The following day.
The first day of the Chunin Exams had arrived, and today's test was a written exam.
This challenge posed little difficulty for Tengen and his team, as their understanding of ninjutsu was well advanced.
At the exam venue, Orochimaru paused. "Jurin, Tengen, Anko, this test shouldn't be too hard for you. The real challenge lies in the Forest of Death, the next stage. Since this is a joint exam with the five great ninja villages, expect many formidable opponents. But with Tengen on your team, I'm confident you'll pass the Forest of Death."
"Orochimaru-sensei, why is it always about Tengen? We're strong too!" Anko protested.
"Alright, I hear you. Go on in. I won't be joining you." Orochimaru said with a faint smile. He was well aware of Anko's capabilities. She had grown considerably, but the gap between her and Tengen was stark.
Tengen could defeat most Chunin, and even if other villages sent ninja with unique kekkei genkai or jinchuriki, he might still hold his own.
Orochimaru was eager to see the true extent of Tengen's power. "Let's see what you're really capable of, or if you're hiding something." He thought, his tongue flicking out as a chilling smile crossed his face. "The urge is strong, Tengen."
Inside the exam building, Tengen and his team headed toward the testing area.
"Tengen!" A delighted voice called out.
Tengen turned to see Shizune. "Shizune, and Kurenai too? I didn't know you were on the same team."
"I didn't have a team before, so Tsunade-sama arranged it." Shizune explained. "I didn't realize you knew Kurenai."
"Tengen." Kurenai said with a warm smile. Over the past weeks, Tengen had guided her in genjutsu, earning her gratitude.
"Let me introduce my teammates, Jurin and Anko." Tengen gesturing to his companions.
"Nice to meet you." Shizune and Kurenai said politely.
After brief introductions, they proceeded to the exam room. The classroom was a chaotic buzz of activity.
The large room housed not only ninja from Konoha and the other great villages but also those from smaller nations allied with Konoha. For many of these lesser ninja, their role in the Chunin Exams was merely to serve as fodder.
Tengen spotted the two girls from yesterday, a ninja from the Kirigakure and Kumogakure.
Soon, the proctor arrived, ordering the ninja to take their seats and distributing the written exam papers.
Many ninjas frowned at the test. The questions were dauntingly difficult.
"This exam is your challenge. Answer the questions within the allotted time. If you're caught cheating, your entire team will be disqualified. You may also choose to withdraw, which won't affect your teammates' ability to continue." The Konoha proctor announced, scanning the room.
"The written exam begins now."
At that moment, many ninja studied their papers, realizing the test was far from straightforward.
Some quickly deduced that a few individuals in the room knew the correct answers. The trick was identifying them and copying their work.
Cheating methods abounded, but many were caught. As time ticked by, others opted to withdraw, unwilling to drag their teammates down.
Tengen, however, breezed through the questions, answering with ease. He knew them all.
Jurin used his newly awakened Sharingan to observe. After months of effort, Jurin had unlocked his One-Tomoe Sharingan, a significant milestone.
As for Anko, Tengen subtly helped her cheat. Without his assistance, he worried she might give up, potentially halting their team's progress.
The written exam likely had a trap.
Answering all questions correctly was one way to pass, but the test also evaluated a ninja's reconnaissance and teamwork skills.
Tengen suspected that if a team member withdrew, even if time ran out, the entire team might be disqualified.
Those caught cheating faced immediate elimination.
As time dwindled, the pressure mounted, and disqualified candidates piled up.
The Konoha proctor watched the anxious students with a calm demeanor.
Time was up.
"Stop writing. Hand in your papers." The proctor instructed.
Other Konoha-nin nodded, collecting the tests and delivering them to the proctor.
"You've all completed the written exam, and I'm pleased with your performance." The proctor said, nodding slightly. "Now, teams with members who withdrew, please stand."
A number of ninja rose, their teams having included someone who gave up.
"You're disqualified." The proctor declared.
"What?" The standing ninja froze in shock.
"Do I need to explain?" The proctor said coldly.
The disqualified ninja, chilled by the proctor's gaze, were escorted out of the room.
Tengen watched, shaking his head. His earlier suspicions were proving correct.
"Now, to those remaining, congratulations. You've passed. Proceed to the next stage." The proctor began, but before he could continue, the door was kicked open.
A red-haired woman strode in boldly.
"How many are left?"
***
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