"Everyone, welcome to the Forest of Death!" Anko's voice held a hint of morbid excitement. "Before you go in, there are a few things I need to explain. First, sign this waiver of your own free will, and accept the consequences!" She casually tossed out a stack of documents, the words "Death Waiver" printed prominently across them.
The candidates' expressions shifted slightly, but none backed down from their chance to become Chunin. Toru Kujyo picked up a pen and signed his name without hesitation. Hinata and Shino followed suit.
"Excellent!" Anko watched with satisfaction as everyone finished signing. "Next, you'll receive the Heaven and Earth Scrolls. Each squad will randomly receive one of the two. Your mission is to reach the Central Tower in the middle of the Forest of Death within five days, with both a Heaven Scroll and an Earth Scroll in your possession!"
She paused, her voice turning more sinister. "Remember, five days! If you run out of time or open your scroll early, you're eliminated! This is the Forest of Death. You'll find all sorts of things in there, and you won't just be facing wild beasts-you'll be facing the other candidates too!"
Team 8 received an Earth Scroll. Afterward, all the candidates were led to their designated entrances. Toru Kujyo and his teammates were assigned Entrance 8.
"Toru-kun, Shino-kun," Hinata said after they passed through the entrance. She immediately activated her Byakugan and studied their surroundings intently, her tone somewhat grave. "We're at Entrance 8. The squads at Entrance 7 and Entrance 9 both have Earth Scrolls."
Toru Kujyo and Shino exchanged a glance. That meant they couldn't count on obtaining a Heaven Scroll from either of those squads. Instead, they would have to watch out for them.
"Also..." Hinata's gaze pierced through layers of