A long table had been set up just inside the gates, and Anko slapped a stack of papers onto it.
"Everyone, come over and sign this first."
"Consent forms."
"In plain language, these are death waivers."
"If you die in there, that's your problem. The village takes no responsibility."
The examinees exchanged glances. Someone quietly swallowed.
"If you can't sign, there's still time to quit." Anko folded her arms. "I'll count to three. Three-"
Before she had even finished saying "three," most of them had lunged forward to grab a pen.
Some signed without hesitation, while others gripped their pens, unable to put them to paper.
Among the Sunagakure team, Gaara stared at the words "death waiver" for two seconds.
Then, suddenly, he let out a low chuckle.
"Death..."
He rolled the word over his tongue, as though savoring something sweet.
Temari and Kankuro exchanged a glance. Neither dared respond.
Naruto snatched up a pen and signed with a flourish, finishing first.
Sasuke signed without expression.
Hayashi signed with steady composure.
Sakura followed Hayashi and added her own name.
"Very good." Anko collected the consent forms, then smilingly held up two scrolls, one in each hand.
"The rules are simple."
"Half the teams here will receive 'Heaven,' and half will receive 'Earth.'"
"Take the matching scroll from another team, collect both Heaven and Earth, and bring them to the central tower-then you pass."
"You have five days."
"Anyone who hasn't reached the tower within five days is automatically eliminated."
A stir ran through the crowd.
"Um-" An examinee raised a hand. "When we're taking the scrolls, can we... use any means necessary?"
"Any means necessary," Anko answered bluntly. "Killing is allowed, too."
"Any more questions?"
"What's... what's inside the tower?"
"No idea." Anko smiled. "No one's ever lived to tell