NOVEL NEXT Chapter 40: Before the Assessment
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**Kamizuki Izumo** and **Hagane Kotetsu** were often called the "Gatekeepers of Konoha." While not the most prominent shinobi in the original story, their strength shouldn't be underestimated. Among the Chūnin, they were among the best.
The fact that they held their own, even briefly, against someone like **Kakuzu**—a shinobi at the Kage level—speaks volumes. While Kakuzu may not have been fighting at full strength, the mere fact that Izumo and Kotetsu weren't instantly overwhelmed proves their capability. Not every Chūnin could challenge someone of Kakuzu's caliber and survive.
Even without relying on prior knowledge, **Menma** easily saw through their poorly executed Transformation Techniques and the weak Genjutsu they had set up. It was clear: the Chūnin Exams had already begun.
Izumo and Kotetsu had created the first test for the Genin from various villages. If they couldn't even see through such a basic illusion, they had no business participating in the exams.
However, Izumo and Kotetsu's acting left much to be desired. They might fool some of the less experienced Genin, but anyone with decent training would see right through it.
Menma's gaze shifted to the figure lying on the ground—a "green beast," as some might call him. Upon recognizing him, Menma's eyes narrowed slightly.
**'Rock Lee!'**
A true genius in his own right. Lee was a practitioner of the **Eight Gates**, an advanced and dangerous technique that very few could master. If it were easy to learn, **Danzō** would have filled his Root with shinobi capable of using it.
To have mastered the ability to open five gates at such a young age was impressive, both a testament to Lee's hard work and his natural talent. Menma knew that anyone capable of such a feat was worth paying attention to.
"Is this a Genjutsu? Are they deliberately blocking the way?" Menma asked, seeing through the illusion instantly.
Both **Sasuke** and **Sakura** weren't fooled either. They were familiar enough with the layout of the academy to know that this couldn't possibly be classroom 301.
"Wait, this is an illusion? I knew something felt off. Isn't 301 supposed to be on the next floor?" Naruto asked, realization dawning as Sakura's words sank in.
"Yes, Naruto-kun, this was an easy one to see through," Sakura replied with a sigh, shaking her head at his obliviousness.
Naruto chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Ahaha, I guess I was just a little distracted."
Sasuke shot him a look of disdain. "Tch. Let's go. This is just a warm-up; no point wasting time here."
Menma nodded in agreement. "Right, let's keep moving."
The four of them began walking towards the stairs, cutting through the gathered crowd. As they did, both Izumo and Kotetsu tensed slightly, recognizing the group approaching them. **Team 7** wasn't just any Genin team.
Menma was the **Nine-Tails Jinchūriki**, Naruto was the son of the **Fourth Hokage**, and Sasuke was the last surviving member of the **Uchiha Clan**. Not to mention, their track record of completed missions far surpassed that of the average Genin team.
Izumo and Kotetsu exchanged glances, momentarily taken aback by the group's presence. But they quickly regained their composure, maintaining their feigned arrogance.
"Excuse us," Menma said calmly, his tone polite but firm. "You're blocking our way. We need to get to classroom 301."
The words were soft but carried weight, causing the surrounding Genin to murmur amongst themselves.
"Wait, what? This isn't classroom 301?"
Izumo dropped the illusion with a casual wave of his hand, the false door disappearing and revealing the real stairway.
"Well, you saw through it, but if you want to get past, you'll have to beat us first," Kotetsu challenged, his voice dripping with mock arrogance.
"Beat you?" Sasuke scoffed, unable to tolerate Kotetsu's taunts any longer.
In an instant, chakra surged to Sasuke's feet, and he dashed forward, his arm cocked back to strike Kotetsu. The speed and precision of his attack were undeniable, and it seemed as though Kotetsu had no chance to defend.
But just as Sasuke's fist was about to connect, a blur of green intercepted him.
**Bang!**
The impact reverberated through the air, but Sasuke's fist never reached Kotetsu. Instead, it was caught by an outstretched hand. The owner of that hand stood between the two, having appeared in the blink of an eye.
Sasuke blinked in surprise. "What the—?"
The one who had blocked his attack was none other than **Rock Lee**, his previous act of being knocked down a mere ruse.
Even Kotetsu looked stunned at Lee's speed. "This kid… he's fast," he thought to himself.
"Who are you?" Sasuke demanded, his eyes narrowing at Lee.
Lee stood tall, his posture filled with confidence. "I am **Rock Lee** of Konoha! Like you, Sasuke-kun, I am a Genin, but I graduated a year ahead of you."
The shift in Lee's demeanor was striking. Gone was the timid persona, replaced with burning determination that was almost palpable. Sasuke frowned, feeling the intensity of Lee's fighting spirit.
Nearby, **Neji Hyūga** and **Tenten** emerged from the crowd, approaching their teammate.
"Lee, I thought we agreed you'd keep a low profile," Neji chided, though his attention was equally focused on Menma, Sasuke, and Naruto.
