Team Up Again?

"What is going on?"

"So, the whole scoring system was just a lie to trick us?"

"What the hell is this? Another 'hidden question' rule that invalidates everything?"

The crowd erupted in an uproar. Ao's words implied that the theoretical questions arranged earlier were merely a smokescreen, and that the final hidden question was the true test. This naturally infuriated many of the examinees.

So many people had been disqualified for cheating, and everyone had spent so much effort observing others and employing various methods to cheat—was it all for nothing?

"Everyone, listen to me." Ao tapped the table and said, "It seems there is a bit of a misunderstanding. When I said 'pass,' I meant that those who answered the hidden question satisfactorily earned the twenty points for it. Whether you pass the written exam as a whole depends on your final score. However, before announcing the results, I must explain the significance of this written exam so you understand the truth behind it. First, I want to tell you what this exam is actually testing."

"As you all know, when a ninja is on a mission, everything must center on completing that mission. Even if it means sacrificing teammates or oneself, there is no hesitation. This is the true meaning of what we often call 'at all costs'."

"This exam tests many things. First, observation and intelligence-gathering skills. Because Zabuza, a member of the Anbu, was among the examinees, I specifically increased the difficulty of the questions significantly. I also arranged Zabuza's seat in the very center to give all examinees a chance to cheat, and I lowered the intensity of the proctoring. Therefore, anyone with a certain level of observation and intelligence-gathering ability could have discovered and obtained the correct answers. Those who were expelled from the exam hall only have their own poor methods to blame."

"Second, as you should all know, a hidden question often appears every few Chunin Exams. Congratulations, you've hit the jackpot. I designed this hidden question with the Third Mizukage's approval. You can consider it the most difficult hidden question in the last decade. This question tests your judgment, your ability to identify and read intelligence, and integrates your observation of the surrounding environment. Finally, it presents you with a difficult dilemma: when faced with a crisis where you must abandon a friendly unit, how do you choose?"

"Speaking of this, I must mention one person. Four years ago, Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, was on a mission. Between his teammates and the mission, he wrongly chose the former. He abandoned intelligence vital to Konoha, violated the ninja creed, and chose to save his teammates. From a personal perspective, I would be very happy to have such a ninja by my side. But from the perspective of the village and the nation, White Fang was absolutely wrong—that is indisputable! Consequently, White Fang was not only held accountable by the village, but even the teammate he saved blamed him, leading to his breakdown and suicide."

"For a ninja, life is certainly precious, but to burn oneself and sacrifice oneself for the sake of the village and the nation—that is the most magnificent curtain call of a ninja's career!"

Kanna tilted his head, his eyebrows arched, feeling a bit indignant inside.

The story of White Fang had spread throughout the ninja world, with varying opinions. Of course, the world did not interpret White Fang from a single angle; they analyzed him from multiple facets and levels. The conclusion was that White Fang's usual coldness was merely a mask. In essence, he was just a fragile, sensitive guy. Because he had personally killed many defenseless old, weak, sick, and young people during his long years of missions, his body and mind suffered a huge shock, leading him to finally choose to use his life as the price to cry out to the world.

To be honest, it was hard to judge such a figure. From an emotional standpoint, Kanna admired his realization and the kindness that had been awakened in him. But from a rational standpoint, Kanna felt that White Fang should have lived. He had the opportunity and the strength to do something for this world to atone for his sins in the future. Yet, White Fang chose the most extreme and tragic way: suicide.

A worthless suicide. Perhaps some people were awakened by it, but for the situation of the entire ninja world, it was of no help. Instead, his son, Kakashi, remained depressed for nearly twenty years because of it.

"Ahem, excuse me, I lost my composure a bit." Ao calmed himself down, smiled, and continued, "Therefore, I chose this topic to emphasize one thing to you all again: life is certainly colorful, but death is not a sad thing. Sacrificing one's life for certain causes is actually a sublimation of life."

"In this question, four roles appeared: the 'teammates' discovered and captured by the enemy—that is, me—which refers to the group I singled out; the intelligence personnel who possessed classified information, which are those examinees who used various methods to cheat and succeeded perfectly; the responsible ones who dared to stand up and bear the burden with the resolve to sacrifice—haha, that is, the group of examinees led by Kanna; and finally, those participants who were protected."

"Since you all know the significance of these roles, what this question tests is self-evident. That's right. In many missions, the most important person is not the strongest in combat, nor the leader, but the intelligence personnel who can make a huge contribution to the collective. Everyone, in your future missions, please remember: protecting them is more important than protecting yourselves!"

"Alright, that is all the secrets of this written exam. Next, I will announce the list of all examinees who scored 60 or higher. These examinees will be able to enter the next round of the exam, but due to certain rules, I will not announce your scores."

"According to serial numbers, the successful candidates are: Kyu Shichito, Kazama, Fuyuki Sanzenryo, Kirino Shishimaru, Yuji, Kawa Magarihito, Musen Kama, Tsukiyo Usagi, Asu Usagi, Momochi Zabuza, Tachibana Rei, Mujin Kurumi, Kanna, Yong Kong, and Ringo Ameyuri."

