Because of the current political instability and frequent small-scale wars between countries, the Genin exams were significantly stricter than they would be in the future. In addition to mastering the Three Body Techniques, there was an extra trial.
The teaching instructor explained to the students: These trials were set up by various Chunin and Jonin who came here to recruit apprentices. Graduating students could choose their own test, with each student allowed to select up to three instructors. Those who hesitated wouldn't get their preferred teacher—in other words, the challenge began from the moment they made their selection.
And this time, some heavy-hitting elite Jonin have shown up too.
The teacher's words sparked great interest among students, who started whispering with excitement about which ninjas might come to pick apprentices.
Anya and Minato stood quietly below, appearing somewhat out of place compared with the surrounding atmosphere.
Soon, a loud voice rang out boastfully, "Yo, graduation day again! What a nostalgic youth! Welcome all to choose me! Whether east, west, south or north..."
Before he finished speaking, a tremendous thud interrupted him as the talking man was punched flat into the ground, his head buried completely into the earth.
A female voice tightly suppressing her anger commanded, "Shut up."
"Look quickly, it's Tsunade-sama! She's so beautiful, though quite violent too."
"Is that Orochimaru-sama standing beside her? He looks so cool."
The students recognized the first three arrivals and began murmuring with excitement. After all, as Hokage Sarutobi's capable disciples, these three held tremendous popularity within the village. As for the one buried in the earth, it was none other than the future Toad Sage, Jiraiya.
Though not yet officially named the [Sannin], their abilities were already undeniable. With numerous admirers already, they would undoubtedly become the most popular choices today.
After those three arrived, several other Jonin and Chunin followed in succession, but failed to generate significant attention. Obviously, these were the three mentioned by the instructor—clearly going to be the most sought-after picks today.
Anya casually scanned them, pausing briefly on Tsunade for no particular reason other than... well-endowed proportions.
This truly lived up to her future title as the Fifth Hokage. Even at such a young age, she already possessed that impressive scale. Man, it really *is* all true... I wonder what it'd feel like just once!
Tsunade noticed Anya's gaze, though didn't take offense—probably never imagining that a mere adolescent boy nearby could harbor such dirty thoughts.
Quickly averting his gaze, Anya turned his attention to a visibly indifferent-looking Chunin.
This mid-level ninja probably assumed nobody would ever pick him, thus displaying extreme relaxation with an always-half-asleep expression.
At this moment, the instructor solemnly stood before all students, raising both hands high before sharply bringing them down, "Begin!"
Like tigers bursting from cages, masses of students fiercely sprinted forward, kicking up thick clouds of dust. When the dust settled, Anya was the only one still lingering behind, thereby observing the intense competition ahead quite clearly.
First came Minato, way ahead of the pack—so far ahead that the second-place runner couldn't even see him. Nothing unusual, though. Anya clearly understood his present capabilities: absolute peak Chunin strength, with actual combat capability against Jonin, always able to withdraw safely afterward.
What happened afterward quickly descended into chaos. Some students even ended up clashing with each other during the selection process. Unexpectedly, the largest group chose to follow Orochimaru. This discovery made Anya raise an eyebrow—what bravery (not).
Of course, there were also some students who hadn't selected any of the three but instead opted for Jonin more suitable for themselves. As for those choosing Chunin, they were extremely few. In truth, everyone understood clearly—the Chunin here were just here to handle the stragglers; only those who flunked the Jonin tests would end up under their supervision.
Only Anya made his way directly to a Chunin's station. When this Chunin saw Anya approaching, he was caught off guard at first. After recovering from his surprise, he quickly grew delighted—after all, it was still good that someone had chosen him. So he coughed twice and said, "Ahem… Uh, the trial I've prepared for you is…"
Before the Chunin could finish speaking, a figure suddenly appeared beside them, saying in a somewhat eerie tone: "Let me test him first."
Hearing this voice, the Chunin's hairs stood on end as he hastily stepped back respectfully and replied, "Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
When Anya saw Orochimaru's pale face, his eyes widened in shock. Never had he imagined encountering such an unexpected situation during the Genin graduation exam. Why did Orochimaru show up here?
Looking over at the original location, he saw that another Orochimaru remained there. Instantly, he realized this one must be a Shadow Clone. But why had he drawn Orochimaru's attention? Though nervous, Anya felt puzzled too. Thinking carefully about every event from his entire year inside, there shouldn't have been any interaction.
The only possible incident must have been when he stole the Scroll of Seals—right, only then.
Suddenly understanding everything, Anya relaxed slightly and calmly asked, "Lord Orochimaru, may I ask what my graduation trial will be?"
Orochimaru offered a slight smile, as if trying to appear gentle—but it only came across as chillingly cold. With a somewhat hoarse voice, he replied, "Very simple. Stay alive for thirty seconds against it."
After speaking, Orochimaru formed hand seals and performed [Summoning Jutsu] onto the ground. Immediately, a gigantic serpent appeared within the clearing, emitting a strong foul stench from its body.
At the very moment the enormous snake appeared, Anya studied it carefully before exhaling in relief—it wasn't Manda, Orochimaru's deadliest summon.
If it truly were that monster, not only thirty seconds, but three seconds would be impossible. Anya would absolutely turn around and run without hesitation.
Following Orochimaru's command, the massive serpent opened its bloody maw and rushed straight at Anya.
Anya didn't dodge or move, as if paralyzed with fear. Some onlookers tensed up watching the sight unfold.
Unsurprisingly, Anya got swallowed whole in one bite.
A loud "Bang!" sounded as Anya transformed into a wooden log inside the serpent's mouth—[Substitution Jutsu].
The giant snake, missing its initial strike, detected Anya's presence through subtle temperature fluctuations with its Sensor-like ability. It swung its massive tail toward the air where she hovered.
"Wow! That's amazing!"
Anya was indeed mid-air. At the exact moment the snake swung its tail, she completed her ninjutsu hand seals: [Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu].
She focused Chakra in her throat before exhaling a massive fireball from her mouth. The blazing sphere instantly set the snake's approaching tail ablaze with intense heat.
After landing a solid hit, Anya's gaze turned sharp and cold. As he prepared to finish off the beast completely, he suddenly changed his mind. He didn't want to show off too much — after all, it was just a thirty-second exercise. An injured giant snake should be simple enough. Thinking that, he lightly landed on the ground and decided not to press the attack.
Orochimaru showed no concern whatsoever at his summoned creature's pitiful state. Instead, he let out a low, raspy chuckle, his long tongue flicking out as he licked his lips several times, "How interesting."
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