Qiuqa highlights 4 key points from Naruto Classic Episode 21.
1. The Permit
Gaara apologized to Sasuke for Kankuro’s terrible behavior toward Konohamaru, then ordered his siblings to leave immediately.
Sakura demanded to know why Sunagakure shinobi were wandering around Konoha, pointing out that entering another village’s territory without permission was strictly forbidden. Temari explained that they carried official permits to enter the village to participate in the upcoming Chunin Exams.
2. The Hokage’s Office
In the Hokage’s office, Hiruzen gathered the Jonin to announce that Konoha would be hosting the Chunin Exams. Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma—the instructors of the rookie Genin teams—unanimously declared that their students were ready and officially recommended them for the trials.
Afterward, Kakashi met with Team 7 and handed them their application forms. He explained that participation was entirely voluntary; if they chose to enter, they had to sign the forms and submit them to Room 301 at the Academy by three o’clock that afternoon.
3. What it Means to be Chunin
At the main gates of Konoha, a steady stream of participants from various nations began arriving for the exams.
Outside Room 301, two ninja named Upin and Ipin kicked Rock Lee, sending him crashing to the floor. Ipin barred Lee and Tenten from entering, dismissing them as too weak and telling them to just give up.
Upin and Ipin explained that the Chunin Exams were brutally difficult and frequently resulted in the death of participants. They added that a Chunin holds the authority of a squad leader; therefore, mission failures or the deaths of team members rest entirely on a Chunin’s shoulders.
Team 7 arrived outside the room. Sasuke agreed with Upin and Ipin’s logic of weeding out the weak so they wouldn’t fail in vain. However, he firmly stated that he had business on the third floor and demanded they dispel the genjutsu barrier masking the door.
Upin and Ipin were shocked that Sasuke had seen through the illusion. Instantly, the sign on the door shifted from “301” back to “201,” revealing they were actually still on the second floor.
4. Rock Lee Steps Up
Ipin launched a kick at Sasuke, and Sasuke prepared to counter with one of his own. However, Lee agilely leaped between them, catching both of their strikes simultaneously. Sasuke was stunned by Lee’s sudden display of strength and speed.
Neji scolded Lee, reminding him that they had agreed to play weak to hide their true abilities from the other candidates. Lee simply blushed as he stared at Sakura, making it immediately clear to Tenten and Neji why he had broken character.
Lee then approached Sakura, struck a “nice guy” pose, and boldly confessed his love. He even vowed to protect her for the rest of his life. However, Sakura rejected him fiercely, calling him tacky, which left Lee slumped in utter frustration.
From behind the door, Izumo and Kotetsu—the exam proctors who had disguised themselves as Upin and Ipin—watched the scene unfold. They admitted they were deeply impressed by the formidable strength of Kakashi and Guy’s students.
