Chapter 4: Chunin exams start
Another day came to konoha for those who live in the village. Kakashi called a team meeting. Both Naruto and Ryu went to the usual meeting spot; they both saw new faces with head bands from different villiages. Seeing as they're here for the exams as well. Both Naruto and Ryu arrived at the bridge where Sakura and Sasuke were already waiting. Kakashi was probably late again so they were trying to get comfortable. Sasuke was just staring at the water while Sakura looked a little sleepy.
The both of them took a seat near their teammates; Sasuke eyed Ryu as he took a seat and took out his cards. The last Uchiha wanted to know the abilities of those cards, he may have heard from Ryu's stories on how they were strong but he wanted to be sure that they were true so that he could kill him. After what he saw in Nami he was also probably able to sense his enemies when he stiffened when he met Gaara last time.
Kakashi came then giving a good enough excuse on why he was late this time. He then told his team that they were able to participate in the exams later. Kakashi took out 4 slips of paper with his name and a small statement on them. He told them that they are not forced to take it and can decide not to participate. Each of them took the paper and signed it, all of them were ready to take it sice the mission on Nami.
Sasuke cast a cold look at Ryu. Unlike them he did not go to the academy to attain the status of genin. All he did was use those cards of his against some well known jonin ninjas in konoha. An impressive feat, bit still even Sasuke, a proclaimed genius, had to go the proper channels to earn his right to be a ninja. Though the cards were impressive to use, Sasuke didn't think that Ryu have his own abilities to match up.
Ryu had to remind himself that this isn't a usual exam ever since he met Gaara something will happen in that exam and it's going to be really really bad. He that he had to be careful in this test or it will be the end of this village. Kakashi told them the destination will be in the academy at room 301 until 3 pm, he dismissed his team and the 4 genin went their way back to konoha. Ryu was craving for food so he decided to follow the 2 so he could have some ramen from Ichiraku's. he'd probably meet Naruto there, Ramen was good as anything at the moment.
Sasuke glanced back to Ryu. "Can I help you?" asked ryu neutrally. "Do you think you're strong enough to take part in the chunin exams?" Sasuke asked bluntly. "You don't seem to have any skills beyond those cards you use."
"Hey jerk don't make fun other ninjas skills Ryu-nii is a great ninja!" Naruto shouted. "So as long as he has those cards." Sasuke shot back. Ryu thought of Sasukes attitude and he was right. He only wanted only power and that's it. Ryu decided to give Sasuke a lesson. He threw the Deacdriver towards Sauke which he caught. "if you think you can handle my cards, then try it." Ryu said.
Sasuke then put the buckle on his waist and opened it. He then slipped the card inside Kamen Ride and closed it Error. The belt gave an electro shock to Sasuke, the belt then ejected from Sasuke and Ryu caught the buckle. Sakura went to Sasuke to see if he's alright which he is other than the burning smell. Ryu then walked towards the injured ninja, "just because I have the cards doesn't mean anyone can use them, they have to find someone worthy to use it and you sasuke aren't the one." Ryu said. Sasuke growled at what happened, if Ryu said was true then it was now considered similar to a family bloodline.
There were 4 days left before the exams, Ryu was able to get information on the rookie ninjas and some studies of the types of jutsu with them. Naruto was excited to become a chunin since the enlistment of the exams he can't even wait until then. Kakashi dismissed his team since the exams will come. At the moment Ryu was having a bowl of ramen at ichiraku's again. He was beginning to become an addict to the noodles as Naruto. At least the teen was polite enough to eat the food, whereas Naruto would just devour it.
"You know." Ayame smiled as she served another bowl "You're becoming much to become a much ramen addict as Naruto."
"Let's just say I haven't had much noodles before I came here and this is the only stand that served good noodles." Ryu said when he finished his first bowl.
"Well compliments won't get you a free bowl though." Ayame reminded him with a giggle.
"You can't blame a guy for trying." Ryu said as he ate his second bowl. There was a swirl of movement and Ayame was yanked by a Ame-nin wearing a black cloak, cloth mask and a straw hat.
