Hokage : My Nine tails are getting more and more

Fighting against powerful opponents has always been a valued way to grow stronger, a belief deeply rooted in the ninja world. Sasuke often challenged Naruto, seeing it as an opportunity to improve. However, Naruto's overwhelming strength left Sasuke utterly defeated, stripping away his confidence. This lack of assurance explained why Sasuke had hesitated before rushing out during their last mission.

For the upcoming Chūnin Exams, however, Sasuke's interest was reignited. This enthusiasm perfectly aligned with Naruto's goals, as participation in the Chūnin Exams was mandatory for all team members. Without full participation, the team would fail to qualify and remain stuck in training reviews.

While Naruto and Sasuke discussed their expectations for the exam, Haruno Sakura hesitated. "I… I don't think I'll participate," she said, her voice laced with self-doubt. "I'll just hold you back."

Sakura was acutely aware of her limitations. Her combat skills were lackluster compared to her peers at the Ninja Academy. The thought of taking part in such a rigorous exam filled her with dread; failure—or worse, death—seemed inevitable.

Naruto frowned at her words. "Come on, Sakura. You wouldn't want to stop us from participating just because you're scared, right?"

"What?" Sakura blinked, confused. "If I don't take part, you two can still go, can't you?"

Naruto shook his head and explained the rules, leaving Sakura in a quandary. If she withdrew, the entire team would be disqualified. Seeing her hesitation, Naruto reassured her, "Don't worry, Sakura. Think of it like a strategy game. You'll be our support, and I'll protect you. When it comes to the individual rounds, you can always drop out if it gets too dangerous."

Naruto's words struck a chord. Feeling slightly reassured and touched by his protective promise, Sakura smiled and agreed. "Alright, I'll participate."

With Sakura on board, their team was officially qualified to take the Chūnin Exams. Naruto wasted no time and went to the Hokage's office to register their participation. Sarutobi Hiruzen was pleasantly surprised by Naruto's initiative, a rare display of responsibility. Smiling warmly, he said, "Well done, Naruto. I'll make sure your team is signed up."

The Chūnin Exams were not just an assessment of individual abilities but also a reflection of a village's strength. In a time of tension among the Five Great Nations, these exams served as a microcosm of warfare. Though Konoha's only ally in this exam was the Sand Village, the event still carried significant weight. The performance of Genin teams would showcase the strength of their villages, and Naruto's team—bolstered by Sasuke's Uchiha heritage—was highly anticipated.

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Training Begins

After registering, Naruto turned his focus toward preparation. To excel, he devised a meticulous training regimen for the team. Recognizing key events that could unfold during the exam—Yakushi Kabuto's schemes, Orochimaru's interference, and Konoha's collapse plan—Naruto planned accordingly.

Sasuke trained with Naruto, refining his ninjutsu skills and pushing his limits. Meanwhile, Sakura focused on chakra control exercises, such as tree climbing and water walking. This would reduce her chances of being a liability during missions. For the first time since their team's formation, all three members were dedicated to rigorous training.

As the exam approached, their teamwork and individual skills improved significantly.

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The Exam Begins

On the day of the exam, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura arrived at the venue. Before they could enter, a young ninja with a distinctive bowl haircut and bushy eyebrows stopped them. His demeanor was confident, though he looked slightly eccentric.

"Hold it right there!" the boy declared, stepping forward. "You must be Uchiha Sasuke, the so-called genius."

Sasuke frowned at the stranger but didn't respond.

The boy continued, "I'm Rock Lee. I've heard about you, Sasuke, and I challenge you! I want to prove that hard work can surpass natural talent."

Sasuke sighed, clearly uninterested in a pre-exam fight. "I'm not a genius," he replied flatly. "And I don't have time for this."

Rock Lee, undeterred, grinned. "Don't be modest. You're the last surviving member of the Uchiha clan, aren't you? If you're so confident, then fight me!"

Sasuke glanced at Neji Hyūga, who stood nearby, observing the scene. "If you're serious about testing yourself, why not challenge that guy first?" he said, motioning toward Neji. "He's probably stronger than me."

Neji, overhearing this, raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"

Sasuke shrugged. "It's just a feeling."

Neji frowned but didn't respond.

Rock Lee, however, burst into laughter. "You're funny, Sasuke, but you're wrong. Neji is indeed a genius, but I'll fight him later. First, I want to defeat you!"

Before Sasuke could argue, Rock Lee charged at him. Realizing the fight was unavoidable, Sasuke activated his Sharingan. With enhanced reflexes and precise movements, he quickly cast a genjutsu, rendering Rock Lee unconscious.

Tenten, Rock Lee's teammate, rushed over to help. She shook him awake while muttering, "You lost already? That was quick."

Rock Lee rubbed his head, dazed. "What just happened?"

"You were defeated," Tenten informed him bluntly.

Neji, now wary of Sasuke's abilities, stepped forward. However, Sasuke cut him off, saying, "Let's save this for after the exam. Wasting energy now would be foolish."

Neji nodded in agreement, though he remained cautious. Meanwhile, Rock Lee, disappointed by his loss, was comforted by his mentor, Might Guy. The two shared an emotional embrace, drawing awkward glances from the surrounding crowd.

Naruto, unwilling to linger, hurriedly led his team away from the commotion.

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Inside the Examination Hall

When they entered the hall, they were met with the sight of numerous Genin teams from different villages. Among them was Ino Yamanaka, who immediately spotted Naruto. Beaming, she ran over and hugged him from behind, pressing herself against him.

"Hey, Naruto-kun!" she exclaimed playfully. "Looks like Sakura still hasn't managed to win your heart."

Sakura, fuming at Ino's flirtatious behavior, clenched her fists. Ino smirked and added, "It's no surprise, really. After all, Naruto doesn't go for tomboys like you, Sakura. He prefers someone more... feminine."

Naruto, caught in the middle of their rivalry, scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh, can we not do this right now? We have an exam to focus on."

Sakura shot Ino a glare, silently vowing to prove her wrong. Despite the tension, the team pressed on, determined to give their best in the challenges ahead.

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The stage was set. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura had made it to the Chūnin Exams, but their journey had only just begun. Trials and unexpected encounters awaited them, and their teamwork and resolve would soon be put to the ultimate test.

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