo forced a casual smirk. "Hey, kids, what's the rush? You sure you're in the right place?"
Menma's tone remained calm and polite. "If you don't mind, could you step aside? You're blocking the way to the real Classroom 301."
His words drew murmurs from the surrounding genin.
"What? The real one?"
"You mean… this isn't it?"
Izumo laughed awkwardly and dropped the illusion with a quick hand seal. The fake "301" sign shimmered and vanished, revealing the true staircase behind them.
"Well, look at that," he said with feigned surprise. "Guess you're sharper than most. But seeing through it's one thing — getting past us is another!"
Kotetsu grinned, crossing his arms. "If you want to go up, beat us first!"
Sasuke's expression darkened. "Tch. Pathetic."
With a burst of chakra under his feet, he lunged forward, his movement so fast the crowd barely followed. His fist swung down like a hammer toward Kotetsu.
But just before impact—
"Whoosh!"
A blur of green shot between them.
"Bang!"
The newcomer's arms blocked both Sasuke's strike and Kotetsu's counter in a single motion, effortlessly dispersing the force.
Everyone froze.
"Wha—!?" Sasuke's eyes narrowed.
Kotetsu stepped back in shock.
The green figure stood upright, flashing a confident grin beneath his thick eyebrows.
"I'm sorry, but please don't cause trouble before the exams begin," he said politely.
Menma recognized him immediately.
"Rock Lee."
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Sasuke glared. "Who are you supposed to be?"
"I'm Rock Lee — a genin from Konoha, same as you. But I graduated a year earlier," Lee said proudly, lowering his stance. His dark eyes burned with determination. "Sasuke Uchiha, Menma Uzumaki, Naruto Namikaze — I've been waiting to meet all three of you!"
The intensity in Lee's gaze caught everyone's attention. The timid boy lying on the ground moments ago had vanished, replaced by a warrior radiating raw confidence.
"Lee!" a voice called sharply.
From the side, two more figures approached — Hyūga Neji and Tenten.
Neji frowned, his Byakugan shimmering faintly. "I told you to stay low until the exams begin. You're already drawing attention."
Lee laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry, Neji! I couldn't help it! These three are legends in our class — I just had to see them for myself!"
He turned back toward Team 7, bowing respectfully.
"I meant no offense. It's just… I've been looking forward to facing strong opponents!"
Neji sighed softly and stepped forward. "Please excuse my teammate's enthusiasm. We're the previous graduating class. Like him, I've also been curious about you three."
He paused briefly, his pale eyes flicking from Sasuke to Menma — and then lingering a moment longer on Naruto.
"My name is Hyūga Neji, of the Hyūga clan. It's an honor."
The respect in his tone toward Naruto wasn't lost on anyone.
Even in Neji's composed demeanor, there was a subtle acknowledgment — perhaps instinctive — toward the son of the Fourth Hokage.