By the time Team 7 made it back home, however, Konoha's gates loomed overhead. Village streets so redolent with mundane life were bathed in golden sunlight. Home's peace and tranquility were almost unbelievable compared to the horrors of the mission in the Land of Waves.
Naruto stretched out, yawning widely. "Dude, it's awesome to be home! I missed Ichiraku's, my bed, and ramen—Ichiraku's most of all!"
Sasuke frowned in protest but remained silent. Sakura smiled gently, relief written on her face. "We're fortunate we made it back unscathed."
Kakashi merely nodded sleepily, his hands still shoved into his pockets. "You three have done great. Rest tomorrow. Tomorrow, report to the training grounds."
"Roger!" Naruto let out a yell and sprinted off before anyone else could even get a word out.
A Period of Silent Development
Later at night, Naruto sat on the roof of his building, leaning over the edge of the structure with his feet hanging down. He was thinking of Haku, the kid who had given everything up for Zabuza. Even after the victory, Naruto didn't feel that he had won.
"That kind of strength," he growled, clenching his fist. "I also want to be able to protect people. like him."
Haku's statement, "When someone has something important that needs to be guarded, that is when they become strong," stayed with him.
His fists were in knots. "I will not lose anyone I care about. Ever."
Coming Back to the Village
Normalcy was resumed the following day. Bowing headlong into bowls as a bottomless pit, Naruto went to Ichiraku Ramen. He was greeted with open arms by Teuchi and Ayame, who listened to his over-the-top account of what happened, complete with heroism and fiery jutsu.
Sakura came to tell Ino what happened somewhere else and even Ino was shocked for a brief moment by the tale of Haku and Zabuza.
As expected, Sasuke trained alone in the Uchiha estate. He just couldn't shake Naruto out of his head and their weird, intense rivalry. 'He's learning quicker than I imagined', he grumbled to himself, using his Sharingan briefly. 'I must catch up.'
Team 7 Meets Again
Team 7 met up at the regular training ground the following morning. Naturally, Kakashi was late.
Anxiously, Naruto tapped his foot. "Where is he, ugh? We've waited that long already!"
Sasuke leaned against a tree. "You should be accustomed to it by now."
At last, Kakashi appeared with a piece of paper and a mysterious expression in his accessible eye.
He said, "I have some information. You have been entered for the Chunin Exams."
Sakura's jaw dropped. "Chunin Exams? Already?"
Nod was made by Kakashi. "Hokage-sama thinks you are ready. And so do I since the mission to the Land of Waves."
Naruto's eyes gleamed. "All right! Now it is my turn to prove to everyone how strong I am!"
Sasuke smiled. "Better late than never."
Kakashi gave a piece of paper containing the test information to each of them. "In a few days, the first round is set to commence. I advise you to get some rest beforehand and prepare yourselves mentally. These tests aren't so much about power, cooperation, and strategy but about survival."
"Oh—and one last thing," he said as he departed. "Don't judge your fellow genin. You would be surprised at what kind of experience some of them have."
Tension in the Air
There was a sense of apprehension and excitement in the village when word of the Chunin Exams arrived there. There were groups of villages coming out into the streets, and with each a varying strength, style, and purpose.
Later during the day, Naruto had noticed some new faces in the training grounds. There was a boy with a gourd strapped to his back and dressed in sand-colored attire. Naruto got a shiver from proximity.
Sasuke saw it too. "We no longer merely oppose each other. This will be different."
Sakura gulped unpleasantly. "This is not to be underestimated."
But Naruto punched his fist in the air. "Go for it! After training and fighting, it's time to show myself to the world."
Iruka's Encouragement
Naruto went to the academy that night hoping to encounter Iruka. The older ninja was at his desk grading papers.
Iruka smiled warmly and congratulated Naruto, saying, "I heard you got nominated. Naruto, you've come a long way."
Naruto flashed a guilt-smelling smile. "I'm still far from where I want to be. but I'm getting there."
Iruka stood and placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Just remember, it's not how you start, it's how you grow. Keep going."
Naruto smiled. "I will!"
Looking Ahead
That evening, Naruto was on his rooftop with hands behind his head as the stars began twinkling again.
He growled to himself, "Chunin Exams, huh…? Guess it's time to introduce everyone in the world of ninjas to the future Hokage!"
Here, Konoha's noises soothed the night into a serene cadence as village lights shone like stars. But even with that serenity, a storm was brewing. Along with skill, the exams would also test heart, will, and friendship.
Naruto prepared to tackle it all.