The Exam Begins

Shikaku Nara then began reading out the rules for the written exam.

"This exam is taken in teams. Once you enter the examination hall, you'll be given a test paper with eight questions."

"These eight questions cover the shinobi code and general shinobi knowledge. Each correct answer is worth ten points."

"The ninth question will appear during the final ten minutes of the exam. It's worth twenty points. You can choose whether or not to answer it, but I advise you to think carefully about your decision based on your own circumstances."

"You need at least sixty points to pass this exam. Anyone who scores below sixty will be eliminated."

"There's a risk involved with this question. If you decide to answer the ninth question and get it wrong, then even if you scored eighty points before that, you'll still be eliminated. In other words, if you aren't confident, it's best not to attempt the ninth question. Make sure you understand the consequences of getting it wrong."

"If you choose not to answer it but still fail to reach sixty points, then I'm afraid your exam will end all the same."

"Your written exam ranking will directly determine the order in which you take part in the next practical test. The higher your score, the greater your advantage. The chief examiner will tell you the details in the next round."

At this, most of the people in the examination hall looked uneasy. Most had already given up on attempting the bonus question. If they were already above the passing mark, getting the bonus question wrong would only do them more harm than good.

"Oh, right. If you aren't confident, you can choose to withdraw now. However, the other candidates on your team will also lose their eligibility for this exam."

"You might be wondering why anyone would withdraw. But let me tell you: anyone eliminated in this exam won't be allowed to take the Chunin Exams again for three years! Anyone caught cheating, or even suspected of cheating, will lose their eligibility to take the exam for life!"

Shikaku said sternly. The Chunin examiners around him all wore grim expressions, too. His words had landed like a bomb. Those who already lacked confidence felt their anxiety grow even more. After all, if they failed, their teammates would be dragged down with them.

Shiyu understood now.

As expected, Konoha's written exams were never that simple.

In the original exam, one part tested a shinobi's ability to gather intelligence: they weren't considered to be cheating until they were caught three times. The other part tested whether a shinobi could stand firm in the face of desperation. This exam, too, put enormous psychological pressure on the candidates.

I wonder what the final question will be.

Shiyu hoped Nao would be able to hold on until the end. Fortunately, he'd already talked things over with Kurenai and Nao beforehand.

"Now, get ready to begin. You should know that Konoha holds the Chunin Exams twice a year, so you'll have another chance. If you aren't confident in yourself, withdraw now. Don't spend your whole life as a Genin." Shikaku continued to pile on the psychological pressure, and some of the candidates were indeed persuaded.

Before long, one candidate raised his hand with a trembling gesture.

"I choose to withdraw. Better to leave now than go three years without becoming a Chunin." His teammate stood up as well, then left the examination hall looking dejected.

"Good. Withdrawing now means you still have a chance in the future. It's a wise choice. Don't be embarrassed, everyone. If you force yourself to go on, you might cause even more trouble for your teammates." Shikaku gave a signal, and more candidates raised their hands.

"I'm withdrawing from this exam."

"I'm withdrawing too."

Before long, many teams had chosen to withdraw. Shiyu watched Nao and Kurenai with concern, but thankfully, they seemed to have taken his advice to heart and showed no intention of giving up.

"That's right. I didn't expect there to be plants in the Chunin Exams. They're getting candidates with weak resolve to withdraw early." Shiyu could tell at a glance that the Genin who had led the way at the start was putting on a performance with Shikaku.

Some people left, though not many. In the end, those still in the examination hall were the ones determined to take the exam.

Shikaku nodded, checked the time, and said, "It's about time. Let's hand out the test papers."

The assistant Chunin examiners then unsealed the test papers and handed them out.

Before long, the hall filled with the rhythmic scratching of pens as people answered the questions.

After picking up his paper, Shiyu filled in his name, class, and shinobi number. Writing down his shinobi number in particular reminded him of filling in his exam registration number back in his previous life.

Then Shiyu began reading the questions carefully.

"Question one: Which three shinobi are known as the Sannin?"

Shiyu was a little surprised. He'd been prepared to use his White Rinnegan, but the question was unexpectedly simple.

This is an exam question? This is basic knowledge! Even a three-year-old knows the answer, let alone me—I'm already five. Could the questions get harder as they go along?

Shiyu quickly scanned the remaining seven questions, all the way to the last one.

"Who founded Konoha Ninja Village?"

Shiyu couldn't help drawing in a sharp breath. The eighth question was the hardest, but it was still basic knowledge. Any shinobi with even a little common sense should know the answer. Shiyu couldn't understand why the questions were so easy.

Teacher Hizashi said that nearly forty percent of the candidates might be eliminated. I think the key must be the final question. Shiyu shook his head, pushing aside his distracting thoughts.

He carefully answered the first seven questions, making sure he'd definitely get a passing score. Only then did he stare at the eighth question and ponder it for a while.

Most people will probably write that the village was founded by the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. But that answer isn't entirely correct.

Konoha was built by the Uchiha and the Senju Clan, who went from hating one another to working together to create a shinobi's ideal home—a village born from the pursuit of peace. That's why it was called Konoha.

Besides Hashirama Senju, Konoha was founded by his younger brother, Tobirama Senju, too—and Madara Uchiha, whose name most people would rather not mention!

Once Shiyu had figured that out, he set to writing and put down all three names.

That should give me eighty points so far. Now I just have to wait for the final bonus question.

Shiyu used his White Rinnegan to check Kurenai's answers. Other than the last question, where her answer differed from his, everything else was correct. She should pass.

Shiyu felt much more at ease. Then he used his White Rinnegan to check Nao's answers—and nearly got the fright of his life.

Is this guy seriously trying to be funny?