SHINOBI EXAM

["Don't... don't come any closer..."]

The voice of fear in Gaara's trembling tone shocked the audience.

---

Defeated?!

The shinobi of Sunagakure stared at the image in disbelief. Gaara—their weapon, their Shura—was afraid? And what's more, someone had defeated him?

[The video transitioned back to Naruto, inching closer to Gaara with determination. Despite Gaara's plea, the boy refused to stop. Crawling bit by bit on the ground like an insect, his bright golden hair glimmered in the sunlight.]

The combination of Naruto's attire—his thick white collar, blue shoulders, and signature orange jumpsuit—confirmed the identity of Gaara's challenger.

"Naruto?!"

"Eh?!" Naruto blinked in surprise, his bright blue eyes wide with confusion. "Why is everyone staring at me?"

Sakura pointed at the screen, shouting, "Idiot, Naruto! That's you!"

Naruto scratched his head, clueless. "Yeah, I know."

"Do you really understand, though?" Sasuke sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "What they're showing is you defeating him. Gaara."

Kiba interjected with disbelief, "Wait a second. That guy reeks of blood. Akamaru and I could tell from the first exam—he's a monster who's killed countless people, right, Akamaru?"

Akamaru barked in agreement.

"Naruto, you shouldn't fight someone like that unless there's no other choice! Actually, even if you have to, don't do it!" Kiba exclaimed.

Sasuke and Shikamaru facepalmed in unison. They understood Kiba's concern, but his blunt words weren't helping.

---

Naruto's Pain

Naruto frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Hey, Kiba, can you not call someone a monster just because they're screaming in pain?"

For a moment, Naruto's usual cheerfulness faded. Beneath his silly demeanor and constant pranks lay a sharp instinct—an understanding born of experience.

Naruto recognized something in Gaara. Something familiar.

Kiba's words stung. It wasn't just about Gaara; it was about himself.

Was it Gaara's pain that hurt, or was it the realization that he, too, was seen as a monster?

---

Sasuke Steps In

Shikamaru, sensing the mood shift, quickly covered Kiba's mouth. "Enough, Kiba. Don't make things worse."

Naruto lowered his head, uncharacteristically silent. He didn't crack a joke or retaliate with his usual banter. His friends couldn't help but worry.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "You idiot. What are you moping about now? Your head isn't built for complicated thoughts, so stop overthinking."

Naruto glanced up at him, muttering, "What are you talking about, Sasuke?"

Sasuke crossed his arms, his tone softening slightly. "I mean you're you, Naruto. Don't let anyone make you doubt that."

Naruto's blue eyes widened, glistening with emotion.

"Sasuke..."

In that moment, Naruto felt a warmth he hadn't known before. He wasn't alone anymore. Since becoming a Genin, he had found people who accepted him: Iruka-sensei, Kakashi-sensei, Sakura, Sasuke, and even Shikamaru.

Naruto's expression brightened. Stretching out his thumb confidently, he declared, "Just you wait, Sasuke! I'll become Hokage one day and make everyone acknowledge me!"

Sasuke smirked, his usual sarcasm returning. "Hmph, big idiot."

---

An Unexpected Endorsement

As Naruto basked in his renewed confidence, Uchiha Mikoto smiled warmly and ruffled Sasuke's hair.

Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, observing the exchange, chuckled. "You want to become Hokage, eh? Let me give you some advice, kid. You don't become Hokage to earn recognition. Only by earning recognition can you become Hokage. But... you probably won't understand that yet."

Naruto blinked at Tobirama, his expression a mix of confusion and determination.

Tobirama turned, a rare smile gracing his face. "Still, I'll say this: I'm rooting for you, Naruto. Show me you can become an excellent Hokage."

"Really?!" Naruto's confidence soared. "You just wait, Tobirama-nii-san!"

"Call me Second Hokage-sama!" Tobirama growled, his irritation barely masked.

Naruto waved dismissively. "Eh, it's all the same. I hang out on Hokage Rock all the time anyway—ow, ow, ow!"

"I'm deeply sorry, Second Hokage-sama!" Iruka intervened, bowing apologetically while holding Naruto's head in place. "I take full responsibility for Naruto's behavior!"

Tobirama snorted in annoyance but secretly admired the boy's spirit.

---

Sarutobi's Reflection

From a distance, Sarutobi Hiruzen observed the scene with a thoughtful expression.

Tobirama... recognizing Naruto?

The Third Hokage felt a pang of pride.

Minato, Kushina... you've raised an incredible child.

---

Gaara's Perspective

Meanwhile, in Sunagakure, Gaara stared at the screen, his emotions swirling. His gaze flickered between the golden-haired boy crawling toward him in the video and the real Naruto in the present.

Uzumaki... Naruto...?

[In the image, Naruto raised his bloodied head, his golden hair matted and streaked with crimson. His blue eyes shone with sadness, reflecting a deep understanding of Gaara's pain. Despite the injuries, Naruto continued crawling forward, undeterred.]

Gaara, on the other hand, lay motionless on the ground. His body trembled slightly, his usual composure shattered. The blood on his forehead mirrored Naruto's, but his expression was one no one had ever seen before.

Fear. Sadness.

And something else...

---

A Shura's Grief

The shinobi watching couldn't believe their eyes. Gaara—the Shura of Sunagakure—was showing emotion.

Fear, yes. But also... grievance?

Could it be possible that this unstoppable monster felt... wronged?

---

-------------------------------------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Samurai492

Extra Content Already Available