The layers of tree shadows and winding roots in the primeval forest flashed rapidly backward in Hoshigaki Kaito's eyes.
The explosions coming from afar gradually faded away.
He worked the gills on his cheeks, expelling the stale air built up in his body, and sighed at the untouched wilderness around him.
The air carried by the forest wind was mixed with the chakra of multiple Tailed Beasts, making Hoshigaki Kaito mutter inwardly that this was practically the Forest of Death—a paradise for Tailed Beasts.
The moment the sky-piercing explosions rang out, he had suggested going to the center of the battle to take a look.
Even if they did not pick up any spoils, helping in the fight would still earn them some goodwill. Unfortunately, his teammates had rejected the idea outright.
Kaito shifted his gaze, studying the companions around him, who were vaguely divided into three factions. Their pace and positions made the divisions obvious at a glance.
The Mizukage faction led by Hozuki Shoetsu, the ordinary ninjas gathered around him, and the bloodline ninjas closely following Taketori Shusuke.
A tiny hidden village had actually split into three factions.
Sure enough, teammates were the greatest threat.
Kaito bitterly bared shark-like teeth in a grin and deliberately slowed his pace so the ninjas around him could keep up.
If the elders of his clan had not forced him, he truly would not have wanted to take part in this promotion exam.
What was so great about being a Chunin?
He still preferred his life as a Genin, riding sharks between the islands, chasing Isobu and Gyuki, and using a fish spear to scatter feed for the fish he raised.
Unfortunately.
An arm could not twist a thigh.
"Something's happening!"
Hozuki Shoetsu, at the very front, abruptly stopped on a tree