On the second day, Team 7 gathered as usual.
Yamato handed them three forms.
"July 1st is this year's Chunin Exams. I recommended you to Lord Hokage. If you want to participate, write your name on it and report to Room 301 at the Ninja Academy in five days."
"Oh yeah!"
Naruto jumped up in cheers.
After Jokichi told him about the Chunin Exams yesterday, he had been extremely excited, wanting to show his skills in the exams.
Now, having gotten confirmation from Yamato-sensei and receiving the exam registration form, he was simply beside himself with excitement.
Sakura was the same.
Although she lacked confidence in her strength, she yearned deeply to become stronger.
Because, if she didn't get stronger, the gap between her and Sasuke would grow wider and wider, and eventually they would become strangers.
To be with the person she loved, she first had to stand on the same stage as him.
If one was on stage and the other was off stage, how could she be noticed?
As for Jokichi, his face was calm.
To him, whether Genin, Chunin, or even Jonin, it was meaningless.
He wasn't obsessed with power and had no desire to climb the ranks.
A rank promotion only meant being able to take higher-level missions and get more rewards.
But if it was just about getting money, even without resorting to crooked means, he had countless ways.
For example, selling rare metals.
However, he planned to apply to leave the village for travel and training after the Chunin Exams. If he didn't show corresponding value, the village probably wouldn't agree.
So, not only did he have to participate in this Chunin Exam, but he also had to perform exceptionally brilliantly.
At the very least, he had to demonstrate the comprehensive qualities of a Jonin.
After handing out the forms, Yamato instructed, "We won't be doing missions for the next few days. Prepare yourselves well for the Chunin Exams!"
"Understood."
The three each took a form and went home to prepare.
...
Returning home, Jokichi sat on the veranda after filling out the form, waiting for Iruka to arrive.
In the anime, Iruka had strong objections to this batch of newly graduated students participating in the Chunin Exams.
He felt that although this batch of students had great potential, it was too early for them to participate in the Chunin Exams just two or three months after graduation. Therefore, he would give them an advance test before the official Chunin Exams.
However, Jokichi waited for 5 days, and Iruka's test never came.
"It seems Iruka-sensei is very confident in my strength!"
Jokichi chuckled softly, taking the registration form and walking toward the Ninja Academy.
He changed into a black outfit that was convenient for moving in the forest, with the Sword of Protection strapped to his waist.
This outfit, paired with his short black hair, delicate features, and refreshing face, made him look very handsome.
Twenty minutes later.
Jokichi met up with Naruto and Sakura outside the school.
The three didn't speak, just nodded to each other, and entered the school together.
"Although I feel it's useless to say, I still want to say it."
On the way, Jokichi reminded the two, "This is a joint Chunin Exam involving Genin from five ninja villages. There are many outstanding guys. No matter what you encounter, keep a low profile and don't stick your neck out unnecessarily."
"Mhm, I know."
Naruto walked forward with his hands behind his head.
Seeing his casual attitude, the two knew he hadn't listened and sighed in synchronization.
"Forget it, pretend I didn't say anything just now," Jokichi said to Sakura.
Sakura nodded in deep agreement.
While talking, the three entered the teaching building and arrived at Room 301 on the second floor.
As soon as they arrived, they saw Rock Lee and Tenten being kicked out by the Konoha Gate Guards, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers.
Looking at the marks of being beaten on their faces, they were acting quite convincingly.
This was the first test of the Chunin Exams.
The examination room for the first test was Room 301.
The examiners disguised themselves as other people using the Transformation Jutsu, guarded the door of Room 201, and used Genjutsu to change the room number from 201 to 301, blocking the examinees from entering.
If one couldn't see through this Genjutsu, they wouldn't be able to participate in the official exam.
Jokichi didn't jump out to expose the problem like Sasuke did, but ate melon on the sidelines.
This kind of low-level Genjutsu was easily seen through. He wanted to see how long Lee, Tenten, and the others could keep up the act.
However—
"Hey! You two get out of my way right now. The man who will become Hokage in the future, Uzumaki Naruto, is going to pass the Chunin Exams here today and become a Chunin." Naruto stepped forward with his arms crossed over his chest, standing in front of the crowd.
Instantly, everyone's gaze focused on him.
This guy...
Jokichi's eyebrows seemed to twitch fiercely.
And Sakura covered her face and lowered her head.
How on earth can you do something so chuunibyou and shameful so calmly?
"The weaker the dog, the louder it barks. Your type is the easiest to be eliminated in the Chunin Exams," Hagane Kotetsu sneered coldly.
"What did you say!?" Naruto clenched his fists in anger.
"There's no use talking more. If you want to enter the examination room, show us your strength!" Kamizuki Izumo beside him also sneered coldly.
"I'll show you my strength right now." Naruto furiously clenched his fists and charged at the two.
Hagane Kotetsu stood forward without fear.
Just as their fists and feet were about to clash, a green figure appeared in the middle, blocking both of their attacks with his hands.
This speed surprised everyone.
The weakling who was kicked flying out with one punch and one kick earlier was actually this strong.
The subsequent situation seemed to become the same as in the anime.
Lee stopped the fight and exposed the Genjutsu problem.
Hagane Kotetsu and Kamizuki Izumo expressed their acknowledgment of the examinees, dispelled the Genjutsu, and left.
Then, Lee confessed to Sakura and was rejected, ending up sulking against the wall alongside Naruto, who was also unintentionally dealt a blow.
Neji, on the other hand, came over to greet Jokichi, his tone somewhat carrying the air of a senior.
Jokichi interacted with Neji very modestly.
Both sides expressed that getting along was very pleasant.
Afterward, both sides said goodbye and headed to the examination room respectively.
However, what Jokichi didn't expect was that Lee didn't intercept Team 7 to challenge them like in the anime.
This puzzled Jokichi a bit.
Both were first in their grade, why the different treatment?
Is the name of Uchiha really that big?
But puzzled or not.
He was quite happy to have one less trouble.
The group arrived at the door of Room 301, and Yamato wasn't there.
He had already taught them things like teamwork, and wouldn't use personal experiences to teach them in a roundabout way like Kakashi did.
Pushing open the classroom door, the three entered together.
Instantly, countless sharp gazes fell upon the three.
Inside, there were nearly 200 people sitting in total.
Everyone was dressed very distinctively and had a very strong aura; one look and you could tell they were very powerful.
Naruto and Sakura nervously swallowed a mouthful of saliva, no longer possessing the confidence they had before the exam.
Jokichi, however, had a calm face, even wearing a faint smile.
"Jokichi, long time no see, I missed you so much!"
An energetic voice sounded from behind, and Jokichi felt two soft mounds press against his back.
Although they weren't large, they were very firm.