Uchiha Naruto: The Strongest

Chapter 6: Chūnin Exams

The afternoon sun bathed the Third Training Ground in a warm, golden glow. Shadows stretched long across the lush green grass, where patches of wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze. The air was filled with the faint scent of earth and fresh foliage, carried by the soft wind that rustled through the leaves of nearby trees.

Overhead, wispy clouds painted streaks of pink and orange against the canvas of the sky, slowly shifting as the sun began its descent towards the horizon. The tranquil atmosphere was punctuated by the occasional chirp of birds hidden among the branches and the distant murmur of a nearby stream.

Madara, Sasuke, and Naori stood in a loose formation in front of Kakashi. Four months had passed since their training began, and yesterday marked the final day. Kakashi gave them an eye smile, his visible eye crinkling with pride.

"Sasuke, Naori, I'm truly proud of your growth. And while I haven't seen Madara at all during the past four months, I'm sure he's grown a lot as well," Kakashi stated.

Sasuke and Naori nodded, smiles tugging at their lips. They were satisfied with their progress. Madara remained silent, his expression impassive as always.

"So," Sasuke began, a hint of eagerness in his voice, "when do we start doing missions again?" He was itching to test his kenjutsu in real combat.

Kakashi shook his head. "Now's not the time. I recommended you all for the Chūnin Exams."

"The what?" Naori asked, her brow furrowing.

"The Chūnin Exams," Kakashi repeated. "A series of tests to see if you're ready to become Chūnin."

The three Uchiha nodded. "Will we get to fight?" Sasuke asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Kakashi nodded. "I recommended you, but it's up to you to enter. The exams begin in two days at the academy."

Hearing this, Madara turned and walked away without a word. He was confident that Sasuke and Naori would enter the exams, and he himself was eager to test his power. Not only that, but he was curious to see how Hinata had developed over these months.

*Two Days Later*

Madara walked to the front of the Uchiha Compound and found Sasuke and Naori waiting. He had almost forgotten Naori lived there, considering how rarely he saw her.

"Madara!" Naori greeted with a smile.

Madara simply looked at her, his expression impassive.

"Are you ready to go?" Sasuke asked, his tone steady.

Madara nodded, and the three began their walk to the academy. The afternoon sun bathed Konoha in a warm, golden light. The village buzzed with activity, but the trio moved with purpose, their steps synchronized. As they walked through the streets, the sounds of daily life surrounded them: vendors calling out their wares, children laughing and playing, and the distant clang of metal from the blacksmith's forge.

Leaves rustled softly in the gentle breeze, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, mingling with the earthy aroma of the village. Naori's eyes wandered, absorbing the vibrant life of Konoha, while Sasuke remained focused, his expression calm but determined.

Madara walked slightly ahead, commanding attention without a word. His gaze occasionally flicked to the familiar sights of the village, memories of past days blending with the present.

As they passed the Hokage Monument, the carved faces of past leaders watching over the village, Naori pointed to a boy in the distance. "Isn't that the Sandaime's grandson?" she asked. The boy was being held in the air by his shirt, demanding his captor let him go.