This level of behavior still didn't violate any official rules, so Ibiki Morino made no move to intervene.
As the test period came to a close, he raised his voice again with his signature psychological pressure:
"We'll now begin collecting your exams. You may choose to forfeit. But be warned—if you hand in your paper and fail, you will permanently lose the right to become a Chūnin."
The moment those words landed, many participants were visibly shaken.
Several unsure Genin decided to give up right then and there.
But Karin, Suigetsu, and the others—confident from Naruto's earlier hint—turned in blank answer sheets without hesitation.
As expected, once all the papers were collected, Ibiki announced:
All those who turned in their exams have passed.
Some ninja who had actually done well but chose to quit now sat in bitter regret.
The second exam was scheduled for the afternoon.
Karin slid up next to Naruto, twisting slightly, her face full of anticipation.
"Naruto-kun, is there anything delicious in Konoha? Can you take me to eat something?"
Kimimaro immediately scowled.
"Karin, we're here to carry out Lord Orochimaru's mission. Show some seriousness."
Karin opened her mouth but didn't argue. She simply pouted.
Naruto clapped his hands with a grin.
"You still need to eat if you want to fight. Come on, I'll treat you all to ramen."
"Yay!!"
Both Karin and Suigetsu cheered like excited kids.
The other Sound ninja nodded in agreement.
Kimimaro wanted to object—but it was Naruto who had spoken. He could only hold his tongue.
Ever since Naruto had defeated him with a single move, then even helped him gain a new lease on life, Kimimaro's feelings toward him had been complicated.
Part of him admired and respected Naruto's strength. Another part resented how Naruto disrespected Lord Orochimaru.
These conflicting feelings left the usually single-minded Kimimaro at a loss for how to react.
The group made their way to Ichiraku Ramen.
But the ramen stand didn't have many seats—just a few—and some of them were already taken by other villagers.
Seeing this, Kimimaro stepped forward, clearly intending to drive the villagers away.
But Naruto lightly grabbed his shoulder, pulling him back.
This was Old Man Teuchi's shop. Naruto had no intention of causing trouble here, especially not for personal gain.
Besides, if Old Man Teuchi really turned out to be an Ōtsutsuki, well—that would be a problem.
Naruto walked up with a smile and waved.
"Hey, Old Man Teuchi! I'll take eight extra-large bowls of tonkotsu ramen!"
"Well, well! Naruto! Long time no see—just a sec, I'll have them ready!"
Teuchi replied, smiling as always.
There were also seats set up outside the stand, where even Pain had once sat.
The Sound crew sat along the outer benches, chatting while waiting.
Just then, an elderly man in a white kimono passed by.
Two young retainers followed behind him.
All three shared a common trait—pure white eyes within their sockets.
The old man's gaze sharpened the moment he spotted something strange.
His white eyes locked straight onto Kimimaro.
"Hmph? You're not from the Hyuga Clan—how are you in possession of a Byakugan?!"
He slammed down his cane, raising a hand and pointing directly at Kimimaro.
Kimimaro didn't flinch, his expression cold as ever.
Without saying a word, he stood up—bones cracking ominously beneath his skin, ready to fight at a moment's notice.
This was a gift from Lord Orochimaru. He had no obligation to explain anything to anyone.
But the old Hyuga elder wouldn't let up. He activated his Byakugan, veins bulging across his aged face.
"Speak! Where did you get that Byakugan?!"
Just before Kimimaro could attack, Naruto also stood.
"I gave it to him."
The elder turned to Naruto—and froze.
"You—!!"
He recognized the boy instantly.
But the Byakugan was of utmost importance to the Hyuga Clan. As a Hyuga elder, he could not tolerate it falling into the hands of an outsider.
"And where did you get that Byakugan…?"
His voice softened a little now that he was speaking to Naruto.
Naruto didn't answer.
He simply released a wave of pressure from his Tenseigan.
A suffocating aura radiated outward, pinning the elder to the ground.
The man's legs buckled beneath him—he collapsed onto his knees.
The two branch-family retainers rushed to help him, but it was like trying to lift a mountain—his body wouldn't budge.
His face pressed to the dirt, wide Byakugan eyes filled with terror.
The sheer majesty leaking from Naruto's gaze crushed his will.
He could feel it in his blood—an unshakable bloodline suppression.
He had no chance to resist. Only fear and awe remained.
He'd lived for decades, but never felt such fear until now.
When Naruto finally withdrew his aura, the elder slumped, completely drained.
Propped up by the retainers, he managed to stumble to his feet—but dared not look Naruto in the eye again.
Not another word of protest.
He fled, thoroughly humiliated.
"Boss, that was so cool!"
Suigetsu sparkled beside him.
"You scared that old geezer onto his knees with a single glare!"
Karin nodded fervently in agreement.
Even Kimimaro's expression flickered.
He had felt that pressure too—a crushing, absolute force.
And once again, he realized the enormous gap between himself and Naruto.
Right then, the ramen was ready.
Suigetsu grabbed a steaming bowl in his hands, unfazed by the heat thanks to his Hydrification Technique.
"Here ya go, boss—ramen's up!"
Naruto accepted the bowl, and the Sound group sat in a neat row, happily slurping noodles. The scene was oddly… peaceful.
Suigetsu took a huge slurp and smacked his lips.
"Mmm, kinda salty though. Boss, want me to dilute it for you?"
As he spoke, Suigetsu's arm turned into water.
Naruto immediately drew his bowl back.
"Yeah, no thanks."
Who knew what kind of "water" that was?
Suigetsu pouted.
Meanwhile, the Hyuga elder returned to the clan compound.
The first thing he did was see the clan head—Hiashi Hyuga.
After explaining what had just occurred, Hiashi's face grew serious.
"A blue-white eye… bloodline suppression… and this was Naruto Uzumaki?"
All those traits bundled into one person—it was enough to make Hiashi uneasy.
"Elder… why would you provoke Naruto Uzumaki? He's the one who practically tore Konoha apart!"
Hiashi's tone turned accusatory.
The elder sighed.
"I didn't realize it was him! I was focused on the white-haired brat with our clan's Byakugan!"
Another thunderbolt.
Hiashi pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Even so, we can't afford to provoke Uzumaki Naruto. Drop it. Completely."
The elder was bitter—but Hiashi gave him no choice.
Hiashi had seen Naruto's power with his own eyes.
Someone like that must be treated as an ally.
Otherwise, the Hyuga Clan might end up like those villagers who dared cross him.