Several hundred eligible people came to sign up.
Zhou Cheng could not possibly take them all in.
Even if he did, he would never be able to teach them all.
Fortunately, after three trials,
fewer than two hundred people remained.
But even two hundred was too many.
Left with no choice, Zhou Cheng could only test them again and eliminate more.
In the end, he whittled their numbers down to one hundred.
The next day, Zhou Cheng had them assemble at the entrance to the Forest of Death.
Following the old tradition,
everyone, including the Konoha 15, would form teams of three and survive in the Forest of Death for a week.
"I won't hold back. You could very well die!"
"Anyone who's afraid can leave right now!"
No one moved. They certainly lived up to having survived several rounds of trials.
"Then, move out!"
The three-person teams entered the Forest of Death one after another.
Half an hour later, Zhou Cheng created dozens of Shadow Clones to pursue them as assassins.
This time, he still showed no mercy.
Many suffered severe injuries, but not a single person fled in the face of danger or clung cowardly to life!
Their survival skills and combat experience improved at a staggering pace.
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
Shinobi in tattered clothes emerged from the Forest of Death, one after another.
Every one of them was injured, and they supported each other.
Although their bodies were covered in dust and grime,
their eyes shone with exceptional vitality.
"Congratulations on passing this stage of your special training."
"Tonight, you'll get a proper break!"
"I've already prepared a place for you to bathe."
"Twenty at a time. Take turns washing up."
"I've prepared a lavish feast for everyone tonight!"
Zhou Cheng