Hidden Experimental Subjects in the Written Exam Hall

"Leave the photo with me."

Chiba tore the page listing the Hidden Grass examinees from the roster. Fine silver-white roots pierced the corner of the paper, memorizing the chakra lingering in the ink.

Asuma reached out to take it, but the roots had already curled the photo into Chiba's wrist guard.

"This is an exam record. How am I supposed to explain that you tore it out?"

"Say a snake ate it."

"What if the Hokage asks?"

"Tell him to ask Orochimaru."

Haku put away the ice bead containing the remnants of snake-patterned residue and looked at the photo.

"She was connected to the person who took the forms from the registration desk?"

"The hiding method was the same. The scent was different."

"Was that face real or fake?"

"The person was real. The face was already dead."

Asuma rolled up the roster again, leaving the missing corner exposed on the outside.

"You are not allowed to actively attack examinees from other villages during the exam. At least not in the first round."

"What if he comes looking for me?"

"Notify the proctor first."

"There won't be time."

"Then try to leave them alive. Don't make me revise another report for you."

The written exam hall was set up in the Ninja Academy's largest classroom. Konoha examinees and teams from other villages were separated, with enough space between seats for the proctors to move through.

Chiba found his number. The words "Special Operations Squad" had already been written on the left side of his desk.

The Amegakure examinee beside him glanced at the words and took up the space between them with his elbow.

"You're taking the exam alone. If you get something wrong, no one will share the burden."

Chiba placed his right hand on the desk.

"You can