Heroes Gather Within the Central Tower

"Go on, get a head start."

Chiba sensed the pale green node within Zaku's body, then turned toward the Central Tower. He had already gathered the Heaven and Earth Scrolls; staying on the outskirts would only invite more variables.

The Poison Vine marker moved steadily. The three from Hidden Sound Village were still approaching Team 7 without stopping, and they had not noticed what had slipped into the wind-pressure ducts.

"I'll find the door after you enter the tower."

Silver-white roots carried Chiba across a stretch of swamp. The tower emerged beyond the canopy ahead, its outer walls windowless, with only several sealed stone doors for examinees to enter through.

Two proctors stood beside the door, and one of them raised a hand to block his path.

"Scrolls."

Chiba took out the Heaven Scroll and Earth Scroll.

"You haven't forgotten that they can't be opened outside the tower, have you?"

"No."

"A solo team that survived. That's rare."

The other proctor inspected the covers, and the acquisition record on the Earth Scroll lit up.

"You did personally defeat the holder and obtain it. The special condition has been met. Go in."

"Is anyone inside?"

"One team arrived before you, but they entered another waiting room. You can't come into contact for now."

Chiba pushed open the stone door. Beyond it was only a stone staircase leading upward. The characters for Heaven and Earth were embedded in the walls, and both scrolls heated up as they drew close.

"Open them here?"

"If you want to carry them all the way to the top of the tower, no one will stop you."

The proctor shut the outer door, and the lock clicked into place. Only the chakra drifting from the end of the stone stairs remained inside the tower.

Chiba tore off