Iruka's words immediately stirred the ranks of students again.
They looked at one another, wariness rising between them.
If the "interception squad" Iruka had mentioned earlier had been a common enemy for everyone present, then they had only complained about how difficult the exam would be.
But after Iruka announced that students were allowed to attack one another, they all became as skittish as startled birds.
Once they entered the Forest of Death, they would have no one they could trust except the two teammates beside them.
It was as if everyone they laid eyes on was an enemy!
Sasuke lowered the hand he'd raised to ask the question, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "Now this is getting interesting!"
Kimimaro glanced at Sasuke, his unfocused eyes suddenly brightening.
Nearby, Neji also looked toward Sasuke and Kimimaro, a fighting spirit rising on his face.
Sasuke met the looks from Kimimaro and Neji with plenty of fighting spirit, but Sakura beside him was already getting nervous. "This is bad, this is bad. Kimimaro and Neji have both got their eyes on us!"
Beside Kimimaro, Shion rolled up her sleeves. "Hahaha! This miko is going to show everyone what she can do!"
Kurama Yakumo edged a couple of steps away, pretending she didn't know Shion. "You silly miko!"
Tenten, standing beside Neji, said, "Don't worry, Neji. We won't hold you back this time!"
"Mm-hmm!"
Rock Lee nodded vigorously.
Looking at their fiercely competitive classmates, Haku asked Shinji with some concern, "Shinji, this exam looks like it could be troublesome. Everyone's taking it seriously!"
Karin was also worried. "We came in first last time. Do you think the others will target us this time?"
Shinji replied calmly, "I'm here."
For some reason, Shinji's words eased Haku and Karin's anxiety considerably.