Kurama's Friend

Part 2: The Chunin Exams Begin

After returning from the Land of Waves, Team 7 is left with unexpected free time since they didn't need a second battle with Zabuza and Haku. Recognizing this, Kakashi uses the opportunity to teach them tree and water-walking techniques. Thanks to his enhanced chakra control without the seal and Kurama's guidance, Naruto quickly masters both techniques, which leaves Sasuke even more frustrated with Naruto's rapid growth. Despite Sasuke's feelings of inferiority, he also progresses faster than in the original timeline due to his competitive drive, which strengthens the team overall.

While on a walk through the village, Naruto and Sakura encounter Konohamaru being bullied by a foreign ninja, Kankuro, who turns out to be part of the Sand Village. Naruto instinctively defends Konohamaru, and it's then that they meet Gaara, Kankuro's brother, whose calm yet intense demeanor unsettles both Naruto and Kurama. Kurama, sensing Shukaku, warns Naruto to be wary of Gaara, noting that he is also a jinchuriki.

Upon returning to the Hokage's office, Kakashi recommends Team 7 for the Chunin Exams. Although Iruka initially has concerns, he's heard of Naruto's impressive feats on the previous mission and decides not to interfere, acknowledging Naruto's growth.

In the first exam, Naruto now has Kurama's wisdom to help answer the written questions. Kurama's experience as an ancient entity allows Naruto to fill in most answers without cheating, surprising his teammates. During the tenth question, Naruto's unyielding spirit inspires others around him, and they pass just like in canon.

Later, they encounter Rock Lee, who challenges both Naruto and Sasuke. Sasuke takes him on first but is quickly defeated, much to his frustration. When Naruto steps in, he too is outclassed by Lee's taijutsu but gains a better understanding of Lee's strength and the need to improve. This humbling experience motivates both Naruto and Sasuke to train harder.

As Team 7 begins the second phase of the Chunin Exams, they are ambushed by Orochimaru. While Sasuke and Sakura face the oppressive presence of Orochimaru, Naruto is swallowed by a giant snake. Using his shadow clones, he manages to break free, but not before sensing something sinister. Orochimaru's bloodlust terrifies Sasuke and activates his two-tomoe Sharingan. Orochimaru sees this as an opportunity to plant his curse mark, but before he can, Naruto arrives, activating his Kurama Chakra Mode (KCM) to protect Sasuke.

Naruto and Orochimaru clash, with Naruto using Kurama's chakra to boost his power significantly. However, Orochimaru, intrigued by Naruto's potential and the Nine-Tails' chakra, places a five-pronged seal on Naruto, suppressing his chakra flow and preventing him from accessing Kurama's power. Not stopping there, Orochimaru brands both Naruto and Sasuke with the curse mark, intrigued by the idea of controlling both the Sharingan and the Nine-Tails.

Naruto and Sasuke fall unconscious, and Sakura is left to protect them. She soon realizes that while Sasuke's curse mark remains intact, Naruto's is beginning to heal due to Kurama's residual power. She is confused but relieved that Naruto seems to be recovering quickly.

Sakura's attempt to protect her teammates is interrupted when the Sound Genin attack, leaving her overwhelmed. Rock Lee intervenes, and despite his best efforts, he struggles until Naruto regains consciousness and assists in fending off the attackers. Even with his chakra sealed, Naruto's tenacity and taijutsu skills, combined with Lee's, allow them to defeat the Sound trio, taking their scroll in the process.

Afterward, they encounter Kabuto, who helps them navigate the forest and reach the Chunin Exam's final testing area. Unbeknownst to Team 7, Kabuto is actually a spy for Orochimaru, and he observes Naruto and Sasuke closely, especially noticing Naruto's healing rate and his missing curse mark. Kabuto makes a mental note to report these anomalies back to Orochimaru, who will no doubt be even more intrigued by Naruto.

With both the first and second phases of the Chunin Exams complete, Team 7 is allowed to rest and prepare for the next stage. Naruto's suppressed chakra prevents him from accessing Kurama's full power, leaving him feeling frustrated and vulnerable. He confides in Kurama, who reassures Naruto that he can still rely on his taijutsu, strategy, and unbreakable spirit.

Sasuke, meanwhile, struggles with the curse mark's allure, drawn to its dark power but wary of its effect on him. Both he and Naruto push themselves harder than ever, each determined to overcome their respective obstacles and prove their worth in the upcoming battles.

As they step into the arena for the third exam, Naruto and Sasuke are ready to face whatever comes next, their bond with each other and their teammates stronger than ever—even in the face of the unknown trials and enemies that await them. With Orochimaru's dark plans looming, the two young shinobi prepare to make their mark on the world, forever changed by their early alliance with the Nine-Tails and their unbreakable resolve.