A dense layer of black Cursed Seal mist shrouded the skies above the Central Tower arena. The venue originally intended for the Chunin Ninja Exams had become a battlefield overrun by Cursed Seal ninja.
"What do we do?! We can't break through from outside. Maybe it has to be broken from within."
"Hurry and report this to Lord Hokage."
"Quick, notify all the leaders as soon as possible. This could turn into a disaster."
"Yes."
The Chunin guards stationed outside could only report it to their superiors in helpless frustration. Concealing something like this would be asking for death. These examinees were elites from their respective villages. If anything happened to them, the guards would suffer when responsibility was assigned.
"Damn it!!" Hearing the screams inside, one Chunin furiously attacked the black mist barrier again and again, to no avail.
"Hang in there, kids. Everything will be fine once Lord Hokage and the others arrive. Just hang on..."
Piercing screams, the thunder of clashing ninjutsu, and the sizzling of black mist corroding the ground mingled into a chilling scene of chaos.
The ninja from the various hidden villages were forced to draw their weapons against the Cursed Seal ninja, carving a path to survival through the black mist.
"As long as I'm here, you're not getting through."
Chojuro suddenly moved through the dust and smoke.
As a Twin Blades wielder from Kirigakure, he maintained a composure far beyond his years. Infused with chakra, the sheath of Hiramekarei on his back gleamed a ghostly blue, like phosphorescence in the dead of night.
"I'll kill you!"
Three Cursed Seal ninja lunged at him in a triangular formation—the Sunagakure Wind Release ninja had black blood trickling from his mouth.
"Rain Shower Senbon!"
Veins bulged along the Amegakure Water Release ninja's arms.
**Whoosh, whoosh,