Naruto: The Avenger of the Uzumaki clan

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Kakashi quickly composed himself, surveying his team with a curious expression.

"What's wrong? You all look like you've seen a ghost," he remarked, noting the shocked expressions on Naruto, Sakura, and the others. A lazy smile played on his lips as he casually shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Well, yeah! Kakashi-sensei, did you take the wrong medicine or something? It's not even time for the mission to start, and you're actually on time!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Standing beside him, Sakura nodded vigorously. "It's a little suspicious, don't you think?"

Kakashi chuckled, giving Naruto a light pat on the head. "That's a bit rude, don't you think?"

"But seriously, Kakashi-sensei, this isn't like you. Could it be… you're on time because of the Chunin Exams?" Naruto speculated, his tone shifting from disbelief to excitement as the realization dawned on him.

"Oh? So you've already heard about the exams?" Kakashi responded, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"Does that mean we can participate too?" Naruto asked eagerly, his excitement building.

Kakashi's noncommittal smile was enough of an answer, and Naruto's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Yes, you're correct, Naruto. As your sensei, I've recommended the four of you for the Chunin Exams. However, the final decision rests with each of you," Kakashi said, pulling out four forms and handing them to Naruto, Sasuke, Menma, and Sakura. "If you wish to participate, fill in the required information and bring these to Classroom 301 at the Academy in three days. Since your team has four members instead of the usual three, there will be some special rules. But don't worry—you'll learn about them when the time comes."

"Special rules? What's that about, Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked, curiosity piqued as he took the form.

"That's for me to know and for you to find out," Kakashi replied with a teasing smile.

"Aww, come on!" Naruto groaned, feigning disappointment.

"The deadline for registration is in three days. Take your time to think it over—there's no need to rush this decision," Kakashi advised, waving his hand to cut off any further complaints from Naruto.

"There's nothing to think about. I'm definitely in," Menma said confidently as soon as Kakashi finished speaking.

Sasuke, who had been silent, looked up and said calmly, "I'm participating too."

The Chunin Exams were an opportunity for Sasuke to test his abilities against the best genin from other villages—a challenge he couldn't pass up. And with the thought of facing off against Menma, Sasuke's resolve only grew stronger. He glanced at Menma but quickly looked away before their eyes could meet.

Naruto, slightly behind the others, quickly chimed in. "I'm in too! There's no way I'm missing out on a chance to fight against so many strong opponents!"

Kakashi had expected this response. With their personalities, potential, and the skills they had shown over the past six months, he couldn't think of any reason why they wouldn't want to participate. Iruka had mentioned how much they had grown, and as their sensei, Kakashi knew this better than anyone.

But there was still Sakura.

Kakashi wasn't entirely sure about her. While she had a natural talent for chakra control and potential in medical ninjutsu and genjutsu, her current capabilities, mentality, and resolve were still developing. If he had to be honest, he'd say Sakura might not be ready for the Chunin Exams. But he wouldn't say that to her. He wanted her to make her own decision, to either rise to the challenge or recognize her limits.

Sakura, meanwhile, was deeply conflicted. With her teammates so determined, she felt she should follow along, but a part of her was afraid. The idea of competing against the best genin from other villages was daunting, especially when she compared herself to Naruto, Sasuke, and Menma. She often felt like she was just a support role in their missions, with Kakashi there to back her up. But this time, the Chunin Exams were different.

Kakashi's brief introduction had made it clear that this wasn't just any mission. Sakura feared that she might embarrass herself or, worse, drag her team down. The doubt and hesitation were written all over her face.

Naruto was about to encourage her when Kakashi spoke up.

"Don't be so quick to decide. Remember, this exam will bring together the best from every major ninja village. You've only been genin for a little over six months. Like I said, take the next few days to think it over," Kakashi said, addressing the group but directing his words primarily to Sakura. He hoped that by not singling her out, she would feel less pressured and could make a clear-headed decision.

"Yes, Kakashi-sensei."

"Yeah, we understand, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said, her relief evident. She knew she still had to make a choice, but at least she didn't have to decide right away.

"Alright, then. We're done for today. You're dismissed," Kakashi nodded before disappearing in a puff of white smoke.

Menma, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura all left, each lost in their own thoughts.

'It's finally here… the Chunin Exams,' Menma thought, clenching his fist with anticipation.

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Three days passed quickly.

Before the final day of registration, contestants from the farthest hidden villages successfully arrived in Konohagakure. Each village had at least three or four participating teams. As shinobi from various villages arrived, even the most oblivious villagers in Konoha were aware that the Chunin Exams were about to commence.

Some shop owners, sensing business opportunities, began preparing more products. They knew that these were just the preliminary stages, but during the final stages of the Chunin Exams, there would be an influx of wealthy nobles and dignitaries from the Land of Fire and neighboring countries—huge consumer groups that would drive business.

Naturally, they prepared in advance.

