Half an hour later, the examiners finished grading the papers. Aside from a handful of honest examinees who hadn't resorted to cheating, all those who managed to complete the written test successfully advanced to the next stage.
Asuma Sarutobi swept his gaze across the room and smiled.
"First of all, congratulations to everyone who passed the written exam. Next comes the second stage—the real test of a ninja. To be honest, I didn't expect this many people to make it through, so the following exam will be even stricter. Anyone who wants to withdraw can do so now. Those who wish to continue—follow me."
With that, Asuma and the other examiners moved ahead to lead the way.
"Don't be ridiculous! We've come this far—there's no way I'm quitting now!"
"Same here! I decided a long time ago—no matter what, I'm becoming a chūnin this time!"
"A real ninja battle? Perfect. Just what I wanted!"
"The written exam was boring. Finally, it's time for actual combat—I've been looking forward to this!"
Clearly, none of the examinees were the type to back down. They followed closely behind the examiners.
---
The Forest of Death
At the entrance to the Forest of Death, Uzumaki Renka followed the group at high speed. Before long, they arrived at the site of the second exam.
"Good. It looks like you've all made up your minds," Asuma said after everyone had gathered, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Take a look at the forest in front of you. This is where the second stage will take place."
"The forest contains mountains, rivers, and a tower at its center. From the entrance to the tower is a distance of ten kilometers. You can think of this stage as a survival exercise—anything can happen."
"Scattered throughout the forest are Heaven Scrolls and Earth Scrolls, ten of each. Your mission is to obtain one of each within five days, then make your way to the tower in the center of the forest."
Suddenly, one of the examinees raised an objection.
"This is Konoha's territory. How are we outsiders supposed to know where the scrolls are? This exam isn't fair at all!"
Asuma glanced at him, then at the rest of the group.
"Any other questions? You can raise them all now—I'll answer everything at once."
As soon as he finished speaking, several more voices rose up.
"With only ten Heaven Scrolls and ten Earth Scrolls, doesn't that mean only ten teams can pass?"
"So we're expected to fight and steal from each other?"
"What if people get seriously injured—or killed—during the exam?"
Three minutes later, once everyone had finally quieted down, Asuma flicked the extinguished cigarette butt into a nearby trash bin and answered calmly:
"First question—fairness. Since Konoha is hosting the exam, we won't compromise on that. Before the exam begins, each team will receive a map marking the locations of the scrolls. Where you go and what you do after that depends entirely on your ability."
"As for the other questions—you're right. Only ten teams can pass. If the competition is too intense and fewer than ten teams make it, that's acceptable too."
He paused, his expression turning serious.
"As for injuries and deaths… ninja exist to fight. If you're afraid of dying, then becoming a ninja isn't for you."
"That's all. You have thirty minutes to rest. After that, the second stage begins immediately."
---
"Hey—didn't expect you to actually pass the written exam," a familiar voice said lazily. "I'm curious—what trick did you pull in the restroom?"
Renka had been resting while quietly observing the others when a faint, fragrant breeze brushed past him, followed by a clear, lilting voice. His body tensed instinctively, and the hand behind his back tightened around a kunai in his pouch.
"Well, well—pretty alert," Anko Mitarashi said with a grin, standing beside him. "No wonder you managed to beat those Mist shinobi. You do have some skill."
Woman, you're playing with fire.
The line flashed through Renka's mind—but he wisely kept it to himself. He knew all too well the gap between them. Saying something like that would probably get him beaten senseless.
Even though he had mastered a fair number of jutsu, real ninja combat was lightning-fast. One mistake could mean death. Rank alone had never been an accurate measure of strength.
A genin who had survived for decades and a newly promoted jōnin—who was truly stronger? Combat power and experience were what really decided a fight.
Renka knew this well. In terms of raw ninjutsu, he could overwhelm Anko—but in a true life-or-death battle, his lack of experience would hold him back. Just like last time, when he'd nearly died to a Mist jōnin's sneak attack.
"…Could it be that I had to cheat to finish the exam?" Renka said dryly. "Isn't it possible that I just studied hard and answered everything myself?"
Anko snorted. "You really do have a thick skin. Fine—if that's the case, then I'll be looking forward to your performance in the second stage."
She turned away.
"If it weren't for the mission, I wouldn't even consider letting you join my team."
Watching her leave, Renka shook his head lightly and forced himself to refocus.
C-rank and higher missions generally required teams of at least three. Without a squad, his only option to accumulate merit quickly was Anko's team—the only one willing to take him.
...
Thirty minutes passed quickly.
"Time's up!" Asuma's voice rang out again.
"The Forest of Death is now open. The second stage begins!"
"Finally! I've been waiting forever!"
"That Sound ninja—just you wait! Without a jōnin interfering this time, I'll show you what it means to cross the Uchiha!"
"Such enthusiasm. But the first ones to reach the tower will be us, right, Akamaru?"
"Woof!"
"The Forest of Death… heh. Orochimaru-sama's mission mustn't be forgotten. Let's see if there are any promising talents here."
"Target the rookies first. Once they're eliminated, things will be much easier."
The massive gates opened. The examinees burst forward like streaks of light, each instantly choosing a direction and plunging deep into the forest.
—
"All right. Now we wait here," Asuma said, lighting another cigarette.
"I wonder if this year's candidates will break any records."
"Once he passed the written exam, Renka was like a dragon returning to the sea," Asuma added casually. "Anyone who can take down two chūnin in succession isn't going to be stopped by a simple chūnin exam."
Anko shot him a sideways glance.
"You're giving him too much credit. I admit he's strong—and I agree this stage won't stop him—but passing effortlessly? Even I couldn't do that."
"Haha, I was just saying," Asuma shrugged. "But if you're so sure he'll become a chūnin, why not just let him join your team directly?"
Anko replied flatly, "Acknowledging his strength doesn't mean I have to accept him. If he wants to join my team, the title of chūnin matters. Besides, only by seeing his true ability can I assign missions properly. This exam is part of his evaluation."
"…Is that what they call tsundere?" Asuma chuckled to himself, taking another drag from his cigarette.