Out of over a hundred examinees, only twenty or thirty remained after one exam. And this was only the first round!

"Alright, those are the successful candidates. Now, everyone else, please leave the exam hall." Ao closed the roster and said indifferently.

"Damn it!"

"They were all Chunin-level questions, how were we supposed to pass?!"

"Bastard! How dare you make things difficult for us!"

The disqualified examinees either cursed or hung their heads in defeat, but they all obediently left the exam hall. The classroom suddenly became much emptier.

"Alright, everyone. Before the second exam begins, I have something to say." Ao clapped his hands and said, "This exam is not just a Chunin Exam; it is also the first test of the Kirigakure exam reform. Therefore, the difficulty is much higher than in previous years, and it has attracted the attention of many important figures. This is a challenge, but also an opportunity. Please don't carry too much of a burden; just give it your all and achieve your best results!"

After Ao finished speaking, rhythmic applause sounded from below. However, the quality of the remaining people was clearly a cut above those who had failed, and everyone's faces were calm.

"Not bad." Ao nodded and smiled. "Then, I will lead you to the site of the second exam."

"Every year, the Chunin Exam consists of a written test and practical combat. Practical combat is generally divided into team and individual parts. This exam is a field exercise that tests your team combat skills."

Beside a large river, Kanna and the other examinees were gathered around a middle-aged man, quietly listening to him explain the exam rules.

"First, let me introduce myself. You can call me 'Long.' I am the chief examiner for this exam."

"Long?" Kanna savored the word while observing Long's appearance, finding him more familiar the more he looked.

Long was about thirty to forty years old, with deep eyes, a high bridge of the nose, and facial contours as sharp as if carved by a knife. His physique was sturdy, and he exuded an air of confidence.

Beside him, a cold male voice drifted over.

"Dragon of the East. That guy is the son of the Third Mizukage."

Kanna turned his head to see Zabuza had appeared beside him at some point. Kanna wasn't a petty person, so he nodded as a greeting.

"Dragon of the East, what an exaggerated title," Kanna sighed.

Kanna knew that the Third Mizukage's age did not match his appearance. From the outside, the Third looked like a refined middle-aged man, but in fact, he had participated in the first Five Kage Summit as a Mizukage guard some thirty or forty years ago. He should be around fifty now. However, because the chakra refinement technique the Third practiced was somewhat similar to Tsunade's Yin Seal, it could slow down aging, so he still looked quite young.

And the chief examiner for this exam was actually his son, a guy nicknamed "Dragon of the East."

Looking at the world map, Kirigakure was located in the East Sea, indeed in the land where the sun rises in the east. But Kanna felt that a title with the flair of "Dragon of the East" was a bit too arrogant. There was no helping it; "Dragon" held a different status in Kanna's heart.

Hmm, maybe I should call myself Dongfang Bubai in the future. Since Kirigakure is in the east, when I travel in the future, I can say to others, "The sun rises in the east; I alone am undefeated."

Looking at the guys around him—his old man was "Merciless Kanna," Zabuza was "Demon of the Mist," Ringo Ameyuri was "Lightning Style Genius of the Mist," not to mention this "Dragon of the East"—and he was nothing. So, actually, the title Dongfang Bubai was quite good. Anyway, it was impossible for anyone here to know what that name represented.

While Kanna was thinking about this with a slightly sour feeling, Long moved on to the main topic.

"This field exercise is very different from the past. The specific rules are as follows."

"First, the exam will take place on uninhabited terrain—that is, on the other side of the river. Everyone, please look."

Everyone focused their gaze. Across the river was a dark forest, and further back was a steep mountain.

"It is a very remote place with no human habitation. We have sealed off anything that could sustain life, so there are no large or medium-sized animals. There is a lack of fresh water sources, and edible fruits and vegetation have been picked clean. However, we have set up supply points of varying sizes at several locations, each protected by three to five Chunin. From here all the way to the blockade we have set up by the sea is your exam area."

"This exam will divide personnel into three parts: the pursuers, the pursued, and the intelligence officers. Now, listen carefully. I am going to explain the division of labor for each group. This is something that concerns the success or failure of your exam, and even your lives."

"First are the intelligence officers. At the start of the exam, this group must carry an object weighing thirty pounds. This object contains supplies for five people to survive for two days, a crucial topographical map, a coordinate locator that must be carried at all times, and a pass to different supply points. Our guards will attack anyone without a pass, so keep the map and the pass safe—that is my advice to you! Within seven days, successfully interpret the map and deliver the coordinate locator to the designated handover point to complete the mission. Losing the coordinate locator during the exam will be considered a failure."

