The late afternoon sun cast golden rays over the Training Ground, bathing the earth in a soft, almost nostalgic light. The breeze was calm, the trees rustling faintly, like the forest itself was holding its breath in anticipation.
In the heart of the field, Sasuke and Rock Lee clashed one final time. Dust exploded around them with each movement, feet scraping, fists flying, grunts echoing with intensity.
It was fierce, raw, and focused as neither of them held back at all.
Sasuke's fists blurred through the air, his body moving with sharp precision, honed from days of rigorous training. Each kick from Lee came faster than the last, explosive, wild, yet under complete control. He spun and twisted, launching strikes with the relentless rhythm of someone with everything to prove.
They had trained together for days now, pushing each other further, faster, and harder. And yet, this final spar felt different. It was farewell and challenge, the last flame before the test of fire that awaited them all tomorrow.
Their fists collided once more, then both staggered back, gasping for breath.
Lee, sweat dripping from his forehead, bent forward, hands on his knees, his chest heaving.
"…You win, Sasuke-kun…" He said between breaths, a soft smile on his face. "That final combo… I couldn't match it."
But Sasuke straightened up slowly, brushing some dirt off his arm.
"No," He said simply. His voice was calm, but firm. "It wasn't a win. Not really."
Lee looked up, confused. Sasuke met his gaze, eyes unwavering.
"That was the hardest fight I've had in months," Sasuke continued. "If anything… it's a draw. Maybe even in your favor. You've gotten a lot stronger."
There was no arrogance in his words, just genuine respect.
Lee's eyes widened slightly. Then he grinned with a pure, heartfelt smile that lit up his bruised face.
"…Thank you, Sasuke-kun. That means a lot… coming from you."
On the other side of the training field, Naruto had just finished his own intense sparring session with Neji Hyuga.
Both the boys were on one knee, panting hard, their clothes soaked with sweat, their bodies aching.
But rather than feeling down, they were grinning. That kind of grin that only comes from fighting someone who pushed you to the edge.
"…You're strong, Naruto," Neji finally said as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "I underestimated you once… I won't do it again."
Naruto chuckled as he stood up slowly, brushing off dirt from his pants.
"Heh… and I thought I was getting the upper hand there."
They looked at each other, and an unspoken bond had formed between them through mutual respect for each other, forged in sweat and bruises.
Naruto lifted his fist.
Neji paused, then lifted his own, sharing a fist bump.
It said everything.
"Looking forward to the Chunin Exams?" Naruto asked with a lopsided grin.
"Very much," Neji replied, cool and calm as ever. "I want to fight both you and Sasuke again… but next time, I'll win."
Naruto smirked. "We'll see."
From a distance, Sakura and Tenten were watching the aftermath of the battles with quiet admiration.
"They've all grown so much," Sakura whispered.
Tenten nodded beside her. "And they're not done yet. Tomorrow… everything changes."
As the sun began its slow descent beyond the trees, casting long shadows on the ground, the two teams, Team 7 and Team 10, slowly regrouped, facing each other.
No one said anything at first.
There was no need.
Their eyes spoke clearly with determination, excitement, rivalry, and maybe something like friendship.
Finally, Sasuke gave a small nod toward Lee. "Thanks for the training."
Lee returned it. "I will see you in the exam hall. We'll finish our match then… properly."
Neji looked at Naruto again. "Until tomorrow."
Naruto raised a hand. "Let's give 'em a show."
The groups turned and began to walk away, each step heavy with the weight of what was to come.
Tomorrow, the Chunin Exams will begin.
Tomorrow, the bonds they'd formed… the rivalries they'd nurtured… the strength they'd built would all be tested.
------
The following day...
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stood outside the tall, looming building of the Academy. A faint wind stirred the leaves near the steps, as the sun beamed high overhead.
Sasuke glanced sideways, irritation evident on his face. "Sakura, you're late."
Sakura jogged up, slightly out of breath, fixing her hair.
"Yeah, yeah... sorry! I kinda slept a little late last night," She said with a sheepish grin. "Had to blow-dry it this morning too... I couldn't show up a mess, now could I?"
Naruto smirked, arms folded behind his head. "Let's go. We don't have time for this."
With that, the trio stepped into the building, heading for the third floor — or so they thought.
As they climbed the stairs, the sound of shouting echoed through the corridor. When they reached the floor, they found a large crowd gathered in front of a classroom door. Tension crackled in the air.
In the middle of the commotion stood a boy in a green jumpsuit, clearly struggling to get back on his feet.
Lee? Naruto's eyes narrowed.
"You sure you wanna attempt the Chūnin Exams with that pitiful skill?" sneered one of the two older genin who were blocking the door.
"Yeah," The second one added, folding his arms arrogantly. "Might be better if you runts just give up now."
"You're just green-assed rats. You've got no business here." His voice was mocking, drenched in disdain.
A girl with twin buns stepped forward, concern flashing in her eyes. "Please… let us through."
"That's so mean…" A younger genin at the back whispered, wincing at the rough display.
But the two older boys continued.
"Listen up! We're being generous," The first said, grinning smugly. "The Chūnin Exams aren't some kiddie game."
"You get hurt. Bad. People have quit being ninja after failing. Some even lose limbs… or worse."
The other nodded solemnly. "A Chūnin leads missions, commands units, and takes responsibility for failures… and for deaths."
The tension grew heavier with every word.
"A brat like this?" The man gestured at the bruised Rock Lee, still struggling upright. "This kind of trash wants to be a Chūnin?"
"What's wrong with weeding out the weak now, rather than later?" The second added with a cruel chuckle.
Just then, from the stairway, a casual but firm voice echoed across the corridor.
"Oi... Where are you guys going?" Naruto said, one foot still on the step. "This is the second floor."
A beat of silence.
"Huh?!"
Someone in the crowd exclaimed, spinning around.
All eyes turned to Naruto, then toward the door behind the two men. A moment later, the number plaque shimmered faintly — and flickered back to reveal the truth: Room 201.
A genjutsu!
The two boys at the door grinned as the illusion dispelled.
"Tch, figured someone would catch on," One muttered.
Naruto, now standing beside Sakura and Sasuke, frowned. "So that's what this was… a trap."
"It was a test," The first boy said, straightening up. "To see who's clever enough to see through a genjutsu."
"It was also a warning," The second added. "The real Chūnin Exam is gonna be way tougher than this."
Sasuke crossed his arms. "Tch. So this is how it starts."
Meanwhile, Tenten ran over and helped Rock Lee up. "Lee! Are you okay?"
Lee winced slightly, rubbing his arm. "Thank you, Tenten. I let my guard down… again."
From the edge of the crowd, Neji turned, his pale eyes meeting Naruto's. A rare, small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "You finally showed up, Naruto... and Sasuke."
Naruto gave him a confident grin. "Yeah. And now the real fun begins."
Sasuke's eyes glinted, filled with silent fire. "This exam… I'll crush anyone who gets in my way."
Sakura clenched her fists, determination rising in her heart. I will not let Naruto-sama down and destroy anyone who gets in his way.
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
📢 Author's Note 📢
If you're enjoying this story and want more chapters right now, I invite you to check out my Patreon. There you'll find:
✅ Daily updates – never miss a day of new content
✅ Advanced chapters – read far ahead of public releases
✅ Exclusive perks & extras – only available to patrons
Your support not only gives you early access but also helps me dedicate more time to writing and expanding this story. Every reader who joins makes a huge difference.
👉 Dive into more chapters today: patreon.com/Myth_Valley
Let's keep the adventure alive! 🔥📚✨