SHINOBI EXAM

"You are not allowed to harm my subordinates."

Hatake Kakashi's tone was low, his grip on the attacking ninja's arm causing audible cracks. The aggressor hesitated, his anger momentarily eclipsed by fear. "But... the demon fox boy... Lord Minato is dead—"

"You're not qualified to speak his name!" Kakashi's cold eye pierced through the man, silencing him.

Naruto, dizzy from the blow to his head, blinked in surprise. "Kakashi-sensei?!" If Kakashi hadn't arrived, he would've fought back.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura rushed to Naruto's side, immediately pulling out bandages. Next to her, Hinata nervously handed over an ointment. "This is from the Hyuga clan… Please use it for Naruto-kun."

"Thank you, Hinata," Sakura said, quickly applying the ointment while scolding Naruto. "Idiot! Always getting into trouble!"

"Sorry, Sakura-chan!" Naruto grinned sheepishly.

Meanwhile, the other Genin rallied around. Choji's usually placid face was hard, Shikamaru's sharp gaze assessed the situation, and Ino clenched her fists. Kiba's Akamaru growled low, and Shino's insects buzzed ominously. The bonds formed during training made these rookies surprisingly united.

However, the tension in the room skyrocketed as a booming voice declared, [Confirmed Resurrection—Uchiha Mikoto]. The sealed barrier surrounding the room vanished, revealing a coffin emitting faint chakra.

Kakashi's gaze turned grim as he moved protectively between Naruto and the coffin bearing the Fourth Hokage's name.

---

Kakashi's Arrival

"You okay, Naruto?" Kakashi asked, inspecting the blood-stained gauze on the boy's head.

Naruto grinned through the pain. "It's nothing. Just lucky my headband took most of it!"

Kakashi's heart ached. Naruto's resilience reminded him of Minato and Kushina. He thought of the boy's lonely nights and meager meals, wondering if there was more he could do.

The Third Hokage entered the room, his presence silencing everyone. His decades of leadership emanated an aura of command that even the rogue Jōnin felt compelled to obey. The offending ninja was dragged away by Anbu, though the damage was already done.

"Naruto, are you all right?"

"Grandpa Hokage, you're acting weird," Naruto joked, grinning widely. "Don't tell me you're getting old and forgetful!"

The Hokage sighed, masking his guilt with a faint smile. Behind him, the coffin labeled "Uchiha Mikoto" began to stir.

---

Mikoto's Resurrection

Life-filled chakra spread as the coffin lid creaked open. "Wood Style?!" someone gasped, but the chakra was far gentler than that of the First Hokage.

Nine Tails stirred within Naruto, muttering, "Yin-Yang Release… The Sage of Six Paths?!"

As the chakra settled, a beautiful woman emerged, her movements tentative. "Sasuke?" Her voice trembled, and her eyes filled with unshed tears as she recognized her son.

"Kasan!" Sasuke broke free from his captors and rushed to her, tears streaming down his face. Mikoto embraced him tightly, her maternal instincts overriding her shock.

The Genin watched in stunned silence. Naruto blinked, his head tilted in confusion. "Eh? Sasuke's mom knows me?"

"Naruto-kun." Mikoto's gentle tone startled both boys. She smiled sadly, recognizing Kushina and Minato in Naruto's features.

---

Sasuke's Struggle

Mikoto knelt before Sasuke, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Sasuke, promise me two things. First, take care of Naruto. He's two months younger than you, so treat him like your little brother."

Sasuke flushed, looking away. "I—he's not my brother!"

"Who are you calling an idiot, bastard Sasuke?" Naruto retorted, grinning.

Ignoring their bickering, Mikoto continued, her voice firm. "Second, don't let hatred consume you. No matter what happens."

Sasuke's Sharingan flared. "Why? Itachi killed our clan! He killed you! Why don't you hate him?!"

Mikoto's face softened with sadness. "Promise me, Sasuke."

Tears filled his eyes, but Sasuke couldn't understand. Overwhelmed, he pushed Naruto aside and fled.

"I'll get him!" Naruto called, sprinting after Sasuke. Mikoto watched him go, her expression bittersweet.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun," she whispered. "For being Sasuke's friend."

---

A Threat Revealed

In the Hokage's office, Mikoto was questioned by Hiruzen, Danzo, and the council. Though she answered honestly, Danzo's mistrust was evident.

"I don't trust her," Danzo said coldly. "She could divulge sensitive information."

Mikoto bowed deeply. "I swear I won't reveal anything. If necessary, I'll accept a root Forbidden Technique to ensure my silence."

Hiruzen sighed. "That won't be necessary. I trust her."

Danzo grumbled but fell silent as an urgent knock interrupted them.

"What is it?" Hiruzen asked.

The messenger hesitated, then blurted, "The Fourth Ninja War has been declared! A masked man appeared at the Five Kage Summit and announced it!"

The room fell silent. Hiruzen's face darkened. "Explain."

---

The Vision

Outside the academy, chaos erupted as a massive projection appeared in the sky. The image showed the masked man, his voice cold and commanding.

"I will resurrect the Ten Tails and cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi," he declared.

Every ninja in Konoha watched in horror as the vision continued, revealing the man's plans for world domination. Ibiki, overseeing the scene, realized the projection wasn't limited to Konoha—similar images appeared in every major village.

Naruto, chasing Sasuke by the Uchiha training lake, froze as the vision appeared above him.

"Sasuke…" he muttered, his determination reigniting. He approached the brooding boy, unwilling to let him bear his pain alone.

---

Bonds in Conflict

Back at the Hokage office, the council debated their next move. Hiruzen turned to Mikoto.

"You've been through much, Mikoto. I'll ensure your safety, but we need your help."

Mikoto nodded. "Anything for Konoha."

Despite the weight of her past, she resolved to protect the future—both for her son and for the village she still loved.

---