Chapter 55: Chūnin Exams

Naruto picked up Gaara and tossed him back toward the Sand Shinobi camp. Once again, he was ready to go fishing and laze around in the sun without a care in the world.

"Hey! Naruto, let's go to the competition tomorrow!" A familiar voice called out, stopping him in his tracks. Turning around, Naruto saw it was none other than Teuchi, the ramen shop owner.

"That's right, old man! After tomorrow, I might just be a Chūnin!" Naruto grinned widely.

"Come on, come here. Uncle's treating you to some ramen!" Teuchi spread his arms and smiled heartily.

"Well, who am I to refuse free ramen?" Naruto smirked, rubbing his stomach.

A short while later, Naruto sat in front of an extra-large bowl of ramen prepared by Ayame. A warm feeling crept into his heart. Nine years had passed since he arrived in this world. Unlike the anime and manga he once knew, everything here felt so real, so alive.

"Thanks!" Naruto said sincerely to Teuchi and Ayame.

Teuchi waved his hand dismissively. "Stop talking and eat already!"

Naruto clasped his hands together. "Itadakimasu!"

Meanwhile, at a barbecue restaurant...

Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Chōza were drinking together.

Chōza sat at the table, laughing. "It's great that your families have girls. Look at me—most of my family's money goes into food!"

Inoichi and Shikaku exchanged tired looks. Did gender really have anything to do with that? A girl in the Akimichi clan would still eat as much as a boy!

"Idiot, your family's just special," Shikaku sighed, downing another drink before turning to Inoichi. "Women are really troublesome."

"Yeah, sometimes I don't even know how to deal with them," Inoichi agreed.

Chōza, completely left out of the conversation, continued flipping through the menu. "Boss! Bring me another serving from this page!"

At that moment, Shikamaru entered the restaurant and walked up to his father. "Hey, Dad! You should go home already. This is such a drag... The Chūnin Exams are tomorrow, and I'm stuck running around looking for you."

"Huh?" Shikaku looked up in surprise. "You're still taking the Chūnin Exam?"

Shikamaru sighed heavily. "Oh, I'm so done with this..."

Elsewhere, the Sand Siblings were making their final preparations.

Temari and Kankurō were busy cleaning their weapons—Temari her war fan and Kankurō his puppet, Karasu.

Meanwhile, Gaara sat on a rooftop, gazing at the moon. "Uzumaki... Naruto?" He muttered, feeling the unusual silence within Shukaku. For the first time in his life, he was experiencing a peaceful night's sleep.

Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night for many, but not for Gaara.

The next day, the Daimyō, Kazekage, and other dignitaries arrived in Konoha in ornate palanquins. The entire village was buzzing with excitement for the grand event. The Chūnin Exams had drawn in countless spectators, filling the air with festive energy.

Naruto, however, was in no rush.

"Oi, Naruto! Why are you strolling around like you've got all day? Don't you have a match today?" Jiraiya suddenly appeared out of nowhere, giving him a curious look.

"Tch, it's such a hassle. If I make it, I make it. If I don't, whatever," Naruto shrugged. "And what about you, Pervy Sage? You tagging along?"

"Nah, if I go, there'll be no surprises left," Jiraiya smirked before adding in a suggestive tone, "Besides, I have important research to do!"

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Right... 'research.'"

With that, Jiraiya disappeared into the bustling streets of Konoha.

By the time Naruto arrived at the arena, everyone except Sasuke was already present.

In the stands, the Fourth Kazekage walked toward the Hokage's seat.

"It must've been a long journey, Kazekage," the Third Hokage greeted politely.

"Not at all. Besides, it is Konoha, after all," the Kazekage replied. "However, Hokage-sama, don't you think it's time to choose a successor? You are not as young as you used to be."

The Third Hokage chuckled. "Hahaha! Don't treat me like an old man just yet. I still have another five years in me."

With that, he stepped forward to address the crowd. Behind him, the Kazekage watched coldly.

"Let the matches begin!"

Ibiki, Naruto, Temari, Neji, Kankurō, Gaara, and Shikamaru stood in the center of the arena, all receiving roaring cheers from the audience. These were the final contenders—except for the missing Uchiha.

First match!

Uzumaki Naruto vs. Hyūga Neji!

In the stands, Ino and Sakura sat together, watching the match unfold. Sakura looked visibly concerned, prompting Ino to smirk.

"I know you're worried about Sasuke, but at least cheer for Naruto! You sure get over things fast."

"Hmph! Like I need you to tell me that!" Sakura huffed, crossing her arms.

Meanwhile, Ino cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted toward the arena, "Naruto! Kick his ass!"

Elsewhere, Hinata sat quietly, watching Naruto with unwavering eyes. "Come on, Naruto!"

In another part of the stands, two shinobi murmured amongst themselves.

"I can't believe that kid made it this far," Kotetsu commented.

"Yeah, if he got here by sheer luck, this should be the end of the line for him," Izumo responded. "That guy—Neji—he's too strong. No way Naruto can win against a Hyūga."

Down in the arena, Neji stared at Naruto with a blank expression before smirking. "A loser will always be a loser. That's just how the world works. I can see the confidence in your eyes, and it's almost amusing. The match hasn't even started, and yet you're still dreaming. Soon, you'll understand the truth of fate. When you do, I want to see the panic in your eyes."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, scanning the stadium. This was a perfect stage.

Then, he suddenly burst into laughter.

"Heh... heh... hahaha!!"

Uzumaki Naruto—starting today, he would walk a different path!

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