The next plan was an ambush. Naruto made his preparations, feeling a bit helpless. The three of them had already rushed to the vicinity of the Central Tower at top speed, but they hadn't even encountered a shadow of another team along the way.
It seemed that to gather the missing earth scroll, they would ultimately have to rely on waiting for a rabbit by a stump or... a sneak attack.
And so, the leader of the [Ember] Organization, known as "Shadow" in the Ninja World and striking fear into the hearts of various nations, was now diligently planning an ambush tactic to pass a Chunin Exams.
"This area has dense grass and an open view, it seems like a good ambush spot…"
Naruto pushed aside the thick grass on a high ground, evaluating the pros and cons of this location as an ambush point. However—
"Bang!"
The crisp sound of metal clashing suddenly rang out! A kunai attacked from the front at an extremely tricky angle, but Naruto precisely parried it with his own kunai.
With his already extremely high talent, coupled with the enhanced reaction nerves honed by continuously using the Flying Thunder God Technique... Naruto felt he could reach 3000 even with Team 7.
Satsuki, beside him, narrowed her eyes, the cold glint of her kunai flashing, ready to launch a counterattack.
However, the assailant let out a low cry full of surprise and no killing intent.
"It's you guys?!"
This shout made the three members of Team 7 pause. When Naruto clearly saw the assailant's face, he was also slightly stunned—what a coincidence, it was actually the Kirigakure Ninja they had let go earlier.
At this moment, the Kirigakure Ninja's expression was complex and difficult to discern. It turned out that not long ago, after escaping from Naruto's hands and rushing back to the agreed rendezvous point with his teammates, what he saw were two cold corpses—his teammates had already been killed!
But strangely, the attackers did not seem to be after the scrolls, because the earth scroll, which represented their team's qualification, remained intact on his teammates' bodies.
This feeling... it was less like an exam and more like pure sadistic pleasure.
A chill ran down his spine. Since his team had been active near Team 7 earlier, his teammates had unfortunately become casualties when Orochimaru cleared the battlefield.
"…"
The relief of having narrowly survived and deep regret for his own weakness intensely intertwined in his heart. With all his teammates dead, he alone simply could not pass this cruel Chunin Exams... The next moment, under the slightly wary and puzzled gazes of the three members of Team 7, this Kirigakure Ninja made an unexpected move—he abruptly pulled out his team's earth scroll and threw it forcefully towards Naruto!
He clearly remembered that Team 7 hadn't deliberately concealed their scroll when they received it; they held the Heaven Scroll. And his team held the earth scroll, which the other party lacked, which was also one of the reasons he chose to risk a sneak attack earlier.
Watching the three members of Team 7 catch the scroll in surprise, their faces filled with confusion, he opened his mouth, wanting to say something. Like, "I don't want to owe you a favor"? But with their strength, taking the scroll would be as easy as turning over a hand, wouldn't it?
In the end, he said nothing, then turned and, with a few leaps, sped towards the Central Tower—he chose to give up, entering the tower early without a scroll, actively withdrawing from this assessment that had lost all meaning for him.
Was it because he recognized his own lack of strength and chose to give up resisting?
However, from Team 7's perspective, the whole situation presented a completely different picture.
— — — — — —
"If there is no Heaven, it is wisdom, for preparation; if there is no Earth, it is pursuit of origin, for profit..."
Sakura recited the words on the wall inside the tower, then the three of them, following the instructions on the scrolls, simultaneously and slowly unfurled the Heaven Scroll and the earth scroll in their hands.
As the scrolls opened, a unique summoning smoke curled upwards. Under the surprised gazes of Satsuki and Sakura, a figure they were incredibly familiar with gradually coalesced in the smoke, appearing above the scrolls.
"It's been a long time, Naruto, Satsuki, Sakura." Iruka's face was beaming with an irrepressible smile of relief, "You all truly make me proud."
With Naruto's calm expression of "just as I expected," and the other two still not fully recovered from their astonishment, Naruto was the first to greet them with a smile. "Oh! It's been a long time, Iruka Sensei!"
"Wait a moment, before we catch up…" Sakura couldn't help but ask, "Why is Iruka Sensei here?"
Iruka had clearly prepared his explanation. He gently clarified, "Because one of our original tasks as Chunin is to welcome the candidates who pass the second exam here. I just never expected you all to arrive so quickly!"
His tone was filled with undisguised admiration. It was only the first day! His students had completed the assessment so quickly, and in first place? This was probably a first in the history of the Chunin Exams.
"Congratulations, everyone, on successfully passing the second exam."
Hearing this formal congratulation, Sakura's expression was somewhat dazed. It's over? I just… passed? But… I don't feel like I did anything?
She looked at Naruto beside her, only to see him still wearing that harmless, serene smile. Iruka looked at Naruto in this state, feeling both helpless and emotional.
This child, still the same, so composed, not at all like his age… Then, Iruka patiently explained the meaning of the words on the wall to the three of them. The general idea was that 'Heaven' and 'Earth' actually expounded on the insights into becoming a Chunin. 'Heaven' symbolized wisdom and strategy, while 'Earth' represented physical strength and combat power.
To become a qualified Chunin, one must be a Ninja who is both wise and brave, possessing both Heaven and Earth; neither can be lacking.
"To celebrate your successful passing, I'll treat you to ramen! …Though I really want to say that." Finally, Iruka scratched his head a bit awkwardly.
"Although your assessment is over, this exam is just beginning for the other candidates. Sorry, my reception work isn't finished yet, so I need you to wait here for a bit."
Upon hearing this, Satsuki and Sakura suddenly realized. Just beginning? Oh right, how long was the total duration of this exam?
Are we... going to stay in this tower for a whole five days?!
This thought instantly made them feel a wave of helplessness. However, when Satsuki's gaze fell on Naruto beside her, the boredom caused by the long wait quietly transformed into a slightly excited emotion, carrying a hidden anticipation.
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