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The next day, at 2:30 PM.
Ryūsei left home and arrived at the usual meeting spot for Team 8, joining Shino and Hinata as they made their way to the Forest of Death.
Along the way, Shino shared his analysis: "The 44th Training Ground, also known as the Forest of Death, is one of Konoha's restricted training areas. It's said to be a primeval forest filled with numerous wild beasts and venomous insects. After returning yesterday, I did some research on this training ground. The forest is enclosed by an iron fence with a total of 44 entrances. At the center stands a building called the Central Tower. The distance from each entrance to the tower is exactly 10,000 meters—ten kilometers. If nothing unexpected happens, this Central Tower should be the endpoint for the second exam."
"As for the exam's content, if it's not a speed-based competition, then it's likely about collecting certain items within the forest and bringing them to the Central Tower to pass. If all the examinees are indeed thrown into the forest to gather mission items, then we will inevitably encounter other teams during the second exam—possibly even engaging in battles."
Hearing this, Ryūsei looked at Shino with slight surprise.
His guess was very close to the truth. As expected of one of the most mysterious and reliable figures in the original story!
So, Ryūsei decided to "spoil" a little as well: "When the proctor concluded the exam yesterday, he said that at least half of us would be eliminated. If it really is about collecting mission items, then there are probably only enough for half the teams. This exam is likely designed to force us into competition and combat."
"Hn."
Shino nodded. "If that's the case, then this exam plays to our strengths."
"Perception will be up to you two—Shino, Hinata."
"Understood!" As they chatted, Team 8 soon arrived outside the Forest of Death and quickly found the assembly point.
Most of the examinees had already gathered there.
Anko was eating dango while directing the proctors in setting up a tent—though its purpose was unclear.
When there were only twenty minutes left before the exam's start time, and all examinees had arrived, Anko began explaining the exam's content and rules.
The second exam was a Scroll Hunt.
There were two types of scrolls: Heaven Scrolls and Earth Scrolls.
Each team would randomly receive one scroll, then enter the forest to seize another team's scroll. Only by obtaining both a Heaven and Earth Scroll and reaching the Central Tower would they pass the second exam.
The exam would last 120 hours—five full days.
As Anko explained the rules, her casual, almost mocking tone irritated Naruto—who shared her brash personality—prompting him to mimic and provoke her. As a result, Anko punished him by stabbing him with a skewer, leaving him with a lingering fear of her.
This little incident also led to an unexpected reunion between Anko and her former teacher, Orochimaru—though only one of them was aware of it.
"There are ten minutes left. Come sign the Consent of Death forms."
Anko smirked. "Of course, if you're scared of dying, you can turn around and go home now."
Having already experienced the proctor's abrasive personality, none of the examinees took offense.
Each team lined up in front of the tent to sign the forms.
Then, the team leaders entered another tent to receive their scrolls.
After obtaining their scroll, Team 8 followed a proctor to one of the 44 entrances, waiting for the exam to begin.
When only ten seconds remained, the proctors at each entrance unlocked the gates.
Anko's voice echoed once more through the broadcast:
"The second stage of the Chūnin Exams—BEGIN!"
As soon as her voice faded, examinees at all 44 entrances either dashed into the forest in a ninja sprint or flickered in as blurs of movement.
Of course, some teams chose to enter at a leisurely pace.
Team 8 was among the latter.
"Hinata, I'm entrusting the Earth Scroll to you."
Ryūsei handed the scroll to Hinata. "Use your Byakugan to locate targets, but don't rush into action. Let them fight among themselves first—or wait for them to come to us."
"Understood."
Hinata nodded obediently.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Ryūsei formed hand seals, creating three shadow clones.
The moment they appeared, the clones scattered in different directions, vanishing into the forest.
Seeing this, Shino asked, "Ryūsei, are you looking for Team 7 and Team 10?"
"Yeah."
Ryūsei nodded. "Forgive my selfishness, Shino. I'm just a little worried about them."
This was a lie.
While Ryūsei's clones were indeed searching for Ino and Sakura, that was merely a secondary objective.
He knew perfectly well that nothing would happen to them!
His real target was someone else—one of the three legendary "simps" of the Naruto world, alongside Obito and Sakura: Karin.
She was a crucial piece of Ryūsei's plan, and he had to intercept her before Sasuke could get to her!
Of course, Shino had no idea about Ryūsei's true intentions.
Hearing Ryūsei's apologetic tone, he simply shook his head. "It's fine. Since there's no reward for speed in this exam, and with Hinata's Byakugan, you can do as you please."
"Thanks, Shino." Ryūsei patted Shino's shoulder.
Then, Team 8 continued their leisurely stroll.
Hinata kept her Byakugan active, observing their surroundings and reporting any activity within a one-kilometer radius to Ryūsei.
During this time, several examinees from nearby entrances detected Team 8 through sensory techniques.
However, the moment they saw Ryūsei, they immediately fled—even faster than when they had arrived.
Team 8 didn't bother chasing them.
Of course, not everyone feared Ryūsei.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Three figures flickered onto a tree branch, looking down at Team 8's unhurried pace—as if they were on a casual camping trip—before forming hand seals to launch a surprise attack.
At that moment, Ryūsei suddenly looked up at them.
Instantly, their eyes widened, their bodies trembling slightly as if struggling against an invisible force—to no avail.
This was the Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique!
"Eight Trigrams: Air Palm!"
Hinata dashed forward, unleashing three compressed bursts of chakra toward the paralyzed trio.
Unable to move, the three could only stand as stationary targets, taking the full force of the attacks. Blood sprayed from their mouths as they plummeted to the ground.
The impact worsened their internal injuries.
But it didn't end there.
Several insects crawled onto their necks, burrowing into their bodies and rapidly draining their chakra.
Within seconds, they went from full health to near-death.
If the fleeing examinees had witnessed this, they would have been immensely grateful for their decision to run.
Ryūsei sighed in exasperation. "These idiots actually made it past the first exam without withdrawing. I guess recklessness has its advantages."
To think they'd attempt an ambush despite knowing Team 8 had a Hyūga with the Byakugan.
These three reminded Ryūsei of the Demon Brothers—what a waste of perfectly good brains.