Quiet.
The area outside the examination hall was eerily quiet at that moment.
Even the most unruly Genin were intimidated by Kakashi's imposing aura.
Naruto watched as two Genin Forehead Protector other ninja villages led the guy who had been knocked unconscious by Kakashi away.
"Naruto, don't act rashly."
Shikamaru raised his eyelids slightly; he knew Naruto's personality all too well.
"Ah." Naruto nodded.
I just can't stand seeing others bully the weak, but the person who just spoke was just being rude, so I can't blame the others.
Furthermore, given Kakashi's personality, he shouldn't have done such a thing.
But now, this scene is indeed unfolding before our eyes.
Naruto couldn't help but think of a sentence his teacher had once said.
If a person does something drastically different from what they usually do, it means they must have a different motivation.
Kakashi, as the examiner for the second exam, looks like this now.
This implies that Konoha, or even the Hiruzen Hokage, has some other plans in mind, regardless of the reason.
Naruto wouldn't be foolish enough to step forward and stop them.
That wasn't out of kindness; it was pure stupidity.
Even Sasuke was somewhat surprised by Naruto's performance, recalling the Mirror Trial not long ago.
Sasuke also had a guess in his mind.
Facing and reconciling with one's dark side—it turns out it has this purpose too?
"Before the second exam, all candidates present need to sign a consent form."
As soon as Kakashi finished speaking, several ninjas who were already prepared appeared around the area and began to set up.
"In this exam, everyone present may face the possibility of injury or even death."
These words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion among the crowd.
At least in my own village, I could be guaranteed to be safe, but now I'm in Konoha.
This document, though called a consent form, is more like a life-or-death waiver; once signed, it means you're willing to be killed.
The murderer will not face any condemnation or prosecution.
Let's go.
Shikamaru turned to the group and said that they had already been warned when they became ninjas.
Following Naruto and the others' lead, the rest of the group also headed towards their nearest destinations.
Kakashi, without changing his expression, stood in front of an entrance.
Naruto and his friends were the first to sign, so they all came to Kakashi's side.
Facing the group, Kakashi merely smiled slightly before saying nothing more.
Within minutes, all the Genin present had gathered around.
Even among those who are only Genin, there are quite a few who have several years of Genin experience.
Even those who have just graduated have undergone the trials of blood and fire, and experienced the ordinary Ninja Academy life in Konoha.
Throughout the entire Shinobi World, only Scorpion Poop could be so unique.
Kakashi pointed to the map standing beside him and looked at everyone calmly.
"This is the examination venue. There are six entrances; please choose one."
"The ultimate goal is the center point of the map, the Central Tower."
"Everyone must arrive at this location within five days, and each person must bring two different scrolls."
"Your teams will be given one scroll shortly, and the task is to collect the other scroll within five days."
That means you've passed the test.
After Kakashi finished speaking, he waved his hand, indicating that everyone could disperse.
Naruto and the others came to the side, and everyone's eyes were on Shikamaru.
Even if they are from two different teams, they would still ask Shikamaru for his opinion on such matters.
"This assessment will test both our luck and our individual abilities."
Shikamaru rubbed his slightly sore neck and said helplessly.
Luck is a truly unpredictable factor.
Sasuke nodded in agreement. Despite the large number of teams present, once inside the examination hall, the team that would encounter the other scroll was much smaller.
It really comes down to luck, unless you already have a goal in mind from the beginning.
"We need to separate; the chances of us staying together are actually much lower."
Shikamaru crouched down, drew a circle on the ground, and pointed to the two corresponding angles.
"Although they can be combined into a single team to form a hunting mode."
"But once the other opponents realize what's happening, things won't be easy for us either."
Shikamaru first explained why they didn't team up.
Naruto and the others nodded thoughtfully; they hadn't thought of that.
If they could form a team, they wouldn't be afraid of any opponent.
However, this could also lead to them being attacked by others.
Even the most skilled person is afraid of a kitchen knife, let alone a group like ninjas.
Even the Third Raikage could be worn down to death, but which other ninja could reach Third Raikage level?
"However, if we haven't received the corresponding scroll by the fourth day..."
Shikamaru spoke, he pointed to the center of the circle drawn on the ground.
"We'll head straight to the Central Tower on this day."
Upon hearing this, Sasuke smiled, as did Choji and Ino.
"Huh?! Why?"
Naruto was a little confused. If they weren't going to merge in the first place, why did they have to meet on the fourth day?
"Idiot..." Sasuke smirked. He had just been thinking that Naruto had gotten smarter.
In retrospect, it was an illusion.
"You Sasuke, don't be so cocky!" Naruto was so angry that he wanted to step forward.
Hinata grabbed Naruto's arm and said earnestly, "Naruto-kun, Shikamaru- kun means we can meet up on the fourth day."
"Then we can directly seize the scrolls from the team that reached the tower."
"Because by then, anyone who dares to approach the tower will have already gathered all the necessary members."
"Uh, is that so? Then why not just wait until the last day? Or the third day? Wouldn't that be safer?"
After Naruto explained, Hinata finally understood.
"On the last day, all the teams that haven't assembled will head there. Then it won't be about looting and plundering anymore; it will be a massive free-for-all."
"Arriving there on the third day is also possible, but the opponents you encounter will be more formidable, and the chances of success won't be very high."
Shikamaru shook his head and offered his own explanation.
His prediction was that the chances of going there on the third day were even lower than on the fourth day.
Even after successfully obtaining the scroll, it will take at least four days to travel there, excluding some lucky individuals.
Those who managed to snag a scroll and reach the tower within the first three days were either incredibly strong or extremely lucky.
From any perspective, Shikamaru felt it was unnecessary.
Although they were quite strong, they had encountered some formidable opponents among the examinees this time.
"So that's how it is."
Naruto then nodded in realization.