: 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.

: 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.

Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, Iruka Umino, Gaara, and Rock Lee.