"Ahhhh!" Ayame screamed as the ninja began leaping away.
"Ayame!" Ryu shouted he took out his buckle and slipped his card in. Kamen Ride Decade and became Kamen rider Decade. Ryu was thankful that the suit was able to give him extra stamina and was able to keep up with the Ame-nin. "There has to be something! Oh wait I have." Decade then took out another card and put in his buckle. Kamen Ride Ryuki three fragments of Ryuki's image are merging with decade and became Kamen Rider Ryuki. Ryuki then went to the nearest window and got absorbed into the mirror world.
The Ame-nin looked behind him and saw that his pursuer was nowhere to be seen he felt relief then but suddenly he was kicked in the gut making him throw his hostage upwards. What he saw was the rider in front of him. Ryuki saw Ayame up in the air and went down fast, he caught her safely and her savior. "Are you alright?" came Ryu's voice, when she heard his voice she already knew that it was Ryu. She answered with a nod. Ryu let her stand as he face towards the Ame-nin. He took out his umbrella and threw it upwards.
it opened wide unleashing numerous amounts of kunai around. Seeing this Ryuki took out a card and put in his buckle. Attack Ride Strike Vent Ryu put his right arm up when a fireball went down towards his hand when it landed and it became a dragon head, Ryuki pulled his arm back and lunged it towards the umbrella a large stream of fire shot out the dragon's mouth. The flames hit the kunai and umbrella in the sky, the umbrella and kunai were both burned and melted. The Ame-nin stepped back at the power he saw. "The match is yours but the chunin exams will be much tougher." He then disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
Ryu de-formed his suit and then walked towards Ayame and told her that we should get back which she obliged and went back to the food stand both of Ayame and Ryu knew that there was a need of explaining later. Nightfall came to konoha with only 3 days left before the chunin exams, nightfall finally came to konoha with only 3 days left before the chunin exams began. At the rooftops Kakashi could be seen gazing at the night sky, oddly he seemed to b reflective mow and was waiting for something. Just then Iruka came.
"Well Iruka, did you get your answers?" Kakashi asked.
"All ten of them passed." Iruka sighed. As much as he wanted them to pass, he still thought that it was too early for them. "You also didn't mention how much power the rider could throw around."
"Oh?" Kakashi commented curiously, "Did have to do with the smoke that happened earlier?"
"He somehow changed his armor in to a different set." Iruka explained, "he disintegrated the weapon used on him scaring the one who was testing him."
"I knew he could change forms." Kakashi wasn't kidding, he saw the same action in Nami. Iruka sighed, he knew things were about to get harder.
-3 days later-
The day had finally arrived for the members of team 7. It's time for the chunin exams; there were only a few hours before the exams start. Every member of the team was there. Naruto was so excited that he woke up early, Sasuke was just in his broody behavior as always and Sakura was also excited, she was about to become chunin rank after this. The team entered the academy, they went up some floors and turned to a hallway when they saw a large group of genins outside the classroom guarded by two other genins at the door.
Most of the genins tried to get in but all failed miserably. The 2 guards teased them saying that they aren't ready to be chunins yet, but Sasuke went ahead and foresaw that it was a genjutsu , he then stepped forward and told the gurding genin that it was a trick. With Sakura's aid she also was able to see the genjutsu on the sign. One of the guards complemented the last Uchiha for foreseeing the trick but that doesn't mean it's easy enough to let them through.
He then made an upper kick towards Sasuke who likewise prepared his own attack, suddenly a green blur came stopping both attacks. The one who caught the attacks was rock lee since he was a similar look alike to Maito Gai. "Lee, what have we told about standing out." Sighed an annoyed voice.
Team 7 turned to see lee's teammates coming to collect him, Ryu thanks to his information gathering already knew about the rookie 9 and Gais team. The teammates of Lees are Neji Hyuuga and Tenten.
