Naruto: Let the glory of the giants spread throughout the ninja world!

Chunin Exams

He remembered that night—the corpses scattered all over the ground, the gushing blood, and the man standing in the moonlight, looking down at him with those scarlet eyes.

Sasuke gritted his teeth, "I must kill him. If I become a Chunin... I'll get stronger even faster."

At this moment, Sasuke said seriously to Sakura and Naruto, "We are going to participate in this Chunin Exam."

Naruto picked his nose, looking nonchalant: "Oh, okay."

Sakura frowned, looking at Sasuke with concern: "Sasuke-kun, we've only graduated six months ago... Will Kakashi-sensei really agree to let us participate in the Chunin Exams?"

"He has no choice but to agree; I'm definitely taking the exam this time!"

Sasuke gritted his teeth.

Meanwhile, on the streets of Konoha.

Ryukura Akira strolled leisurely, a satisfied smile on his face.

Not only did he successfully impress Sasuke, who loves to show off, but he also left a deep impression on Gaara, killing two birds with one stone.

"As for what happens next..." he said, stroking his chin.

"Let's go explore Konoha, try Ichiraku Ramen and Three-Color Dumplings, and it would be even better if we could also see the other twelve Konoha 12."

The Hokage meeting room on the other side.

Not only was Kakashi present, but all the Konoha Jonin instructors—Might Guy, Sarutobi Asuma, Kurenai Yuhi, and others—were also gathered here.

In addition, there are a number of Chunin and Special Jonin.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone present:

"I have gathered you all here to announce something—Konoha will be holding the Joint Chunin Exams in one week from now, on July 1st."

A slight commotion arose in the office.

"That's true, lately we've been seeing people from other ninja villages in our village quite often." Sarutobi Asuma exhaled a smoke ring.

"This exam is hosted by Konoha, and several ninja villages, including Sunagakure, Kusagakure, Amegakure, and Takigakure, will send genin to participate," Hiruzen Sarutobi continued.

"As the host, we need to send a sufficiently excellent team to showcase Konoha's strength. Now, please recommend qualified genin teams to participate."

Might Guy was the first to step forward, his voice booming: "Hokage-sama! In the name of youth, I, Might Guy, recommend Team 3—Rock Lee, Neji Hyuga, and Tenten—to participate in the Chunin Exams! They are ready to burn their youthful passion!"

"Team 8, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame, have applied to participate. I believe in their abilities." Kurenai Yuhi followed closely behind, her tone gentle yet full of trust in her students.

Sarutobi Asuma, a cigarette dangling from his lips, lazily raised his hand: "Team 10, Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, and Akimichi Choji, let's participate too. Although that Shikamaru kid will definitely find it troublesome."

Finally, everyone's eyes fell on Kakashi.

Kakashi also stepped forward: "Team 7, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno, are applying to participate in the Chunin Exams."

"Wait!" Iruka blurted out, his face filled with worry. "Mr. Kakashi, this is too early! Naruto and the others graduated less than three months ago! Taking the Chunin Exams now could lead to deaths!"

The atmosphere in the office suddenly became heavy. Several Jonin looked at Iruka, then at Kakashi.

Kakashi remained calm: "Those kids have already proven their strength. Their performance in the S-rank mission in the Land of Waves was evident to all. I believe they are qualified to become Chunin."

"Besides, Asuma and Kurenai's students were in the same year as Naruto and the others, so it doesn't matter."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, took a puff of his pipe, and said, "That's settled then. Everyone, you may leave. Kakashi, you stay."

The others bowed and left, while Kakashi stood there, waiting for the Third Hokage's instructions.

"Recite the mission to the Land of Waves that you reported earlier," the Third Hokage said without looking up, his gaze still fixed on the mission file in his hand, "to repeat it again."

Without any hesitation, Kakashi recounted his first encounter with Zabuza, the final battle on the bridge, and the strange giant.

"So, you still believe that the giant is connected to Zabuza Momochi?"

"That's right." Kakashi nodded. "Hokage-sama, that giant clearly recognized Momochi Zabuza and expressed a strong protective instinct towards him."

"At the same time, that guy's combat power is extraordinary. His physical strength is terrifying, and he has extremely strong recovery ability. He also has a certain ability to suppress chakra."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, then finally looked up. "I understand, Kakashi. I have something I need you to handle."

Kakashi knelt on one knee, awaiting the Hokage's instructions, but the Third Hokage clapped his hands and said, "You can come out now."

A figure slowly emerged from the shadows, and Kakashi couldn't help but look up upon hearing the familiar footsteps.

The man in front of me had half his face wrapped in bandages. He was muscular, but he was wearing a pink short-sleeved shirt, which looked out of place.

His eyes remained cold, but upon closer inspection, a hint of tenderness could be seen.

"Momochi Zabuza!?"

Kakashi almost instinctively wanted to get up, but his years of trust in the Third Hokage made him suppress the impulse.

Even the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were no match for the Third Hokage, the strongest Hokage in history.

The Third Hokage took another puff of his pipe. "You should all know each other well enough; I don't need to introduce you further."

That's right, a friendship that's been through thick and thin.

"Momochi Zabuza found me yesterday and made a deal with me on some terms."

The Third Hokage's gaze fell on Kakashi, "so that he and his two children can live a peaceful life in Konoha."

Kakashi instantly realized that the two children were probably Haku and the Ryukura Akira he had mentioned.

"In return, Zabuza will also be a member of Konoha's security team, but I'll need you to mentor him."

"Yes!" Kakashi bowed his head in agreement.

At that moment, Zabuza suddenly spoke up, "Third Hokage, I hope that the two little ones beside me can also participate in this Chunin Exams."

"Oh?" The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow. "Why? You know, the more secretive your identities are, the better."

"Because they also hope to have a fair fight with Naruto and the others."

Zabuza smiled slightly, his tone revealing a rare warmth, "That brat Ryukura Akira has been grumbling that if he were here, he definitely wouldn't let Haku fight two against one."

"It's possible, but the first two rounds of the Ninja Exams require three people each. Even if I agree to let you participate, there's nothing I can do," the Third Hokage asked with interest.

Zabuza answered without hesitation, "It's simple, I'll just become a genin!"