Chūnin Exam Drama
The days following Team 7's return to the village were relatively quiet. Aside from their usual training sessions, Naruto occasionally went on dates with Hinata. He had originally planned to train with his sister-in-law Liang, but that idea was put on hold.
Teacher Hong informed them that Class 8 still had unfinished tasks and had to complete low-level missions. As a result, they weren't allowed to leave the village without permission. Disheartened, Naruto abandoned his plan to complete any more missions.
In an unexpected turn, the Third Hokage had imposed a ban on issuing missions independently, as well as on using multiple Shadow Clones for tasks. This policy also extended to recruiting ninjas from outside the village. Naruto found some relief in this news—he was pleased that he didn't have to leave the village.
Sakura, following Kakashi's advice, began studying medical ninjutsu at Konoha Hospital. Meanwhile, Sasuke continued to focus on his Fire Style techniques. His obsession with the Burning Jue, inspired by a novel where Xiao Yan was promoted to Fighting Emperor, grew even stronger. Sasuke frequently asked Naruto and Kakashi about other colors of flames in the ninja world. Kakashi, finding this obsession amusing but futile, could only shake his head in resignation.
Naruto decided to have Uzumaki Stark enchant the Decapitating Sword to help Sasuke. "This is it," Naruto said, tossing the sword in front of Sasuke. The weapon crashed into the ground, leaving cracks and showing its increased weight.
Vortex Stark had added Nether Alloy to the sword, enhancing it with decapitating and blood-sucking properties. However, due to world rules, the blood-sucking ability had transformed into a Chakra restoration and minor healing ability.
Sasuke, thrilled with the upgraded sword, stroked it reverently. "It's the Xuanzhong Ruler," he corrected Naruto, beaming with pride. Sasuke's hair was now styled in a Chinese-style ponytail with a strand left on his forehead, which Kurama even praised.
Naruto couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated by Sasuke's enthusiastic reaction. How would Uchiha Itachi react to this new look?
Just then, Kakashi dropped down from a tree and addressed the team. "Good morning, everyone. I've submitted the list for the Chūnin exam. The written test will start tomorrow."
Kakashi's comment about "Brother Bo Bing" made Sasuke's face flush with embarrassment. Ever since their dinner at Konoha Grill, Sasuke had been dubbed "Brother Bo Bing" by Inuzuka Kiba. The nickname had spread throughout the village, with even animals like Akamaru and Kakashi's ninja dog Puck using it.
Sasuke, mortified, struggled to contain his anger. Naruto, unable to hold back, turned his back and shook with laughter. Kakashi joined in, mimicking Sasuke's dramatic tone.
Sasuke's patience wore thin. "Damn it! I'm going to kill you two!" he fumed, his hands gripping the Xuanzhong Ruler tightly.
Naruto, seeing Sasuke's fury, quickly took to the air to avoid a fight. Kakashi used his strength to restrain Sasuke, leading the team to the examination room for the written test.
As they arrived, Kakashi, smelling faintly of burnt food, reflected on the situation. He was frustrated with Naruto's antics but knew that Jiraiya's return would soon offer some respite.
Suddenly, a child's scream caught their attention. Naruto saw Konohamaru and Gaara—one dressed as a dark Pikachu and the other with a tattooed face—creating a commotion.
Sasuke, eager to handle the situation, asked Naruto, "Do you want to handle this, or should I?"
Naruto shrugged, letting Sasuke take the lead. "Go ahead."
Sasuke leaped into action, using his Three-Thousand Thunder movement technique to appear before Kankuro. His entrance was dramatic, cracking the road beneath him.
Konohamaru, relieved to see Sasuke, cried out, "Brother Bo Bing! Help me!"
Sasuke, his pride momentarily boosted by the nickname, was ready to assist. With the situation escalating, Team 7 prepared for another unexpected challenge in their Chūnin exam journey.