Naruto: Reborn with the Template System

In the large lecture hall set up for the first exam, the Konoha Twelve met for the first time—though this time, another name was added to their number: Hanabi.

She was the youngest among all the examinees.

The timeline had shifted slightly. Because Terumi Mei had taken up the mantle of Mizukage earlier than in the original events, Suigetsu never fell into Orochimaru's hands.

Instead, he remained a loyal Genin of Kirigakure, now sent to Konoha as part of the Mist's delegation for the Chūnin Exams.

—

Meanwhile, in a quiet meeting room within the Ninja Building, Guts sat sipping hot tea Kurenai had prepared for him.

Seated with him were Kakashi, Might Guy, and Anko, each of them watching over a new generation of shinobi about to be tested.

"This year's Chūnin Exams have drawn some real talent," Kakashi remarked, arms crossed.

"Especially from the Sand and Mist. Their best are here...clearly, they're trying to show off the strength of their next generation."

Guts smirked. "You're one to talk. Minato's kid and the last Uchiha were put under your wing, and yet they're still basically Genin elite level. Don't you think the title Kakashi of the Sharingan is crying somewhere?"

Kakashi let out a sigh. "I've only had them for three months. What kind of miracle are you expecting?"

Might Guy leaned forward and gave Guts a suspicious look. "Speaking of miracles...what exactly did you do with Hinata and Hanabi during that month-long trip? Their growth has been… monstrous."

Guts sipped his tea and didn't respond.

Just then, a masked Anbu entered the room.

It was Uzuki Yugao.

"Lord Guts," she reported, "three unidentified corpses have been found thirty miles north of the village."

Guts waved her off. "What does that have to do with me? Let Kakashi handle it."

Yugao was startled but managed to hold her posture, despite the awkward silence.

Guts casually added, "Guy, why don't you go too? Better yet, why not settle your endless rivalry with Kakashi that way? First one to reach the scene wins."

Guy instantly stood up, burning with energy. "Ohhh! Kakashi! This will be our 108th match! Let's go!!"

And without another word, he bolted out of the room.

Kakashi stared blankly for a second, sighed, and followed.

"…Idiot," he muttered as he left.

Anko glanced at the clock. "Time to wrap this up. The first exam should be just about over...I'm on."

But then she frowned. "Damn. I still haven't figured out a dramatic entrance. I need something that screams power and presence."

Kurenai and Yugao gave her blank stares. Typical Anko.

Guts, without even looking up, said, "Window."

Anko's eyes lit up. "Yes! That's it!"

She suddenly grabbed Guts by the face, planted a kiss on his cheek, and grinned. "Mwah! That's your reward for the idea, tonight you'll get a better one!"

And with that, she dashed out of the room.

"…Crazy woman," Guts muttered, wiping his cheek.

Yugao cleared her throat and said quietly, "I-I'll go too…"

But Guts stopped her. "Wait. Yugao, you're on Anbu detail for the Forest of Death, right? Set up ambush squads and stay alert. I doubt anything will happen, but something doesn't feel right."

She nodded quickly and vanished.

—

A Week Later – Forest of Death, Central Tower

Anko, thankfully, hadn't run into Orochimaru.

Still, Guts wasn't taking chances. The moment he received the message, he used the Flying Thunder God kunai given to him by Minato and teleported straight to the central tower.

There, he found Hanabi, already inside.

She had made it solo.

What's more, her arrival time was second only to Team 8 and faster than the entire Sand trio.

"Nice work, Hanabi," Guts said with a grin. "Come here. You've earned a reward."

He pulled a banana-flavored lollipop from his pocket and held it out.

"Don't treat me like a kid!" she huffed.

Still… she took the lollipop and popped it into her mouth with a small pout.

Moments later, Hinata ran over as well.

"Guts Sensei," she called softly.

Now twelve, her midnight-blue hair reached her waist. Despite her shyness, her calm presence and grace were already beginning to bloom.

After encouraging both sisters with a few warm words, more teams began to arrive.

The Konoha Twelve were all present.

So were the Sand siblings, the Otonin trio… and instead of Kabuto's team, Mist's Genin squad, led by Suigetsu, had taken their place.

Including Hanabi's team, there were exactly 22 candidates.

As always, the third exam would take the top performers to a one-on-one tournament—then a month of preparation before the finals at Konoha's grand stadium.

However, Gekkō Hayate, this year's examiner, stepped forward and announced an unexpected change.

"Due to the high number of participants, we'll be conducting a preliminary elimination round effective immediately."

The room broke out in loud protests.

But Hayate ignored them.

Anyone unwilling could leave. No one was being forced.

Guts, watching from the viewing platform, narrowed his eyes. He didn't even need to use Observation Haki, Sasuke's body was trembling.

He's already been marked… Orochimaru must've given him the Curse Seal.

Strangely, Yakushi Kabuto was nowhere to be seen.

And Orochimaru, who should have infiltrated the Otonin team, hadn't shown up either.

As Hayate began explaining the rules, the matchups appeared on the giant screen behind him.

Names flickered

Hyuga Hanabi VS Hyuga Neji.

A heavy silence followed.

Almost every Jōnin instructor turned toward the screen in surprise.

A battle between Main House and Branch House, was this really just coincidence?

"Minato's not the kind to stage drama like this," Guts murmured, watching intently.

"Well then... this might get interesting."

--------------------------------------

Support me at patreon.com/Arthorain and read upto 50 Advanced Chapters and Exclusive R-18 Content!

--------------------------------------

Update schedule: 7 chapters/week

Every 100 power stones = 1 Extra Chapter

By voting with [power stones], you can easily get double the number of chapters.