"I think I know why he did that."Tenten smiled. Lee was oblivious to his teammate's words. For his gaze was struck on Sakura with a blush on his face. He then made an introduction to himself as the junior green beast of konoha and made a promise to protect the 'beautiful' Sakura until his death. Sakura sweat dropped at Lee's declaration toward her. Ryu held the urge to laugh or pity on Lee since Sakura has her eyes on Sasuke.
"Thanks. But I think you're too unique for me." Sakura said to Lee. Rock Lee flinched as if he was hit, an aura of gloom hovered over his head. He leaned against the wall with mumbles 'too unique?' and the like. "Way to put it gently there Sakura." Ryu deadpanned. Naruto smiled at Sakuras action, he then went to the girl to ask for a date but was too late. Because Sakura went to Sasuke and asked him for a date. Naruto proceeded to the same actions as Lee with mumblings 'no one cares about me.'
Ryu shook his head at the shenanigans. He was about to go upstairs and for his teammates there when he found Neji staring at himwith his lavender eyes, the unblinking gaze was unnerving but he's seen scarier stuff back then. "Can I help you?" he asked.
"Who are you?" Neji asked, "most teams are only 3 man cells, you are a 4th member to team 7."
"My name is Ryu." Was the riders reply. "And you are?"
"Neji Hyuuga." The branch house member replied. "Introductions met." Ryu wanted to speak more but there was a sudden movement before Lee and Tenten were beside their teammate looking at Ryu curiously.
"You mean you're the rider that Gai was talking about." The weapon mistress asked.
"That's me." Ryu nodded, "I take it Gai was talking about me?"
"OOHH! GAI-SENSEI SPOKE VOLUMES ABOUT THE MIGHTY YOUTH YOU HAVE POSSESED! WE HAVE BEEN TO MATCH IT!" Lee cheered.
"I'm honored then," Ryu smiled "I may have given a hit on Gai, but he was able to hit me first."
"BUT GAI-SENSEI WORE THAT BRUISE AS A BADGE PRAISING OUR NEWEST COMRADE OF THE LEAF!" Lee cheered.
Ryu smiled, it seemed that he earned Gai and Lee's respect for his fighting skills and pleasant attitude. It was still yet to be seen for Lee's teammates. Ryu glanced at his teammates and saw they were about to move out, "as much as I'd like to keep this conversation going. My team is about to move to the 3rd floor, I hope to see you there." He waved goodbye and followed his team, they didn't get far since Lee was in front of the group, and he then challenged Sasuke to a match to see whose skill is better.
Both genins made their battle positions. Before Lee decided to make the first move, he charged forward as Sasuke prepared an attack. At the last moment Lee ducked to the side shocking Sasuke, he was expecting a forward attack. Before he could see where Lee had gone to, the green spandex wearing shinobi slugged Sasuke at the face. Sending the last Uchiha stumbling back, he recovered quickly before he and Lee began gong at each other again. Ryu watched the fight until Sasuke announced he will use his Sharingan. Lee went for another strike, before Sasuke was able to block he was still hit. Then a loud slam was heard, Sasuke was kicked upwards to the sky with Lee following behind the bandages on Lees arm unwrapped itself preparing the primary lotus. Before he could go any further with the primary lotus a shuriken was hurled towards the bandage that Lee was using to confine Sasuke.
Lee aborted the technique and landed on the ground while Sasuke crashed down. A blast of white smoke signaling that someone came when the smoke cleared, it revealed a turtle with the leaf headband around its neck.
"Lee!" the turtle scolded, "you know that the primary lotus is only used for emergencies." Lee gulped looked at the floor. "I-I'm sorry, I forgot please forgive me."
Everyone blinked at the large turtle which was scolding Lee. Naruto gazed at it and scratched his head. "hey Ryu-nii can turtles be teachers?" he asked. "I think this is a summons of Lee's teacher." Ryu suggested.
"It's out of my hands Lee." the turtle sighed, "You'll have to face HIM!"
"Oh no!" Lee panicked, "I can't!"
"Oh yes," the turtle nodded "Here's Gai-sensei!"
