Konoha's Konoha 12 soon gathered smoothly outside the real Examination Room 301 on the third floor.
Compared to the noise and testing at the Genjutsu-disguised floor below, the atmosphere here was much more solemn.
Young Ninjas from various villages were either communicating in low voices in small groups or standing alone against the wall, adjusting their state; an invisible competitive pressure permeated the air.
After arriving, Naruto first placed his hand on Ino's shoulder to transfer Chakra to her, allowing her to activate the Mind Transfer Jutsu so they could communicate without exposing the content of their conversation.
Naruto scanned their lineup, his gaze finally landing on the Hyuga siblings.
Naruto requested in his mind: 'Hinata, Neji, please use your Byakugan to check the situation inside the examination room. Understanding the environment in advance will give us some peace of mind.'
Although Naruto already knew the general content and "hidden rules" of this written exam due to his past life memories, he needed a logical reason to guide his companions; directly revealing everything was clearly inappropriate.
Letting Neji and Hinata scout would both gather information and naturally lead into his analysis.
While sensory Ninjutsu could detect Chakra and life signs, it was indeed not as intuitive or efficient as the Byakugan—a Bloodline Limit with built-in X-ray and telescopic functions—for fine observation of the room layout, personnel distribution, and item details.
Having the two members of the Hyuga Clan act was undoubtedly the best choice.
'Mm.'
Neji nodded without saying much.
Hinata also gave a small 'yes' through the mental link.
Almost simultaneously, the two of them gave a low shout: "Byakugan!"
Instantly, the blood vessels near their temples bulged slightly, and the veins around their pure white eyes stood out. Their vision penetrated the closed doors and walls of the examination room, taking everything inside into full view.
A moment later, Neji was the first to deactivate his Byakugan. He frowned slightly, looked at the waiting group, and stated his observation:
'It seems the first stage is a written academic exam.'
'An academic exam?'
The color drained from Rock Lee's face, as if he had heard some terrible news.
His academic grades... could only be described as disastrous. Most of his time outside of Taijutsu training was spent on even more Taijutsu training.
Inuzuka Kiba's face also fell as he scratched his hair: 'It's over, it's over. A written test? I hate those the most! Akamaru, can you do the questions?'
Akamaru let out two "whines" from atop his head, indicating he couldn't help.
Akimichi Choji's movement of stuffing potato chips into his mouth paused, a look of distress appearing on his chubby face: 'A written test... how troublesome. It'll consume a lot of brain cells and require more energy supplements...'
The academic grades of these three were indeed only below average among Konoha Genin. Facing a strict written exam, their prospects of passing were worrying.
Then, Hinata also deactivated her Byakugan and added somewhat uncertainly: 'I... I saw it too... The layout is just a normal classroom layout. Desks, chairs, a podium, a blackboard... there don't seem to be any special traps or other content.'
As she spoke, her voice grew smaller, as if she didn't have much confidence in her own judgment.
'Hinata, you did well. But I don't think it's that simple.'
Naruto raised his hand in a "stay calm" gesture.
He looked around at his companions, who were either anxious or had headaches because of the "written test" news, and began to voice his analysis. His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a convincing calmness:
'Combining what I know about past Chunin Exams and my thoughts on a Ninja's core abilities, I believe the first stage is a written test on the surface, but in reality, it should be testing information gathering skills.'
'Information gathering?'
Sakura Haruno looked thoughtful.
'Exactly.'
Naruto nodded and continued to explain: 'The three most important abilities for a Ninja are nothing more than information gathering, combat ability, and teamwork. As a hurdle for selecting higher-ranked Ninjas, the Chunin Exams will inevitably test all of these comprehensively.'
He pointed to the closed door of the examination room: "I estimate the exam arrangement is likely like this: The first stage uses seemingly extremely difficult written questions to test how we obtain answers within the rules—or rather, without violating core rules. That is, information gathering and adaptability.
The second stage is most likely a team mission in a wilderness or restricted environment, focusing on teamwork and survival execution.
Once the first two stages have filtered everyone, the remaining elites will enter the third stage: public individual combat. That is the final showdown of raw strength and the stage to show off to the high-ranking officials of various countries."
Naruto pointed out the common three-part structure of the Chunin Exams—"Information War, Team Survival, Individual Combat"—and assigned a clear assessment goal to each stage.
These words acted like a sedative, and the eyes of Kiba, Lee, Choji, and the others, who had been panicked by the "written test," lit up again.
If it was a test of information gathering... that meant there was room to maneuver and strategies to follow.
If it was just information gathering, they could ask Ino for help when the time came.
Nara Shikamaru listened from the side, nodding slightly.
Neji was also lost in thought.
Naruto's words gave him a clearer prediction of the exam they were about to face.
Sakura's eyes were especially bright. She was already number one in academic classes at school and was skilled at theoretical analysis.
If it really was a test of information gathering and adaptability, she felt she could truly excel.
A slightly mischievous smile appeared on Naruto's face.
'So, after everyone goes in later, don't be intimidated by the questions. Observe the proctors carefully, pay attention to the environment, and even... keep an eye on the'smart people' around you.
As long as you don't violate the most fundamental rules—like getting caught cheating and being disqualified—use every means possible to get the correct answers, or... ensure you and your teammates can pass. That is the secret to clearing the first stage."
The group exchanged looks, feeling a bit more confident and eager to try.
Konoha's younger generation was ready to face their first "real combat" assessment.
Not far away, Yakushi Kabuto pushed up his glasses.
Had the twelve most potential Genin of Konoha's new generation gathered together?
Even that Uzumaki Naruto, known as the Little Fox Demon in Konoha, seemed to be receiving more attention. Could it be that he was the leader of this group?
That's quite impressive!
Compared to this kid named Naruto, even Sasuke, whom Lord Orochimaru had initially told him to keep an eye on, seemed to pale in comparison.
Thinking this, Yakushi Kabuto recorded this situation.
There were many Konoha Ninjas watching nearby. He would wait until the first stage of the exam was over before sending this important intelligence to Lord Orochimaru via a snake.