A faint mist drifted through the forest in the Land of Fire that morning. Along the border with the Land of the Moon, Konoha shinobi were stationed at intervals.
This was the gathering point for the first round of the Chunin Ninja Exams, and Uchiha Jin was guarding it.
Three figures came running toward them from the distance. A Security Force member said in surprise, "Someone passed already? It's only been a day and a night."
Jin looked toward the figures. "It's Obito and Kakashi. No wonder they were so fast. With their abilities, they could certainly travel through the night."
In the blink of an eye, the three reached the finish line. Jin said, "You're the first team to pass the first round. You can rest in the woods. There's still a day until the exam ends."
"Thank you, sir. We'll rest nearby."
By afternoon, teams began arriving at the finish line one after another. Security Force members recorded their names.
Another day passed. The next morning, one more team passed the test.
"Captain, we have fifty teams."
Jin said, "Good. The first round is over. Every team that hasn't arrived is eliminated. Pass the word: the second round will take place in three days. The location will be announced separately."
"Yes, sir."
With a Body Flicker Technique, Jin vanished. In the Hokage's Office in Konoha, Fugaku was speaking with Orochimaru.
Jin walked in and submitted the full list of those who had passed.
"Lord Hokage, Clan Head, here's the list. Obito and Kakashi's team finished first, a full six hours ahead of the second-place team."
Fugaku said with a chuckle, "I heard. Someone even said the Uchiha were raising a six-legged monster. Obito was clever."
Orochimaru picked up the scroll and looked it over. "Konoha's shinobi have done