Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

Hearing Kakashi's encouragement, Sasuke and Sakura's faces lit up with confidence. They were indeed here by their own will, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

However, Naruto's smile was a bit forced, as he began to reflect on his own oversight.

'I completely forgot that the Chunin Exams required a three-person team. If Sakura hadn't decided to come, it would've been a disaster.'

'Fortunately, Sakura came here on her own accord.'

But this realization made Naruto aware that he'd recently grown overconfident. His newfound strength had made him lax, not nearly as cautious as he once was.

This was a dangerous mindset!

While a slip-up in the Chunin Exam might be minor, a similar mistake in the future could be catastrophic.

'I need to rein myself in and become more vigilant from now on.'

"Alright, go on in!" Kakashi said with his usual calm smile.

"Okay!"

Sasuke and Sakura pushed open the door, with Naruto in the middle, and together, they stepped into the exam classroom.

The door closed behind them as they raised their heads to take in the room.

The classroom was already packed, and nearly every face bore a grim expression. The air was thick with tension, and everyone seemed like they'd been through brutal battles. It is a room full of rogues.

With the oppressive atmosphere, both Sakura and Sasuke found themselves trembling slightly.

"What are you so afraid of? I'm here," Naruto reassured them.

Sakura looked around uneasily, "Are these people really normal Shinobi? They seem more like Missing-nin, like Zabuza, definitely not the good kind."

Sasuke, on the other hand, smirked, "Afraid? I'd say it's exciting. Fighting so many strong opponents will definitely help me grow faster."

"As expected of the man I have my eyes on! I've missed you, Sasuke! It's been over a month since we last saw each other!"

A figure with long hair suddenly pounced towards Sasuke, hugging him tightly.

Sakura's initial concern vanished in an instant, replaced by pure fury, "Ino, you pig! Let go of Sasuke right now!"

Ino clung to Sasuke's arm, casting a mocking look toward Sakura and even sticking out her tongue, "Oh, if it isn't Forehead Girl herself."

"You…"

Before Sakura could say anything, Naruto interrupted calmly, "Sasuke, Sakura, let's find a place to sit and wait."

Naruto was determined to exercise caution, and that meant avoiding unnecessary conflicts. He felt this petty argument was pointless, and it's better to wait quietly for the exam to begin.

"Okay!"

Noticing that Naruto was in a bad mood, Sasuke pulled his arm free and walked toward the front row of seats.

"Excuse us, we need three seats here to sit."

Sasuke said, tapping the table lightly.

"What did you just say, kid?"

The three intimidating-looking Shinobi seated there glared at Sasuke, standing up as if ready for a fight.

"I said to mo..."

Before Sasuke could finish, he was interrupted by a silver-haired figure, "Hey, it's just a misunderstanding! No need to cause a scene."

As he said that, the silver-haired figure quickly pulled Sasuke back.

"Who are you? Mind your own business."

Sasuke frowned.

He didn't recognize this young man with silver hair tied in a short ponytail.

"My name's Yakushi Kabuto. Come on, there's no need to start anything." The bespectacled silver-haired young man replied.

Seeing the Konoha's forehead protector on him, Sasuke snorted, "Give me a reason why I should listen to you."

Yakushi explained, "I have graduated four years ago, so I'm technically your senior. This is my seventh time taking the Chunin Exam, and I've prepared thoroughly for it this time."

He pulled out a stack of cards from his pocket and said, "These are Ninja Info Cards. Only with my Chakra can you see the contents."

Kabuto then drew three cards, placed them on the ground, and pressed his fingers against them. As he injected Chakra, the cards spun rapidly, and when they stopped, information appeared on what had once been blank cards.

"Look, these three are ninja from the Amegakure. They're known for their bad tempers and are easily provoked. The tense atmosphere of the Chunin Exam already makes them more likely to snap, so if you provoke them, you're practically giving them a reason to unleash their anger."

Sasuke replied coolly, "So what? Naruto said to find a place to sit."

Breaking free from Kabuto's grip, Sasuke walked right back to the three Amegakure's Genin.

"Move."

"You're asking for it!"

Unable to restrain themselves any longer, the Amegakure's Genin drew their weapons and lunged at Sasuke.

"Pathetic!"

Sasuke snorted coldly and stepped forward to fight back.

"Enough! You bunch of worthless fools!"

At this moment, a cold voice echoed, halting everyone mid-action.

Bang!

With a cloud of smoke, several figures appeared on the stage, led by a stern-looking man, who had spoken just now. His face was rugged, with an unmistakable intensity, marking him as one of the few truly intimidating faces among Konoha's otherwise friendly-looking Shinobi.

The man spoke coldly, "Thanks for waiting. I am Morino Ibiki, the proctor for the first stage of the Chunin Exams! Any Shinobi causing a ruckus without permission risks immediate disqualification, so behave yourselves."

"He was the one who provoked us first."

One of the Amegakure's Genin argued, ready with his excuse.

"Yes, but he was the first to attack..."

Before Sasuke could finish, Naruto pulled Sasuke over and said, "Proctor, we'll keep it in check."

Since they were fellow Konoha's Shinobi, Ibiki merely nodded and continued, "Without a proctor's permission, no fighting is allowed. Even with permission, lethal force is forbidden. Break my rules, and you're out!"

The room fell silent.

Ibiki pulled out a sheet of paper and a number tag, then gestured, "Now that the rules are clear, line up and submit your application forms. Once you do, take a number and sit according to your assigned seats."

With Ibiki watching, everyone queued up more obediently to submit their forms.

As they waited in line, Naruto leaned in and whispered, "Sasuke, you are usually pretty sharp, why'd you go pick a fight over a seat?"

"I noticed something was off with you, so I thought something might be wrong," Sasuke explained.

Hearing this, Naruto felt a sense of warmth.

'Sasuke actually acted out of concern, even if his approach had been a bit misguided.'

"Alright, don't worry about me. I'm fine," Naruto said, giving Sasuke a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"But are you really okay?" Sasuke asked, frowning, "After Kakashi's pep talk, you seemed… different.

Naruto smiled faintly and said, "Trust me. Have I ever lied to you? I just had some things to reflect on. For now, focus on the exam, and we can talk more tonight."

"Fine… if you say so," Sasuke conceded, letting the matter rest.

As Sasuke walked off, Naruto couldn't help but smile warmly.

His philosophy was simple: he would always treat well those who cared about him, no matter what.

That was why, even though Sasuke would soon leave Konoha after this Chunin Exams, Naruto had insisted he participate.

It wasn't only because they needed a three-man team, but it was to make sure Sasuke didn't miss a single chance to grow.

Whether it's fighting against Lee, Neji, Gaara, or even other Shinobi, coupled with the special requirements of the Chunin Exams, this experience would broaden Sasuke's perspective and deepen his combat skills.

In a flash, half an hour passed and all the Shinobi had submitted their applications, received their number tags, and took their seats one after another.

Taking out a stack of test papers, Ibiki declared seriously, "Now we will start the first test: The written test!"