17. The Chunin Exams Begin - The first Test
Chapter 17: The Chunin Exams Begin – The First Test
The streets of Konoha were buzzing with excitement. Ninjas from all over had gathered for one reason—
The Chunin Exams.
Sasuke walked beside Naruto and Sakura, his arms crossed, his mind still lingering on his last battle with the Warden.
For now, the Chunin Exams were his next challenge.
---
Team 7 made their way to the Academy, where the first phase of the exam would be held. The halls were packed with Genin teams from different villages, each one eyeing the others like predators sizing up prey.
Naruto, as expected, was already causing trouble.
"HEY! Move aside! I'm gonna be Hokage someday, believe it!" he shouted at a group of Genin blocking their way.
Sasuke sighed. "Dobe."
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Naruto, don't pick fights before we even start!"
Just then, they saw Rock Lee and Team Guy.
Lee, with his bowl-cut hair and thick eyebrows, rushed toward Sakura.
"Sakura-san! Would you go out with me? I vow to protect you with my life!" Lee declared, striking his signature "Nice Guy" pose.
Sakura visibly cringed.
Naruto burst out laughing. "HAHAHA! Oh man, this guy is even weirder than bushy-brows Kakashi-sensei!"
Sasuke, however, was focused on Neji Hyuga.
The Hyuga prodigy had a certain air of superiority around him, and Sasuke didn't like it.
Neji glanced at him, eyes sharp.
"Hn. This guy… he's strong."
But before anything else could happen, a commotion broke out.
---
A pair of Genin were guarding the door to Room 301.
A bunch of ninja were trying to pass, but the two stopped them.
"This is the Chunin Exams. Weaklings should just go home," one of them sneered.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Something wasn't right.
He activated his Sharingan.
DING!
> [Genjutsu Detected]
Would you like to break the illusion?
Sasuke smirked. "Hn. Nice try."
Without hesitation, he dispelled the illusion—revealing that they were still on the second floor.
The real exam room was two floors up.
"Cheap tricks," Sasuke muttered.
He and his team ignored the fake room and headed for the real exam room, but before they could leave—
Rock Lee suddenly challenged Sasuke.
--
"I wish to test my abilities against you, Uchiha Sasuke!" Lee declared.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Hn. You want to fight me?"
Lee nodded seriously. "Yes! Before the exams begin, I must prove my strength!"
Naruto grinned. "Do it, Sasuke! Kick his—"
But before Naruto could finish, Lee moved.
And he was fast.
Sasuke barely dodged as Lee vanished and appeared behind him.
DING!
> [Warning: Opponent is using Enhanced Taijutsu]
Sasuke quickly swung his sword—CLANG!—but Lee had already jumped above him.
Lee's kick came down hard—Sasuke dodged, flipping backward.
"He's faster than I expected," Sasuke thought, gripping his sword.
He activated his Sharingan—but before he could counterattack—
GUY-SENSEI INTERVENED.
"LEE! NO USING THE EIGHT GATES OUTSIDE OFFICIAL MATCHES!" Might Guy shouted, dragging Lee away.
Sasuke clenched his fists. He had felt it—Lee was stronger than expected.
"Tch. This exam might be harder than I thought."
With that, Team 7 continued toward the exam room.
---
Inside the Exam Room
When they entered, the room was packed with over a hundred Genin.
Everyone was tense, whispering and observing their competition.
Naruto, being Naruto, shouted, "ALRIGHT! WHO WANTS TO FIGHT?!"
The whole room stared at him.
Sasuke facepalmed.
Sakura sighed. "We're going to die because of you, Naruto."
Just then—a familiar voice came from behind them.
"Well, well. If it isn't Team 7."
Sasuke turned and saw Kabuto Yakushi.
---
Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "You guys look new here. Need some info?"
Naruto crossed his arms. "Tch, and who are you?"
Kabuto smiled. "Just a friendly participant willing to help."
He pulled out ninja info cards and began explaining about the different teams, revealing valuable insights on powerful competitors—especially Gaara of the Sand.
Sasuke listened carefully. Gaara… something about him felt dangerous.
Before Kabuto could say more—
BOOM!
A burst of killing intent filled the room.
Gaara and his siblings had arrived.
And just like that—the real competition had begun.
---
The First Test Begins
Shortly after, the exam proctor, Ibiki Morino, arrived.
He silenced the room with just his presence.
"The First Test of the Chunin Exams begins now."
Ibiki handed out written exam papers.
Naruto paled. "A WRITTEN TEST?!"
Sasuke smirked. "Hn. This is where it gets interesting."
---
The Written Exam
The exam wasn't about answering the questions—it was about cheating without getting caught.
Sasuke used his Sharingan to copy answers.
Sakura used her intelligence to solve everything on her own.
Naruto? He just sat there sweating.
Every now and then, some Genin got caught and removed.
Then came the final question.
Ibiki gave them a choice—take the question and risk failing forever… or walk away.
Naruto stood up.
Everyone held their breath.
Then—he slammed his fist on the desk.
"I'M NOT GIVING UP! I'LL BE HOKAGE, BELIEVE IT!"
Ibiki smirked. "Good answer. You all pass."
Sasuke blinked.
"So it was a test of courage?"
The room erupted into relief.
The first exam was over.
But outside, something even worse was waiting.
---
As Team 7 exited the room, they were met with a purple-haired woman grinning at them.
"Alright, little brats," she said. "Hope you're ready for something real, 'cause the next phase is gonna be hell."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
Anko Mitarashi.
The Forest of Death was next.
And Sasuke knew things were only going to get harder from here.
To Be Continued…