The second exam in the Forest of Death ended at noon the following day.
It broke the record for the fastest completion of the Forest of Death exam.
Aside from Kusagakure and the unlucky Takigakure, every ninja village had at least one team pass the exam.
Seven teams, totaling twenty-one people, advanced to the third exam.
Four of those teams were from Konoha.
The remaining three teams from other villages only completed the second exam because Konoha's teams tossed them into the Tower.
Since the originally scheduled time had not yet elapsed, the ninjas received an extra three and a half days to rest.
After returning home, Naruto immediately checked on Big Yellow.
Yes, it looked like Karin had taken good care of Big Yellow.
"You're back, Naruto-kun."
The bedroom door opened, and Karin walked out with a cheerful smile.
Watching the brightly smiling Karin emerge, Naruto narrowed his eyes and secretly used the Mind's Eye of the Kagura.
Had Karin ever called me Naruto-kun before?
"Yeah, I'm back."
Naruto smiled and nodded. She harbored no ill intent toward him. Had someone ambushed Karin and disguised herself as her?
Who could it possibly be? What a tough guess!
She means no harm.
The Nine-Tails reminded him.
I know.
After replying to the Nine-Tails, Naruto slowly stepped forward and rested his hand on "Karin's" shoulder.
"What would you like for dinner?"
"Karin's" face instantly flushed red.
"Anything's fine. As long as you make it, Naruto-kun, I'll love it..."
Big Yellow did not bark at her, either, which meant she was someone he knew.
What a tough guess!
"But I don't like this, Hanabi."
Naruto leaned his face closer, his blue eyes staring straight into "Karin's."
"Undo the Transformation Technique. Where did you hide Karin? Go apologize to her right now."