Evil Hokage: Naruto over Tsunade

The following day, Orochimaru led the three members of Team 7 to the venue for the first stage of the Chūnin Exams.

In front of the grand gates...

"This is as far as I can take you," Orochimaru said, pausing for a moment. His golden, slit-pupil eyes swept over the group.

He added gravely, "Whatever happens, don't die..."

With that, he turned and left without a second glance.

People often say that snakes are cold-blooded creatures, but who truly understands...

What lies within a snake's heart?

Uzumaki Kushina and Uchiha Mikoto turned to Naruto.

"Naruto-kun, do you think... we'll die?"

"Idiot," Naruto replied firmly. "As long as I'm here, that will never happen."

He raised a hand and gently flicked their foreheads.

"Ow! Naruto, doing that will stunt my growth!"

Kushina puffed out her cheeks in mock anger.

Naruto smirked. "Good. That way, you'll be easier to carry."

"Hmph..."

Kushina turned her head away with a huff, her posture radiating mock indignation.

Chatting casually, Team 7 pushed open the entrance doors.

Screech...

The old wooden doors groaned as they swung open, their noise drawing a slight frown from Naruto. Years of living alone had accustomed him to silence.

The plaza inside was bustling with people.

Ninjas from the Five Great Nations and several smaller ones had gathered to participate in the Chūnin Exams:

Takigakure

Hoshigakure

Amegakure

Kusagakure

Naruto's ocean-blue eyes gleamed as he scanned the crowd.

So many nations...

It seems this year's Chūnin Exams are hiding more than it meets the eye.

I wonder what Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other Kage are scheming...

The crowd barely glanced at Team 7 before returning to their own groups. Small teams huddled together, cautiously observing those around them.

At this stage, with so many unknowns, no one dared make the first move.

But this year, the exam had drawn a wildcard.

"Naruto-kun, the exam is supposed to be on the second floor, but I don't see any stairs," Mikoto said, her dark eyes glinting with confusion.

Before arriving, Orochimaru had shared a tip with Team 7: the first stage of the exam would be held on the second floor. Yet, no staircase was visible, and the very existence of a second floor seemed uncertain.

Naruto tilted his head slightly, his eyes scanning the plaza's four corners.

Moments later, a sly smile curled his lips. "Of course you can't see it. The examiners have hidden it."

Kushina blinked in surprise and began looking around.

"Hidden? Where? Where?"

She stood on tiptoes, shielding her eyes with one hand as she scanned the area, muttering to herself.

Her antics, utterly oblivious to how foolish they appeared to others, caught Mikoto off guard.

She had never imagined that Kushina, usually so headstrong, could have such an innocent side.

"Idiot, Kushina, stop acting like a fool," Naruto said, his tone exasperated.

"Naruto, you're the idiot! A big idiot!" Kushina turned to him, pulling a face and sticking out her tongue.

"Idiot," Naruto muttered, rolling his eyes.

"Naruto, you..."

Mikoto, standing behind them, sighed, a helpless expression spreading across her pale face.

Why do Kushina and Naruto always end up bickering over the smallest things?

"Let's not argue, Kushina. The exam is about to start, and you need to stay calm," Mikoto said, turning her head slightly towards Naruto. "And Naruto, stop keeping us in suspense. Just tell us already. Kushina's not going to figure it out on her own."

"Even you're picking on me, Mikoto..." Kushina crossed her arms, pouting as she turned away. "Hmph, I'm not talking to you two anymore!"

Naruto rubbed his temples, thinking for a moment before speaking slowly. "It's clear now—Kushina is a genjutsu idiot."

Pausing for effect, he continued, "The proctors have set up a large-scale genjutsu barrier in this plaza."

"So, we're inside a genjutsu right now?" Mikoto asked, her dark eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

With her Sharingan awakened, Mikoto was no stranger to genjutsu. Yet she hadn't detected even the slightest ripple of

Spiritual energy since entering.

This level of genjutsu mastery was terrifying.

"So, what do we do?"

Mikoto blinked, her tone tinged with irritation.

"It's simple," Naruto replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "We just break it."

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