“My name in Naruto Uzumaki, and none of you are gonna beat me!”

As the Chunin Exams start, one young ninja, Naruto Uzumaki, is excited for the first of three tests to begin so that he can become a Chunin, the next level of ninja. When the test exam proctor enters, he explains the rules. But wait, it’s a paper test! Naruto is struck with fear, he has no book smarts. What is he going to do? It is against the rules to cheat and if he does, or if he misses all 10 questions, the whole team will also be expelled. There is still hope. The tenth question is a mystery question, and if Naruto knows the answer, he and his team will make it to the second test.

Highlights

The point of this test is to cheat. I know they get expelled if they cheat, but one of the essential skills of a ninja is obtaining information without getting caught. Of course some people do know the answers, like Naruto’s teammate Sakura. Some people can use special jutsu to see other people’s answers. One girl can transfer her mind into other's bodies to look at their answers, another kid can use bugs to look at the answers, and one kid even uses puppets. Some can use special abilities that have been passed down through their family, like Naruto’s other teammate Sasuke, who can use his special eyes to see others’ answers. Naruto’s problem is that he can only fight.      

Overall

This book is almost an overview of what actually happens. It gets all the information across that it needs to get across, and it’s not all that long. The TV show took about three episodes to tell what this book told. It is more entertaining to watch it, but if you are behind then it is a great way to catch up. The first test isn’t the best part of the series, but it is a nice break from all the action. It is humorous and easy to read. The twist ending will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

ComicsOnline gives the Naruto: The First Test chapter book 4 out of 5 test guards