"Now, I will announce the tenth question of the exam." Ibiki's icy gaze swept across the room.
A terrifying aura like they were about to be interrogated washed over the examinees.
Some timid ones unconsciously fell into his rhythm, subconsciously gulping and nervously awaiting the proctor's words.
"You can choose to answer or not answer this question. If even one person chooses not to answer, then the entire three-person team will be disqualified. You can then wait until the next Chunin Exams to participate again.
"If you choose to answer, those who answer incorrectly will be permanently barred from ever taking the Chunin Exams again!
"Do you understand? You maggots, make your choice."
Ibiki slammed his hand on the podium.
His head, covered in gruesome scars, coupled with a sinister sneer and terrifying presence, frightened some examinees into falling to the floor.
It must be said that for examinees with weak willpower, Ibiki Morino, a proctor specializing in psychology whose daily work involved interrogating criminals and spies, was a demon.
Most importantly, the rules of this tenth question were simply too outrageous.
If you answered incorrectly, you would never be able to become a Chunin.
In this era, ninjas were divided into Genin, Chunin, and Jonin.
Each promotion granted more mission choices and priority in becoming the middle management.
Ordinary ninjas who wanted to stand out rose through the ranks in this manner.
Of course, this excluded the unorthodox, exceptionally strong Genin, like the main characters of the Rookie 12.
"How could there be such an absurd question?
"I thought the written exam was outrageous enough, but I didn't expect this tenth question to be even more so.
"Being a Genin for life? You don't have the right to make this decision for us!"
After all, they were ninjas.
Some examinees overcame their fear and loudly questioned Ibiki.
What a joke indeed, it was such a severe punishment! Didn't that render all their hard work, all their skillfully copied answers, useless?
"Hehe, this is the joint Chunin Exams.
"The leaders of your villages are also here. Perhaps, you can try challenging whether I have this authority or not?" Ibiki sneered again, further intimidating these recent graduates.
"W-what a joke! I... I don't want to be a Genin for the rest of my life.
"You agree, right?"
Finally, one examinee, unable to bear the pressure, suggested to his teammates that they forfeit.
They could always take the exam again next time.
Thus, several teams successively forfeited.
Seeing the bandwagon effect, as more and more people were about to leave…
Naruto suddenly slammed his hand on the table and passionately shouted, "What a joke! I, Naruto Uzumaki, am going to become Hokage..."
A speech filled with unwavering will and belief in his ninja way brought everyone back to their senses.
"Even if I remain a Genin for life, I will become Hokage, just you watch!"
From this moment on, the infectious power of Naruto's "Talk no Jutsu" began to influence countless people.
It had to be said, he was indeed the reincarnation of Asura.
Natsuki, familiar with the plot, also nodded.
Compared to watching the anime in his previous life, experiencing this firsthand was even more shocking.
Naruto's greatest strength was still his Talk no Jutsu.
Ibiki Morino also looked at Naruto in surprise, finding that the wavering hearts of the surrounding examinees had become firm again.
He could only helplessly announce that all those who remained had passed.
He then explained the meaning behind this final question.
Just as Ibiki finished speaking...
Crash!!!
With a loud bang, a figure crashed through the classroom window.
Anko Mitarashi, dressed in a fishnet shirt and with a bold demeanor, burst in.
She first glanced at Ibiki, sarcastically remarking, "You actually let so many survive."
Then, turning to face the examinees, she said, "Don't get too excited, rookies.
"I am the proctor for the second exam, Anko Mitarashi.
"What comes next is the true test of your abilities."
The first Chunin Exam concluded with Anko's grand entrance.
The second exam would take place tomorrow, in the terrifying Forest of Death.
…
When Natsuki returned home, his sister, Kurenai Yuhi, was already busy in the kitchen.
"Why are you back so early today? Don't you have to go on missions and help maintain order in the village?" Natsuki asked as he closed the door and changed into slippers at the entrance.
"Hee hee, as soon as your exam finished, I immediately requested leave. My dear little brother is participating in such an important Chunin Exam; of course, I have to find time to take care of you," Kurenai said, carrying a plate of braised pork.
Dressed in loose-fitting pyjamas and slippers, she walked out with a pad-pad-pad.
