The real Shinobi World...
Morning sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, falling on the ground as a damp scent filled the air. The examinees had gathered early and followed the examiner to the entrance of the Forest of Death, where they waited for the second exam to begin. Mitarashi Anko stood before them, a dangerous smile on her face as her hawk-like gaze swept over every examinee present.
"Everyone, welcome to the site of the second exam—the Forest of Death!" Anko's voice rang out loud and energetic, instantly drowning out the examinees' whispers. "For the next three days, you'll be fighting for your lives in this forest. The rules are simple: work in teams of three, collect both a Heaven Scroll and an Earth Scroll, and reach the central tower within the time limit. Remember, this forest is full of dangers, not just ferocious beasts but all kinds of traps. And the forest isn't your only opponent. There are the other examinees, too."
Her words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing the fighting spirit that had just stirred among the examinees. Many looked nervous, and some even began complaining under their breath.
"Three days? And we have to collect both kinds of scrolls? Isn't that way too hard...?" one examinee murmured, a hint of despair in his voice. "The Forest of Death... It sounds terrifying..." another examinee said with a frown, his eyes full of worry.
Anko watched their reactions and nodded in satisfaction. She clapped her hands and called out, "All right, stop dawdling! The exam—begins!"
As soon as she finished speaking, the examinees rushed into the Forest of Death, beginning the life-or-death exam.
Three days later, the examinees who had passed began arriving at the central tower of the Forest of Death. Compared to three days ago, well over half their number was gone. Of the nearly hundred examinees who had started, fewer than thirty had successfully advanced.
Anko stood at the tower's entrance, her gaze sweeping over every examinee present. A meaningful smile played on her face as she said, "Congratulations on passing the second exam. But the next exam won't be easy, so prepare yourselves."
The successful examinees looked exhausted, but their faces were full of fighting spirit. They knew they had passed the toughest hurdle, but the challenges ahead were still not to be underestimated.
The Konoha 12 were undoubtedly the biggest winners of the exam. Although Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura had fought several fierce battles, their teamwork and tenacity had carried them through, allowing them to collect both scrolls and reach the tower. Naruto still wore his confident smile, as though he feared no challenge.
"Heh heh, I knew we'd make it!" Naruto said excitedly, clenching his fist.
Sakura shook her head helplessly, a hint of weariness in her voice. "Naruto, don't get too carried away. The next exam might be even harder."
Sasuke glanced at Naruto, a trace of disdain in his voice. "Hmph. If it weren't for Sakura and me, you'd have been eliminated ages ago."
Besides Team 7, Konoha's other teams had also performed well. Team 3, made up of Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Tenten, had passed the exam without trouble thanks to their strength and teamwork. Neji still wore his confident expression, as though everything was under control.
"This exam was nothing more than a warm-up," Neji said calmly, a hint of pride in his voice.
Rock Lee clenched his fists, fighting spirit shining in his eyes. "In the next exam, I'll show everyone the power of my youth!"
Gaara's team from Sunagakure had also advanced. Gaara's face remained cold, but a trace of killing intent flashed through his eyes. Temari and Kankuro stood behind him, looking tired but with their eyes full of vigilance. "Konoha's ninja... aren't much," Gaara murmured, a hint of disdain in his voice.
Kurotsuchi's team from Iwagakure had passed the exam without trouble as well. An amused smile played on Kurotsuchi's face, and she glanced at Naruto from time to time, her eyes full of interest.
"That blond kid really is something," Kurotsuchi said quietly, a note of admiration in her voice.
The three ninja from Otogakure had also advanced. Their expressions were somewhat sinister, and they occasionally glanced at the Konoha examinees, as though secretly plotting something.
Anko looked at the examinees present, a dangerous smile curling at her lips. "All right, everyone, congratulations on passing the second exam. But the next exam won't be easy. Prepare yourselves. The real challenge has only just begun."
Three days earlier
Deep in the Forest of Death, Orochimaru moved through the dense woods like a ghost. His gaze was cold and sharp, and a sinister smile played on his lips. His original plan had been to place a Cursed Seal on Sasuke in this forest and bring him completely under his control. But just as he was preparing to act, Kabuto Yakushi sent him an urgent intelligence report through a secret channel.
"Lord Orochimaru, there's been a change in the Akatsuki's movements." Kabuto's voice came through the communicator, low and urgent. "They seem to have taken an interest in Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams and may intervene. If we don't prepare in advance, they could ruin our plan."
A chill flashed through Orochimaru's eyes, and his smile grew more sinister. "The Akatsuki... Hmph, those conceited fools really won't pass up any opportunity."
He stopped and surveyed his surroundings. After confirming that no one was following him, he said quietly, "Kabuto, keep monitoring the Akatsuki's movements. Also, inform our ninja forces near Konoha to pick up the pace and be ready to move at any time."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru." Kabuto's voice held a note of respect, and then the communicator fell silent.
