Cloud Hidden Has No Shame

Orochimaru's words gave everyone in the hall pause.

Before they could think it over, a Konoha ninja hurried into the hall, dropped to one knee, and delivered a rapid report.

"Lord Hokage! All the surviving teams from the other villages have reached the gates of the Central Tower. They request permission to enter and report!"

"Let them in!" Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered at once.

Everyone in the hall perked up and turned toward the doors.

A moment later, the remaining contestants from each village entered the hall.

The Iwagakure teams came in first.

Iwagakure had sent nine teams into the Second Exam, but only four had returned.

Three of them looked somewhat battered, though they were in decent shape overall.

Only Hunt's team was covered in blood. Their breathing was ragged and unsteady; they were clearly badly injured.

Kitsuchi's heart tightened at the sight. He hurried forward to check on his people.

"Hunt, what happened? Didn't I tell you to regroup as soon as you entered the Forest of Death and clear the exam together?"

"Why did it take you until the third day? And how did you end up like this?"

Hunt struggled to stay on his feet and gave a bitter smile. "I'm sorry, Lord Kitsuchi."

"It's complicated. We should wait until everyone gets here before I explain."

The Cloud Hidden contestants entered behind the Iwagakure teams.

Cloud Hidden had gathered five teams to ambush Nara Tsukimi. Now only four of them were still on their feet.

Yugito was in a deep coma, her breathing faint, and Samui carried her on her back. Shi's face was rigid as he bore Darui's body across his shoulder.

They had lost far more than they had gained.

Brazza and Dodai, who had sat watching in silence until now, finally changed expression at