"Ninja World... Battle Royale?"
Shikaku unconsciously rubbed the sparse stubble on his chin, rapidly breaking down and rearranging the unfamiliar phrase in his mind.
The intellect the Nara Clan took such pride in raced into action, dissecting, analyzing, and recombining every word Tianyi had offered.
Taken literally, a battle royale suggested a desperate struggle to escape, but applying it to an exam seemed far too bloody.
Yet that very brutality somehow suited the nature of the ninja world. He narrowed his eyes, countless possibilities and variables already taking shape in his mind.
"Exactly."
Tianyi walked steadily to the map in the center of the room. Specially made by the ANBU, it precisely reproduced every inch of terrain in Konoha and the Forest of Death-rivers, hills, caves, and swamps.
Even the density and height of the trees were marked. His finger landed precisely on the model of the Forest of Death, pointing to the clearing labeled "central area."
"The written knowledge exam is the foundation, but true ninja must ultimately be tempered in blood and fire. This Forest of Death will provide the most authentic stage possible for the Genin gathered here from across the Ninja World." His gaze swept across the map as he began outlining his plan for the "Ninja World Battle Royale."
"It will last three days! All Genin will enter the Forest of Death in three-person squads, but their landing areas will be decided by drawing lots upon entry. Everyone's will be different.
There will be thirty-two starting points spread across the four cardinal directions. Each team's starting point will be decided by lot, entirely down to luck. The lucky ones will find a supply point on the first day.
The unlucky ones might be defeated by another team just after finding a supply point."
Shikaku raised