Fatigued and with scrolls held in hand, Team 7 marched into the tower. Before them, the wide entry hall was still and empty. The air was tense with anticipation like a fog even though it was quiet.
The scrolls glowed dimly as they proceeded. Light flashed—and Iruka appeared in a cloud of chakra. He grinned triumphantly and exclaimed, "Well done, surviving the Forest of Death."
Naruto grinned. "We did great!"
In spite of his whiteness, Sasuke stood tall alongside his teammates. He kept his face impassive in spite of the aching mark on his neck.
Iruka's face grew blacker. "The second phase is over for you. But the next one won't be easier."
He nodded toward a door at the corridor end. "Sleep. Tomorrow is when the initial battles begin."
Rest and Reflection
They took Team 7 to a recovery room. As Naruto lay on a futon and stared at the ceiling, Sakura hovered over Sasuke.
"Well, that snake man."Sakura whispered, "He referred to you as a jinchūriki."
Naruto tensed.
"Is it true?" she asked, her voice softening.
Naruto replied softly. "Yes. Something is contained within me."
Sakura didn't flinch. "That's a lot. Though nothing changes by doing so. You're still Naruto."
He gave a faint smile. "Thank you."
Even though there were no interruptions during the evening, members of Team 7 knew the peace would be temporary.
The Preliminaries Begin
They were brought into a massive underground chamber the next morning, where Genin from other villages were assembled. Some people were injured. Others eyed each other with suspicion and wariness.
A wild-haired, tall man with bandages on his nose stepped forward. "My name is Hayate. The next round will have one-on-one battles. The strongest get through."
Names on a giant screen shone.
"First match: Naruto Uzumaki vs. Kiba Inuzuka."
Naruto's eyes widened. "Wait, what? Kiba?"
Kiba grinned. "I hope you're ready, Naruto. This is what I've been waiting for!"
They went into the arena.
Naruto vs. Kiba in Round One
Kiba cracked a knuckle. "Loser, don't hold back."
Naruto smiled. "I wouldn't even think about it."
Hayate raised his hand. "Start!"
Akamaru and Kiba rushed in. Dodging, Naruto summoned clones.
"Fang Over Fang!" Kiba spun into a rage-filled attack, ripping through the clones.
Naruto was already preparing. "Pokémon Jutsu: Double Team"
He grew indistinct, splitting into quick afterimages.
Kiba growled. "Where are you?!"
From above burst a flash of orange. Chakra crackling, Naruto swooped in with a Thunder Palm.
Boom!
Kiba grunted and slid back. "All right, I didn't expect that."
Panting, Naruto landed. "Want more still?"
Kiba raised his hand. "I give up."
Hayate nodded. "Naruto Uzumaki won."
Sasuke nodded slightly, and Sakura cheered. Pumping his fist, Naruto grinned.
Rivals and Allies
Naruto watched the battles closely in progress. Neji Hyuga's precision. Gaara's merciless sand. The cunning plans of Shikamaru.
Each of the warriors had something to tell. Allies were rising to the fore. Competitors were beginning to show up.
One thing was certain, however: this exam was not to be taken lightly. Though unseen, Orochimaru's influence hung over them.
"We're just getting started," Naruto grumbled as the screen prepared to flash on the next match.