Upon hearing Nagato's cold declaration, the entire ninja world collectively clenched their fists in fury.
If insults could fly through space and time, Nagato's mother would be shielding herself from a thousand.
Though filled with resentment, every shinobi and kunoichi kept their eyes glued to the glowing screen, unable to look away.
As text scrolled onto the display, even the boldest of Kage subconsciously held their breath.
> [Exclusive rewards will be granted to participants who perform exceptionally during this quiz.
Note: Exclusive rewards have not yet been distributed.
Rewarders: Uzumaki Nagato, Uchiha Itachi]
[Perfect group score attained. Distributing group rewards—]
[Reward: Chakra Capacity +5%]
[Reward: Personal Comprehension +1%]
[Reward: Charisma +1%]
[Reward: Luck +1%]
[Taijutsu Technique: Intermediate Moon Step]
[Secret Technique: Intermediate Armament Haki]
[Special Group Reward: +1 Makeup Exam Attempt]
[Special Team Reward: Makeup Exam Token]
The shinobi world went dead silent.
They hadn't expected rewards this ridiculous.
Even without understanding every item in detail, the implications were terrifying. And the very first reward alone—
A 5% increase in chakra reserves?!
Minds were blown.
While some had speculated that the rewards might boost Akatsuki's strength, few anticipated such a blatant systemic upgrade.
Chakra limit increase... It wasn't just training—it was transcending human limitations.
Even seasoned Kage sat in stunned silence.
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, clasped his pipe with trembling hands. His eyes narrowed.
> "This is… beyond absurd. Even if this reward applied to just Nagato, the impact is astronomical."
He gritted his teeth.
A 5% chakra increase to someone like Nagato, who already rivaled Kage-level chakra?
That could mean another Shinra Tensei of Konoha-level destruction with less exertion.
Ninjutsu strength correlates directly to chakra volume. The same jutsu, fueled by more chakra, yields greater devastation.
A Genin and a Jonin might both know the Fireball Jutsu—but the Jonin's version could level a battalion.
And now the Akatsuki, already feared across the Five Great Nations, had their limits expanded.
Shadow-level powerhouses across the world went pale.
Especially those who had faced the Akatsuki before.
For someone like Deidara, who uses explosive chakra to sculpt death, 5% could equate to a miniature Tailed Beast Bomb.
For Kisame, already dubbed the Tailless Tailed Beast, this bonus was monstrous.
And for Nagato, who bore the Rinnegan and commanded six bodies?
The threat was unquantifiable.
---
Scene Shift — Konoha Hospital
In the sterile white halls, Haruno Sakura stood hesitantly before Uchiha Sasuke's door, clutching a bouquet.
She knocked lightly and entered.
> "Sasuke... how are you feeling?"
She placed the flowers beside his bed gently, overly cautious. She'd hoped he'd appreciate the gesture.
SLAP!
Without a word, Sasuke knocked the bouquet to the ground. The petals scattered like her resolve.
> "I don't need your pity. Get out."
His voice was venomous, eyes cold—his Sharingan flickering briefly.
Sakura's breath caught. Though hurt, she bowed slightly and muttered:
> "I'm sorry. I'll come back another time."
She knelt, scooping up the petals before slipping out of the room.
Inside, Sasuke stared at the screen, fists clenched as Nagato's power visibly increased.
> "Tch… again? That bastard's growing even stronger…"
His pride fumed. He could feel himself falling further behind.
---
The World Reacts
> "This isn't fair at all! Chakra volumes vary per ninja. A flat 5% boost benefits some way more than others!"
Outrage stirred across the Land of Lightning, Stone, Water, and more.
> "Right! If someone already has an enormous reserve, this amplifies them even more!"
But their protests were drowned out by sarcasm and ridicule:
> "Fairness? This isn't a school field trip! The exam space isn't here for balance!"
> "You fools want fairness? This is the shinobi world. The strong survive."
> "Don't you get it? Chakra comes from spiritual and physical energy. Increasing chakra capacity is increasing base stamina. That's body enhancement!"
> "You want it capped? That's penalizing the gifted and rewarding mediocrity!"
The logical ones knew—this reward was fair only by ninja standards. It rewarded strength and potential, not equality.
---
Within the Exam Space
HUMMMMM—
A surge of energy lit the space like a storm.
Brilliant golden light cascaded over each Akatsuki member. Their silhouettes gleamed like evolving avatars.
> "We… we're stronger!" Konan gasped.
Even the stoic Kakuzu felt a surge within his sewn body.
Chakra veins pulsed with greater volume. Skills felt sharper. Muscle memory evolved.
More shockingly, they turned to look at Nagato—and blinked.
His once-skeletal appearance looked... healthier. He still appeared frail, but his face no longer resembled a ghost.
This subtle shift made every member re-evaluate Nagato's hidden potential.
Before they could recover, more rewards rained from the sky—one after another.
Envy clawed at the hearts of every watching shinobi outside.
---
Further Reward Explanations Appeared
> [Taijutsu Technique: Intermediate Moon Step
Grants the user the ability to momentarily remain airborne by kicking the air itself. Flight duration is limited.
Note: This reward is exclusive to participants and non-transferable.]
BOOM.
If the chakra buff had stunned the ninja world, this broke them.
> "A Taijutsu move that lets you fly?!"
> "Since when can Taijutsu... FLY?!"
Their minds broke trying to reconcile it.
Air-kicking flight?! That's not chakra propulsion or magnetism—that's pure physical technique!
Even Kage like Onoki, who could fly with his Particle Style, or Deva Path users like Nagato had flight through rare methods.
Now, EIGHTEEN Akatsuki members could fly?!
> "Just imagine a dozen red clouds descending from the sky like gods…"
> "And Nagato at the front yelling: 'Now… know PAIN!'"
Fear chilled every viewer.
Suddenly, a sarcastic voice cut through the dread.
> "Hey... if it's called 'Moon Step,' they have to step right? How's Nagato gonna pull that off in a wheelchair?"
Snickers erupted.
For a fleeting moment, mockery sparked hope.
Until—
> [Secret Technique: Intermediate Armament Haki
Coats user's body in black, chakra-hardened armor. Defense level scales with chakra infused.
Note: Exclusive and non-teachable.]
Silence.
The chuckles died.
They could no longer pretend this wasn't terrifying.
Now, the Akatsuki were durable, airborne, charismatic—and luckier.
But it wasn't over.
> [Special Group Reward: +1 Makeup Exam Attempt
All 13 participants receive one penalty-free makeup chance.]
[Special Team Reward: Makeup Token
The holder may reopen the exam space and select new participants. The exam is randomized. No rewards are given for success; failure incurs penalties.
Note: This re-exam will be free of charge.]
---
Everyone watching felt their stomachs drop.
They had a second chance. And could drag others into the fire.
The Akatsuki's growth wasn't just power—it was now influence.
And the shinobi world?
They were simply watching it all unfold…
Helplessly.