Screening!

"Did you bring enough soldier pills?"

"Make sure you store these Explosive Tags properly!"

"Keep the signal flares somewhere easy to reach. If you run into danger, set one off immediately. Don't try to be a hero!"

Among the students preparing to leave, Iruka busied himself checking one person's gear and reminding another of what to watch out for. His eyes were full of worry.

The students getting ready were both nervous and excited.

After a long while, once he had confirmed that everyone was ready, Iruka returned to the podium and announced, "The month-long special final exam begins now! Everyone, pay attention. Move out!"

Swish, swish, swish.

As soon as Iruka finished speaking, figures shot out of the auditorium amid a rush of wind.

The quickest to react were the team of Yakumo, Shion, and Kimimaro. They left the other teams behind, vanishing from sight in the blink of an eye.

Sasuke's team was right behind them, delayed by half a beat because of Sakura. Neji's team came next. They were fast, too, racing out of the auditorium just behind Sasuke's.

In the space of only a breath or two, all three teams had left the auditorium and disappeared.

"What!?"

"What's going on?"

"That's ridiculous!"

The other students watched in shock and confusion.

Then they all turned to Shinji's team, who were still in the auditorium, and stared at them in puzzlement.

Under the watchful eyes of the students and even the teachers, Shinji, Haku, and Karin calmly finished packing. Discussing their route, they headed for the exit.

The students, still standing there in a daze, finally came to their senses and surged out of the auditorium.

"Ah!"

Watching the students leave in a disorderly rush, Iruka sighed helplessly.

Another Ninja Academy teacher beside him said, "Don't worry about