Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 393 The First Day of the Chunin Exams

Just as the first rays of morning sunlight climbed onto the eaves of Konoha, Menma was dragged out of his sleep by a commotion.

He groggily turned over, burying his face in the pillow, trying to block out the increasingly clear sounds.

There was a girl's clear laughter, the sound of light footsteps approaching from afar, and a familiar little voice calling his name.

"Brother Mianma! Brother Mianma! Wake up!"

The tinkling sound of footsteps had already reached the door.

Menma barely opened one eye and glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table.

It's only 6:30 in the morning.

Registration for the Chunin Exams didn't close until 9 PM, so he should have been able to sleep for at least another hour.

But clearly, some people don't think that way.

The bedroom door was flung open with a whoosh, and a small orange figure rushed in like a cannonball.

"Good morning, Brother Mianma!"

Hinata Hanabi was wearing a beautiful orange kimono, tied with a matching hair ribbon, making her look like a lively little cat.

Without saying a word, she pounced on the bed, or more accurately, on Mianma's body.

"puff--!"

Although Hanabi was only five years old and very light, being caught off guard and pounced on like that still made Menma feel a tightness in his chest and almost choke.

"Fireworks! How many times have I told you to be quiet and not make so much noise?" A gentle voice, tinged with a hint of helplessness, came from the doorway.

Hinata trotted in after her.

Today she was wearing a light purple tracksuit, her long black hair cascaded down her back, and she wore a Konoha headband around her neck.

She was also carrying a small bamboo basket, which seemed to contain something.

Seeing Menma grimacing on the bed under Hanabi's weight, Hinata blushed slightly and quickly went over to lift Hanabi off Menma: "Hanabi, you can't do that, you're hurting Menma-kun."

Hanabi struggled a couple of times in her sister's arms, pouting in dissatisfaction: "But sister, you used to wake Menma-nii up like that all the time!"

Hinata's face turned even redder; that was when her bossy personality came out, and she loved to play like that the most.

She stole a glance at Menma and found him looking at her with a teasing smile. She was so embarrassed that she wanted to disappear into the ground.

"Th-that's different..." Hinata muttered softly, putting Hanabi on the ground, and then naturally began to tidy up Menma's clothes scattered around the bed.

Over the years, Hinata and Hanabi have visited Menma's house as frequently as if it were their own home.

After Menma fired the two housekeepers, he lived alone in the house and was always careless about housework. Hinata couldn't stand it and often came over to help him clean up.

She already had a key to the Menma family's house, and over time, her movements as she tidied the room became as skilled as the lady of the house.

Menma sat up, rubbing his chest where Hanabi had bumped into him, then reached out and ruffled the little girl's soft hair: "What brings you here? Don't you have school today?"

Hanabi immediately perked up again, clinging to the edge of the bed and saying, "Today is the Chunin Exams! School's on holiday! Hanabi got up really early this morning to come watch Menma-nii take the exams!"

Hinata folded Menma's haphazardly thrown clothes and placed them by the bed, explaining softly, "Hanabi was so excited last night that she couldn't sleep. She woke me up before dawn this morning and insisted on coming over. I was afraid of disturbing your rest, so I wanted to come later, but she just couldn't wait any longer."

As she spoke, she took a thermos from the bamboo basket: "I made breakfast, thinking that you might just eat something and that would be fine, but the exam lasts all day, so you can't go without eating enough."

Menma watched Hinata's busy figure and felt a warm feeling well up in his heart.

This girl is always like this, quietly thinking of others, thoughtful and gentle.

"Thank you," he said softly.

Hinata paused, her ears turning red again.

She didn't turn around, but said softly, "It's nothing... Go wash up quickly, breakfast will be ready soon."

Hanabi then climbed back onto the bed, knelt down in front of Menma, and looked up at him earnestly, saying, "Menma-nii, do your best today! You must become a Chunin!"

Menma smiled and gently pinched Hanabi's chubby little face: "Hanabi, you should also grow up hard and become an excellent ninja in the future."

"Yes!" Hanabi nodded vigorously, her big white eyes shining. "Hanabi will soon graduate and become a ninja! My teacher said my taijutsu is already better than that of a sixth-year student at the Ninja Academy!"

That's not an exaggeration.

Hanabi's talent was already extremely high, and her Byakugan bloodline was pure.

Under the tutelage of Menma and Hinata, the eldest sister, she developed a very solid foundation, and her taijutsu and chakra control far surpassed those of her peers.

