"Chunin Exams? I didn't expect them to be held this year," Iruka thought, his concern evident. "Even if they were held next year, it would be more appropriate. This year… Menma and Sasuke are still too young, let alone the others."
Standing quietly among the Chunin, Iruka shook his head slightly. He wasn't alone in his concerns. None of the other Chunin who had just led their teams this year spoke up after the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, finished his announcement. They knew the capabilities of their teams all too well. These squads, composed mostly of average genin, had spent the past six months on basic D-rank and occasional C-rank missions. For most, it was far too early to consider participating in the Chunin Exams.
Iruka wasn't surprised by the silence. In fact, he expected it. His face showed a look of resigned acceptance as the meeting seemed to draw to a close.
But then, Kakashi spoke up.
"I, Hatake Kakashi, as a jonin, recommend Uzumaki Menma, Namikaze Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Haruno Sakura to participate in this Chunin Exam."
"I, Sarutobi Asuma, as a jonin, recommend..."
"I, Yūhi Kurenai, as a jonin, recommend..."
Just as in the original series, Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai recommended their newly graduated genin teams to participate in the Chunin Exams.
They're all recommending their teams? Iruka thought in surprise. But they've only just graduated. Is this really about pride? It can't be… or can it?
The other Chunin exchanged puzzled looks, silently communicating their mutual surprise and concern. None of them seemed confident that these young genin were ready for such a challenging exam.
Iruka's face tightened with worry. He stepped forward to address the Hokage, his voice both respectful and urgent. "Lord Hokage, please forgive my bluntness, but I believe it is not appropriate for these genin, who only graduated half a year ago, to participate in the Chunin Exam. I ask you to reconsider."
Iruka knew his words might offend the three jonin who had just recommended their teams, but as a teacher at the Ninja Academy, he felt it was his duty to speak up. He couldn't stand by and let these children be put at unnecessary risk.
Before Sarutobi Hiruzen could respond, Kakashi turned to Iruka, his expression serious. "Iruka-sensei, Naruto and Menma are no longer your students. They are now fully-fledged Konoha shinobi. You haven't seen their growth over the past six months. As the leader of Team 7, I can assure you they are more than capable of participating in the Chunin Exams."
"But—!" Iruka began, clearly unconvinced. He was about to argue further, believing Kakashi and the others were pushing their students too hard.
"That's enough, Iruka," Sarutobi Hiruzen interjected, raising his hand to silence him. "As Kakashi said, Menma, Naruto, and the others are now official Konoha shinobi. They are qualified to participate in the Chunin Exam. This is an excellent opportunity for them, and the recommendation from their jonin-sensei is a testament to their readiness."
Iruka swallowed his remaining objections. He knew he couldn't argue with the Hokage. With a bow, he replied, "Yes, Lord Hokage."
"Very well," the Third Hokage continued, his tone commanding. "Then the list of participants is finalized. Ensure that the preparations for the Chunin Exams proceed without any issues. Understood?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" the assembled shinobi replied in unison.
With that, Sarutobi Hiruzen dismissed the meeting. The Chunin Exam preparations were now officially underway—a significant event for the village.
In peacetime, the Chunin Exams were the most direct means of competition among the ninja villages of various countries. This joint assessment allowed each village to showcase its strength and secure more mission contracts, vital for the survival and prosperity of their respective villages. The upcoming exams were especially important, with the Kazekage of Sunagakure and daimyos from the Land of Fire, Land of Wind, and other surrounding nations expected to attend the final stage. As Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen had to personally oversee the event, ensuring everything proceeded smoothly.
---
While the meeting was taking place at the Hokage Building, Menma, enjoying a brief respite from his training, was heading toward Konohagakure's largest commercial district.
With his financial concerns recently resolved, Menma decided it was time for an upgrade—not only in ninja tools but also in his wardrobe.
Previously, he had been wearing clothes almost identical to Naruto's—a look he now found lacking. Determined to create a distinct identity, Menma had sketched a few designs inspired by the Akatsuki's signature robes. He removed the high collar and cloud patterns, opting instead for a sleek coat with mid-length sleeves, paired with dark ninja attire and slim trousers.
He ordered several sets in different color combinations: red and black, white and blue, and red and white. Today, he was finally picking them up.
Arriving at the store, Menma inspected the finished products and was pleased with the result. He changed into the red and black outfit in the dressing room, and as he looked at himself in the full-length mirror, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
The new outfit accentuated Menma's resemblance to Minato, giving him a striking and mature appearance. Even the clerk, accustomed to serving shinobi, was momentarily impressed by the transformation.
But the admiration was fleeting. The clerk quickly averted her gaze, remembering the village's mixed feelings toward Menma. Despite the headband that marked him as a Konoha shinobi, old prejudices still lingered.
Menma, however, was indifferent to the opinions of the villagers. After confirming that all the clothes met his expectations, he paid the remaining balance and left the store, his new look reflecting his growing confidence and determination.
---
Afterwards, Menma visited the ninja tool shop once again, replenishing his supply of shuriken, kunai, and explosive tags. Over time, the demands of missions and daily training had led to significant wear and tear on these tools, resulting in an increased need for replacements.
