Chapter 35: The Turbulent Chunin Exams!
The Forest of Death!
It's a vital resource repository for the Hidden Leaf Village.
Filled with ninja beasts, medicinal herbs, and other precious resources.
The natural energy here is denser than in other places, making it an absolute treasure trove.
Thus, entry is usually forbidden.
However, during the joint Chunin Exams, it's an exception and can be used as an examination site.
A boon!
The intense stimulation from battles, combined with such a unique environment, often leads to a period of growth in strength after the Chunin Exams.
Moreover, the corpses and flesh of ninjas serve as the best 'nutrients' for the Forest of Death.
It's a complete win-win! A massive win.
The Chunin Exams are like a sacrificial ritual, with each one bringing gains to the Forest of Death. It's no wonder the Hidden Leaf is willing to use it as an exam venue.
Teams of ninjas gather outside the iron fence at the forest's edge.
Numerous proctors are stationed at the entrance.
Don't be fooled into thinking the defense is just this layer of wire mesh.
These are merely to ward off ordinary people; the real defenses are the barriers and traps.
Without knowledge of these, even a Jonin would find it challenging to infiltrate the Forest of Death.
On a high platform at the edge of the entrance.
A large number of proctors stand above, looking down at the gathered examinees below.
"Welcome to hell, everyone!"
"The upcoming test will be absolutely unforgettable for you!"
"The rules of this exam are simple: tokens are scattered throughout the Forest of Death. Grab one and reach the central tower to pass!"
"Now, take your signal flares and begin!"
Shisō Mitarai had the signal flares distributed for the examinees to collect.
Signal flares! Once used, a proctor will come to the rescue, but it also means disqualification from the exam.
Of course, that's assuming you can use the flare and wait for rescue.
The current exam rules are much more brutal and direct compared to the future peaceful times.
It's worth noting that there are many hunters hidden among the examinees.
Despite knowing this, there are no stricter protective measures for the examinees, highlighting the harshness of the ninja world.
Only those who survive such conditions are the geniuses the village needs. Those who don't survive are simply not meant to be. It's the ninja world's version of a 'battle royale.'
It's a game, but one where life is the wager.
"What's over there?"
Yamakawa Koji noticed Uchiha Takashi's gaze lingering on the surrounding examinees and proctors, as if he was particularly interested.
"Nothing, let's go!"
Uchiha Takashi shook his head.
He was trying to see if there were any 'familiar faces.'
And indeed, he recognized someone.
Yakura!
The beautiful lady who vied with Rasa for the position of the Fourth Kazekage and ended up being betrayed.
Her looks far surpassed those in the anime! If not for her distinctive attire, he might not have recognized her.
The real ninja world looks quite different from the anime, only somewhat similar, which is why Uchiha Takashi couldn't quickly recognize some of the figures from his memories.
'How interesting!'
With a sense of 'witnessing history' and 'paper characters turning real,' Uchiha Takashi picked up a signal flare and headed into the Forest of Death.
There are many entrances, allowing participants to enter from different points.
He chose an entrance with no one around.
But unexpectedly, a group of people suddenly followed him.
They were targeting them.
"Plan A!"
Uchiha Takashi said to his two teammates.
They had discussed various strategies since yesterday, naturally preparing in advance.
They didn't know the exact details of the exam.
But the general content was known to Genin from the three major ninja villages, allowing them to prepare in advance.
Chapter 35: The Turbulent Chunin Exams!
Kakashi and Yamakawa Koji nodded, indicating they understood. The three of them slowly passed through the entrance, then suddenly accelerated, disappearing into the forest.
"Quick, follow them!"
The candidates trailing behind seemed spurred on and accelerated as well.
"Check the candidates' qualifications!"
Among the examiners stationed at the entrance, a Konoha examiner spoke coldly, blocking these people.
Are you kidding!
This is Konoha.
No matter how generous, it's impossible to just watch others hunt down the village's future generations without offering any help, right?
And checking candidates' qualifications is completely reasonable.
Didn't you notice that the Sand Ninja and Iwa Ninja examiners mixed in with the examiners didn't say anything?
No one would stop such an easy favor.
Because if it were candidates from their own village, they would do the same.
The exam rules indeed need to be fair.
But as the host, they wouldn't really have no home advantage at all.
Complete fairness like in the anime is unrealistic.
Just like the five permanent members of the Blue Planet, would they talk about 'absolute fairness' with other powers?
Providing you with a 'relatively fair' environment is already good enough, what more do you want?
The real ninja world isn't just about 'passion', 'bonds', 'effort', etc., it's a much darker and crueler version.
That's why there's that saying, 'Fairy tales are all lies.'
On the other side! Inside the central tower of the Forest of Death.
High-ranking officials, nobles, and wealthy merchants from various ninja villages filled the space larger than a basketball arena.
Multiple monitors in the center allowed everyone to see every move happening in different parts of the Forest of Death.
(The technology in the ninja world is fragmented, with surveillance and computers... but on the other side, it's at a warring states level where even food is scarce!)
Sitting in the main seats were three figures wearing hats marked with 'Wind', 'Rock', and 'Fire', draped in long robes.
Among the three Kage, the shortest one with a red nose, Onoki from Iwagakure, spoke first.
"Konoha is truly blessed, constantly nurturing geniuses, unlike our Iwagakure where there's not a single genius, which makes this old man envious."
Right from the start, he was being a sly old fox.
He implied that Konoha's continuous birth of geniuses was solely due to its favorable environment, subtly hinting at Iwagakure's weakness.
If it were just him and Hiruzen Sarutobi, it might have been a casual remark.
But with so many people present, not to mention the Kazekage, stirring up their greed and jealousy might bring unexpected benefits.
"That's right, it's precisely because of these geniuses that Konoha remains safe amidst countless covetous eyes!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up the conversation.
He made it clear that Konoha is not afraid of any coveters.
It can be said that the verbal exchanges between the Kage, though not as direct as a clash of jutsu, are equally dangerous.
"Is that so? I hope these geniuses can continue to protect Konoha!"
The Third Kazekage chimed in.
It seemed like a compliment, but it was actually undisguised malice.
After all, the Land of Wind was desperately poor, and its neighbor was the wealthy Land of Fire. If there's a chance, they would definitely seize it.
Anyway, their lives are already tough, so if they succeed, it's a gain, and if not, they can still deplete a large number of ninjas, reducing the village's burden.
"Under the Will of Fire, Konoha's ninjas never disappoint. Let's watch the match!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi sensed that the other two Kage might have some understanding, so he suggested watching the match.
"Indeed, let's watch the match."
"Hopefully, there won't be any 'accidents', and everything goes smoothly."
"There might even be some surprises."
...
After exchanging a few words, the Tsuchikage and Kazekage fell silent.
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained calm on the surface but had already used a secret signal to notify the Anbu to start taking action.
Because the two Kage were almost hinting that someone was planning something.
Thus.
While Konoha appeared lively on the surface, undercurrents began to surge.
However, everyone's attention was focused on the second round of the Chunin Exams, unaware of this.
(End of Chapter)
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