: Kakashi, along with other Jōnin leaders Asuma and Kurenai, officially recommends his rookie Genin for the Chūnin Exams. Iruka vehemently opposes this, fearing they lack the experience for such a dangerous test, but Kakashi insists they are ready.
In , titled "Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals!" , the story shifts into the high-stakes Chūnin Exams arc . Following their mission in the Land of Waves, Team 7 returns to the Hidden Leaf Village, where Kakashi Hatake recommends Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura for the upcoming promotional exams, much to the concern of their former teacher, Iruka Umino. Episode Plot Summary : Kakashi, along with other Jōnin leaders Asuma
: While wandering the village, Naruto and his friends encounter foreign ninjas from the Hidden Sand Village , including Gaara , Kankurō , and Temari , who are in town for the exams. Following their mission in the Land of Waves,
Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals | Narutopedia | Fandom After they each demonstrate their growth and resolve,
: To verify their readiness, Iruka disguises himself as a foreign ninja and attacks Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura individually. After they each demonstrate their growth and resolve, Iruka is satisfied and formally withdraws his opposition.