In other words, Menma had grown more confident—or perhaps arrogant—recently, as his newfound wealth now allowed him to afford these expenses without hesitation.
Of course, stocking up on more ninja tools was part of his preparation for the next phase of his plan. It was already summer, and the Chunin Exams were imminent. Although the exact date wasn't mentioned in the original series, Menma estimated it would be within the next two weeks. He needed to start preparing now.
'I hope you won't disappoint me, Orochimaru-san,' Menma thought silently.
All his plans hinged on the actions of this former Sannin.
Menma was more eager than anyone else to witness the "Konoha Crush" plan. Ideally, it would be even more devastating than in the original storyline. Only then could he leave the Hidden Leaf Village without worrying about too many pursuers.
"Huh? This chakra presence?"
As Menma was heading home, he suddenly sensed a few chakra signatures nearby, accompanied by the sound of a commotion. He paused, a look of surprise flashing across his face.
"Could it be?"
A thought crossed Menma's mind, and he subconsciously quickened his pace.
He turned the corner.
The next second, he saw a few familiar figures.
"Is that...?"
Not only were his three teammates there, but three shorter figures were hiding behind Naruto and Sakura. Most notably, two figures stood with their backs to him. Though this was the 'first time' he saw them, Menma recognized them instantly.
'Kankuro, Temari!'
The children of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa—the siblings of the One-Tail Jinchuriki, Gaara.
The moment he saw them, Menma was certain: the Chunin Exams had begun.
"Damn brat, how dare you sneak up on me!? I'll make you pay!" Kankuro glared at Sasuke, who sat nonchalantly on a tree branch. His right hand moved to his back, ready to reach for his puppet.
"Kankuro!" Temari snapped, her voice stern.
Kankuro flinched, annoyance flickering in his eyes. Despite stopping his movements, he continued to glare at Sasuke and Naruto.
Before Temari or Kankuro could say more, Gaara made his grand entrance.
Just like in the original story, the encounter unfolded, and the two groups eventually dispersed.
Menma remained hidden in the shadows the entire time. None of them sensed his presence.
Once they were gone, Menma stepped out, an uncontrollable excitement evident on his face.
'It's finally happening—the Chunin Exams!'
He had been wondering how much longer it would take for the exam to start, and the surprise came sooner than expected.
Gaara and his team had already arrived in the Hidden Leaf Village.
This confirmed that the Chunin Exams were just around the corner.
Why wouldn't Menma be excited? He had spent twelve long years in this village, surrounded by malice. Finally, he would be free.
'I can finally leave this place!'
Menma took a deep breath, clenching his fists tightly.
With the arrival of participants from various ninja villages, the Hidden Leaf Village grew livelier. Even those who weren't particularly attuned to such matters could sense that something big was on the horizon. The genin who had experienced similar events before received clear instructions from their captains, and everyone began gearing up for the upcoming Chunin Exams.
The next day, Menma, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were summoned by Kakashi.
While Menma had been expecting it, the other three had their suspicions confirmed.
After all, they had just encountered the trio from Sunagakure the day before, and now they had their own expectations for the Chunin Exams.
Naturally, the rest of Team 7 noticed Menma's new look.
Even Sasuke, known for his stoic demeanor, couldn't help but take a second glance.
"Menma-kun, did you change your clothes?" Sakura asked, her tone curious. She hadn't paid much attention to Menma's appearance before, but now she was staring at him wide-eyed, as if seeing him for the first time. She subconsciously compared Menma to Sasuke. For the first time, even the staunch Sasuke admirer had to admit that Menma's new look was on par with her beloved Sasuke's.
The fiery red hair only added to the effect.
"Yeah, my old outfit wasn't that great. I came into some money recently, so I decided to change things up," Menma replied with a slight smile.
"Yeah, yeah! Your old clothes really didn't do you justice—they completely hid your charm, Menma-kun!" Sakura nodded enthusiastically.
If not for her last shred of restraint, she might have turned into a full-blown fangirl.
"Tsk, tsk, you do look different, Menma—much more handsome!" Naruto added with a grin, giving a thumbs-up.
"Thanks," Menma replied.
"Hey, where did you get those clothes? I wanna check out the store too," Naruto asked eagerly.
"Actually, they're custom-made."
"No way! Really?"
"Yeah, I had them made just for me..."
Naruto and Sakura continued asking about the details of Menma's new outfit with growing enthusiasm.
Suddenly, in a blur of motion, Kakashi appeared on their left.
They still had five or six minutes before the appointed time. Seeing Kakashi arrive early—and not late for once—Team 7 was collectively stunned.
Kakashi himself was momentarily taken aback by Menma's new look. Though the hair wasn't blonde, the red hue made Kakashi pause.
For a brief moment, Menma's figure overlapped with that of the Fourth Hokage in Kakashi's mind.
Naruto bore more of Kushina's features, but Menma resembled Minato in certain ways.
This rare moment of confusion left Kakashi slightly off-guard.
---