Starting the Exam

Shikaku Nara then began to read out the rules for the written exam.

"For this exam, you will be in teams. Once you enter the examination hall, you will be given a set of papers with eight questions."

"These eight questions are all about ninja ethics and common ninja knowledge. You get ten points for each correct answer."

"In the last ten minutes of the exam, a ninth question will appear. This ninth question is worth twenty points. You can choose to answer it or not, and we advise you to consider carefully based on your personal situation."

"Passing for this exam is sixty points. Anyone scoring below sixty will be directly eliminated."

"Because this question carries a risk, if you choose to answer the ninth question and get it wrong, you will be eliminated even if your score was previously 80. In other words, if you're not confident about the ninth question, it's best not to attempt it. You must understand the cost of getting it wrong."

"However, if you choose not to answer it and your final score is still below 60, then I'm sorry, your exam will also end."

"Your ranking in the written exam will directly determine your order of appearance in the next practical combat stage. The higher your score, the greater your advantage. The specific details will be explained by the chief examiner for the next stage."

At this point, most people in the exam hall felt uneasy. Many had already given up on the idea of attempting the bonus question. If they already exceeded the passing line, it would be a net loss to be eliminated for getting the bonus question wrong.

"Oh? That's right. If you lack confidence, you can choose to forfeit directly. However, any examinees in your team will also lose their eligibility for this exam."

"Oh, you might be wondering why you would forfeit? But I will tell you, those eliminated in this exam are forbidden from participating in the Chunin Promotion Exam for three years! Anyone caught cheating or suspected of cheating will be permanently disqualified!"

Shikaku said with great seriousness. The Chunin examiners around him also had grim expressions. Shikaku's words were undoubtedly like a bombshell. Those who already lacked confidence felt their psychological pressure increase once more, as failing would also implicate their teammates.

Shiyu silently understood.

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

The exam in the original work tested a ninja's information gathering ability, with cheating only being penalized after three offenses. It also tested a ninja's spirit of not backing down in desperate situations. This exam, compared to that, also placed immense psychological pressure on the examinees.

I just wonder what the final question will be.

Shiyu hoped that Nao could persevere until the end. Fortunately, he had already communicated with Kurenai and Nao beforehand.

"Now, prepare to begin the exam. You should know that Konoha holds two Chunin Selection Exams per year, so you will have other chances. If you lack confidence, forfeit early. Don't remain a Genin forever." Nara Shikaku continued to apply psychological pressure, and some examinees were indeed persuaded.

Before long, a candidate hesitantly raised their hand.

"I choose to withdraw. It's better to withdraw now than to be unable to become a Chunin for three years." The candidate's companion also stood up, and they left the examination hall with somewhat dejected expressions.

"Very good. Withdrawing now means you still have opportunities in the future. It's a wise decision. Everyone, don't be embarrassed. If you force yourselves to continue, you might bring greater trouble to your teammates." Nara Shikaku gave a knowing look, and then more people raised their hands in the hall.

"I forfeit this exam."

"I forfeit too."

Unknowingly, many teams had chosen to forfeit. Shiyu looked at Nao and Kurenai with great worry, but fortunately, they seemed to have taken his words to heart and showed no intention of forfeiting.

That's right. I didn't expect the Chunin Exam to have people like this, influencing hesitant examinees to forfeit early. Shiyu could tell at a glance that the Genin who took the lead was putting on a show with Nara Shikaku.

Some people left, but not many. In the end, those who remained in the exam hall were those determined to take the exam.

Shikaku nodded, checked the time, and then said, "Time is almost up. We will now distribute the papers."

Then, the deputy examiners began to unseal the test papers and distribute them.

Soon, the sound of pens rhythmically scratching on paper could be heard.

Shiyu took his paper and first filled in his name, class, and ninja registration number, especially the registration number, which felt like writing down an admission ticket number from his previous life's exams.

Next, Shiyu began to read the questions.

"Question one: In the ninja world, the three ninjas known as the Sannin are named?"

Shiyu was a little surprised. He had already prepared to use his White Rinnegan, but he hadn't expected the question to be so simple.

Is this an exam question? This is common knowledge! How can the questions be so simple? Even a three-year-old knows the answer, let alone me who is already five years old. Could it be that the difficulty increases in the later questions?

Shiyu then scanned the remaining seven questions at lightning speed, all the way to the last one.

"Who established the Konohagakure?"

Shiyu couldn't help but gasp. The eighth question was the most difficult, but it was still a common knowledge question that any ninja with a little common sense would understand. Shiyu really couldn't understand why such simple questions were being asked.

Teacher Hizashi said that nearly 40% of people might be eliminated. I think the key problem must lie in the last question. Shiyu shook his head, casting aside his distracting thoughts.

He carefully answered the first seven questions, ensuring he could definitely pass, and then pondered the eighth question for a moment.

"The ninja who established the Konohagakure. I believe the vast majority will write the answer as the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, but this answer is not entirely correct."

"The establishment of Konoha was the result of cooperation between the Uchiha and Senju clans after their animosity. It was born out of the pursuit of peace, hence the name Konoha."

"And, besides Hashirama Senju, those who established Konoha also included his brother, Tobirama Senju! And Madara Uchiha, whose name most people are unwilling to mention!"

Shiyu understood this point and quickly wrote down the three names.

Now, I should be able to guarantee myself 80 points. Now, I just have to wait for the final bonus question.

Shiyu used his White Rinnegan to glance at Kurenai's answers. Except for the last question, her answers differed from his, but she should be able to pass.

Shiyu felt much more at ease. Then, he used his White Rinnegan to look at Nao's answers and was almost scared to death.

Is this guy sure he's not here to make a joke?