"That's more like it."
The Third Hokage nodded with a warm smile. "I nearly forgot—I actually came here today to bring you some good news."
"Good news?"
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Did you come to teach me a new jutsu, Lord Hokage?"
"Ahem—not exactly."
Hiruzen coughed lightly. Seeing Naruto's disappointed expression, he grew serious. "I came to inform you that you'll be participating in the Chūnin Exams next month."
"The Chūnin Exams?"
Naruto looked surprised. "Am I already eligible to be promoted to Chūnin?"
"The timing isn't that quick. You've been out of the Academy for half a year. Under Kakashi's guidance, your Team 7 has completed a number of missions—enough to qualify for the exams."
The Hokage shook his head and added, "But to be clear, I said you're eligible to participate. Passing the exams, particularly the final selection round, is what will determine if you become a Chūnin."
Naruto paused, hesitating. "Lord Hokage… are the Chūnin Exams really that hard?"
"Heh…"
The Third Hokage chuckled softly. "Naruto, are you scared?"
"Yes."
Naruto replied honestly, his tone serious. "If the exams were easy, why is Rock Lee—who's a year older than me—still a Genin?"
"He's really strong. I fought him once, so I know. And Hyūga Neji, who lost to me before, has become incredibly skilled too. When we sparred with their team recently, he didn't lose even to Sasuke, who's currently the strongest in our squad."
"Oh?"
The Hokage's eyes gleamed. "You think Sasuke is the strongest in Team 7?"
"As much as I hate to admit it…"
Naruto frowned. "He's ahead of us. He learns crazy fast. Everything Kakashi-sensei teaches—Sasuke just sees it once and he's got it. Meanwhile, I struggle like hell and still can't get it right."
"Sounds like you're a bit jealous of him."
Hiruzen nodded slightly, then asked subtly, "Have you thought about why your progress is so slow?"
Naruto lowered his head. "Yeah. I think I've figured it out."
The Hokage's eyes narrowed. "You have?"
"Yeah."
Naruto's tone turned helpless. "I used to think Kakashi-sensei was favoring Sasuke when training us… but then I met Rock Lee, and realized it wasn't that simple."
"Rock Lee?"
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "What did you realize?"
"Lee's situation is worse than mine."
Naruto lowered his head slightly. "He told me that Guy-sensei said some people are born without any talent for ninjutsu. Other than taijutsu, he can't learn anything else. As for me… I've only ever managed the Shadow Clone Jutsu. I don't like it, but maybe I just don't have a talent for ninjutsu either."
The Hokage looked to Yamato, who nodded subtly in confirmation. Hiruzen's expression grew strange as he spoke.
"Naruto, don't lose heart. Just because things haven't gone smoothly doesn't mean you lack talent."
"Here's what we'll do—after the exams, once the village is less busy, I'll personally arrange for someone to help identify what's holding you back."
"There's no hope."
Naruto shook his head. "This is something no one else can help with. I've decided to follow Lee's example and focus solely on taijutsu."
"Ahem—"
The Hokage coughed again. "Trust me. The person I'm talking about can help you. He has experience in this sort of thing."
"Experience in something like this?"
Naruto gave the Hokage a skeptical look. "You're not talking about Guy-sensei, are you?"
"Haha, no—it's not Might Guy."
The Hokage stood up and gave a mysterious smile. "This person was just like you as a child—always lagging behind his peers. But through his own effort, he became one of the most powerful shinobi in the world."
Naruto still looked doubtful. "Stronger than you? Or Kakashi-sensei?"
The Hokage gently patted his shoulder. "You'll see for yourself when the time comes."
With that, he turned and headed for the door, Yamato following behind. But they hadn't gone far before Naruto suddenly ran past and blocked their path.
"Wait!"
Hiruzen smiled kindly. "Is there something else, Naruto?"
"Lord Hokage!"
Naruto looked up earnestly. "You still haven't answered whether the Chūnin Exams are hard. And… can I opt out of participating? I only know the Shadow Clone Jutsu. If I mess up, I'll hold Sasuke and Sakura back."
"No."
Hiruzen's expression turned stern. "It's commendable that you're thinking of your teammates. But the rules are clear—only teams of three can enter. If you withdraw, they lose their chance to be promoted."
Naruto frowned. "But what if they don't want to participate either?"
"Hmm, fair point…"
The Hokage hadn't expected that. Still, he answered calmly, "Technically, your sensei should be the one informing you. I'm only telling you now because I came to check in on you. Kakashi should be asking you soon if you're willing to participate."
"As long as you don't withdraw, I doubt your teammates will give up this rare opportunity."
