The first round of the exam continued. Screams rang out across the forest, and every so often, a signal flare shot into the sky.
Security Force members spread out to treat the injured.
Teams of ninja also moved through the forest, casually hurling concealed weapons at the examinees.
Obito's team raced through the trees, triggering another wave of traps every short distance.
It was noon, when the sun was at its fiercest. Even beneath the forest canopy, all three had worked up a sweat.
Obito saw the sweat on Rin's face and felt a pang of concern. "Let's find somewhere cool up ahead and take a break. We can make up the time tonight.
"With my Sharingan, I can definitely keep you both safe."
Kakashi glanced at Obito. "Idiot. There are three of us. If concealed weapons come from every direction, even your Sharingan can only watch one side."
"I'm fine, Obito," Rin said. "I'm a Konoha Genin now. Half a day's travel won't tire me out."
Obito nodded reluctantly. "Rin, tell me if you get tired. Pushing on when you're exhausted will only put you in danger."
Rin nodded.
Just then, a gaping maw burst from the ground toward them. It belonged to a giant centipede.
Sharp spikes lined its hard shell like bayonets. It was so enormous that its open mouth could have swallowed all three of them.
The sudden appearance of the centipede startled them. Obito's hands formed signs almost on their own, a reflex drilled into him through countless repetitions.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
A great fireball erupted from his mouth and flew straight into the centipede's gaping maw. The creature, so menacing a moment ago, shrieked.
Its massive tail thrashed, shattering several great trees in an instant.
Its huge head swung wildly, and its