The Second Exam

On the podium of Classroom 301, just as Ibiki Morino finished speaking, a figure crashed through the classroom window and landed on the stage. She unfurled a banner and pinned it to the ceiling with a kunai, allowing everyone to clearly read the text: The proctor for the second exam, Anko Mitarashi, has arrived!

Only then did the crowd get a good look at the newcomer—a young female ninja with striking looks and a fit physique, her facial expressions so vivid they might as well have been labeled "I love causing trouble."

"It's a bit too early to be happy!"

She announced loudly, "I am the proctor for the second exam, Anko Mitarashi! The next exam starts immediately. First, we need to change locations. Everyone, follow me!"

"Oh!"

Only Naruto responded, and quite loudly at that: "Proctor Anko's entrance was so cool!"

Anko Mitarashi immediately looked at Naruto with a smug expression, satisfied. "You kid, you've got a good eye!"

Their gazes met in the air, seemingly sparking some sort of resonance between their minds.

Following this, the 18 teams that had passed the first exam, totaling 54 people, followed Anko Mitarashi as she moved toward the venue for the second exam.

"This is the venue for the second exam."

Facing the examinees, Anko pointed her right thumb behind her at the dense forest filled with towering trees: "Konoha's 44th Training Ground, also known as the Forest of Death."

"Because the risk of death in this exam is quite high, those who decide to participate must first sign a consent form. Otherwise, if you all die, it will be very troublesome for me."

Anko pulled a stack of consent forms from somewhere, smiling as she said these terrifying words: "Those who are afraid of dying can still quit now. Of course, if one person in a team quits, the other two must also leave."

Everyone present had already withstood the pressure of the first exam, so naturally, they wouldn't quit because of such a verbal threat. The entire group accepted the consent forms.

"Alright, now I will explain the content of the second exam."

Anko displayed a map in her hand: "This Forest of Death is surrounded by 44 entrances. There is a river running through the interior, and the vegetation is lush. In the center of the forest, there is a tower, about 10 kilometers from each entrance. You must find a way to survive in this training ground and obtain these two types of scrolls."

Having said this, Anko put away the map and took out two scrolls, one inscribed with "Heaven" and the other with "Earth."

"There are currently 18 teams present. 9 teams will receive the Scroll of Heaven, and the other 9 teams will receive the Scroll of Earth."

"Within 120 hours, which is five days, the teams that collect both the Heaven and Earth scrolls and arrive at the tower in the center of the forest will be considered qualified."

"Teams that fail to reach the tower within the time limit, reach the tower but fail to collect both scrolls, have a team member die or become unable to continue fighting, or leave the exam area without authorization will be directly eliminated."

"Finally, you are not allowed to peek at the contents of the scrolls before arriving at the tower. However, for those with strong curiosity, if you really can't help yourselves, you can give it a try~"

At this point, Anko paused for two seconds before continuing: "That is all for the rules of the second exam. Each team will exchange three consent forms for one scroll, then choose an entrance. Once all teams are in position, you will enter simultaneously, and the timer will begin."

"Finally, a piece of advice."

Anko's expression suddenly became much more serious: "Be careful, don't die."

Although death wasn't guaranteed in the second exam, the danger was beyond doubt. Even though the examinees present had already steeled their resolve, seeing Anko suddenly turn serious still made their heart rates accelerate uncontrollably.

The proctors began distributing the scrolls.

To ensure that examinees only knew the type of scroll their own team received, the area where the scrolls were collected was shielded by opaque black cloth, and examinees were temporarily forbidden from using ninjutsu on-site—especially those from the Hyuga Clan capable of using the Byakugan, who were the primary targets of the proctors' surveillance.

"This exam is expected to be much more troublesome than the first."

Sasuke whispered: "Since every team only knows what type of scroll they have, once everyone enters the forest, everyone will become an enemy."

"That's the same for everyone."

Naruto rubbed his chin: "As long as the others don't all unite, given our current strength, we shouldn't have to worry about losing if a fight breaks out."

"But we must be careful of sneak attacks from other teams."

Sakura said: "Naruto, can you sense anything through your Qi right now?"

"That dangerous guy who snuck in has somewhat active Qi; he must have some plan. We need to be especially vigilant once we go deep into the forest."

Naruto's gaze swept over the others: "The others pose no threat for now. Any one of us should be able to take on their entire team solo."

"You've already said that twice. It seems that person is truly dangerous."

Sasuke's expression grew even more serious: "Should we make more preparations now?"

"Don't worry, we are well-prepared."

Naruto reached out and touched the ninja tool pouch at his waist: "As long as we aren't killed in a single blow, we can hold out until others from the village arrive. If we exhaust all our means, we might even be able to turn the tables."

Hearing Naruto's assurance, both Sasuke and Sakura felt an inexplicable sense of relief.

About nine minutes later, the exam began. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura secured the Scroll of Heaven and moved straight toward the center of the forest.

Sakura kept an eye on the surrounding movements, feeling somewhat uneasy: "Won't we be too conspicuous like this?"

"If we are a bit conspicuous, others will take the initiative to deliver themselves to us, saving us the time and energy of searching."

Naruto said: "With my perception and Sasuke's eyes, there shouldn't be anyone in this exam capable of sneaking up on us under these circumstances."

"Just as Naruto said."

Sasuke agreed: "If we resolve this early, we can enter the central tower to rest sooner. We don't know if the next exam will immediately follow the second, so it's necessary to ensure rest time and keep our stamina full."

"Let's stop here for now."

Naruto: "Someone else is approaching. Only one person. They must have been out scouting, discovered us, and are planning a sneak attack."

"If it's just one person, that's a good opportunity."

Sasuke said to Sakura, "Sakura, leave that person behind us to you to handle in a moment."

Sakura hesitated for half a second, then gritted her teeth and agreed, "Fine!"

To avoid losing the person trailing them, the three of them gradually slowed their pace—as if their previous speed had been a deliberate attempt to shake off others, and now, unable to sustain the physical exertion, they were forced to slow down.

After walking forward for three minutes like this, Naruto gave Sakura and Sasuke a hand signal from an angle where the person following them could not see.

Sakura immediately spoke up, "Um..."

The three of them stopped, and Sasuke asked Sakura, "What is it?"

Sakura said with some embarrassment, "I think... I need to relieve myself..."

Sasuke remained expressionless. "Go and come back quickly. Stay safe."

Sakura nodded silently and walked toward the nearest large tree.

The person following them in the shadows felt a surge of joy. A perfect opportunity! As long as I capture this seemingly weak little girl as a hostage, even if her two companions are unwilling, they will have no choice but to obediently hand over the scroll.

BANG!

The impact shattered his train of thought.

Sakura looked at the Amegakure Ninja (judging by the forehead protector) whom she had knocked unconscious with a single punch, feeling somewhat surprised. "So weak..."