Naruto: Shadows of the Divine Flame

The announcement of the Chunin Exams sent a wave of excitement through the village. Everywhere I went, Genin were buzzing about it, speculating who would enter, who would fail, and who the biggest threats were.

For me, the decision was already made. There was no hesitation. I was going to compete.

I leaned against the railing outside the academy, arms crossed as I watched Naruto pace back and forth in front of Sasuke and me. "Alright! This is my chance to show everyone what I'm made of!" he shouted.

Sasuke scoffed, his arms folded. "Try not to embarrass yourself."

"Shut up, bastard!" Naruto snapped, pointing a finger at him.

I sighed. "Both of you, shut up. The exam's not even started yet."

They both turned to me, Naruto with a pout and Sasuke with his usual smug look. Before either could argue, Kakashi appeared in his usual lazy manner, hands in his pockets.

"Yo." His lone visible eye crinkled in amusement. "You all seem fired up. That's good, because I've nominated you three for the Chunin Exams."

Naruto fist-pumped the air, Sasuke smirked, and I simply nodded. It was expected.

"Don't die," Kakashi added cheerfully before vanishing in a swirl of leaves.

Naruto grinned. "This is gonna be awesome!"

I glanced at Sasuke, who met my gaze with his usual cool expression. We both knew—this was more than just a test. It was an opportunity.

Across the academy yard, I spotted Hinata standing with her team. Kiba was talking animatedly while Shino stood silently beside them. When she noticed me, she gave a small nod, and I returned it.

We were all in this. And we all had something to prove.

—

The first phase of the exams took place in a packed exam hall. Rows of Genin filled the seats, each one handed a test that was designed to be impossible to complete normally.

I stared at the paper in front of me, barely reading the questions. The real test was already clear—find a way to get the answers without getting caught.

All around me, people used clever tactics. Some used their bloodline abilities, others relied on teamwork. I activated my Sharingan subtly, scanning the room and picking up patterns in people's writing. Naruto, on the other hand, sat frozen, eyes wide in horror.

Typical.

When Ibiki finally revealed the true nature of the final question, Naruto's loud declaration of never backing down almost made me roll my eyes. But it worked—the first phase was over.

—

The second phase, the survival test, took place in the Forest of Death.

Anko Mitarashi stood at the front, a wide, sadistic grin on her face. "Welcome to the second phase of the Chunin Exams. Some of you won't be making it out."

Naruto gulped audibly.

I smirked, rolling my shoulders. This was the part I had been waiting for.

"Stay sharp," I muttered to my team as we received our scroll.

The real challenge was about to begin.