Returning to Konoha
After much contemplation, Naruto did not reject Konoha's invitation and ultimately decided to participate in the Chūnin Exams.
Despite being labeled as an exam for genin to attain chūnin rank, the Chūnin Exams are, in reality, a grand military exhibition. The event showcases the abilities of the next generation of shinobi before dignitaries from various nations, subtly advertising the Hidden Villages' strength and future potential.
Naruto had no reason to decline such a prestigious event, especially since he had long anticipated the day he would set foot in Konoha once more.
Upon hearing Naruto's decision, Shisui Uchiha hesitated for a moment before asking, "Menma-sama, will you be leading the team for the Chūnin Exams yourself, or would you prefer to assign a jōnin to escort them to Konoha?"
Naruto glanced at Shisui, then smirked and said, "I'm entrusting you with the task this time. You should be eager to return to Konoha as well. As for the Chūnin Exam participants, I've already made the necessary arrangements."
"Yes," Shisui replied, his emotions complex, yet he accepted the order without hesitation.
For Uzushiogakure, participating in Konoha's Chūnin Exams was no trivial matter. The Uchiha who had settled in Uzushio had already caught wind of the decision, leading to intense discussions within the clan.
Uchiha Mikoto even prepared a gift and entrusted Shisui with the task of delivering it to Sasuke.
Shisui did not delay. Itachi, as a member of the clan, had his own path, but Sasuke—who remained in Konoha—had endured a far harsher fate than those Uchiha who had sought refuge in Uzushio. He could only hope that Sasuke had not been consumed by hatred.
Departure from Uzushiogakure
Early the next morning, when Shisui arrived at the Uzushio docks, he was momentarily taken aback.
Three Uzushio shinobi stood before him—two of whom he recognized: Karin and Haku. Though their abilities were nearly at a jōnin's level, neither had officially attained chūnin rank. However, the most striking figure among them was the masked ninja standing at the forefront.
Was it truly necessary for the leader of a village to disguise himself as a mere genin just to take the Chūnin Exams?
Noticing Shisui's skepticism, Naruto stepped forward and said, "Shisui-senpai, I am a genin. I've never taken the Chūnin Exams, and I don't hold a jōnin certification."
Shisui remained silent. Technically, Naruto was neither a chūnin nor a jōnin, meaning no one could officially grant him a higher rank.
However, if Menma—Naruto's alias—were to conceal his identity and compete in the Chūnin Exams, this tournament would be unlike any before. Without the strength of a jōnin, one could never hope to become a chūnin in such a cutthroat competition.
Naruto, too, was looking forward to this exam.
Meanwhile, Sunagakure, weakened by Konoha's persistent economic and strategic pressure, had long been teetering on the brink of financial collapse.
Whether or not Orochimaru intercepted and assassinated the Fourth Kazekage en route, the Sand Village was bound to enact the "Konoha Crush" plan—staking their nation's fate on a desperate gamble. No matter the outcome, they had little left to lose.
Journey to Konoha
As the ship set sail from Uzushio's harbor, Karin leaned toward Haku and whispered, "Haku, do you know his identity?" She pointed at Naruto's back.
Haku shook his head. "I don't. Perhaps he's a ninja secretly trained by Lord Menma. He seems to share a close bond with Lord Shisui."
Karin smirked. She knew more than Haku but played dumb. Acting oblivious gave her an excuse to stay close to Menma.
Thinking of him, she blushed slightly. Given that Lord Menma was around her age, perhaps—just perhaps—there was a future possibility.
Shisui, observing his three subordinates, felt a mix of emotions. Not one of them gave him any peace of mind.
This mission to Konoha for the Chūnin Exams was destined to be anything but smooth. It would be a prolonged battle—both physically and mentally.
Arrival in Konoha
The journey to Konoha was uneventful. In just a few days, they arrived at the Hidden Leaf Village. There were no enemy shinobi lying in ambush, and even bandits along the way were scarce.
It seemed that Jiraiya and Tsunade's reforms over the past two years had yielded tangible results.
Yet, a question loomed in Naruto's mind: With bandits and rogue ninja becoming increasingly rare, did the Fire Country's nobles still have a reason to rely on the shinobi system?
Shaking the thought aside, he stepped through Konoha's massive gates. His gaze instinctively shifted toward the Hokage Rock in the distance, where the newly sculpted visage of Jiraiya stood prominently.
Seeing it always left him with an odd sense of dissonance.
This was his doing—the reason why Jiraiya had found the courage to defy Hiruzen Sarutobi and claim the title of Fifth Hokage.
As Naruto walked the familiar streets of Konoha, countless memories resurfaced.
He recognized many of the villagers, but they had long since forgotten his face. To them, he had been just another mischievous child, unworthy of remembrance—unless, of course, that child had become a hero of Konoha.
Beside him, Shisui—his own identity concealed by a mask—felt a pang of nostalgia. After six years away, he had finally returned.
Although now a shinobi of Uzushio, his thoughts drifted toward Konoha's Uchiha. The police force members were still shunned by the villagers, whispered about behind their backs.
It was proof enough that much of Konoha's animosity toward the Uchiha stemmed from their role as the village's enforcers.
Yet, Konoha's leadership had never attempted to clarify this to the public. Instead, they had allowed hostility toward the Uchiha to fester, eventually leading the clan down the path of rebellion.
A City on Edge
Unlike Naruto and Shisui, Haku and Karin were wide-eyed with excitement, like rural shinobi stepping into a bustling metropolis.
However, it didn't take them long to sense something unsettling.
Though Konoha was more prosperous than Uzushio, an undercurrent of hostility lurked beneath the surface. The villagers carried an unspoken aggression, ready to ignite at any moment.
Then, Shisui suddenly turned his gaze toward the distance. Naruto and the others followed suit.
Other teams from various villages had begun gathering in the streets for the Chūnin Exams.
Among them, Sunagakure had a notable presence, with their jōnin leader, Baki, at the helm.
But it was Gaara—the red-haired boy walking beside Baki—who truly caught Shisui's attention.
The boy exuded an unmistakable aura.
A jinchūriki…
Was Suna really planning something?
At that moment, Karin tensed. She subtly gestured toward a distant figure in the crowd. "Shisui-sama, Menma-senpai... That person's chakra feels… strange."
Naruto followed her gaze—and his eyes locked onto Orochimaru, masterfully disguised as a woman.
Naruto wasn't surprised.
Orochimaru had little reason to provoke the Uchiha of Uzushio—but Sasuke was a different story. The Sannin was undoubtedly here for his body.
Still, neither Gaara nor Orochimaru piqued Naruto's true interest.
It was the presence of Amegakure's shinobi that intrigued him.
They weren't disguised, yet their ambitions remained veiled.
Nagato might not be the type to stir up trouble directly, but Black Zetsu and Obito?
They certainly would.
This Chūnin Exam was bound to become far more than just a competition.
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