Naruto is assigned to a team led by jonin Hayama to patrol the north border of the Leaf Village. One of his teammates is Kosuke, an old man who has been a genin for over fifty years, earning him the title "Eternal Genin."

During the Chunin Exam, Neji rests in the medical room, having lost to Naruto. Just as Tenten comes in to check up on him, they see the Leaf Village attacked by Orochimaru and his men.