The early afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grounds of the Hidden Leaf Ninja Academy, where the second phase of the Chunin Exam was about to begin. The candidates who had passed the first exam were gathering in the designated area, their eyes sharp and minds alert, each aware that the challenges ahead would test not just their skill, but their survival instincts.
"So," Motoi asked, his voice tinged with eagerness, "are we going to take action and try to capture her during the second exam?"
Killer B, calm and measured as always, shook his head. "No. This is Konoha, after all. Our mission is not to attack, but to gather intelligence on the target. We need to observe her carefully, learn what makes her so special, and report back. That is our objective."
Motoi frowned, unconvinced. "However, during the exam itself, we might be able to interact with her a little. Just enough to understand why the Village is taking such great precautions for her."
Killer B gave a small nod, acknowledging the point. Being an Uzumaki himself, albeit having lost much of his heritage during the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools, he understood the importance of subtle observation. Yet, he also knew better than to underestimate a mission, no matter how trivial it might appear.
"Perfect," Motoi said, his eyes glinting with determination. "I just saw that the older gentleman from earlier—Aomizu—is on her team. When the time comes, Killer B, don't interfere. I want to teach that uncle a lesson."
Killer B did not refuse this time. He trusted Motoi's judgment; after all, the boy had grown up alongside him, playing and training together since childhood. While Motoi's strength did not match Killer B's, it was more than enough to hold his own against a standard Chunin. Against an older Genin from Konoha, he would be more than capable.
"Alright," Shiko interjected, her voice soft yet commanding. "I'm hungry. Let's head to eat before the exam starts." She led the way toward the Ninja Academy's mess hall. Among Killer B's team, she was the only female ninja, yet her skill and combat abilities were considerable enough to have earned her place among them.
After a quick meal, Aomizu and his team returned to the Ninja Academy to check the posted results. As expected, they had all passed the first exam and were cleared to participate in the second phase.
"Great!" Kushina exclaimed, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "I didn't get to show off much in the first exam, but the second exam is where I'll really shine!"
Fighting had always been a source of pride for her. From her early days at the Academy, she had never been one to yield. Bullies who dared challenge her rarely lasted long; their defeat earned her the nickname "Bloody Red Hot Pepper." Her fiery spirit, combined with formidable strength, made her a force few could underestimate.
"Okay, you'll get your chance to perform," Aomizu said, trying to temper her excitement. "But first, we should head to Forest of Death Training Ground 1. That's where the second exam begins."
Beneath the posted results, the instructions for the second exam were clearly outlined: all participants were required to reach the Forest of Death by 2 PM, or they would be disqualified. The deadline was firm, leaving no room for tardiness.
By 2 PM, all candidates had arrived at the designated starting point. The Chief Examiner, a stern figure with eyes that seemed to pierce through the very souls of the participants, addressed the crowd.
"This is quite an impressive turnout," he said, his gaze sweeping across the candidates. "We have thirty teams, totaling eighty-nine people, in this second exam. I initially expected no more than sixty. It seems I underestimated you."
The unusual number of participants was due to Aomizu and Kushina forming a two-person team, slightly smaller than the standard three-person squad.
"However," the examiner continued, voice dropping to a somber tone, "your luck ends here. In this exam, at least half of you will be eliminated."
A ripple of unease passed through the crowd. Those who had barely scraped through the first exam began to sweat, their confidence waning under the weight of the examiner's words.
"Before the second exam officially begins," the Chief Examiner added, "you must first sign a Life-and-Death Agreement. The Forest of Death is dangerous; death is a real possibility."
Gasps spread through the crowd like wildfire.
"People can die in the second exam?" a young ninja whispered, his face pale.
"Anyone unwilling to participate may forfeit and leave now," the examiner continued, his voice cold and precise, each word designed to unsettle. The psychological pressure was immense, yet only a few, like Aomizu, remained unaffected. Confidence in one's strength was a shield against fear, and the strongest ninja rarely succumbed to intimidation.
"Very well," the examiner concluded. "You have guts. I hope that when this exam ends, all of you are still alive and standing."
One by one, the candidates signed the Life-and-Death Agreement, their signatures binding them to the rules and dangers of the second exam. Then, the examiner began explaining the mechanics.
Each ninja squad would possess either a Heaven Scroll or an Earth Scroll. Over the next five days, teams were required to steal the scroll of the opposite type and ensure that all members reached the Central Tower within the Forest of Death. Failure to acquire both scrolls, or failure to arrive at the Central Tower within the allotted time, would result in immediate elimination.
The scrolls were distributed randomly in a tent to prevent teams from immediately knowing which type their opponents possessed. Strategy and intelligence-gathering were paramount; direct confrontation could be dangerous, but so could hesitation.
Aomizu and Kushina drew the Heaven Scroll, with Aomizu taking responsibility for its safekeeping. Once all teams received their scrolls, the examiners guided them to different entrances, signaling that the official start of the exam would occur simultaneously across the forest.
"Kushina," Aomizu said once inside the forest, "we'll head straight for the Central Tower. If we encounter an Earth Scroll along the way, we'll grab it immediately. If not, we'll wait outside the tower for others to arrive."
Kushina nodded in agreement. With their combined strength, they were confident in their ability to defeat any opposing squad.
The Forest of Death lived up to its name. Roars echoed through the dense trees, and the undergrowth rustled with movement as giant beasts prowled the shadows. Suddenly, a massive bear charged directly at Aomizu and Kushina, its enormous bulk shaking the earth with every step.
Ordinary people would have had no hope against such a creature. But these were ninjas, skilled in both strategy and combat.
Kushina, without hesitation, landed a single punch directly on the bear's abdomen. The force sent the beast staggering backward, terrified, scrambling to escape.
Aomizu couldn't help but shake his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "Uncle, you're completely useless. You needed a girl to take care of a mere wild beast?"
A mocking voice rang out from above.
Looking up, they saw three Hidden Cloud Village ninja perched in a tree, observing the scene with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. It was Killer B's squad, who had been tracking them since entering the Forest of Death.
"That's right," Motoi called down, grinning. "I told you before, uncle: if we met again, I'd defeat you."
With that, Motoi and his teammates leaped from the tree, landing in front of Aomizu and Kushina. Their timing was perfect, capitalizing on the momentary distraction of the bear.
In the monitoring room, Jonin from the Hidden Cloud Village watched the event unfold with keen interest.
"These two are quite unlucky," one commented. "Running into Killer B's squad so soon after entering the Forest of Death is not ideal."
"They certainly have poor luck," another agreed. "If they were smart, they'd hand over the scroll and avoid a beating."
To the observers, Killer B—already a partner of the formidable Fourth Raikage—was undoubtedly the strongest participant in this exam. The Hidden Leaf ninja may have possessed strength, but Killer B's presence changed the balance of power entirely.
The stage was set. The Forest of Death, with its deadly beasts, rival squads, and the looming threat of elimination, would soon bear witness to a series of battles that would test skill, courage, and survival instincts to their limits.
Aomizu, Kushina, and the other ninja braced themselves. The second exam had officially begun, and only the most cunning and strongest would survive.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)