Uzumaki Sōnagi approached Naruto under a false name and introduced himself.
Sakura Haruno was completely confused. "What? Chūnin Exams?" she muttered.
Naruto Uzumaki had learned about the Chūnin Exams from Minato Namikaze, and Sasuke Uchiha had heard of them through Kakashi. Now Sakura was the only one still in the dark.
Naruto looked at Gaara again and asked, "What's your name?"
"Gaara."
After introducing himself, Gaara turned to Kankuro and Temari and said, "Let's go. This isn't the time for fooling around."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Kankuro shot an angry glare at Naruto before following.
Temari let out a sigh of relief. At least things didn't escalate.
Sōnagi quipped with mild sarcasm, "Tch, they're leaving already? I was hoping for some excitement. What a bore. Come on, let's go somewhere else. Maybe we'll find something more interesting."
They had just been wandering through the area when they stumbled upon this amusing scene.
To avoid causing Naruto any unnecessary trouble, Sōnagi quickly took his group and slipped away.
After everyone had gone, Sakura blurted out in confusion, "Sasuke, Naruto—what were you two talking about? What are these Chūnin Exams?"
"Oh right," Naruto replied. "Konoha is hosting the Chūnin Selection Exams soon. Those people earlier were ninja from other villages invited to take part. Kakashi sensei should be coming to talk to us about it too, right, Sasuke?"
Since Sasuke had been training constantly under Kakashi lately, Naruto figured he must already know.
Sasuke nodded. "That's right. Kakashi told me about the Chūnin Exams and has decided we'll take part."
Sakura was stunned for a moment. "Huh? You both knew, and I was the only one who didn't?"
She began to feel like the odd one out on the team.
Thinking about it carefully, maybe she really was unnecessary—whether she was there or not made no difference. Like during the mission in the Land of Waves, she hadn't contributed anything at all.
She knew that both Naruto and Sasuke trained hard every day. She trained daily as well, though she knew her efforts couldn't match those of Naruto or Sasuke.
Sakura wondered if she needed to push herself harder; otherwise, she'd fall far behind them.
But as a civilian-born ninja, she didn't have many opportunities to learn powerful jutsu.
At that moment, Kakashi, having just finished a meeting, arrived and found the three genin. "Hey, you're all here. That saves me the trouble of tracking each of you down individually. Come with me—I've got something important to tell you."
The three immediately realized what Kakashi wanted to discuss—the Chūnin Exams.
Following Kakashi, the trio reached a bridge.
Leaning against the railing, Kakashi said, "I guess you've probably already heard—Konoha's holding the Chūnin Exams starting in seven days. I've recommended the three of you to take part. Here's the application form."
Kakashi handed three application forms to Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.
As Sakura received the form, she grumbled inwardly. She had just heard about this, seriously!
Kakashi continued, "I should remind you beforehand that this isn't a mandatory recommendation. Whether or not to participate is entirely your choice. If you want to take the exam, sign your names on the form—but all three of you must agree to participate in the Chūnin Selection Exams together, because the first round will be held in the Forest of Death and requires participation as a squad. Think it over carefully before you decide.
"If everyone agrees, come to classroom 301 at the Ninja Academy at 3 p.m. five days from now to submit your applications."
Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki turned their gaze toward Sakura simultaneously.
They were definitely going to join, so the only uncertainty was Sakura.
If Sakura declined, neither of them would be able to participate in the Chunin Exams either.
Sakura twitched her lips. Why are they suddenly looking at me? Are they worried I won't participate?
To be honest though, Sakura indeed felt reluctant about joining the exam. After all, they had just graduated from the Ninja Academy not long ago; participating directly in the Chūnin Exams seemed too soon.
Yet with both Sasuke and Naruto staring at her like this, she felt intense pressure.
In the end, Sakura agreed, "I will participate in the Chūnin Exams."
As everyone began to disperse, Sakura called out to Kakashi.
She hoped Kakashi could offer some advice regarding her training.
Kakashi told her, "To be honest, Sakura, your talent in the 'Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu' trio is merely decent. I recommend you consider learning Medical Ninjutsu instead. Medical Ninjutsu focuses heavily on precise attention to detail. You possess very refined chakra control and meticulous thinking—qualities that make you a natural candidate for excelling in Medical Ninjutsu."
Sakura frowned slightly. "Medical Ninjutsu?"
From what Sakura remembered, Medical Ninjas didn't seem to have much combat power. If that was the case, wouldn't she still rely on Sasuke or Naruto for protection?
Kakashi explained, "Don't look down on Medical Ninjas, Sakura. They require precise chakra control, specialized knowledge, strong mental acuity, and unwavering perseverance. Medical Ninjas can significantly reduce casualty rates during missions and increase the likelihood of mission success.
"They play an irreplaceable role in boosting a squad's survival rate and effectiveness. Plus, they help maintain the team's combat capability throughout prolonged battles.
"Everyone should strive to utilize their strengths to the fullest. As for combat abilities, Sasuke and Naruto are already more than powerful enough. Having a Medical Ninja in the team would make their battlefield performance even stronger."
After listening to Kakashi's explanation, Sakura remained silent for a moment before making her decision in her heart.
No matter how hard she trained, she probably couldn't surpass Sasuke or Naruto in combat strength anyway. If that was the case, then she would become their support!
Sakura lifted her gaze, her voice steady. "Kakashi-sensei, will you teach me Medical Ninjutsu?"
Kakashi looked awkward. "I don't know Medical Ninjutsu..."
"Eh?"
Sakura's expression immediately dropped. After trying so hard to talk to him, Kakashi still didn't know Medical Ninjutsu either! That meant she still couldn't learn it.
Kakashi continued, "However, I can refer you to the Ninja Hospital. There, you can study under those Medical Ninjas, and at the Ninja Hospital, you'll also have many practical opportunities that will help you learn Medical Ninjutsu faster and better."
Upon hearing this from Kakashi, Sakura felt hope rising in her heart. "Thank you, Kakashi sensei!"
Kakashi brushed it off with a wave: "It's nothing. So, when're you looking to go?"
"Can it be today? The Chunin Exams start soon. Although it's only a few days away, maybe learning something new might help Sasuke and Naruto."
"Alright then, follow me," Kakashi said.
Kakashi led Sakura Haruno toward the Ninja Hospital.
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