"My name is Tenten. Let me tell you, Neji was the number one student of our graduating class," said Tenten, the girl with the "Chinese style" appearance standing beside Neji, with a smile.
Her gaze shifted constantly between Menma, Naruto, and Sasuke. After all, in terms of looks, the three of them didn't lose to Neji at all. Aside from anything else, for girls, seeing handsome guys was a rather pleasing sight, wasn't it?
Tenten even felt a little jealous of Sakura, who was standing beside the three of them.
As for the two "Leaf Gatekeepers" who were the center of attention just moments ago, they took this opportunity to slip away quietly. Aside from Menma, no one present noticed their departure.
"Oh?! First place of the previous class? Does that mean you want to spar? I'd welcome that! Hey, no need to call me 'Young Master' or anything, just call me by my name," Naruto said. While he might be slow in other aspects, his reaction speed in this regard was incredibly fast.
Almost as soon as Neji finished speaking, Naruto's eyes lit up, and he spoke with an eager expression.
Sasuke, on the other hand, felt the other side was purely provoking him. His expression turned extremely gloomy, looking as if he were about to snap at any moment.
"Alright, Naruto. Now isn't the time to waste time. The Chūnin Exams are about to start. Let's go."
Menma stepped forward just in time, speaking gently.
"Oh."
It wasn't just Naruto; even Sasuke's aggressive momentum stalled.
Although nothing had been explicitly stated, over the past few months, regardless of the mission, Menma had always been in a command-like position. Since Kakashi often left them to their own devices, Menma was the one issuing instructions for Team 7's mission execution. Over time, the other three members of Team 7 had developed the habit of listening to Menma's commands.
Although given Sasuke's personality, he still felt somewhat irritated by it, he chose to tacitly accept it because Menma's commands were never wrong, and Menma was stronger than him.
"Although you only graduated a year earlier, you count as seniors. Neji-san and Lee-san seem to be quite familiar with us, so we won't introduce ourselves. If you two seniors want to cross moves, this isn't the right time or place. The Chūnin Exams are next; I think there will be plenty of opportunities, right? Well then, excuse us, 'seniors'."
Menma smiled faintly, then turned and took the lead, stepping toward the stairs.
Sasuke snorted lightly, gave Neji and Lee a cold sweep with his eyes, and followed.
"Menma is right. If we're going to fight, this exam is indeed the most suitable stage. Let's see the truth in the exams, Neji-san, Lee-san."
Naruto also smiled and waved, then followed with Sakura, heading upstairs.
"Menma Uzumaki, Naruto Namikaze, and Sasuke Uchiha? Looks like this Chūnin Exam will be very interesting."
Neji watched the retreating figures of Menma and the others, a unique brilliance flashing in his pupils.
Menma, having already left, naturally didn't know that Neji's fighting spirit had been fully ignited. Even if he knew, he wouldn't care. As always, the current Menma treated everyone and everything in the Hidden Leaf Village with the most indifferent attitude.
Unless they were the specific few he needed to watch, or people who would hinder him in the future, the rest were irrelevant existences in Menma's eyes.
Stepping onto the upper floor.
They arrived at the door of the real Room 301.
Menma and the other three pushed the door open and entered.
What greeted their eyes was a dark mass of people. The moment Menma and the others pushed the door open, these people instinctively looked over. However, the vast majority turned their gazes back the next moment. Only a select few narrowed their eyes upon seeing Naruto and Sasuke flanking Menma.
Special identities often attracted the most attention.
Although Menma's identity as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was technically under Hiruzen Sarutobi's laughable gag order—which was practically like burying one's head in the sand—it was widely known throughout the ninja world. However, this knowledge was limited to those of a certain status; Genin were unlikely to know what a Jinchūriki was.
Therefore, these people wouldn't pay too much attention to Menma.
Only one man wearing a Leaf forehead protector, with a refined and gentle demeanor and glasses, let a faint gleam flash deep within his eyes the moment Menma appeared.
This refined and easygoing man was naturally Orochimaru's most trusted and capable subordinate—Yakushi Kabuto.
Team 7 has come to participate in this Chūnin Exam as well. Looks like I need to report this to Orochimaru-sama ahead of time.
Kabuto pushed up his glasses. His gaze swept past Menma and jumped directly to Sasuke on the right, thinking silently.
He was calculating in his mind how to find an opportunity to make contact with Team 7. After all, gathering intelligence was his specialty.
On the other side...
What Kabuto didn't know was that Menma had targeted him long ago. The moment Menma entered the classroom, his gaze seemed to sweep over everyone, but aside from a brief focus on Gaara, he merely glanced over the others casually.
His true target was Yakushi Kabuto.
Seeing Kabuto in the crowd looking harmless, like a complete "Mr. Nice Guy," Menma couldn't help but sigh internally. He was worthy of being one of the strongest spies in the original story. With acting skills like that, he was undoubtedly top-tier in the vast ninja world.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that if Kabuto were in Menma's previous world, he could easily win an Oscar for Best Actor based solely on his acting skills.
This was Kabuto's most important asset as a multi-layered spy.
Most importantly, this guy wasn't just skilled at espionage. As a ninja, his personal strength was already at the level of an Elite Jōnin. Therefore, Menma couldn't stare at Kabuto for too long.
Such a ninja would be extremely sensitive to any focused gaze.
Confirming the target is enough. Next is finding the appropriate timing...
Menma let out a breath softly, pondering silently.
"You guys actually came to participate in something so troublesome? I thought only our team was recommended..."
While others might not care about seeing Menma's group, there were a few figures in the crowd who actively approached them upon sighting them.
These were the six Genin from Team 8 and Team 10, who had graduated in the same class.
Menma looked up. The first person he saw was Shikamaru Nara, approaching with a look that screamed "what a drag."
Following behind him were naturally Choji and Ino.