Time passed quickly, but perhaps because the earlier commotion had been too great, the other teams deliberately avoided this area to be safe. Naruto and the others walked for a long time and reached the river without encountering any other examinees.
By now, the midday sunlight shone down, dispelling some of the gloom in the Forest of Death.
They had been traveling for a long time. Naruto was fine, but Sasuke and Sakura were starting to tire, so since it was already noon, the three decided to rest and regroup by the river and take care of their bodily needs along the way.
Just as Anko had said, nature had everything they needed, and they could be completely self-sufficient. Working together, the three caught plenty of fish. Then Sasuke fetched drinking water and firewood, and the three cheerfully built a fire and grilled their fish.
The scene looked very harmonious and heartwarming, but it was rather out of place in the Forest of Death.
This was a freaking exam! And an exam where they could die at any moment, at that! Was it really okay for them to be this relaxed? Were they sure they had come for an exam rather than a camping trip?! Had they considered the feelings of the other examinees when they did this?! No, they hadn't! They only cared about themselves!
And so, their brazen recreation finally brought them the consequences they deserved! Enemies followed the fire and found their position!
There were three of them, wearing Konoha forehead protectors, but they weren't three of the Konoha Twelve. They looked like mere grunts. Judging by the style of these three, even if Naruto didn't lift a finger, Sasuke could wipe them all out by himself.
Yet even so, the newcomers looked extremely arrogant.
Extra A: