That evening, after finishing additional physical training and eating a dinner menu approved by Hana, Naruto could finally lie down on his bed and immediately focus on entering his subconscious. He couldn't wait to continue his lesson about the Chunin Exams.
The scene within the seal was still the same: a spacious room with damp walls and giant bars in the center.
However, the figure of Hana-neechan sitting cross-legged behind those bars felt somehow different tonight.
She still wore an elegant light blue Kimono, which was slightly open at the shoulders, revealing her collarbones and the upper part of her smooth, flawless white chest.
Thin smoke curled from a long smoking pipe tucked between her slender fingers, adding an impression of maturity and... sexiness?
Naruto swallowed hard. His face suddenly felt hot. He immediately shook his head vigorously, trying to banish the impolite thoughts that had suddenly crossed his mind.
'What am I thinking?! Focus, Naruto, focus!'
Hana, who could of course sense the turmoil in the mind of the boy who was entering puberty, just chuckled softly. Smoke from her lips formed small circles before disappearing.
"Ara ara~ Naruto-kun? Why is your face so red like that? Is there something wrong with my appearance tonight?" she teased, her eyes narrowing with a knowing smile.
She deliberately leaned her shoulder forward slightly, causing the kimono to slip a bit more, revealing more of her white skin.
"N-no! Nothing's wrong, Hana-neechan! Not at all!"
Naruto stammered, his gaze immediately darting to the pool of water beneath his feet. Damn, why was he acting so awkwardly?
"Fufufu~ Really?"
Hana giggled again, enjoying Naruto's panicked expression.
"You know, Naruto-kun, looking at a beautiful woman isn't a sin. Especially if that woman is as beautiful as I am."
Naruto felt his face grow even hotter. He could feel Hana's amused gaze piercing him.
"Ha-Hana-neechan, can we... can we just start the lesson?" he asked in a low voice, hoping the topic of conversation would change immediately.
Seeing Naruto looking like he couldn't take it anymore and was about to 'explode', Hana finally stopped her teasing.
She sighed softly, smoke curling out again.
"Alright, alright. My poor prince..."
She adjusted her sitting position, her kimono slightly more closed, though her captivating aura didn't diminish.
"Let's continue our discussion about the Chunin Exams."
Naruto sighed in relief.
"So... that first exam, the written one... its purpose is to gather information, right? Not just answering questions?"
Naruto asked, trying to recall what Hana had briefly mentioned before.
Hana nodded, taking another puff from her pipe.
"Exactly, Naruto-kun. Many are fooled into thinking it's just an ordinary written test. In reality, its main purpose is to test your abilities as Genin in secretly gathering information, under pressure, and without getting caught. The ability to cheat, or more precisely, information infiltration and extraction, that's what's being assessed."
"Cheating?"
Naruto blinked.
"So, we're allowed to cheat?"
"Not 'allowed,' but 'expected'," Hana corrected.
"Of course, if you're caught by the proctors in a foolish way, you'll be immediately disqualified. Be smart. Use all your abilities, whether it's jutsu, cleverness, or covert teamwork."
Hana continued,
"And there's one more important thing. There will be a tenth question, a trap question at the end of the exam. Many think this first exam is only graded based on the answer to that last question, whether you choose to answer or not. But actually,"
Hana leaned forward slightly, as if sharing a great secret, "the examiners have been noting all your behavior, you Genin, from the moment you first entered the room until the exam is over. How you behave, how you handle pressure, how you try to get answers, all of that is part of the evaluation."
Naruto listened intently, occasionally nodding in understanding.
His eyes tried hard to stay on Hana's face or look elsewhere, trying to avoid the temptation to glance at the slightly open part of Hana's kimono that showed off her smooth white skin.
It was so hard to concentrate!
"Then, after the first exam, what's next, Hana-neechan?" Naruto asked, trying to divert his own attention.
"The second exam is usually a survival test and team battle. You'll be released in a dangerous area, like the Forest of Death,"
Hana explained, her expression now more serious.
"Each team will be given one scroll, either a Heaven Scroll or an Earth Scroll. Your task is to obtain the other matching scroll from another team – meaning, you have to fight – and then bring both scrolls to the central tower within the specified time limit."
"Fight other teams? To snatch scrolls?" Naruto's eyes sparkled.
Now this sounded exciting!
"Correct. This is where your combat skills, team strategy, survival abilities, and decision-making are truly tested. The forest is full of dangers, not just from other Genin teams, but also from wild beasts or even natural traps," Hana added.
That night, Naruto truly felt like he was getting an intensive lecture.
Hana patiently explained all the details about the Chunin Exams she knew from her memories of her previous life – not just the exam process from the first stage to the final individual battles, but also various possible strategies, how to plan as a team, how to deal with unexpected situations or accidents during the exam, how to read a map effectively in the Forest of Death, and even tips and tricks for conserving energy and supplies.
"Remember, Naruto-kun," Hana emphasized, "The Chunin Exams aren't just about strength. Intelligence, composure, adaptability, and teamwork are just as important, if not more so. You have great potential, but never underestimate your opponent or the situation you're in."
Naruto absorbed all that information like a sponge, his brain working hard to remember every detail.
His confidence grew, not just because he knew what he would face, but because Hana-neechan believed in and supported him so much. Although occasionally his mind was still distracted by Hana's charm as she sat smoking so elegantly and... alluringly.
... ... ... ... .. .. .. .. . . .
Finally, the time came to submit the Chunin Exam registration forms. Naruto was already excited, while Sakura looked a little anxious, and Sasuke, as usual, was calm yet full of anticipation.
The three of them walked towards the Ninja Academy, where registration would take place.
In the Academy corridor, the atmosphere was already bustling.
Many Genin from various villages, as well as from Konoha itself, had gathered.
Suddenly, a commotion was heard from one of the rooms.
Naruto, with his ever-curious instincts, immediately headed towards the source of the sound.
"Hey, what's going on here, dattebayo?"
Naruto exclaimed, seeing a boy in a tight green jumpsuit and thick eyebrows (Rock Lee) who had just been knocked down by two older ninjas guarding a door labeled '301'. A girl in Chinese-style clothing (Tenten) was trying to help the Thick Brows.
"Still want to take the Chunin Exams with just that much skill? Just go home, Kid," sneered one of the door guards. "Snot-nosed brats who still reek of milk. Thank us for being so kind."
"Please, let us pass," Tenten said, trying to get past them. However, the two guards threw another punch, sending Tenten sprawling as well.
"This is too much!" Sakura stepped forward, looking annoyed.
"Naruto-kun, be careful. There's something strange about those two guards and this room," Hana whispered in Naruto's mind. Naruto frowned slightly, sensing something was amiss.
"What did you say? Listen carefully," one of the guards said condescendingly, "this is our form of kindness. The Chunin Exams are tough. Many ninjas fail and lose their spirit. A Chunin is a team leader, responsible for the lives of their members. Can brats like you handle it? If you're not capable, it's better to back down now. Is there anything wrong with that?"
"Huh? Hitting people and then making excuses!" Naruto shouted back, his anger rising.
"There's some truth to your words, but we still have to pass," Sasuke said coldly, stepping forward with Naruto and Sakura.
"Naruto-kun, this is an illusion," Hana said again. "A simple genjutsu to filter out those who aren't observant. The real room is on the third floor."
Naruto smirked. "Get rid of this cheap genjutsu already! We're heading to the third floor!" he exclaimed loudly.
"Oh, not bad, you noticed," one of the guards smirked, slightly surprised.
Sasuke turned to Sakura. "Sakura, how about it? You must have been the first to notice, right? Your analytical skills and understanding of genjutsu are the best in our year."
"Ah, thank you, Sasuke-kun," Sakura's face flushed slightly at the praise. She tried to compose herself. "Of course, I noticed it earlier. Because this... this is the second floor!"
As soon as Sakura finished speaking, the illusion around them disappeared. The room number '301' changed to '201'.
"Not bad, but just seeing through it isn't enough," the guard said, then dashed to attack Sasuke.
Sasuke immediately prepared to retaliate.
Suddenly, a green shadow shot between them. Rock Lee, who had been lying, was now standing and with incredible speed, blocked attacks from both sides.
Naruto himself was surprised by Lee's speed.
"Hey, this isn't what we agreed on, Lee! You said you wouldn't draw attention!" a boy with long hair and Byakugan eyes (Neji Hyuga) walked over with Tenten.
"But..." Rock Lee's face suddenly turned red. He ignored Neji and walked steadfastly towards Sakura.
"My name is Rock Lee! You're Sakura, right? Will you be my girlfriend? I will protect you until I die!"
"NO WAY!!!" Sakura flatly rejected him with a horrified look.
Rock Lee immediately looked dejected.
Naruto, seeing this, couldn't help but laugh.
"Hey, you over there. State your name," Neji asked Sasuke in a superior tone.
Naruto immediately got annoyed. Why was everyone always interested in Sasuke?
"Before asking someone's name, shouldn't you state yours first?" Sasuke retorted coldly.
"You're a rookie, right? How old are you?" Neji continued, ignoring Sasuke's remark.
"I'm under no obligation to answer," Sasuke snapped.
Neji then shifted his gaze.
Hearing the name Uchiha mentioned, Neji and Rock Lee looked at Sasuke more intensely.
Sasuke, feeling it was pointless to engage further, turned and walked away. Sakura immediately followed him.
Naruto felt a little neglected. "Nothing special, not noticed..." he muttered, his back feeling lonely.
"Patience, Naruto-kun. Your time to shine will come," Hana comforted.
Team 7 then walked towards the actual registration room. The two guards from earlier, after all the Genin had left, reverted to their original forms – Izumo and Kotetsu, two Chunin on duty. "So, those are the brats Kakashi and Gai recommended, huh?" said Izumo.
"Looks like this year's Chunin Exams will be interesting," Kotetsu chimed in.
As Team 7 was walking down the corridor towards the real registration room, Rock Lee suddenly appeared and blocked their path.
"You with the sharpest gaze, wait a moment!" Lee exclaimed, pointing at Sasuke.
Team 7 stopped. Sasuke turned. "What is it?"
"Will you fight me, right now?" Lee challenged, looking straight at Sasuke. He then jumped down from the second-floor railing to the ground floor where Team 7 was.
"Fight here?" Sasuke was slightly surprised.
"Yes! My name is Rock Lee. When asking for someone's name, you should state your own first, right? Uchiha Sasuke."
"So you already knew," Sasuke said flatly.
"I want to duel with you. With the last descendant of the genius Uchiha clan. I want to know how far my abilities can go against you. And also..." Lee turned to Sakura, his eyes sparkling, "...Sakura-san, I like you!"
Sakura immediately shuddered in horror and took a few steps back.
"NO WAY! Your eyebrows are so thick, your hairstyle is weird, and your eyelashes are droopy too! There's nothing I like about you!"
"Fufufu, a resounding rejection," Hana giggled amusedly in Naruto's mind.
"Sakura-san... LOVE!" Lee winked, as if sending a flying love-heart. Sakura became even more frightened.
"Had enough playing around?"
Sasuke said impatiently, stepping forward.
"You're challenging me because of the Uchiha name, right? Let me make it clear, you really don't know anything. Let me show you what this name means!"
Hearing Sasuke's words, Lee smiled broadly.
"Of course, I'll gladly wait."
'Finally, I can fight the top graduate of this year. Gai-sensei, I will definitely prove my strength!'
The two prepared to fight.
Naruto, who had been itching to show his strength and was annoyed that all the attention was always on Sasuke, clenched his fists. "Wait a minute!" he exclaimed, preparing to jump between Sasuke and Lee.
"Why does Sasuke get to go first?! I want to test this Thick Brows' strength too! Let me at h—"
"Naruto-kun, stop!" Hana's voice sounded firm and sharp in his mind, instantly stopping Naruto's half-completed movement.
Naruto was surprised.
"Huh? Why, Hana-neechan? I can beat him, dattebayo!" he protested inwardly, slightly annoyed that his momentum was cut short.
"Don't be rash!" Hana's tone was serious.
"Observe your opponent first. That kid is no ordinary Genin. His movements are very fast and focused on taijutsu. You saw how he blocked the attacks of those two guards earlier, right? His stance, the concentration of chakra in his feet and hands... he's very well-trained. If you attack recklessly with your current fighting style, you'll just waste energy and possibly get hurt."
Naruto frowned, trying to suppress his annoyance. He trusted Hana-neechan, but his ego as a ninja wanting recognition was a bit bruised. "But..."
"No buts, Naruto-kun," Hana cut in.
"This is a good opportunity for you to learn. Watch how Sasuke fights him. Study his movements, analyze his strengths and weaknesses. Observing other people's fights is also part of training. You'll learn more by observing than by rushing in unprepared and losing ridiculously. Trust me."
Naruto sighed softly.
Although there was still a bit of resentment because he couldn't act immediately, he knew Hana-neechan was right.
So far, Hana's advice had always helped him become stronger.
Obediently, though somewhat reluctantly, Naruto lowered his fists and took a step back, giving space for Sasuke and Lee. He wore a pout, but his eyes were now focused on observing his two potential opponents.
"Why, Dobe? Scared?" Sasuke sneered briefly, seeing Naruto suddenly back down.
"Shut up, Teme! I just want to see how well you can fight him!" Naruto retorted sharply, hiding the real reason.
Sakura looked at Naruto with surprise; it wasn't like Naruto to back down from a chance to show off.
Hana smiled faintly in Naruto's mind. "Good boy. Now, open your eyes wide, Naruto-kun. There's a lot you can learn from this fight."
With Naruto now an observer, the fight between Sasuke and Lee began. Sasuke immediately dashed to attack.
"My opponent is an Uchiha," Lee said flatly, ready to meet Sasuke's attack.
"Why is it always Sasuke, Sasuke, Sasukeee! So annoying!" Naruto shouted from the sidelines, venting his pent-up frustration by becoming a noisy, impromptu commentator.
The fight between Sasuke and Lee was fierce. Lee, as Hana had analyzed, initially used only one hand to parry all of Sasuke's punches and kicks, then with a single "Konoha Reppuu" (Leaf Gale) – a low sweeping kick – Sasuke nearly lost his balance. Naruto, who had been shouting, was now silent, observing more seriously.
"See, Naruto-kun? Even Sasuke with his initial speed is having trouble breaking through Lee's defense," Hana whispered.
"I told you before, you won't be able to defeat me," Lee said, resuming his stance. "Because right now, I am the strongest Genin in Konoha."
"Hmph, interesting. In that case, let's prove it!" Sasuke, feeling underestimated, now attacked more seriously.