Outside, Kurenai was a stern Jonin and a serious team leader.
But at home, she was a doting older sister.
"Don't worry, the Chunin Exams are so easy. Just wait for your little brother to take first place," Natsuki said, helping to carry out a dish of boiled fish.
"Haha, you're just bragging. Many strong ninjas from various villages have come this time. While I have confidence in you, you still need to be careful. The path of a ninja requires caution above all else.
"Tomorrow, your exam will be in the Forest of Death. It's a closed-off area. You'll be locked in for several days, surrounded by enemies everywhere.
"You won't even be able to sleep soundly. Let's see if you're scared then," Kurenai wrinkled her nose and lightly tapped Natsuki's head, reminding him not to be so arrogant.
Natsuki pretended to be in pain, clutching his head. "Okay, okay. I'll be careful, nagging old crook."
"Huh? What did you say? Hmmmmm! hah! Forget it, I'll eat all the food tonight myself. You can go to the exam tomorrow with an empty stomach."
"Ah, no! Lady Sister, I was wrong!"
Dinner ended amidst the playful banter between the siblings.
Back in the bedroom, Kurenai helped Natsuki pack several storage scrolls.
Besides numerous combat tools, the scrolls contained a large pile of daily necessities, such as tents, blankets, washbasins, and even... a chamber pot.
She even stuffed in several bento boxes.
"Sis, aren't we prohibited from bringing our own food according to the exam rules?" Natsuki asked, his eyelids twitching.
"Silly, rules are meant to be broken. Do you really think they can check each and every one of your storage scrolls?
"Besides, it's not for you to eat as soon as you enter. It's only for when you can't find food in the Forest of Death.
"It's better to be safe than sorry. You'll be staying in that spooky forest for several days." Kurenai didn't even look back as she stuffed in a few more steaks.
"Phew! Done. I'm exhausted, completely out of Chakra." Kurenai clapped her hands and let out a long sigh.
Fine beads of sweat had indeed appeared on her forehead.
"Thank you, Sister. It's so nice to have such a caring sister," Natsuki said sincerely, looking at the mountain of storage scrolls before him.
His eyelids twitched again. She almost emptied the entire house!
"Hmph! Isn't this what I should do?
"What are you still standing there for? Go to bed! You have the exam tomorrow." Kurenai turned around, seeing Natsuki still standing there, and shooed him toward the bed.
"It's only 8 o'clock. Who can fall asleep so early?" Natsuki said, gesturing towards the clock on the wall. "Why don't you go take the exam, Sister? I think you're more energetic than me."
"Go take your exam! I'm a Jonin! Sleep, even if you can't. Rest your eyes. If you keep joking, Sister will have to use her ultimate move!" Kurenai tapped Natsuki's head again.
Natsuki, who usually bullied others, didn't dare talk back in front of his sister at this moment.
He obediently got into bed, turned off the lights, and lay down.
"Hey, Sister's still here."
In the bedroom, Kurenai mumbled in dissatisfaction. "Fine, considering you'll be having a hard time for the next few days, I'll accompany you."
Saying so, she kicked off her slippers, lifted the blanket, and slipped into the bed.
"Hey, Lady Sister, your room is across the hall," Natsuki said, stunned.
"This is my room now. I'll make sure you sleep properly."
"Isn't a free-body pillow good enough for you?" Kurenai finished and snuggled up to him.
The soft mattress, the warm blanket, and his sister's soft body made Natsuki feel exceptionally comfortable and secure.
"Little brother, you're almost as tall as me now. Time surely flies," Kurenai said, her bright eyes staring unblinkingly at Natsuki in the dark room.
"It's normal to grow taller at my age. It's not at all normal to be short," Natsuki mumbled, his sister's alluring fragrance making him feel lightheaded.
"Hmph! Grow slower, you hear? My feet are so cold, warm them up for me." Saying this, she forcefully slipped her feet under Natsuki's calves, lightly clamping them.
"Hee hee, sleep." This was Kurenai's only flaw: when it was time to sleep, she acted like a spoiled child.
Surrounded by a fragrant aroma and warm sensation, Natsuki actually fell asleep unknowingly.
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