Natsumi: Beyond the Shadow of Giants.

Chapter 9 - The Chunin Exam

On the day of the Konoha exam, the sky was covered with gray clouds. The heavy atmosphere seemed to reflect the tension of the participants. Team Minato was gathered in front of the building where the first test would take place. Despite being together, the nervousness was palpable, especially for Obito and Rin.

Natsumi, on the other hand, did her best to hide her own anxiety. Over the past few weeks, she had spent hours training with her father and brother, perfecting skills that might seem too advanced for an average Genin. But she knew they would be essential. After all, without Kakashi, the challenges would be even greater.

She looked at her teammates. Obito was biting his lower lip, his goggles slightly fogged by his breath. Rin clasped her hands against her chest, her brown eyes reflecting unease. Natsumi took a deep breath. Maybe she wasn't the only one feeling this way.

— I know this exam is only for Konoha Genin, but be careful. — Minato warned, his calm voice contrasting with his students' nerves. He observed them carefully, assessing each expression. — How are you all feeling?

— Terrified? — Natsumi admitted bluntly, activating her sensory abilities. Everything seemed normal. No active genjutsu and no hostile chakra. What did exist, however, was the agitation of the other Genin, their chakras bubbling like water about to boil over.

— Nervous. Nervous. — Obito and Rin said almost at the same time, making Natsumi let out a short laugh.

— That's natural. — Minato said, placing his hands on Obito and Natsumi's heads in a reassuring gesture. — You're among the youngest participants in this exam, but don't forget: you're very skilled. Take a deep breath and show what you can do.

Obito lowered his gaze, battling his insecurities. He knew he was still far from Kakashi's level, or even Natsumi's, but he wanted to prove he was capable. Rin, on the other hand, seemed more composed, though the slight tremor in her hands betrayed her apprehension.

Sensing the mood, Minato decided to settle a matter before they entered.

— We need to decide something. Who's going to lead the team in there?

Rin nodded.

— I think we should settle that now.

Obito frowned.

— What do you mean? Isn't it always Kakashi leading when sensei isn't around?

— But Kakashi can't take the exam with us. — Rin reminded him. — We need a plan. I don't want us arguing in the middle of the test.

Natsumi let out an exaggerated sigh, already knowing where this conversation was heading.

— Normally, we follow sensei's decisions. When he's not around, we follow Kakashi's, even if we complain. But since he can't be here...

Obito and Rin exchanged a knowing look, as if they had already planned this. Natsumi's heart sped up.

— Don't even think about it. — She said, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes.

— You're the best one for the job. — Obito stated with a mischievous grin. — Besides, you're already bossy!

— Come on, Natsumi — Rin encouraged, her sincere smile making it even harder to refuse. — You're the most prepared for this.

Natsumi blinked, surprised by Rin's seriousness. But she wouldn't let them off the hook so easily.

— You really want to put your lives in my hands? — She asked, eyes wide.

— Yes! — They both answered at the same time, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

She sighed, feeling cornered. If they trusted her, the least she could do was live up to their expectations.