"And by the way, Hinata's Team 8 has already submitted their applications. Think about it—if you back out because you're scared, how will Hinata see you? What about the Hyuga Clan, who already don't acknowledge you?"
Naruto looked a little gloomy, but nodded. "Alright… I understand."
"Good."
The Third Hokage's face softened, though seeing Naruto still a bit reluctant, he spoke more earnestly. "Didn't you just say you'd work even harder? This is your chance."
"During the finals, nobles and dignitaries from across the nations will be watching. If you perform well, you'll earn the recognition you've always wanted."
"You're right!"
Naruto's mood brightened. "I've waited for a chance like this for a long time. I'm gonna go all out!"
"Hahaha…"
The Third Hokage laughed softly. "I'll be watching closely."
Two hours later — 7:00 PM
"Congratulations! You've acquired practice experience for the forbidden technique: Earth Grudge Fear!"
"Congratulations! You've acquired training experience for Earth Style: Earth Spear!"
"Congratulations! You've acquired training experience for Wind Style: Pressure Damage!"
As the enemy Kakuzu was engulfed in a storm of lightning, Naruto—high above the battlefield—heard a string of reward notifications. Except for Earth Spear, the rest weren't very useful.
"Naruto, just as you expected," said Matatabi, appearing silently beside him. "The Third Hokage has asked Jiraiya to come back after the Chūnin Exams. He even asked about Sasuke's progress. After confirming Sasuke now has the two-tomoe Sharingan and is stronger than you, he plans to have Jiraiya undo your Five Elements Seal."
"And who else could it be but Jiraiya?"
Naruto flapped the chakra wings on his back, flying toward Matatabi's line of sight. With a thought, the two of them instantly shifted back to the mirror world.
"No word yet?"
Matatabi flicked her tail. "After Kakashi left, the Hokage asked the ANBU in charge of contacting Jiraiya. But the messenger hawk hasn't returned yet."
"That's fine."
Naruto replied calmly, "The earlier intel already said Jiraiya would return during the Chūnin Exams. Still, better to prepare some contingencies."
Exiting the mirror world, Naruto spread his senses wide and created two Shadow Clones. After transforming, the clones used Flying Thunder God to teleport—one to the Land of Snow, the other to the Land of Waves.
The Next Day — Noon
As Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura left the mission office after collecting their payment, Kakashi appeared.
"Naruto, there was something I forgot to tell you yesterday."
He led the three to a quiet corner. "Next month, the village is hosting the Chūnin Exams. But Sasuke and Sakura probably already told you."
"Yeah."
Naruto nodded. "They told me this morning when we met. But actually, the Third Hokage told me last night."
Sakura blinked, surprised the Hokage had gone out of his way to inform Naruto personally.
Sasuke, on the other hand, was deep in thought. He'd always found it strange—most villagers and shinobi clearly hated Naruto, yet the Hokage treated him differently. Even Kakashi had once told him not to teach Chidori to Naruto.
"Now, let's hear your decision."
Kakashi's voice was calm. The Hokage had briefed him last night, warning that Naruto might refuse to participate. He had to ensure Naruto took part.
"I'm in," Sasuke said first.
"Me too!" Sakura chimed in quickly—because Sasuke said yes.
Naruto hesitated, appearing to consider.
Kakashi watched him closely, remembering the Hokage's concerns. Sasuke smirked inwardly. This guy sure knows how to act… but it's working.
Sakura, of course, was only watching Sasuke.
Finally, Naruto said, "Alright. I'm in."
"Then sign here."
Kakashi handed out the application forms.
Surprisingly, Naruto was the first to take out his brush and sign his name.
"Kakashi-sensei, here's mine."
Kakashi blinked. The Hokage was right—Naruto was acting strange.
Sasuke and Sakura soon handed in their signed forms as well. Kakashi reminded them to report to Classroom 301 by 3 PM on the 1st of next month, then dismissed them.
Meanwhile, in Konoha…
A business group from the Land of Hot Water entered the Hokage Building. Half an hour later, they purchased the management rights to all Konoha's bathhouses and adult establishments at a jaw-dropping price.
That Night – Otogakure (Hidden Sound Village)
Orochimaru sat on a platform inside a small arena, a sinister smile on his lips.
A black snake slithered across the floor, curled around his ankle, and climbed up to his shoulder.
Hiss…
It flicked its tongue, then slithered down his arm and into his sleeve. A moment later, Orochimaru pulled out a scroll. Upon reading it, his golden slitted eyes gleamed.
"Hehehe… now this is interesting. As expected of the child I've taken a liking to."
He laughed darkly, then extended his long tongue and licked his cheek with delight.
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