The exam continued.
All the examinees in the classroom were using their own methods to cheat. Some were caught and kicked out, while others narrowly escaped notice.
By the time forty-five minutes had passed, everyone had answered at least some of the questions. Even Ino had copied Sakura and completed most of them.
However, Ino did not dare look at Naruto and kept avoiding him.
When the forty-five minutes were up, Ibiki Morino finally spoke.
In a cold voice, he said, "I will announce the final question shortly, but before that, I have one more condition to add."
"Once I reveal the final question, anyone who cannot answer it will be permanently barred from taking the Chūnin Exams. Even if you got every previous question right, it will not matter."
"You may choose to withdraw from the exam. If you do, you can take it again next year. But those who remain must be prepared for the possibility of never becoming Chunin. Choose: stay here, or leave immediately?"
"You had better think carefully. Once I announce the question, you will not be allowed to leave."
Ibiki Morino spoke coldly as his eyes swept across the classroom. Yet he kept Naruto within his sight the entire time, silently observing him to see what he would choose.
"How can this be? Does that mean all the questions we got right earlier don't count? This is outrageous! You're clearly just toying with us."
"Yeah, and if we fail the last question, we can never become ninjas. We might as well give up this year and take the exam again next year."
"Yeah, yeah."
The students exploded at these conditions, each of them glaring indignantly at Ibiki Morino.
"I withdraw."
Someone raised a hand, intending to return for the exam next year.
"I withdraw