As Sasuke and the others entered, everything continued along its original course.
Of course, except for the Sound Ninja trio.
Their home had been raided. They should have been eating state-funded meals somewhere by now, right? Or under surveillance. Who knew?
After finishing the first intelligence test that morning, they arrived at the second test location: the Forest of Death.
"Neji, what do you think?"
Rock Lee held the consent form in his hand with a solemn expression.
"Well, there's nothing much to look at. Becoming a ninja means dealing with life and death, doesn't it?"
Neji calmly looked over the contents of the consent form in his hand.
"Hey, aren't you being way too calm? Neji, this is wilderness survival—the kind where they aren't responsible if you lose your life."
Tenten complained unhappily from the side.
"Don't you believe in our strength?"
Neji raised his eyes and asked in return.
Tenten was stunned by Neji's question, but then she smiled helplessly.
"There's really nothing we can do about you."
She clenched her fist.
"That's right. Team Three will be the strongest."
Rock Lee nodded heavily, his fighting spirit blazing.
"That's right! This is the moment that tests our youth and perseverance! No matter what difficulties come our way, we'll overcome them!"
But little did they know, the trouble was still ahead.
Elsewhere.
A strange woman wearing a conical hat, a brown kimono, and a purple rope around her waist extended a long tongue like those of the Black and White Impermanence, licking her lips excitedly.
"Uchiha's body is truly enticing. Hehe."
"All right, you may now submit your consent forms."
An examiner shouted loudly to all the Genin present.
"Let's go submit ours."
Neji called to his two companions and then strode toward the examiner.
"All right, let's go."