Click.
Shikaku Nara lit a cigarette, the glow of his desk lamp casting long shadows as he sifted through the latest stack of exam papers.
His eyes paused on a sheet penned in elegant, delicate script—clearly a girl's handwriting.
"Uchiha... Sarada," Shikaku murmured, lips curling in a thoughtful line.
He was one of the few who knew the real story behind Sarada's birth.
"Karin, looks like you're finally showing your hand. But whether she passes my test... that's up to her."
He read Sarada's answers:
The enemy is strong, so I'd avoid direct confrontation and not face them head-on.
Shikaku flicked his ash into the tray, brow raised. "So, in other words—run away. Given her abilities, it's the right call, but it's also pretty standard."
He read on.
If I can escape safely, I'll use my natural medical ninja skills to support the adults...
That's my judgment, based on my own situation.
Shikaku considered. "Not just a coward—she's doing what she can. Not fully mature, but for her age, it's solid. Hitomi's answers cover every angle, way beyond his years. Sarada's not there yet, but she's thinking."
He set Sarada's paper aside, unresolved.
After sorting through the rest, he counted the qualified sheets.
"Ninety-nine? That many cut this year?"
His gaze drifted to Sarada's answer, still waiting in the 'maybe' pile.
"Ah, screw it. Let's make it an even hundred."
He stamped Sarada's sheet: QUALIFIED.
Late at night, Naruto's house.
Naruto sat across from his son, Hitomi, the boy's answer sheet—hand-delivered by Shikaku—spread out before them.
"I can't believe you wrote this after just one night with The Book of Gods..." Naruto said, a gentle pride in his voice.
Finishing the read, he handed the paper back, tapping a line of red ink. "This is Uncle Shikaku's advice—and it's what I want you to remember, too."
Hitomi's gaze lingered on the comment:
Remember, never give up your life lightly. Staying alive means more possibilities.
Hitomi was quiet, not one for words, but his mind never stopped turning.
"But... if I get captured, I'll just be a burden. I could get others killed for nothing."
Naruto's voice was patient, steady. "Ninja aren't tools. We're people—flesh, blood, feelings. Listen, Hitomi. Just by living, we're bound to cause trouble for those around us. But when we trust and support each other—when we rely on each other—nobody feels like a burden."
He smiled softly. "A lot of people have given their lives for their friends. That's something to be proud of—not a pointless sacrifice."
Hitomi's eyes dropped, words caught in his throat.
Naruto saw right through him. "You're thinking: if others can sacrifice themselves for you, you should be willing to do the same for them, right?"
Hitomi nodded. "Yeah. That's what I think."
Naruto leaned in. "You're seeing both sides—without letting emotion in."
Hitomi frowned. "Dad, are you saying I'm doing what I 'should' do, not what I actually feel? That I'm cold?"
Naruto shook his head. "You're rational. Even now, you're analyzing. But that's not what I mean. Your logic already shows you respect life. That's the foundation. You're not heartless—you just haven't felt it deeply yet."
Hitomi's eyes filled with thought. "So... how do I learn to feel?"
Naruto smiled. "When you have friends fighting beside you—bonds you can't let go—you'll understand."
Hitomi repeated softly, "Comrades... bonds... Are those really more important than talent?"
Naruto's gaze grew serious. "Looking death in the eye, being decisive—that's ninja talent. But in battle, we start to despise life, to go numb. Friends are the lights that guide us back, that help us see ourselves, see others, see what really matters. Talent alone might get you far, but you'll be alone. With comrades, you're never alone."
He placed a hand on Hitomi's shoulder. "Talent can't fill the emptiness inside. Bonds can."
Hitomi fell silent, lost in thought.
Naruto reached into his jacket and pulled out a small booklet.
"Congrats. You made it to round two. This has the rules and notes for the next exam. Read it, then get some sleep."
Naruto started toward his room, then paused.
"Oh, and one more thing."
He glanced back, a sly grin on his face. "From round two on, I'll be broadcasting live to the whole ninja world—using 'Heaven and Earth Illusion.' I'll be watching your performance."
Inside Gekiryū City, a vast ocean shimmered, with a solitary island rising in its center. The island's actual size dwarfed the city itself—yet it was contained within its borders.
From the outside, it looked like just another city lake. But step inside, and it was like entering a whole new world.
All thanks to the Tenseigan—space itself reshaped by the legendary eye.
This was the stage for the second round of the Great Ninja Tournament.
The next day, noon.
Whrrrrr...!
Amado's massive tech airship soared over Gekiryū City, gliding into the city's waters and circling toward the island from the southwest.
Inside, one hundred ninja sat in rows, geared up and ready.
Each carried only a single ninja pack—basic tools, and just enough food for one day.
Everything else—supplies, weapons, survival gear—would have to be found on the island itself. No contact with the outside world. No help.
The island was huge; the odds of running into another competitor were slim.
But every so often, poisonous mist would spread from unpredictable directions, gradually swallowing the land—until only a tiny safe zone remained.
Reach that zone before time runs out, and you move on to round three—the fight to become an 'Earth Ninja.'
This was the second challenge: the ultimate survival test—Battle Royale Island.
Clang!
The airship's rear door slammed open.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh...!
Shadows leapt out one after another, vanishing into the wild.
At the controls, Amado exhaled a thick swirl of smoke.
"Have fun out there, kids..."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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