The originalNarutoseries has delivered some of the most compelling arcs, helping the franchise build a dedicated fan base. One of the standout arcs is undoubtedly the Chunin Exam arc. This arc follows the classic structure of a shōnen’s exam and training arc, featuring students battling each other before an inevitable interruption by the villains. Despite its familiar formula, the Chunin Exam arc stands out with its memorable characters and intense battle sequences.
However,the Chunin arc isn’t without flaws, and one aspect is particularly difficult to overlook: it doesn’t actually produce many Chunin-ranked ninjas as one might expect. Despite several participants demonstrating the skills needed for promotion, the ranking decisions seem inconsistent. Naruto, the series’ protagonist, accomplished enough to earn the title. Not only did he pass one of the most challenging tests, but he also played a crucial role in saving the village from disaster and still failed to achieve a Chunin promotion.
Naruto Should Have Become a Chunin After the Chunin Exam Arc
The Parameters for Becoming a Chunin Make No Sense
TheChunin rank inNarutois awarded to Shinobi who have demonstrated sufficient skill and capability to handle low-ranking missions independently, without requiring a Jonin in their team. Based on this requirement, Naruto had already proven himself worthy of promotion. He played a crucial role in aiding Kakashi during the battle against Zabuza and Haku, while also showcasing impressive control over the hidden power of the Nine-Tails. Furthermore, during the Chunin Exams, Naruto displayed remarkable growth, something that should have been the primary criterion for promoting a Shinobi to Chunin.
The Chunin Exam consisted of three different tests, each assessing various aspects of a participant’s abilities, from intelligence to battlefield performance. Despite Naruto’s initial lack of academic aptitude, he demonstrated enough wit to pass the notoriously tricky written exam. He also proved his teamwork skills during the second test in the Forest of Death and showcased exceptional physical prowess in the final stage of the exam. His battle against Neji was undoubtedly the highlight of the exam, as he defied expectations and defeated a prodigy.
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Beyond his combat skills, Naruto also proved his ability to inspire others, forcing Neji to reconsider his rigid beliefs and break free from the mindset that had defined his upbringing. Despite passing the tests and proving his growth, Naruto went even further by aiding the village’s high-ranking Shinobi in defending againstOrochimaru’s attack. These contributions should have been more than enough to earn him the Chunin rank.However, he was overlooked, and only Shikamaru was promoted.However, there might be a hidden reason that the series should have specified why Naruto couldn’t be promoted.
Naruto Likely Didn’t Achieve His Rank Due to His Hidden Powers
The Chunin Exam inNarutowas never fully completed due to Orochimaru’s interference, which abruptly halted the proceedings. However, despite the interruption,Shikamaru was still promoted to Chunin, even though he forfeited his fight in the third test. His promotion was based on his intelligence and leadership skills, and considering how he had consistently impressed everyone through his performance in school, his promotion was well-earned. Similarly, Naruto had also demonstrated significant growth, particularly through his encounters with Haku and Zabuza, as well as his strong performance in the exam.
These factors should have been enough to earn him a promotion, but since the judges evaluated the overall journey rather than just individual performances in the test,Naruto likely didn’t achieve the rank due to being a Jinchuriki.He was feared by many in the village because of Kurama residing within him, which may have played a role in the decision. Otherwise, it makes little sense why theNarutoseries never had its protagonist become a Chunin during this arc, a point that should have been acknowledged within the story.
Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