Orochimaru stood where he was, quickly calculating his next move. He knew the Akatsuki's involvement could disrupt his plans, especially that man who called himself "Madara Uchiha." His strength was unfathomable, and he absolutely could not be underestimated. "It seems I'll have to act ahead of schedule."
"Sasuke, you can't escape my grasp," Orochimaru murmured. Then he flickered out of sight, vanishing into the depths of the woods.
Disguised as the Fourth Kazekage, Orochimaru stood before Baki, who waited for his orders with his head respectfully lowered.
"Baki, there's been a change." Orochimaru's voice was low and hoarse, with an authority that brooked no argument. "There's been a shift in the Akatsuki's movements. They may intervene in Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams. To ensure our plan goes smoothly, immediately inform the ninja forces who came here under concealed identities to pick up the pace and assemble near Konoha as soon as possible."
Baki froze for a moment, clearly surprised by the order, but he quickly recovered and nodded respectfully. "Yes, Lord Kazekage. I'll make the arrangements at once."
Orochimaru nodded, a chill flashing through his eyes. "Remember, the operation must be secret. We absolutely cannot arouse Konoha's suspicions. Our target isn't just the Chunin Ninja Exams, but all of Konoha."
Baki's heart tightened, and he hurriedly replied, "Understood, Lord Kazekage. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."
Orochimaru waved a hand, dismissing Baki. Baki bowed respectfully, then turned and left the command post.
On the outskirts of Konoha, Sunagakure's elite ninja were quietly assembling. They hid among the trees, moving swiftly and discreetly, like hunters lying in wait in the shadows. Baki stood at the front of the group, his stern gaze sweeping over every ninja present.
"Everyone, Lord Kazekage has ordered that the operation may have to be moved forward." Baki's voice was low and forceful, instantly silencing the whispers among the ranks. "Our target is Konoha. The importance of this mission goes without saying. Remember, move discreetly and do not reveal your identities under any circumstances."
The ninja nodded, solemn expressions on their faces. They knew the mission concerned Sunagakure's future, and nothing could be allowed to go wrong.
The examinees who had passed the second exam gathered inside the central tower of the Forest of Death, looking exhausted but full of fighting spirit. Although they had successfully passed the Forest of Death's trial, there were still more of them than expected. Of the nearly hundred examinees who had started, fewer than thirty had successfully advanced. The atmosphere inside the tower was somewhat oppressive, as though it heralded an even more brutal exam ahead.
Just then, the tower's doors slowly opened, and the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, walked slowly up to the platform. He wore a kindly smile as his hawk-like gaze swept over every examinee present. The examinees held their breath and focused, their eyes fixed on the Third Hokage, their hearts full of anticipation and unease.
"Examinees, first of all, congratulations on passing the second exam." The Third Hokage's voice was low and powerful, instantly drowning out the whispers in the examination hall. "Your performance has been very gratifying. Standing out in this danger-filled Forest of Death is proof enough of your strength and perseverance."
His words brought the examinees some relief, and a hint of pride appeared on their faces. But the Third Hokage's next words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing their newfound joy.
"However..." The Third Hokage's tone suddenly grew serious, and his gaze held an unquestionable authority. "There are still too many examinees who have passed the second exam. To ensure the quality of the third exam, we have decided to hold a preliminary round before the official exam, further narrowing the field to the twelve best examinees, who will enter the final assessment."
As soon as he finished speaking, an uproar erupted in the hall. The examinees looked shocked and dissatisfied, and some could not help complaining under their breath.
"Preliminaries? We have to go through another selection? That's brutal!" one examinee murmured, a hint of despair in his voice.
"We already passed the Forest of Death's trial. Why do we have to take another test?" another examinee asked with a frown, his eyes full of confusion.
The Third Hokage watched their reactions, his kindly smile unchanged, but his voice held an unwavering firmness. "Everyone, the Chunin Ninja Exams are not merely a test of your strength, but also a tempering of your will and perseverance. Only the finest ninja are qualified to become Chunin and shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting the village. Therefore, the preliminary round is necessary."
His words instantly made the atmosphere in the hall turn solemn. The examinees clenched their fists, fighting spirit shining in their eyes. They knew the coming preliminary round would be an even more brutal contest, but they were ready to face the challenge.
Naruto stood among the crowd, his confident smile still in place. He clenched his fist, determination shining in his eyes. "No matter what kind of exam it is, I won't back down! I'm going to become a Chunin, and then Hokage!"
Sasuke glanced at Naruto, a hint of disdain in his voice. "Hmph, just don't hold me back." Sakura shook her head helplessly, but her eyes were full of relief. "That idiot finally didn't let us down."
