¡Naruto, Sasuke y Sakura van a presentarse al examen de ascenso a ninja de grado medio tras la recomendación del maestro Kakashi!

Antes de entrar en el aula donde tiene lugar la prueba, un muchacho exige enfrentarse contra Sasuke, lo que presagia un enfrentamiento aún mayor.

¡¡Finalmente empiezan las pruebas eliminatorias, que han reunido a los ninjas más fuertes y astutos...!!

There are a couple of really cool scenes in this volume, but one stands out the most. Who would have guessed that a written test in a classroom could have been so full of conflict and fear? I suppose it helps when it's conducted by the chief torture specialist, eh?

And here we have another clue as to Naruto's special power.

It really is fun to reread these. Knowing what is coming only increases my enjoyment of these little stepping stones. ( )

This volume isn't mind-blowing, but it is one where Naruto's nature really shines. He's a flawed hero in a lot of ways--loud and obnoxious, overconfident, and far from academically proficient--but he would never do anything to intentionally let his comrades down, going so far as to risk his future just so that he doesn't bring them down. There's a lot to love about him, even if he isn't your favorite character. ( )

Though they've danced along the brink of death during training, Naruto and friends now face the most terrifying challenge: exams! The ninjas-in-training have signed up for the ChûninExams, which they must pass to advance to the rank of full-fledged shinobi. Passing or failing as a group, they're only as strong as their weakest link...Naruto!

Our trio of young heroes face their first major formal test. This is a particularly satisfying episode as we learn more about how they cope with stress and learn more of their psychology. ( )