Chapter 16 The Chunin Exam Approaches

Kaito and Team 10 had been back in Konohagakure for a few days, completing various D-ranked missions and refining their skills. Kaito, ever diligent, continued to perfect his Echo Binding and Harmonic Projection techniques. The looming Chunin Exams were the talk of the village, and anticipation filled the air.

One afternoon, as Kaito was practicing in a secluded part of the training grounds, he heard familiar voices approaching. It was Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke from Team 7, along with their sensei, Kakashi. Kaito paused his training and watched as they walked by, noticing the tension between Naruto and Sasuke.

"Kaito!" Naruto called out, waving enthusiastically. "You working on some cool new jutsu?"

Kaito nodded, offering a small smile. "Just trying to refine my techniques. What about you?"

Naruto grinned. "We've been doing a lot of missions, but Kakashi-sensei says we're ready for something big."

As they talked, a loud commotion erupted nearby. Kaito turned to see Konohamaru and his friends, Udon and Moegi, involved in a scuffle with two unfamiliar ninja. Kankuro, a tough-looking ninja with a puppet on his back, was holding Konohamaru by his collar, while Temari, a blonde kunoichi with a giant fan, looked on disapprovingly.

"Put me down, you jerk!" Konohamaru yelled, struggling against Kankuro's grip.

Kankuro sneered. "Brats like you need to be taught a lesson."

Before Kaito could react, Naruto stepped forward, anger flashing in his eyes. "Hey, let him go!"

Kankuro ignored him and raised his fist to strike Konohamaru, but a stone suddenly flew through the air, hitting Kankuro's hand and causing him to release Konohamaru. Everyone turned to see Sasuke perched in a tree, his eyes cold and focused.

Kankuro glared at Sasuke. "You've got a death wish, kid."

Just as Kankuro was about to retaliate, a voice rang out. "Enough, Kankuro."

Gaara, a red-haired boy with an intense aura, appeared, his presence immediately calming the situation. Temari sighed in relief. "We're here for the Chunin Exams, not to start fights."

Kaito, looked at Gaara with interest

"Chunin Exams ? "

Gaara nodded, his gaze piercing. "Yes. We are from the Hidden Sand Village."

The tension dissipated, and the Sand Siblings walked away, leaving Team 7 and Kaito pondering the upcoming exams. Kaito felt a thrill of anticipation. The Chunin Exams were a significant opportunity to test his skills against other talented ninja.

Later that day, Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai met with Hiruzen Sarutobi to discuss their nominations for the Chunin Exams. Asuma spoke confidently about Team 10's readiness, highlighting Kaito's progress and potential. Despite Iruka's initial hesitation, the seasoned ninja were firm in their belief that their students were ready.

Iruka, though still concerned, was eventually convinced. "Very well. If you believe they're ready, I'll trust your judgment."

The next morning, Kakashi handed out the Chunin Exam application forms to Team 7. Sasuke accepted his form with his usual aloof demeanor, while Naruto nearly burst with excitement. Sakura, however, looked uncertain.

"Kakashi-sensei," she began, "are we really ready for this?"

Kakashi's eye crinkled in a smile. "You've all grown a lot. This is your chance to prove yourselves."

As Team 7 dispersed, each member was separately attacked by a mysterious ninja. Kaito, meanwhile, was training alone when he sensed a presence approaching. Turning quickly, he saw a masked ninja lunging at him. Using his Echo Binding, Kaito trapped the assailant in a resonant field, immobilizing him.

The mysterious ninja struggled briefly before revealing himself. "Well done, Kaito. You've passed my test."

It was Iruka, testing the readiness of Kakashi's students. Kaito felt a sense of pride at having successfully used his technique in a real confrontation.

Iruka reported back to Kakashi, confirming his belief in their students' readiness. "They've proven themselves. Your judgment was correct."

With the Chunin Exams looming, Kaito felt a mix of excitement and determination. He was ready to face the challenges ahead