Team 7 made their way toward the Shinobi Academy, where the first phase of the Chūnin Exams would be held.
Naruto wasn't particularly excited.
Exams meant tests. Tests meant thinking. Thinking meant effort. And Naruto didn't like effort. Not for things that didn't matter.
Sasuke, on the other hand, was determined. He walked ahead with purpose, arms tucked into his pockets, eyes sharp. This was his chance to prove himself, to show everyone just how far he had come. Sakura stuck close by, glancing between her teammates, nerves clear on her face.
As they approached the Academy, they were met with a crowd of other genin gathered outside a large doorway.
Something was off.
Two older-looking genin stood in front of the entrance, blocking it off. The sign above the door read "301", but Naruto could see through the illusion. The actual room number was lower.
Two random genin were trying to push past the guards. The taller of the two managed to get one step forward before one of the "guards" kicked him square in the stomach, sending him sprawling across the floor.
The guy groaned in pain while the fake exam proctors stood firm.
"If you can't handle this," one of them sneered, "then don't even bother taking the exam. We're doing you weaklings a favor."
Naruto tilted his head. Hm. A test before the test.
A few more genin hesitated, whispering to each other. Some walked away, deciding the exams weren't worth it.
Sasuke sighed. "Idiots."
The moment he spoke, everyone turned toward him. He ignored them, stepping forward casually, hands still in his pockets.
"You see through it, don't you?" he muttered to Naruto.
Naruto gave a small nod. He didn't really care, but yeah, he could tell it was fake.
Sasuke clicked his tongue. "Tch. Sloppy."
He walked toward the door, narrowing his eyes at the illusion. In one smooth motion, he dispelled it with a subtle burst of chakra.
The "301" shimmered and changed.
It was actually the second floor.
Immediately, the room filled with murmurs. The genin who had gathered around took a step back, realizing they'd been tricked.
One of the fake exam proctors smirked. "Clever."
Before anyone could comment further, a blur of green shot out from the side.
"YOU THERE! THE LOVELY LADY WITH THE BEAUTIFUL FOREHEAD!"
Sakura flinched. "H-Huh?"
A figure landed in front of her—a boy dressed in a full green jumpsuit, with thick eyebrows and a confident grin.
"My name is Rock Lee," he declared proudly, striking a dramatic pose. "And I have fallen in love with you at first sight!"
Silence.
Sakura gaped.
Naruto blinked.
Sasuke groaned.
Lee wasn't deterred. He grabbed Sakura's hand, bringing it up dramatically. "Please, go out with me! I promise to protect you with my life!"
Sakura yanked her hand back, face scrunched in disgust. "Absolutely not."
Lee's face fell. "Ah…"
Naruto, who had remained detached throughout the whole interaction, watched with mild interest. Humans were weird.
Lee recovered quickly, turning to Sasuke with an eager expression. "You! You are Sasuke Uchiha, are you not?"
Sasuke frowned. "What if I am?"
Lee grinned. "Then I challenge you to a fight!"
Sasuke's eye twitched. "We're literally about to take an exam."
"Fighting is the ultimate test of skill!" Lee declared, flashing a thumbs-up. "What better way to prepare than to challenge a strong opponent?"
Sasuke looked to Naruto, as if expecting him to say something. Naruto shrugged.
Lee turned to Naruto as well. "And you! I sense something… different about you."
Naruto stared at him blankly.
Lee's eyes gleamed. "Let us fight sometime!"
Naruto blinked. "Why?"
"Because I want to test my strength!"
Naruto's expression didn't change. "Oh."
Lee seemed to take that as a yes, nodding enthusiastically before giving them a final thumbs-up and disappearing as suddenly as he had appeared.
Sakura shuddered. "What a weirdo."
Sasuke rubbed his temple. "This is already giving me a headache."