Meanwhile, the examinees from the other villages were each considering the coming preliminary round. Gaara of Sunagakure remained expressionless, but a trace of killing intent flashed through his eyes. Temari and Kankuro stood behind him, looking tired but with their eyes full of vigilance.
"Konoha's ninja... aren't much," Gaara murmured, a hint of disdain in his voice.
Kurotsuchi of Iwagakure looked excited, her hands clasped behind her head. She glanced at Naruto from time to time, her eyes full of interest. "That blond kid really is something," Kurotsuchi said quietly, a note of admiration in her voice.
The three ninja from Otogakure stood in a corner, their expressions somewhat sinister. They occasionally glanced at the Konoha examinees, as though secretly plotting something.
The Third Hokage looked at the examinees present, a meaningful smile curling at his lips. "All right, everyone, the preliminary round will be held tomorrow. Get a good night's rest and prepare for the challenge ahead."
As soon as he finished speaking, the examinees clenched their fists, fighting spirit shining in their eyes. They knew the coming preliminary round would be a life-or-death contest, but they were ready to face the challenge.
The Land of Earth...
In the Tsuchikage's office in Iwagakure, the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, sat in a large chair, holding an intelligence report that had just arrived. His face was dark as thunder, his brow tightly furrowed as his blade-like gaze swept over every word. The report clearly stated that of the ninja Iwagakure had sent to Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams, only the three members of the team led by his granddaughter Kurotsuchi and one member of another team had advanced. Konoha, meanwhile, had more than a dozen examinees pass the preliminary round and enter the final assessment.
"Foul play! There was definitely foul play!" Ōnoki slammed his hand on the desk, barely restrained anger in his voice. "How could so many of Konoha's examinees have advanced? They must have rigged the exam!"
Akatsuchi, who stood nearby and was also one of Iwagakure's senior officials, watched Ōnoki's anger and spoke carefully. "Lord Tsuchikage, perhaps Konoha's new generation really is a little stronger than we expected. After all, the scenes shown on the Heavenly Screen have already proven their strength."
Ōnoki snorted, a trace of disdain in his voice. "The Heavenly Screen? Hmph, that's nothing but Konoha's trick for singing its own praises! How could our Iwagakure ninja possibly be inferior to them?"
Akatsuchi shook his head helplessly and sighed inwardly. He knew Lord Tsuchikage had always been conceited, especially when it came to Konoha, toward which he always harbored an inexplicable hostility. But as his subordinate, he could hardly say more, so he could only stand silently to the side.
Ōnoki fell silent for a moment, a complex emotion flashing through his eyes. The images of Konoha's young ninja appeared in his mind, particularly that blond Naruto Uzumaki. Among the scenes shown on the Heavenly Screen, Naruto's battle with Pain had left a deep impression on him. Though the boy was young, he had displayed astonishing strength and willpower.
"Konoha's new generation... is it really that strong?" Ōnoki murmured, a barely perceptible wariness in his voice. "Has our Iwagakure really fallen behind?"
His thoughts involuntarily drifted in another direction—to Deidara, the disciple he both loved and hated. Deidara was a genius the likes of which Iwagakure saw only once in a century, and his talent for explosion ninjutsu in particular was nearly unmatched. But Deidara's nature had been too rebellious, and he had ultimately chosen to defect from the village.
"Deidara... if that boy could have changed his personality, he would have been perfect," Ōnoki murmured, a hint of regret and helplessness in his voice. "His talent should have been used for Iwagakure, not wasted on that pointless 'art.'"
Hearing Ōnoki mention Deidara, Akatsuchi felt a surge of mixed emotions as well. He knew Deidara's defection had always been a thorn in Lord Tsuchikage's heart, and that regret had grown even deeper after he saw the rise of Konoha's new generation.
"Lord Tsuchikage, what happened with Deidara is in the past," Kitsuchi said carefully, a note of consolation in his voice. "We should focus now on how to strengthen Iwagakure, rather than dwell on the past."
Ōnoki was silent for a moment, then nodded, a note of determination in his voice. "You're right. Konoha's new generation has already become a threat to us. We must pick up the pace and train more outstanding ninja. We absolutely cannot fall behind them."
Kitsuchi nodded, quietly breathing a sigh of relief. He knew that although Lord Tsuchikage was conceited, he could always make the right decision at a critical moment.
In the Tsuchikage's office, Ōnoki kept his eyes fixed on the intelligence report in his hand. He kept thinking of the rise of Konoha's new generation and of Deidara's defection, his heart full of mixed emotions.
"Konoha... the new generation... Deidara..." Ōnoki murmured, a barely perceptible weariness in his voice. "It seems our Iwagakure must change."
He slowly stood, determination flashing in his eyes. "Akatsuchi, notify all the senior officials. We'll hold an emergency meeting tomorrow. We must formulate a new plan and strengthen Iwagakure. We absolutely cannot fall behind Konoha!"