News of the Chunin Exam's sweeping reforms quickly spread throughout Konoha.
When the genin learned that this Chunin Exam would be jointly held with Sunagakure and Iwagakure, and that its format would differ greatly from previous years, cries of despair immediately filled the village.
The Chunin Exam had already been extremely difficult, with a passing rate of less than one percent. Now, things had only gotten worse.
"Damn it, if I find out who did this, I'll kill them!"
"I should've taken the Chunin Exam last year!"
"Who knew they'd suddenly reform it this year?!"
"Am I going to fail again this year?"
Among the complaining genin, those who had graduated last year harbored the deepest resentment.
If they had known this year's Chunin Exam would be reformed and jointly held with the other two major hidden villages, they might as well have stubbornly given it a try last year.
However, none of those matters fell within Uchiha Sōgetsu's considerations.
"Our goal is to eliminate ninety-nine percent of the examinees!"
Shikaku Nara clasped his hands beneath his chin, killing intent blazing in his eyes. He looked as though he would rather kill the wrong person than let anyone go.
Sōgetsu muttered inwardly, wondering who had offended him, but his curiosity got the better of him. "If too many people are eliminated, won't that affect next year?"
"This is Lord Hokage's intention."
Shikaku Nara shook his head and patiently explained, "The Chunin Exam is not judged by the final result, but by one's performance throughout the process. Besides, this time, the main purpose is to intimidate Sunagakure and Iwagakure, let them witness Konoha's foundation, and establish an alliance in advance. So this is a necessary measure."
Sōgetsu understood. In other words, there was no need to worry about the elimination rate.