If it weren't for the fact that it's a time of peace and Konoha has abolished the early graduation system, Hanabi would have been perfectly qualified to become a genin at the age of five or six.

"Alright, alright, don't disturb Menma-kun's washing up." Hinata walked over and lifted Hanabi off the bed: "Menma-kun, go wash up, breakfast will be ready soon."

Mianma nodded, got up and walked towards the restroom.

When he finished washing up, changed his clothes and came out, breakfast was already set on the small dining table in the living room.

Two cups of warm milk, three golden-fried eggs, a few slices of perfectly toasted bread, and a small dish of cut fruit.

Hinata was bringing out the last plate of bacon from the kitchen, while Hanabi stood on tiptoe to help set the table.

Morning light streamed through the window, illuminating the two of them and creating a warm glow.

This scene made Menma feel somewhat dazed, as if she were seeing her mother Kushina's back.

"Menma-nii, sit down and eat!" Hanabi pulled Menma's hand and dragged him to the dining table.

The three of them sat around the small dining table and began to eat breakfast.

Hinata is a very skilled cook; she can make delicious food from simple ingredients.

Menma ate very attentively, while Hinata kept putting food on his plate, and Hanabi chattered away beside him about the funny things that happened at school.

"Yesterday, the teacher taught us how to throw shuriken, and all the sparks hit the bullseye!"

"Really? That's amazing?"

"Yes! The teacher said Hanabi is a genius!"

"Then we must continue to work hard and not be arrogant."

"Okay~"

A warm conversation echoed in the small living room.

Menma watched Hinata gently wipe the milk stains from Hanabi's mouth, and watched Hanabi happily swing her legs. A soft spot in his heart was touched.

After breakfast, Hinata skillfully cleaned up the dishes, while Menma went to her room to get her ninja tool bag and headband.

After everything was ready, the three of them went out together.

Across from Menma's house is the gate to the Hyuga clan's territory.

An impressive Japanese-style mansion with towering walls, and two Hyuga branch family ninjas standing at the gate.

Upon seeing Hinata and Hanabi, the two immediately bowed respectfully: "Clan Chief Hinata, Miss Hanabi."

"You've worked hard." Hinata nodded, then squatted down and straightened Hanabi's collar. "Hanabi, you have to train hard when you get back. Don't be lazy. I'll come back to be with you after my exams."

Hanabi nodded vigorously, then turned and jumped into Menma's arms, rubbing her little face against his chest: "Menma-nii, you have to win! Hanabi will cheer for you!"

Mianma smiled and ruffled her hair: "Okay, we'll definitely win."

Hanabi finally let go, satisfied. She took two steps back, stood on tiptoe, and waved vigorously: "Goodbye, sister! Goodbye, Menma-nii!"

Hinata and Menma waved goodbye, then turned and left.

Hanabi stood at the door, watching their backs disappear around the street corner before turning to go home.

However, she froze when she turned around.

Suddenly, her father and mother appeared behind her.

Hiashi was wearing a black undershirt and a green vest that Konoha Jonin wore. He had his arms crossed in front of his chest and his expression was not good.

His wife, Hyuga, was dressed in a light purple kimono, with a gentle smile on her face.

"Father! Mother!" Hanabi immediately stood up straight, her little face tense, and she regained the dignified demeanor befitting a young lady of the Hyuga family.

Mrs. Hyuga stepped forward, gently picked up Hanabi, and kissed her on the cheek: "Our little Hanabi got up so early today, did you go to see your sister and Menma off?"

Hanabi nodded vigorously: "Yes! Hanabi cheers for Menma-nii!"

Hiashi's gaze passed over Hanabi and looked in the direction Menma and Hinata had left. The corners of his mouth unconsciously turned down, and the veins next to his Byakugan bulged slightly.

That expression was exactly like that of a doting father watching his beloved daughter being taken advantage of by a pig.

Although the "pig" was actually quite excellent, the old father still felt uncomfortable.

Mrs. Hyuga glanced at her husband and chuckled, saying, "The children are growing up and will eventually have to start their own families. Hinata has her own judgment. Don't always wear that long face; what if you scare the children?"

Hiashi snorted through his nose: "Hinata is now the head of the Hyuga clan. How can the head of the clan marry? According to tradition, it should be the man who marries into the family."

He paused, seemingly seriously considering the possibility: "If that kid can become a Jonin before he turns seventeen, it's not impossible to consider having him marry into our Hyuga clan..."

Before he could finish speaking, he noticed his wife had already turned and walked into the courtyard with Hanabi in her arms, gently asking as they walked, "Hanabi, what do you want to eat today? Mom will make you something delicious to celebrate your sister's participation in the Chunin Exams, okay?"

