However, it was only for a split second before Kakashi quickly adjusted himself.
"What's wrong? You all look like you've seen a ghost."
Looking at Naruto, Sakura, and the others, who all wore shocked expressions...
Kakashi asked with a smile, his hands in his pockets.
"Of course we're shocked! Big Brother Kakashi, did you take the wrong medicine today? It's not like we're departing for a mission, but you're actually not late?!"
Naruto's eyes were wide as he looked at Kakashi with an incredulous tone.
Beside him, Sakura nodded furiously in agreement.
"You brat... isn't that a rude thing to say?"
Kakashi lightly tapped Naruto's head, pretending to be annoyed.
"Big Brother Kakashi, isn't that just what you usually do? Eh? Wait... Could it be that you arrived so punctually today because of the Chūnin Exams?!"
Naruto mumbled a few words of dissatisfaction, but in the next second, as if realizing something, he shouted loudly at Kakashi, drawing various looks from Sakura and Sasuke beside him.
"Oh? Looks like you found out ahead of time?"
Kakashi said with a hint of surprise.
"Yeah. So? We can participate too, right? Big Brother Kakashi."
Although he didn't answer directly, it was already a clear confirmation.
Naruto's eyes immediately lit up with eager excitement.
"Yes, you're right, Naruto. I have already recommended the four of you to participate in this Chūnin Exam in the name of the captain of Team 7. However, the final decision rests in your own hands. Here are the application forms. If you want to participate, fill in the relevant information and bring these forms to Room 301 at the Academy in three days. Of course, I must remind you of one more thing: because you are a special four-person squad, and all other participating teams are three-person squads, if the four of you decide to participate together, there will be some slightly special rules. As for what they are, you'll find out when the time comes."
Kakashi took out four application forms from his vest and handed them to Naruto, Sasuke, Menma, and Sakura, speaking calmly.
"Eh? Special rules? What kind of rules? Big Brother Kakashi?"
Instinctively taking the application form, Naruto asked curiously.
"That's not something I can reveal right now. You'll know eventually."
Kakashi smiled lightly.
"Ehh~~~?"
Naruto dragged out the sound, deliberately expressing his dissatisfaction.
"Alright. The application deadline is the morning of the day after tomorrow. Whether to participate or not... take these three days to think it over carefully. Don't force yourselves."
Kakashi waved his hand, interrupting Naruto.
"Heh. I don't need to think about it, Kakashi-sensei. I will definitely participate in the Chūnin Exams."
Menma chuckled and spoke up immediately after Kakashi finished.
As Menma's words fell...
Sasuke also looked up at Kakashi slightly and said indifferently, "I'm participating too."
The Chūnin Exams.
With participants coming from various ninja villages, there would surely be formidable opponents. For Sasuke, this was an excellent stage to temper and improve himself, so he naturally wouldn't miss it.
Moreover, he hadn't found a suitable opportunity to challenge Menma for a while. This Chūnin Exam might be a good chance.
Thinking of this...
Sasuke instinctively glanced at Menma.
Before Menma's gaze could shift over, he nonchalantly looked away.
Naruto, who was a beat slower...
After hearing Menma and Sasuke speak...
Hurriedly chimed in, "I'm definitely participating too! An exam like this... I'll definitely get to fight lots of people! There's nothing to hesitate about!"
This was an outcome Kakashi had fully anticipated.
Given their personalities, potentials, and current strength, Kakashi couldn't think of any reason for Menma, Naruto, and Sasuke not to participate. Just as he had told Iruka, their growth over the past half-year had been very evident.
As the captain of Team 7, Kakashi knew this best.
Only Sakura Haruno.
She was the one Kakashi couldn't be 100% sure about. Although Sakura had a unique talent for chakra control and, based on Kakashi's experience, could definitely develop in Genjutsu or Medical Ninjutsu in the future...
That future was not now. The main reason was that Sakura's current capacity, mindset, and willpower were all too weak.
If Kakashi had to be honest, Sakura participating in this Chūnin Exam was indeed a stretch. But Kakashi wouldn't say these words out loud; he left the decision in his subordinates' hands.
This was also a way of training Sakura.
It all depended on whether she had the resolve.
In fact, Sakura was indeed very conflicted inside. With her three teammates participating, logically, she should follow the crowd and join. But deep down, she was still somewhat afraid of such an occasion.
It was mainly a mindset issue.
Especially seeing how excellent Menma, Naruto, and Sasuke were within the same team, Sakura truly had no confidence in herself.
In previous missions, she had mostly been a bystander, and with Kakashi as a safety net, she hadn't panicked much. But this Chūnin Exam was obviously different.
From Kakashi's brief introduction, Sakura clearly realized that the Genin coming from various villages were likely the elite of their respective villages. Sakura was afraid of embarrassing herself or even dragging the entire team down.
The hesitation and conflict on her face...
Were clear to the other four present.
Just as Naruto was about to speak up to encourage Sakura...
"Alright, you guys. Don't be so absolute. The participants coming this time are all elites from major ninja villages. You've only graduated a little over half a year ago. As I said just now, go back and think about it for a few days before deciding!"
Kakashi spoke up first.
Although only Sakura was hesitating, Kakashi deliberately included Menma and the others to avoid putting too much pressure on Sakura. Kakashi hoped Sakura could make her decision with a calm mind after careful consideration.
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei."
"Mhm mhm, I understand, Big Brother Kakashi."
Sakura clearly looked relieved. Although she would eventually have to make a choice, not needing to decide immediately allowed her to relax a little.
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei."
"Alright then, dismissed for today."
Kakashi nodded.
Poof.
He turned into a puff of white smoke and vanished.
Menma and the others dispersed, each carrying different emotions.
It's coming... the Chūnin Exams.