"Hey, why won't you let us in?"
"Yeah! How are we supposed to take the exam if we can't get into the exam room?"
Many examinees stood at the foot of the stairs, shouting at the two people blocking the way.
"Shut up. We're doing this for your own good..."
Two examiners transformed into Genin blocked the entrance, refusing to let anyone through. They looked like delinquents from head to toe.
It was hard not to wonder whether they had acted exactly like this back when they were in school.
"Do you have any idea that people die in the Chunin Ninja Exams? We're keeping you out to protect you."
"Of course, anyone strong enough can go right through. We couldn't stop them anyway. But we'll personally check whether you have what it takes."
Everyone exchanged bewildered looks, unsure what these two Konoha Genin meant. It was one thing if they weren't taking the exam themselves, but why stop everyone else?
Soon, a seemingly capable Genin from Kusagakure stepped forward. "How will you check?"
"Oh, that's easy..."
Izumo Kamizuki, the Konoha Chunin who had transformed his appearance, flashed a smile.
Then, without the slightest warning, he drove a fist straight into the other ninja's stomach—
He didn't even seem to hold back much. The punch sent the Genin flying, and he landed on the floor with a scream of pain.
"All you have to do is withstand our attacks."
Izumo Kamizuki withdrew his fist with a cheerful smile. In his hand was the other ninja's Kusagakure Forehead Protector.
"Ugh, cough... my... Forehead Protector..."
The Kusagakure Genin was clearly badly hurt by the punch, but with his teammates supporting him, he endured the pain and struggled to his feet, staring fixedly at the Forehead Protector in Izumo Kamizuki's hand.
"Oh dear.