"Sorry, Neji," Lee said, bowing his head slightly. "I just couldn't help myself. After all, these are Sasuke-kun, Menma-kun, and Naruto-sama!"
Neji sighed before addressing Team 7. "I apologize for Lee's enthusiasm. We're last year's graduates, and we've heard a lot about the three of you. Oh, and allow me to introduce myself—I'm Neji Hyūga of the Hyūga Clan. I look forward to seeing what you're capable of."
Despite Neji's seemingly calm demeanor, there was an underlying tension in the air. His respect was clear when he addressed Naruto, a gesture likely influenced by his clan's deep history with the Hokage line.
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"My name is Tenten, and I just want to mention that Neji was the top of our class," Tenten said with a proud smile. Her gaze flicked between Menma, Naruto, and Sasuke, noting their presence.
The three of them were undeniably attractive, and for a kunoichi like Tenten, being surrounded by handsome men was a pleasant sight. A twinge of jealousy flared up as she glanced at Sakura, standing confidently beside them.
Meanwhile, the two "Gatekeepers of Konoha," Izumo and Kotetsu, who had drawn so much attention earlier, took the opportunity to slip away quietly. No one noticed except for Menma.
"Oh, the top of your class, huh?" Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "How about a match? You don't have to call me 'Sama' or anything—just Naruto is fine!" His enthusiasm was infectious.
Naruto might be slow on the uptake sometimes, but when it came to a challenge, he was always quick to react. Neji's casual introduction had sparked his competitive spirit.
Neji's eyes narrowed slightly. A subtle tension hung in the air as he sensed the provocation in Naruto's words.
"Naruto," Menma interjected, stepping forward calmly. "Now's not the time for this. The Chūnin Exams are about to start. Let's move on."
Naruto's excitement cooled at Menma's words. "Oh, right…"
Even Sasuke's stern expression seemed to soften. Although he remained silent, Menma's presence commanded respect. Over the past few months, Menma had naturally taken on the role of leader within Team 7, often directing them in Kakashi's absence. Though Sasuke wasn't entirely comfortable with it, he couldn't deny Menma's tactical skills—or his own desire to surpass him one day.
"You graduated a year ahead of us, so you're our senpai," Menma continued, a small smile playing on his lips. "But if you're looking for a fight, now isn't the time or place. The Chūnin Exams will give us plenty of chances to test our strength. If you'll excuse us, we'll be heading up now."
With that, Menma turned and headed toward the stairs. Naruto, always quick to follow, waved casually as he walked off. "Catch you in the exams, Neji, Lee!"
Sakura offered a polite nod before following her teammates up the stairs.
Neji watched them go, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Uzumaki Menma, Namikaze Naruto, and Uchiha Sasuke… This Chūnin Exam is going to be interesting."
Menma was unaware of the impact his words had on Neji, but even if he had known, he wouldn't have cared. He had grown increasingly indifferent to most people and affairs in Konoha. As long as they didn't interfere with his goals, they were of little consequence to him.
Arriving at the door marked "301," Menma pushed it open, and Team 7 stepped into the exam room.
The space was packed with Genin from all over the world. As Menma and his teammates entered, heads turned to observe the newcomers. However, most quickly returned to their own business. Only a few pairs of eyes lingered on Naruto and Sasuke, their reputations preceding them.
Special identities often drew attention.
Despite Menma's status as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Sarutobi Hiruzen's secrecy meant that most Genin were unaware of his true nature. As a result, few paid Menma any special attention.
However, one man stood out. Wearing glasses and a Konoha forehead protector, he appeared scholarly and unassuming. Yet a peculiar light flickered in his eyes when he noticed Menma's arrival.
This man was none other than Kabuto Yakushi, one of Orochimaru's most trusted subordinates.
'So, Team 7 is here for the Chūnin Exams as well,' Kabuto mused, adjusting his glasses as his eyes shifted from Menma to Sasuke. 'I'd better report this to Lord Orochimaru soon.'
Kabuto, ever the strategist, was already planning his next move. His expertise in gathering intelligence made him particularly dangerous, and Team 7 was now in his crosshairs.
Unbeknownst to Menma, Kabuto had been observing him for some time. Although Menma briefly scanned the room, his gaze only lingered on Gaara before moving on. He was searching for Kabuto, the man whose presence seemed utterly benign.
When Menma's eyes finally landed on Kabuto, he couldn't help but acknowledge the shinobi's acting skills. 'One of the most dangerous spies in the ninja world,' Menma thought. 'If Kabuto were in my previous life, he'd probably win an Oscar.'
But Menma knew better than to give Kabuto too much attention. Skilled shinobi like him were always aware of when they were being watched.
'Identifying him is enough for now,' Menma thought, exhaling slowly. 'I'll wait for the right moment…'
"You actually showed up for something as troublesome as this?" came a familiar voice from the crowd.
Menma looked up to see Shikamaru Nara approaching with his usual lazy expression. Behind him were Chōji Akimichi and Ino Yamanaka, their former classmates from the Academy.
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