https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-34-Passing-the-First-Exam-and-the-Second-Test-/12832024/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-36-Intimidation-and-Under-the-Table-Deals-/12832026/
Chapter 35: The Turbulent Chunin Exams!
Chapter 35: The Turbulent Chunin Exams!
The Forest of Death!
The Forest of Death is a vital resource hub for Konoha. It is teeming with valuable materials such as ninja beasts and medicinal herbs. The natural energy here is much denser than in other areas, making it a prime location for cultivation.
Therefore, it is strictly off-limits to the public. However, during the joint Chunin Exams, it is used as the exam venue.
A Blessing!
The intense battles and the stimulating environment can significantly boost a ninja's strength. Many participants often experience a period of rapid growth after the exams.
The bodies and blood of fallen ninjas also serve as the best "fertilizer" for the Forest of Death. It's a win-win situation!
The Chunin Exams are like a sacrificial ritual, providing the Forest of Death with a bounty each time. It's no wonder Konoha uses it as the exam venue.
Ninja teams gathered outside the forest, near the barbed wire fence. A large number of examiners were stationed at the entrance.
Do not mistake the barbed wire for the primary defense. It is only there to deter ordinary people. The real defenses are the barriers and traps. Even Jonin would find it difficult to infiltrate the Forest of Death without knowing these defenses.
On a high platform at the edge of the entrance, examiners stood, looking down at the gathered candidates.
"Welcome, everyone, to hell!"
"The upcoming exam will be an experience you will never forget!"
"The rules are simple: Scattered throughout the Forest of Death are tokens. Retrieve any one and make it to the central tower to pass!"
"Now, take your signal flares and begin!"
Mitsuwashi Shisei had signal flares distributed to the candidates. Using a signal flare will summon an examiner for rescue, but it also means losing your exam eligibility. Of course, that is assuming you can use the flare and wait for rescue.
The current rules are far harsher and more direct than those in the peaceful future. Many of the candidates are hidden hunters, and despite this, there are no additional protective measures for the candidates. The ninja world is indeed cruel.
Those who survive under these conditions are the geniuses the village needs. Those who don't, well, it's of little concern.
It's a "Battle Royale" in the ninja world, a game where life is the stake.
"What's that?"
Sanjo Koji noticed that Dohei was constantly observing the candidates and examiners, seemingly very concerned.
"Nothing, let's go!"
Dohei shook his head. He was looking for any "acquaintances."
And he did find one.
Yukihira!
The beautiful young woman who showed off her stunning back and competed with Roshi for the position of Fourth Kazekage, only to be betrayed and killed. Her beauty far exceeded that of the anime!
If not for her unique attire, he might not have recognized her. The real ninja world is different from the anime, only somewhat similar, which is why Dohei couldn't quickly identify some of the familiar faces.
'How interesting!'
With a mix of emotions, including the excitement of witnessing history and seeing fictional characters come to life, Dohei picked up a signal flare and headed toward the Forest of Death.
There were many entrances, allowing participants to enter from different points. He chose one that was empty.
But unexpectedly, several people followed him.
"Plan A!"
Dohei said to his two teammates. They had discussed various contingency plans the previous day and were well-prepared.
They didn't know the detailed exam content, but the general outline was known to the genin of the three major ninja villages, allowing them to prepare in advance.
Kakashi and Sanjo Koji nodded in acknowledgment.
Thus, the three of them slowly approached the entrance, then suddenly accelerated and disappeared into the forest.
"Quickly, catch up!"
The candidates following behind seemed to be spurred on, accelerating their pace.
"Check the candidates' qualifications!"
One of the Konoha examiners, standing guard at the entrance, coldly intervened, blocking their path.
No way!
This is Konoha.
Even if they were generous, they wouldn't just stand by and watch others hunt down the village's young while offering no help.
Checking the candidates' qualifications was entirely reasonable.
Didn't the Sand and Rock examiners, mixed in with the others, remain silent?
No one would object to this favor.
If it were their own village's candidates, they would do the same.
The exam rules must be fair.
But as the host, they wouldn't really have no home-field advantage.
Total fairness, as seen in anime, is far from realistic.
Would the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council ever talk about 'absolute fairness' with other powers?
If you get a 'relatively fair' environment, that's already pretty good. What more could you ask for?
The real ninja world isn't just about 'passion,' 'bonds,' and 'effort.' It's a dark and brutal version of those ideals.
Hence the lyrics, "Fairy tales are all lies."
On the other side!
Inside the tall tower at the heart of the Forest of Death.
Numerous high-ranking ninja, nobles, and wealthy merchants crowded into a space larger than a basketball arena.
Multiple monitors at the center displayed every move and action happening in the Forest of Death.
(The ninja world is a patchwork of technology, with surveillance and computers on one side, and on the other, a feudal level where people can barely afford food!)
Seated in the main positions were three figures, each wearing a hat marked with 'Wind,' 'Rock,' and 'Fire,' and draped in long robes.
The shortest and smallest of the three Kage, with a red nose, was the Tsuchikage, Onoki, who spoke first.
"Konoha is truly blessed, constantly nurturing geniuses, unlike our Rock Village, which has none. It makes this old man envious."
He was clearly playing the part of a bitter old man.
He implied that Konoha's geniuses were solely due to its advantageous environment, and indirectly suggested the Rock Village's weakness.
If it were just him and Hiruzen Sarutobi, it might have been a casual comment.
But with so many people present, including the Kazekage, stirring up greed and jealousy could lead to unexpected benefits.
"Indeed, it is because of these geniuses that Konoha remains safe despite countless threats!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up the thread.
He made it clear that Konoha was not afraid of any threats.
The verbal sparring between the Kage, though not a direct ninja battle, was no less dangerous.
"Is that so? I truly hope these geniuses continue to protect Konoha!"
The Third Kazekage added, his words seemingly complimentary but filled with barely concealed malice.
After all, the Land of Wind was impoverished, and its neighbor, the Land of Fire, was a wealthy 'big family.' Any opportunity to strike would be taken.
What did they have to lose? If they succeeded, they gained; if they failed, they could still reduce the burden on their village by depleting their own ninja forces.
"Under the light of the Will of Fire, Konoha ninjas never disappoint. Let's watch the match!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi, sensing a possible alliance between the other two Kage, suggested they focus on the competition.
"Agreed, let's watch the match."
"Hopefully, there are no 'incidents,' and everything goes smoothly."
"Perhaps there will be some surprises."
...
After a few exchanges, the Tsuchikage and Kazekage fell silent.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, outwardly calm, had already used coded language to alert the Anbu, instructing them to take action.
The two Kage were almost hinting that something was about to happen.
Thus, beneath the surface of the lively Konoha, a storm was brewing.
But everyone's attention was on the second stage of the Chunin Exams, and they didn't notice the undercurrents.
(End of Chapter)
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