Ninja Academy, Room 301.
Because Ninjas from various villages had gathered, it now appeared somewhat crowded.
For this Chunin Selection Examination, there were 153 participants, with Konoha itself occupying 72 spots.
Additionally, there were 30 from Sunagakure, 21 from Amegakure, 15 from Kusagakure, 12 from Takigakure, and 3 from Otogakure.
When Lee and the others arrived at Room 301, it was already packed with ninjas.
“There are so many people.
A lot of them graduated in the same year as us.” Lee spotted many former classmates in the crowd.
They were also Genin who had accumulated a year of experience.
There were even seniors who had waited two or three years before coming to participate in the selection.
However, among the rookies who graduated this year, there were only 9 of them.
As classmates from the same class in school, they naturally gravitated toward each other.
But what Lee didn’t expect was that Ino also liked Sasuke.
She even hugged him without any reservation, causing Sakura to start arguing with her.
“Sigh, Sasuke really is popular at school.” While Lee lamented, he also couldn’t help but feel lucky to have encountered this magical live stream.
The comments within had taught him some principles and helped him grow a lot.
Otherwise, he would surely be pestering a certain girl right now.
Just as Lee was pondering, he noticed the comments mentioned a ninja to watch out for.
[Kabuto has appeared, this guy is a boss-level character in the Late Stage.] [His strength isn’t weak now either, he probably has Jonin-level strength.
He’s really hiding his true colors.] Boss?
Jonin?
With this gentle appearance and the scholarly look of wearing a pair of glasses, Lee couldn’t see anything impressive about Kabuto at all.
However, since the comments mentioned it, he must have some extraordinary qualities.
Kabuto walked up to Naruto and the others and reminded them, “Hey, you guys should be a little quieter.
This isn’t a picnic, being so noisy isn’t good.” Ino retorted defiantly, “Who are you?
You’re acting like you’re someone important.” Kabuto explained calmly, “My name is Yakushi Kabuto.
More importantly, you’d better look at the current environment.
Everyone is anxious because of the selection exam, acting like this will make you a target.” Having been reminded, Naruto and the others finally realized.
But by then, it was already too late, as they were already in the eye of the storm.
Kabuto continued, “The ones approaching behind you are from Amegakure, and they are very short-tempered.” Amegakure was named Amegakure because of the rainfall there that’s year-round.
Their ninjas’ most commonly used ninja tool is a specially made umbrella.
Kabuto said helplessly, “You’re all rookies, arguing in this kind of situation reminds me of my former self.” Sakura asked, “Is Kabuto-senpai participating in the Chunin selection for the second time?” Kabuto shook his head.
“No, it’s the seventh time.
Since the Chunin selection is held twice a year, this is already the fourth year.” Shikamaru said listlessly, “Is it that hard?
Seven times without success.
This is getting more and more troublesome.” Kabuto explained helplessly, “Those who come to participate in the Chunin Exams are all representatives of their respective countries.
On one hand, it’s to deepen friendship between nations and collectively improve the strength of ninjas.
At the same time, it’s also to confirm the level of ninjas in each country and try to balance their power, thereby achieving a state of equal strength.” “If one country is too weak, it will be conquered by other powerful nations and become the side being dominated.” Sasuke inquired, “Do those cards of yours have detailed records of the candidates’ personal information?” Kabuto nodded.
“I have records.
Is there a ninja you’re particularly interested in?” Sasuke said, “Gaara of the Sand.
I want to see how he compares to Lee.” Gaara’s strength was unknown, but Sasuke knew a bit about Lee’s strength.
So, having a point of comparison would make it easier to judge.
Kabuto pulled out two cards with information recorded on them.
“First is Rock Lee.
He’s one year older than you.
Currently, he has completed 15 D-rank missions and 9 C-rank missions.
His team leader is Might Guy.” “His taijutsu has made extraordinary progress this year, but he’s completely lacking in other areas.
He didn’t participate in the Chunin Exam last year, so like you, this is his first time.
His team includes Hyuga Neji and Tenten.” Hyuga Neji…
If Sasuke remembered correctly, Lee had said there was someone very powerful in their class whom he had never beaten once.
Could he be talking about this person from the Hyuga Clan?
Kabuto continued reading the other card, saying, “Gaara of the Sand.
Completed 8 C-rank missions and one B-rank mission.” “Since he’s a ninja from another village, there isn’t more information.
But as a Genin, being able to complete a B-rank mission is truly impressive.” “Moreover, I heard this person has returned from all his missions without a single scratch.” B-rank missions were originally meant for Chunin, but Gaara not only completed a B-rank mission but was also uninjured.
This was no simple Genin.
“With strength that crushes Chunin, he might very well have the level of a Special Jonin.” Hearing about this strength made even Lee’s heart tighten.
Naruto’s shoulders were even shaking.
Kabuto continued, “Actually, it’s not just Gaara.
Every Ninja village has sent excellent ninjas.” “Aside from the Otogakure, which is a newly established small Ninja village with no specific intel, the others participating in the selection from various villages are all elites among their respective Genin.” Elites from every nation!
Who knows how many powerhouses comparable to Gaara are among them?
Just thinking about it feels blood-pumping.
But what’s wrong with Naruto?
In Lee’s understanding, someone as thick-skinned as Naruto wouldn’t be so scared that he’d tremble just from hearing this.
That shouldn’t be right.
Just as Lee was wondering, Naruto suddenly turned to face all the candidates.
Only then did he realize that Naruto wasn’t afraid at all, he was actually excited.
He pointed at the candidates present and announced loudly, “I am Uzumaki Naruto!
I won’t lose to any of you, got it?!” Shikamaru: “…” Sakura: “…” The few of them staying together were all speechless, not understanding what was going on in Naruto’s head.
Why would he suddenly go and provoke everyone?
Lee, on the other hand, was lost in thought and mused, ‘To be able to face it with a smile while knowing how powerful the opponent is…
perhaps that too is a kind of resolve.’