The Exam Hall — Moments Before the Test
Originally, everyone had set their sights on Naruto after his outburst. But now, their eyes shifted—toward Ikki.
He felt the growing tension and smirked. Just as he began to rouse his chakra, a loud commotion caught his attention.
The Sound Village genin had launched an unprovoked attack on Kabuto.
Ikki (thinking):
Nice acting. But that's enough.
With just a ripple of chakra, he stilled the entire room.
His chakra level wasn't particularly high—but the control, the precision, the pressure... it was surgical.
From where Ikki stood, hairline cracks began spider-webbing outwards, spreading across the stone floor.
Ikki (calmly):
"Stop this. Attacking a Konoha shinobi here? Do you want to die?"
He began walking toward the Sound genin. As his steps echoed across the silent hall, his chakra pressure bore down on them like a mountain. The three Sound genin dropped to their knees, gasping for air under the invisible force.
Those who had previously considered targeting him instantly reconsidered.
Ikki (to the Sound team):
"Back to your seats."
And they obeyed—without a word.
Kabuto (thinking):
What the hell…? I built this entire persona to look weak, but this guy—
B-rank missions? Please. With chakra control like that, he's probably capable of A-rank operations.
Who is this guy—and why has no one mentioned him?
Once the Sound team backed off, Ikki turned back toward his own team with a grin.
Ikki:
"See? That wasn't so hard."
Chikako, now standing next to Shikamaru, nudged him lightly.
Chikako:
"How are you, Shikamaru?"
The lazy Nara was snapped out of his daydreams, having just witnessed Ikki casually dominate a room full of genin. His eyes flicked to Chikako—his cousin—and then to Hinari.
Shikamaru (thinking):
Yeah. If I ever face those three in a match… I'm giving up immediately.
Shikamaru:
"I'm good, big bro."
The Rookie Nine turned, stunned. Except for Naruto—he already knew the family connection.
Hinari also glanced over at Hinata and gave her a small, respectful nod. Hinata bowed deeply in return.
Hinata (thinking):
That's Hinari Hyuga… the genius. I requested training under her branch, but the Main House elders blocked it…
Just then—bang!
A smoke bomb exploded, and the head examiner entered the hall.
Ibiki Morino:
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm the proctor for the first part of the Chūnin Exams. Morino Ibiki. Let's begin."
As Ibiki stepped further into the room, his sharp gaze fell on the network of cracks in the floor.
His eyes narrowed.
Ibiki (thinking):
So that's Ikki… Sandaime-sama warned me about him.
Ibiki:
"Hey, kid. Did you do this?"
Ikki (pointing at Naruto, deadpan):
"Nope. He did it."
He grinned.
The entire room stared.
Naruto blinked, trying to process—then screamed.
Naruto:
"EEEEHHHHHHHHHH!?"
Ibiki stared at them for a moment, sighed, and decided it wasn't worth the effort.
Ibiki:
"Everyone, sit down. We're starting."
The First Exam
As expected, the questions were deliberately too difficult to answer normally. Ikki knew the trick already. Rather than stressing himself out, he did the bare minimum—just scribbled down correct answers.
Though, out of boredom, he had a little fun.
The first letters of each of his answers?
"F* b****"**
Then he proceeded to nap with his head on his answer sheet.
Eventually, Ibiki revealed the truth behind the tenth question. Many teams began shaking with doubt—until Naruto stood up and delivered his speech, yelling about never giving up.
And somehow, it worked.
No one quit. Everyone passed.
Just as Ibiki wrapped up his explanation—
The Door Slammed Open
A new voice rang out:
Anko Mitarashi:
"Alright, brats! Don't get too cocky just because you passed the first round! The next one's gonna be hell!"
She led the teams toward the next stage—Team Orca included.
Training Ground 44 — The Forest of Death
As they arrived, Anko explained the rules: Heaven and Earth scrolls. Survival for five days. 30 teams in total. Only those with both scrolls would advance.
2 teams from Amegakure
4 from Sunagakure
2 from Kusagakure
3 from Otogakure
15 from Konohagakure
Remaining teams from smaller villages
Among Konoha's teams: 3 Uchiha squads
As Anko handed out scrolls, as she reached the Uchiha teams, A tingle ran down his spine.
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