As a genin, he was placed in a team with Mo Yamakaze and Onwa Hikaeme. This team was selected as the Team 13 and was led by Chika Taisuisō, a medical-nin with experience in many battles who fought through the village during the Second Shinobi World War. During his first Chūnin Exams, Iwaburo failed in his attempt to become chūnin as well as his teammates. Apparently the Team 13 was eliminated from the competition during the second phase of the exam.