Chapter 73: Each Person's Decision
Chapter
74: Each Person's Decision
Kakashi quickly adjusted himself,
taking in the shocked expressions of Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke. "What's
wrong? Everyone looks like they've seen a ghost," he said, smiling with
his hands in his pockets.
"Of course we're shocked,
Brother Kakashi! Did you take the wrong medicine today? It's not the time for
the mission to start, but you're not late!" Naruto exclaimed, eyes wide in
disbelief.
Sakura nodded in agreement, unable
to hide her surprise.
Kakashi patted Naruto's head with
mock irritation. "You guys, it's very rude to say that, isn't it?"
"Brother Kakashi, isn't this
what you usually do? Eh? Could it be that your arrival on time today has
something to do with the Chunin Exams?" Naruto muttered, first
dissatisfied and then suddenly excited.
"Oh? It seems that you've
learned about it in advance," Kakashi said, showing a hint of surprise.
"Well, so? We can participate
too, right, Brother Kakashi?" Naruto asked eagerly, his pupils filled with
excitement.
Kakashi nodded, "Well, you are
right, Naruto. In the name of the captain of Team 7, I have recommended the
four of you to participate in this Chunin Exam. However, the final decision is
still in your own hands. This is the registration form. If you want to
participate, fill in the corresponding information. Then, three days later,
take this registration form to Classroom 301 of the Ninja School. Because you
are a special team of four, and all other participating teams are three, there
will be some special rules. As for what they are, you will know in due
time."
He handed out four registration
forms to Naruto, Sasuke, Menma, and Sakura, speaking in a calm tone.
"Eh? Special rules? What is
that, Brother Kakashi?" Naruto asked curiously after taking the
registration form.
Kakashi smiled, "That's not
something that can be revealed now. You'll know soon enough."
"Eh~~~?" Naruto replied
with a deliberately dissatisfied tone.
"Okay, the deadline for
registration is the morning of three days from now. If you want to participate,
think carefully about it during these three days. There is no need to force
yourself," Kakashi said, waving his hand to interrupt Naruto's words.
Menma chuckled, "Haha, I don't
need to think about it. Kakashi-sensei, I will definitely participate in the
Chunin Exam."
Sasuke looked up slightly, his
expression calm. "I will participate too."
The Chunin Exam, with contestants
from all major ninja villages, was an excellent stage for Sasuke to hone
himself. He couldn't miss this opportunity. He also glanced at Menma
subconsciously, wondering if this could be a chance to challenge him.
Naruto, slightly behind, hurriedly
said, "I will definitely take part. In such an exam, I'll definitely be
able to fight many strong people. There's no need to hesitate!"
Kakashi expected this response from
the three, knowing their personalities and potential. Over the past half year,
their growth had been remarkable.
However, Haruno Sakura was
different. Although she had unique talent in chakra control, her current
capacity, mentality, and will were still too weak. Kakashi left the decision to
her, hoping to train her determination.
Sakura was conflicted. Seeing her
teammates so confident made her hesitant. She had been a supporting role in
previous missions, relying on Kakashi for backup. The Chunin Exam felt
different, intimidating. She feared embarrassing herself or dragging down the
team.
Naruto noticed her hesitation, about
to encourage her, but Kakashi spoke first. "Okay, you guys, don't be so
absolute. The people who came this time are all the best from the major ninja
villages. You've just graduated for more than half a year. Just like I said, go
back and think about it for a few days!"
Kakashi included Menma, Naruto, and
Sasuke in his statement, not wanting to put too much pressure on Sakura. He
hoped she would think clearly and make her own decision peacefully.
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei."
"Yeah, I understand, Brother Kakashi."
Sakura looked relieved, having more
time to make her decision.
"Well, then, let's disband for
today," Kakashi said, nodding before disappearing into a ball of white
mist.
Menma, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
left with different emotions. Menma felt excitement building within him. 'It's
coming, the Chunin Exam,' he thought, determination gleaming in his eyes.