"Okay! Hanabi wants to eat tricolor dumplings!"

"Okay, okay, Mom will make it for you."

The mother and daughter's voices gradually faded into the distance.

Hijiri stood there, looking at the empty doorway, then at the direction his daughter had left with another man, and finally could only sigh helplessly.

"A daughter is like a tree that cannot be kept at home once she grows up..."

He shook his head and turned to walk in another direction.

Today is an important day for the Chunin Exams, and as the former head of the Hyuga clan and a Jonin of Konoha, he has many things to do.

Meanwhile, Menma and Hinata walked along the bustling streets of Konoha.

Today was the start of the Chunin Exams, and the shops lining the streets opened early, selling various snacks and souvenirs to tourists. The two soon arrived at the entrance of the Ninja Academy.

From afar, they spotted a familiar figure.

Naruto, wearing an orange tracksuit, was squatting listlessly by the flower bed at the school gate.

He was holding a handful of pebbles and fiddling with something on the ground.

When Mianma got closer and took a look, he couldn't help but laugh.

Naruto used pebbles to spell out two letters on the ground: an "S" and a "B".

He arranged them very carefully, and even used pebbles of different colors for decoration.

“This guy…” Máma rubbed his forehead.

"I can even come up with creative ways to have fun when I'm bored."

Hinata smiled gently, her white eyes filled with tenderness.

Just then, a large brown dog strolled over.

It looked like a stray dog, with messy fur, but it was sturdy.

It sniffed around at the school gate, then naturally walked over to Naruto's "artwork" and raised its hind leg.

wow-

A stream of hot dog urine was poured onto the stone array that Naruto had painstakingly arranged.

"Hey! You stinky dog!!!" Naruto instantly bristled, jumped up, and pointed at the big yellow dog, shouting.

The big yellow dog wasn't afraid at all. Instead, it turned its head and barked twice at Naruto, its eyes even showing a hint of provocation.

"You dare to yell?!" Naruto was so angry his hair almost stood on end.

"I'll teach you a lesson today!"

As he spoke, he actually started chasing and fighting with a dog.

The big yellow dog was very agile, dodging left and right. Naruto chased it in circles, raising clouds of dust and creating a rather comical scene.

Menma slapped his face, unable to bear looking at him: "I knew it..."

Hinata covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

After a while of fussing, the big yellow dog ran into the alley, and Naruto gave up chasing it. He walked back, panting, cursing as he went: "You stinky dog, don't let me see you again..."

Then he noticed Menma and Hinata.

Naruto's eyes lit up instantly, and all his unpleasantness was forgotten.

He ran over excitedly, waving his arms and shouting, "Menma-kun! Hinata! You're here! Come on, let's go in together! The registration deadline is approaching!"

At the far end of the alley, the big yellow dog poked its head out, let out a "woof," and then wagged its tail and ran away, as if to say: Idiot, I'm not playing with you anymore.

The three of them walked into the ninja academy together.

A large number of people have already gathered on campus.

Besides the genin taking the exam, there were also many villagers who came to watch the excitement, the genin's family and friends, and some ninjas who were maintaining order.

An atmosphere of excitement and tension filled the air.

Menma deliberately asked, "By the way, Naruto, which floor is the registration area again?"

Naruto immediately pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket. It was the Chunin Exams application form, with exam information printed on the back.

He looked closely and confirmed, "It's classroom 301!"

"Let's go then." Menma nodded.

The three followed the flow of people into the teaching building.

The stairs were already crowded with people, all of them Konoha genin, dressed in various colors, with expressions of excitement or nervousness on their faces.

Menma looked around but didn't see any other ninjas from other villages.

It seems this floor is a "screening zone" specifically prepared for Konoha's genin.

Naruto looked around curiously, then his eyes lit up, and he waved and shouted into the crowd, "Hey! Sasuke! You're here too!"

In the crowd, Sasuke, wearing a dark blue turtleneck short-sleeved shirt and black shorts, turned around.

Hearing Naruto's loud voice, he instinctively frowned, wanting to turn his face away and pretend he hadn't heard, but Naruto had already pushed through the crowd and rushed over.

"Sasuke! Are you here to take the exam too?" Naruto asked excitedly, completely oblivious to the "I don't know this idiot" expression on Sasuke's face.

The two people next to Sasuke also turned around.

One was Sai, who always wore a fake smile, and the other was a thin, pale-skinned boy with messy gray hair, gloomy eyes, and an aura that kept strangers at bay.

Menma pondered his memories for a moment, but he didn't have any recollection of this person. However, someone who could form a team with Sasuke and Sai to participate in the exam must be either a member of the Anbu or a member of Root.

"Keep your voice down," Sasuke said to Naruto irritably, then looked past Naruto and at Menma behind him.

However, he noticed that Menma's attention seemed to be elsewhere, not on him.

Sasuke followed Menma's gaze.

At the end of the corridor, a boy wearing a full green bodysuit and sporting a watermelon-shaped hairstyle was talking to two boy ninjas blocking the door of classroom 301.

The boy in the green bodysuit had an anxious expression on his face, his hands clasped together, pleading incessantly.

"Please! Let me in! There's only half an hour left before the registration deadline, I really have to take this exam!"

The two young ninjas blocking the door didn't look very old, probably around fifteen or sixteen.

One of them had spiky hair, and the other had his hair parted in the middle; both of them had an arrogant and haughty demeanor.

Sasuke withdrew his gaze, moved closer to Menma, and asked in a low voice, "You noticed?"

Menma shrugged, his tone casual: "It would be unacceptable if they couldn't even notice this."

They are currently on the second floor, but the floor sign on the wall clearly reads "3F".

However, the classroom door behind the two genin blocking the way also had the sign "301," clearly indicating that they were using genjutsu to filter out unqualified ordinary genin.

This level of illusion technique isn't sophisticated, but it's enough to deal with some low-level ninja.

However, Menma's attention was not entirely focused on illusions.

He was more concerned about the two girls behind Xiao Li.

A girl wearing a pink sleeveless training uniform, with her long black hair tied into two round buns on top of her head, and a Konoha headband on her forehead.

She was helplessly playing along with Xiao Li, her eyes filled with both sympathy and embarrassment. This was Tian Tian.

Menma still remembers stealing ninja tools worth over ten million yen from her family, although she later returned the money.

The other girl, however, was even more eye-catching.

She had long, smooth brown hair that cascaded over her shoulders, with slightly curled ends.

She was wearing a light purple kimono-style top and a dark long skirt, holding a drawing board in her hand. She had a quiet and gentle demeanor, but her face was somewhat pale and she looked unhealthy.

Kurama Yakumo.

Menma remembered this name: a genius of the Kurama clan, possessing a rare bloodline limit, "Illusion True Life," which allows him to turn objects in paintings into reality.

However, due to her overwhelming power and the difficulty in controlling her inner demons, her body is very weak.

I didn't expect her to participate in the Chunin Exams too. It seems that Konoha has really sent out all its elites this time.

In that case, the number of Konoha's Twelve Konoha members has not decreased, but rather increased by a few...

Hey! You guys!

Just as Menma was observing, the spiky-haired boy noticed them.

He walked over, his gaze sweeping over Menma, Hinata, Naruto, Sasuke, and others, finally settling on Menma's face.

"What are you looking at?" the spiky-haired boy said arrogantly. "If you know what's good for you, get out of here. Kids like you taking the exam? It's laughable."

Naruto immediately became annoyed: "We are..."

"Naruto." Menma raised his hand to stop him, then stepped forward and smiled at the spiky-haired boy: "Excuse me, we're here to register. Is classroom 301 here?"

The spiky-haired boy paused for a moment, then gave a mocking smile: "Heh, another one with no sense of propriety. Didn't you see the sign on the wall? Classroom 301 is right ahead, but you..."

He pointed to his eyes. "You need to prove you're qualified to go in first."

The boy with the middle-parted hair also walked over: "I think you guys should just go home obediently!"

Some of the lower-ranking ninjas around them were so intimidated by their imposing presence that they took a few steps back, and some even cried out in surprise.

But Menma, Sasuke, Hinata, Naruto, and the others stood still.

Mianma even yawned.

"Is the performance over?" he asked lazily. "Can we pass now?"

The boy with the spiky hair and the boy with the middle parting changed his expression.

"You, you guys..." The spiky-haired boy gritted his teeth, wanting to say something, but Sasuke had already impatiently stepped forward.

A crimson Sharingan flashed in his eyes.

It only lasted a moment.

The boy with the spiky hair and the boy with the center-parted hair froze at the same time.

Their eyes became vacant, their bodies trembled slightly, and cold sweat beaded on their foreheads. Their little tricks were utterly useless against the Sharingan's genjutsu.

"Get out of the way." Sasuke's voice was icy.

(End of this chapter)