Konohagakure had entered its most prosperous and bustling season in a long time.

When Menma returned to the Ninja Academy after a long absence, he noticed various shinobi wearing different forehead protectors. Of course, the Konoha Genin still made up the largest group, followed by shinobi from Sunagakure, another of the Five Great Shinobi Nations. Then came the Genin from smaller villages like Kusagakure, Takigakure, Yugakure, and Otogakure.

Though they all appeared formidable, few truly caught his attention.

'Yakushi Kabuto? Not here. He must have gone inside already, right?' Menma mused as he stood at the front entrance, scanning the other shinobi. A faint glint flashed in his eyes.

Finding Orochimaru directly would be ideal. In the original timeline, there was such an opportunity—after all, Orochimaru sought out Sasuke personally. But on an occasion like this, Menma's teammates would be present, making it difficult to talk to Orochimaru alone. Yakushi Kabuto, however, could serve as a useful intermediary.

'Let's get through the first round and see if any opportunities arise,' Menma thought.

A few minutes later, Sasuke and Naruto arrived.

But Sakura was nowhere to be seen. Menma and the other two waited at the entrance a little longer, assuming she had decided against taking the Chunin Exams.

Then, just as they were about to give up, Sakura appeared.

"Oh! Sakura! I knew you'd show up!" Naruto exclaimed, waving energetically.

"Yeah, Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun, Menma-kun, with all three of you participating, there's no way I could back down. I'll do my best not to hold you back in this Chunin Exam," Sakura said, taking a deep breath as she approached them, her expression resolute.

"That's the spirit, Sakura! You're not holding anyone back—we're all teammates, and we've got to support each other," Naruto said, giving a thumbs up and a big grin.

Sasuke and Menma remained calm, indifferent to Sakura's participation in the Chunin Exams.

"Alright, since we're all here, let's head inside. There's not much time left," Menma said, turning toward the entrance.

"Right!" Naruto and Sakura chorused, following his lead.

As they walked through the corridors, it was clear that the shinobi from various villages had formed distinct groups, each scrutinizing the others. Some Genin didn't even bother hiding their hostility—a common sight in the ninja world.

Despite decades of peace, the old grudges between villages had never fully healed. The wars may have ended, but the hatred lingered, passed down to the next generation.

The idea of a world where everyone understood each other, as preached by Senju Hashirama, Jiraiya, and even Naruto, was a naïve and unrealistic fantasy in Menma's eyes.

The attitudes of the Genin here for the Chunin Exams were proof enough.

Menma didn't believe in their ideals. He had seen enough in his past life and in this one to know better. History had shown repeatedly that human nature was not so easily changed.

For now, his focus wasn't on changing the world but on securing his own freedom—living life on his terms.

"There are so many people! Looks like shinobi from all over have come to participate!" Naruto said, his excitement evident.

Sasuke, walking on Menma's left, also felt a surge of determination. With so many participants, there had to be some worthy opponents.

"Yeah, it looks like there are hundreds of participants," Sakura said, biting her lower lip as a wave of anxiety washed over her. But seeing how calm her teammates were, she managed to steady her nerves.

They made their way to Room 301. However, as they reached the far side of the building, they found their path blocked by a crowd. The air was thick with noise and tension.

At the front of the group were two "familiar" faces.

Menma's eyebrow twitched. He recognized them immediately: Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki, two Chunin of Konoha.

"What's going on here?" Sasuke asked, his tone annoyed as he glared at the pair.

Kotetsu, standing with his arms crossed, smirked. "Just a little test. We're making sure only the best get through to the Chunin Exams."

"Test? What kind of test?" Naruto asked, confused.

Izumo pointed to the sign above the door. "This is Room 301. If you can't see that, maybe you shouldn't be participating."

Naruto, Menma, and Sasuke glanced up, noticing the sign clearly marked '201.' A genjutsu to confuse them right off the bat?

"So you're saying this is a trap for Genin who can't see through basic illusions?" Menma asked, his voice steady.

Kotetsu's smirk widened. "Exactly. If you can't even get past this, you're not ready for the Chunin Exams."

Menma turned to the others. "Let's move on. We don't have time for this."

But before they could leave, a group of Genin from other villages blocked their path, their expressions hostile.

"Not so fast," said a Genin with a Kusagakure headband. "We've come all this way, and we're not letting some Konoha shinobi just walk past us without proving they deserve to."

Naruto clenched his fists, ready to fight, but Menma stepped forward, his presence alone causing the other Genin to pause.

"If you want to test us, fine," Menma said, his voice low and cold. "But know this—we're not here to play games."

The tension in the corridor escalated as the two groups faced off, the gathered shinobi watching intently.

"Let's go," Menma said, his eyes narrowing as he turned away. "We're wasting time here."

The other Genin hesitated, and in that moment of doubt, Menma and his team slipped past them, leaving the crowd behind.

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