The spiraling sphere of chakra in Naruto's hand hummed with a raw, untamed power. The high-density energy swirled violently, a clear and present danger that everyone in the room could feel. To be hit by such a technique would mean certain death or, at the very least, a crippling injury.

Temari, standing amidst the crowd of Sand ninja, was shocked. "That kid actually has some real strength," she admitted. "No wonder he's so arrogant."

Kankuro, beads of sweat forming on his brow, tried to maintain his composure. "Hmph! It's… what's so great about it? The jutsu is powerful, I guess, but I could think of a hundred ways to dodge it!"

"Shut up," Gaara hissed, his voice a low growl that silenced his brother instantly. He glared at Kankuro for a moment before turning his gaze back to Naruto Uzumaki. His eyes, like those of a predator that had just found its favorite prey, lit up with a terrifying intensity. "Uzumaki… Naruto," he murmured, the name a devil's whisper on his lips.

It was the first time Sakura or Sai had seen Naruto use such a powerful technique. Sakura was stunned, her voice a nervous stammer. "Naruto… what is that move?"

"Hehe," Naruto grinned, his chest puffing out with pride. "Scared, ya? This is the technique my dad taught me when he was training me from morning 'til night. It's called the Rasengan! And believe me, it was a real pain to master!"

"Sakura, Sai," he declared, "I'm going to teach these disgusting guys a lesson with this Rasengan! You two just stand back and cheer for me while I beat their ass!"

With that, under the cover of his shadow clones, Naruto charged straight toward the three Sound ninja. Dosu's expression tightened, and he immediately took a defensive stance, whispering urgently to his partners, "Stay sharp! Don't get hit by that thing! You'll die!"

"R-right," Zaku and Kin swallowed nervously, watching as Naruto closed the distance between them. Just as they were about to scatter, a large cloud of white smoke erupted between the two sides, obscuring everyone's vision.

The next moment, a large, scarred hand shot out of the smoke, grabbing Naruto's arm and stopping him in his tracks. A cold voice boomed through the room. "Your ninjutsu is impressive, but your speed is far from perfect. You have more to learn."

"Who—?" Naruto was startled. He tried to pull away, but the man's grip was like iron. As the smoke gradually dissipated, a tall, imposing man with a heavily scarred face came into view. Behind him stood a line of shinobi in the standard Konoha chunin uniform.

The scarred man waved his hand, tossing Naruto aside with contemptuous ease. He glanced around the examination room, his cold gaze sweeping over the silent Genin. "You brats, be quiet!" he barked sarcastically. "There will be plenty of time for you to roughhouse later! For now, all of you, shut your mouths and find your seats!"

"Tsk! Another arrogant jerk," Zaku spat, his face a mask of defiance. "Who the hell are you?"

"Hmph." The scarred man's face twisted into a fierce sneer. "I am Morino Ibiki, the chief proctor for the first stage of the Chunin Selection Exams."

"You, boy from the Sound Village, don't be so impulsive. If you mess with me, you will suffer the consequences. And you, Naruto," he growled, his gaze shifting, "this is a sacred examination hall. As a ninja of Konoha, show some proper etiquette!"

As soon as he spoke, a deathly silence fell over the room. Even Naruto, for all his bravado, became instantly obedient. No one had expected this ferocious-looking man to be the examiner who would decide their fate.

Dosu quickly put away the sonic weapon on his arm, his voice a model of false sincerity. "My apologies, sir. I was just so excited for my first exam that I accidentally…"

Ibiki cut him off. "Never mind. This is a good opportunity. Let me use this as an example to warn you all: you are not allowed to fight without an examiner's permission! And even with permission, you are not allowed to use techniques that would kill your opponent!"

"Do you all understand? Any fool who dares to disobey me will be eliminated immediately!"