I'm Inside Naruto Manga

After two days of rest, Kakashi informed the team about the upcoming Chunin Exams.

Although Kakashi felt it would be better for Naruto and the others to participate next time, he couldn't outright say so when asking for their opinion. Whether to sign up or not must respect the students' personal wishes.

Unexpectedly, Team 7 was very enthusiastic. Upon learning about the Chunin Exams, Naruto was the first to raise his hand and shout his desire to participate.

"Great! This is the kind of mission that really tests us! Looks like I'll become a Chunin soon, hahaha!"

Naruto was troubled by how to outshine Sasuke. During the Land of Waves mission, though he didn't admit it, Sasuke had indeed contributed significantly to the battles. With Sasuke's strength exceeding the original storyline, Naruto had appeared more clumsy during the fight with Haku, often being labeled a 'troublesome guy'. This frustrated Naruto, as he felt Sasuke had taken all the glory. Their rivalry from the Academy continued into their team dynamic, and although Kakashi emphasized team spirit, their competition was constant.

Moreover, Naruto aimed to become the Hokage, so not participating in the Chunin Exams was out of the question for him.

If Logan had heard Naruto's thoughts, he would have definitely retorted, 'Don't worry, you will be a Genin for the rest of your life.'

"Of course I have to participate in this kind of thing." Sasuke said with his hands in his pockets. His eyes are showing a newfound determination as he looked at the two teachers.

Only Sakura remained silent, looking hesitantly between Naruto and Sasuke.

'This isn't quite according to the script.' Kakashi thought, scratching his head, 'Didn't I already mention the high disability rate in the Chuunin Exam?'

Logan stood on the side and didn't feel much. Even without knowing the original work's outcome, it was clear that Naruto and Sasuke's personalities would drive them to participate enthusiastically. Logan was confused why Kakashi hadn't anticipated this.

"Alright." Kakashi studied the expressions of his three students seriously, Naruto's carefree enthusiasm, Sasuke's eager determination, and even Sakura's hesitation, without missing any detail were not missed. After pondering for a while, he made his decision.

Kakashi signaled to Logan with his eyes, and Logan responded with a 'you're the boss' look.

Although it feels risky from a teacher's perspective, students' determination to move forward is worth supporting. Regardless of whether they fully understood the seriousness or not, fearlessness was also part of forging the path ahead.

"These are the registration forms." Kakashi handed out three printed sheets and said, "The Chuunin Exam are not a simple test; they are fundamentally different from what you experienced in the Academy. Go home and think it over for now. If you decide to participate, sign your name and submit it to Classroom 301 on the day of the exam."

"Just sign, right?" After receiving the registration form, Naruto squinted his eyes at the densely packed words on the form, 'Why did it have so many words?'

Kakashi nodded. Everything that needed to be said was already explained. Today was a simple D-Rank mission. It had been completed in the morning, so everyone was dismissed.

Sakura examined the form's fine print, which clearly outlined various dangers in formal language. Especially when she read, 'Under the supervision of the proctors following reasonable procedures, in case of injury or even death during the exam, the examinee and their family shall not hold the proctors accountable', her face turned pale. Clutching the registration form, she looked up, intending to say something to her teammates, but Naruto and Sasuke had already turned away.

"Sakura, do you have any questions?" Logan asked with a smile.

Kakashi also looked over.

"N-No!" Sakura stammered, ultimately not voicing her more cautious thoughts. She bowed her head and left as well.

"This exam is conducted in teams. If anyone is unwilling to participate, the whole team loses the opportunity and must wait until next time." Kakashi said as he looked at Sakura's retreating figure.

"Naruto and Sasuke will definitely go, but Sakura might be hesitant. If forced to decide on the spot, she might agree reluctantly."

Logan understood Kakashi's reasoning for changing the approach, "So, it's best to let Sakura decide for herself."

Kakashi nodded, appreciating Logan's agreement, then, thinking of something, he turned to Logan and said, "That's true... But speaking of which, I've noticed you've never really opposed any of my decisions."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Logan replied with a strange expression, "Is it possible that you like others to be tougher on you?"

Kakashi waved his hand dismissively, avoiding the potential misunderstanding from Logan's words. He then bid farewell to his assistant.

As the street quieted down and Kakashi walked away, Logan shrugged and headed home. Passing through the shaded trees, he suddenly sighed.

'When I first watched the anime, the Chunin Exams arc followed the Land of Waves mission, it is a big arc and there are many new characters introduced here.' Logan thought about what happened next, and realized his chances to 'show his face' would be fewer.

Encountering Gaara, the gathering of various villages' Ninja in the classroom, Team Guy's appearance, the first round, the second round... it all seemed to revolve around the Genin, with the Jonin Instructors just keeping an eye on things. As a teaching assistant, Logan figured he'd have little involvement in this arc.

"Am I really just going to slack off every day?" Logan stretched lazily under the sun. He saw no need to interfere in the Chunin Exams. Though dangerous, Naruto and his friends would always find a way out, so he decided it was better to focus on practicing his Kenjutsu at home.

'Speaking of which, I was supposed to be a spy in Konoha, sending trivial information a few times. Surprisingly, no one's come to question me about it yet...'

Logan pondered to himself, and that very evening, his contact appeared.

…

In the Konoha's Year 60th, it was less than half a month before the start of the Chunin Exams in July. Hidden currents began to converge on Konoha, the largest Ninja Village, as more and more foreign Ninja arrived, and the atmosphere grew tense.

Meanwhile, ignoring the influx of outsiders into Konoha, a caravan was passing through a checkpoint on the northeastern border of the Land of Fire.

"Thank you for taking care of us these past few days. Here's some travel money. Please don't take offense..."

"Hey, what travel money? You've just been riding in the donkey cart under poor conditions. It wouldn't feel right to accept payment. As an elder brother, you should save it and buy something nice for your little sister!"

When the caravan arrived in a small town, a burly man smiled as he patted the shoulder of a dark-skinned, honest-looking young man.

The young man was holding the hand of a small girl. These two were none other than Nagase Kazuya and his sister, Nagase Mai, whom Logan had met in the fishing village of the Land of the Moon.

After getting along with each other for a few days, Kazuya got to know the burly man's character, so he no longer shied away, and just expressed his sincere thanks again.

Several other members of the caravan came to bid farewell to Mai, who had been a source of joy during the otherwise monotonous journey. It can be said that she had won everyone's affection.

"Goodbye! Goodbye uncles!"

Mai waved cheerfully, while Kazuya packed their belongings and surveyed the small town. The small town on the edge was almost the same size as Salted Fish Village, with similarly diverse-looking inhabitants.

"Let's go, Mai." Kazuya called, asking a local for directions before heading southwest out of the town.

"I'm coming."

Mai's figure is still petite. She has just turned ten when they came to the Land of Fire. Her fair and tender skin is completely unlike someone who grew up by the sea.

Watching his sister skip along, Kazuya sighed. He still didn't understand her sudden desire to go to the Land of Fire, but his relationships at the docks weren't good. So this trip was also a chance for them to explore. Maybe, he can provide a better environment for her.

"Brother, are you sure this is the way to Konoha Village?" Mai asked worriedly.

"Yes, yes, I'm sure..."

The siblings went from the coastal Land of Moons and arrived at the Land of Fire, then slowly heading towards Konoha Village. All of this happened without Logan knowing.

Mai gazed into the distance, her eyes occasionally reflecting a different kind of determination. She touched her chest, where there used to be a crescent-shaped pendant.

'Humph, uncle, I'm coming to find you.'