Inside the examination room.
The unwitting candidates were each displaying their own methods of cheating.
Sakura and Hinata relied on their own knowledge, writing rapidly.
Kiba relied on Akamaru's dog language to cheat, while Shino used Parasitic Insects to peek at answers.
Ino used the Mind Transfer Jutsu to memorize Sakura's answers directly, then passed them to Shikamaru and Choji.
Tenten used hidden weapons to attach a mirror to the ceiling to help Rock Lee copy answers, while Neji used the X-ray vision of his Byakugan.
Finally, Sasuke activated his Sharingan to copy movements.
As for Haku and Karin, one used ice crystals to reflect answers, while the other used Mind's Eye of the Kagura to observe freely.
As Ibiki tested the candidates with the final, non-existent tenth question, the first stage — the written exam — soon ended.
Next came Anko's chuunibyou-style entrance, announcing herself as the proctor for the second stage that afternoon.
Naruto immediately reclaimed control of his body.
However, after returning, he didn't change his appearance back.
Instead, he imitated Lock's mannerisms and expression, walking stiffly out of the examination room with a deliberately cool posture.
Although his movements were somewhat rigid and unnatural, the female ninja, unfamiliar with Loc,k couldn't tell the difference.
They stared at Naruto's back, whispering things like "so handsome" and "I love his vibe."
Only after leaving the examination room and reaching a less crowded area did Naruto finally stop.
He began panting heavily as his true personality resurfaced.
Recalling the feeling of being the center of attention earlier, excitement burst uncontrollably across his face.
He jumped into the air, waving his arms wildly.
"Awesome!!!"
"This is so awesome!!!"
Sakura: "..."
Sasuke: "..."
"Naruto, can't you learn from Lock and act a little more composed?"
"You're literally sharing the same body!"
Sakura's eyes were filled with regret and confusion.
It was the same issue again — same body, same appearance.
Yet Naruto made her feel absolutely nothing.
Sasuke snorted coldly, clearly disgusted.
He couldn't understand what Naruto found so exciting.
Those women were annoying distractions that only interfered with training.
"Hahaha, you guys don't get it! This ia s division of labor inside one body!"
"I handle optimism and enthusiasm, while Lock handles decisiveness and cool arrogance!"
"When we combine, we become the fearless Uzumaki Naruto!"
Naruto was completely elated.
Experiencing Sasuke's popularity for the first time felt explosive.
After all, just three months ago, he had still been the "Demon Fox" hated by everyone.
Ninety percent of what people said to him were insults — never compliments like today.
Shaking away those memories, Naruto excitedly changed the subject.
"Sasuke, Sakura, you have no idea — Lock actually didn't know how to answer any of those questions!"
"After reading a few, his face darkened, and he stood up ready to beat up the proctors!"
"Good thing I stopped him, or we might've been disqualified!"
Naruto spoke proudly, clearly waiting for praise.
"Yeah, sure. You're amazing."
Sakura rolled her eyes, not believing a word.
If Lock could be stopped that easily, he wouldn't have slaughtered so many ninja before.
Of course, neither she nor Sasuke knew about the destruction of the Root base or the deaths of the Hokage's direct Anbu.
They had been unconscious during those events.
Sasuke, however, showed rare curiosity.
"Then how did Lock finish the exam?"
"He didn't submit a blank paper, right?"
He immediately shook his head.
"No… only an idiot dead-last — someone like you — would do that."
He paused, remembering Naruto's current strength, and changed it to:
"…a dummy like you."
"I—"
Naruto wanted to argue, but realized he truly wouldn't have known how to cheat.
He could only smack his lips.
"Someone nearby helped Lock finish it."
"And that person looked arranged by the proctors. That guy Ibiki even smiled at Lock — a really ugly smile."
"They arranged cheating for him!?"
Sakura was shocked.
Was strength really enough to bend rules like this?
Sasuke, however, looked unsurprised.
To him, strength naturally granted privilege.
Suddenly, lecherous laughter sounded nearby.
"Hehehe…"
The three stopped and looked toward the source.
They saw a white-haired man crouched beside a wooden partition wall, wearing a red haori and carrying a massive scroll.
"I think… this is the back wall of the bathhouse," Sakura muttered, her face turning red.
"And inside is an open-air bath…"
Naruto instantly jumped three meters into the air.
"Ah—!"
"It's Peeping Tomom! A pervert peeping through the wall!!!"
The white-haired figure trembled and immediately tried to escape.
But Naruto shouted even louder.
"Catch the pervert! He's peeping at the wom—mmph!"
Before he could finish, the man suddenly appeared behind him and covered his mouth.
"Hey, keep it down, kid! I'll really get caught!"
"What speed!"
"Almost like that bowl-cut guy earlier!"
Sakura and Sasuke were shocked, immediately drawing weapons.
"Who are you? Put Naruto down!"
"Otherwise, when that guy comes out, you'll die for nothing!"
"Naruto? That guy?"
The white-haired man froze.
He quickly released Naruto's mouth and lifted him for inspection.
"He really looks like him!"
"And this hairstyle… the student surpasses the master!"
Naruto struggled angrily.
"Who are you, you damn pervert?! Put me down!"
"Excellent question! But wait a moment."
The man set Naruto down, straightened his clothes, and stepped back in his wooden sandals.
Then he performed an unbelievably ridiculous dance that gave everyone goosebumps.
"Ahahaha!"
"I am the Toad Spirit Sage of Mount Myōboku, the legendary Toad Sage — Jiraiya!"
He struck a dramatic pose and pointed at Naruto.
"…and also your future teacher, Uzumaki Naruto~~~."