"As for the Hunted, they must earn enough points to pass. The scoring system is as follows: first, five points for every hour survived. Second, ten points for every piece of supplies protected by an Informant. Third, fifteen points for every attack from a Pursuer successfully defended against. Fourth, twenty points for every Informant safely escorted to a mission handover point; upon doing so, they may choose to end the trial immediately or return to the exam grounds to continue. Anyone who earns 75 points or more is considered to have completed the mission."

"Finally, there are the Pursuers. They are the fewest in number and know each other's identities, though these will not be made public. They are responsible for hunting and attacking the others. They also use a point system: first, five points for every hour survived. Second, twenty points for every attack made on anyone other than themselves. Third, thirty points for every coordinate locator captured. During the exam period, Pursuers may call the proctor to obtain an Informant's coordinates for six hours at a time, with each call costing ten points. Anyone who earns 60 points or more within seven days is considered to have completed the mission."

"Lastly, I will distribute nameplates based on the serial numbers you held during the first exam. Each nameplate is worth ten points!"

At this point, Long paused to observe the reactions of the examinees around him.

"I see."

"So, the first thing to do is identify the Pursuers?"

"I wonder what my role will be."

Long nodded to himself, raised his hand to draw everyone's attention, and continued, "All exam rules have been explained. Does everyone understand?"

"Understood!"

"No problem!"

"Then," Long said with a faint smile, "it is time to assign roles. You will receive different identities based on your written exam scores. Now, everyone line up and enter the room behind me one by one to receive your identity!"

Behind the group stood a crude wooden hut, its interior obscured by black cloth. A bespectacled ninja emerged at the sound and said indifferently, "Please, the first-place candidate, Kyu Shichito, come in."

"Coming!" Kyu Shichito replied and walked inside. In less than a minute, he exited the hut holding a copper plate inscribed with the number "One."

Following the sequence, the examinees entered one by one.

Kanna noticed that the fat boy with goggles, Yuji; the boy who had used Water Style to copy his paper, Musen Kama; the twin sisters Tsukiyo Usagi and Asu Usagi; and Tachibana Rei all emerged carrying large, bulging backpacks. It seemed these were the items the Informants were required to carry.

In other words, these five were the Informants!

Of the three roles, only the Informants' identities were public. Therefore, they not only had to win over other examinees to protect them but also had to guard against Pursuers infiltrating their ranks, which was a significant test of their capabilities.

"Next is Kanna."

Hearing the summons, Kanna walked into the hut. The bespectacled ninja first handed him a copper plate marked "Thirteen," then informed him of his role.

"Your identity is a Pursuer. Remember, the other Pursuers are number three, Fuyuki Sanzenryo; number ten, Momochi Zabuza; and number fifteen, Ringo Ameyuri."

The ninja then handed Kanna a headset and a black box.

"This is the Pursuers' communication equipment, used for contacting each other or calling the proctor to locate the Informants. Be careful not to let others see it. That is all, you may leave."

Kanna's expression was slightly strange. Was he going to have to team up again for this exam?

As for Fuyuki Sanzenryo, Kanna only remembered him as a low-profile boy who had also used the "report and surrender" method to pass, gaining twenty extra points. Given how the proctor assigned roles, it seemed linked to the written exam scores. Could it be that the four of them had the highest scores? Did they all reach one hundred because of the twenty-point bonus?

Excluding the four Pursuers and five Informants, the remaining twenty-five were the Hunted. It was a four-versus-thirty situation, which was quite difficult. However, the opposition would inevitably be suspicious of one another, while his own side shared a unified goal without conflict. Plus, being able to obtain the Informants' coordinates meant their advantage was not small.

Kanna exited the hut and waited leisurely. Soon, the last examinee had received their identity, and everyone gathered around Long once more.

"Finally, remember a few taboos: do not attack any surveillance equipment in the exam area, as that is our primary method for evaluating your scores; do not cause catastrophic events, such as setting fire to the forest or attacking dam sluice gates; and do not kill without cause after an opponent has lost the ability to resist. However, considering the possibility of fake surrenders, once someone says 'I surrender,' they are considered disqualified. Very well, the exam begins now. Please enter the grounds. I hope to see you all in the final individual combat. Dismissed!"

At the command, the crowd rushed onto the bridge over the great river and sprinted toward the jungle.

Kanna, unhurried, waited until he entered the jungle before slipping away from the main group when no one was looking, hiding himself in the canopy of a large tree.

"Ahem, everyone, can you hear me?" Kanna adjusted the communication device and cleared his throat.

Soon, Ringo Ameyuri's voice came through the headset.

"I hear you. Where are you?"

"Let me see." Kanna opened the black box, took out the locator, wiped the screen, and said, "Sector Mao, location A06, in a brown, coniferous tree. Why don't you all come to my location and rendezvous?"

"Fine."

"Coming now."

Zabuza and another unfamiliar voice responded. Kanna put away the communication gear and waited with peace of mind.

Five minutes later, the four of them successfully met up.

"Well, regarding how to handle this exam, does anyone have any suggestions?" Kanna asked, crossing his arms.