Using reconnaissance as an excuse, Shinji switched places with his Shadow Clone again and returned to Haku and Karin.
Haku stepped forward and asked, "Shinji, how did it go?"
"The situation should be under control." After a pause, Shinji added, "Even if something does happen, it has nothing to do with us. Let's keep going with the exam!"
Karin hesitated. "We're still continuing?"
"We can't just give up halfway!"
Shinji smiled and continued toward the Central Tower.
Haku and Karin exchanged a glance.
They still couldn't be sure what had happened, but someone had definitely infiltrated the Forest of Death and tried to abduct Sasuke.
Still, since Shinji had decided to continue the exam, they had no choice but to follow.
The rest of the journey went surprisingly smoothly. They were nearly at the Central Tower, yet they hadn't run into an interception team—or even a single student squad.
Haku asked, "Did everyone else pass the exam?"
Karin replied, "We're probably just behind schedule!"
Shinji waved a hand. "The rankings don't matter. We just need to pass!"
"Right!"
Haku and Karin nodded together.
Their identities were special, and neither wanted to attract attention at the Ninja Academy.
After passing through a stretch of dense woods, the Central Tower finally came into view.
Two student squads were also in sight, facing off against each other: Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji on one side, and Shino, Kiba, and Hinata on the other.
After figuring out the underlying logic of the exam, Shikamaru had taken a long detour and reached the Central Tower without incident.
Shino, Kiba, and Hinata's squad had Kikaichū, a Ninja Dog, and the Byakugan for reconnaissance, giving them excellent scouting abilities. They'd made it here by hiding and sneaking around.
Both squads had spent quite a while getting here, so