"DYNAMIC ENTRY!" a vigorous voice said, and then a puff of smoke came from atop the turtle's shell revealing Gai himself. He began scolding his student about using that technique, Lee then sobbed comically about forgetting that the primary lotus is used for emergencies. Gai then cried saying that Lee is still young and all people made mistakes. Both Gai and Lee hugged each other with a sunset background. Ryu had to rub his eyes since using a jutsu had to require hand signs and seeing both of made scene without needing them is quite strange.
Once everything calmed down, Gai finally took notice of team 7. He noticed Ryu and broke out a wide smile. "Ah Ryu." He smiled, "I see you decided to take part in the chunin exams."
"I have Gai." Ryu nodded, "it's good to see you before I go in. I heard from your student that I managed to give you a bruise during our encounter, I hope it's nothing serious."
"YOSH!" Gai laughed loudly"IT'S NOTHING THE POWER OF YOUTH CANNOT STAND! I WEAR IT PROUDLY AS A BADGE FOR YOUR WELCOME TO KONOHA!"
"You honor me." Ryu laughed. Gai was certainly a character, "I just hope I can impress the others."
"I have every confidence that you will!" said Gai doing thumbs up with sparkling teeth. He then noticed the rest of team 7; he made an introduction on how he and Kakashi were rivals with Gai saying he was stronger than his rival. He then waved goodbye, team 7 made their way to the real room 301 since Kakashi was leaning next to the door reading his little orange book. He then looked up and saw his team, he greeted them and reminded them of that if one person from the team drops then all will fail.
He then gestured his team towards the door saying that they're ready the four gulped down preparing for the pressure that awaits them. The door creaked open slightly as the four genins entered where the exams take place. They found themselves staring at hordes of genins in various villages the class was staring at them Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto were having sweat drops of nervousness while Ryu tried to compose himself from the stares.
"What?" Ryu asked, "is there something on our faces?" Everyone looked away at Ryu's question. "Sasuke!" A girl's voice squealed. Sasuke found himself being hugged around his neck and her body pressing against his back. "Ooh where have you been? I could hardly wait to see you again this whole time." Ryu glanced over and noticed a pretty blonde attached to Sasuke's back. Her golden hair and purple clothes were a dead give away to blending in the shadows, her name was Ino Yamanaka. A second generation to the Ino-Shika-Cho group. She was the heir of a powerful line of mind manipulators, but her fan girl syndrome ruined any skill from that line.
The rider looked over to Sakura who had a vein popping on her forehead, he had a guess that they were rivals since both of them fell for the same guy. "Hey! Get your hooves off him Ino-pig!" Sakura shrieked while pointing at Ino who still draped over Sasuke. "Hello to you too Sakura," Ino smirked. "Still hoping the mutated forehead come into fashion?" the fight between the girls are about to get hot unless a distraction came, Natuto already backed away from the two girls while Sasuke was trying to mentally force Ino off him. Thankfully a distraction was underway
"Will you two cut it out," a new voice Sighed. "Geez this is getting more troublesome than I thought." Ryu tuned to see Ino's teammates, one was Chouji from the Akamichi clan. Their family had the ability to expand any part of their bodies in bigger sizes, guessing why they're so big and ate a lot. While the other was Shikamaru from the Nara clan that family was very smart and also very lazy with the ability to control shadows within their reach.
"Well well," another voice came. "Looks like the gangs all here." Everyone turned to see Kiba Inuzaki and his partner Akamaru his skills are quite special since it relies to the style of their animal partners for support, his teammates Shino from the Aburame clan that family was capable on using beetles for their techniques. The last member of was Hinata Hyuuga from the main branch family their preferred style was called the gentle fist since putting chakra to your hands it can send a powerful blow to the body making you submit or die. She also looked at Naruto then blushed while looking away, Ryu suspected that she had a liking to Naruto, but he is just too clueless to see it.
As the three walked closer, Akamaru started acting strange. He was whimpering and pressing himself against Kiba's hair trying to hide from the presence. Kiba sensed his partner's distress. He then asked what was wrong, which Akamaru answered in a series of whimpers only for Kiba which was gibberish to others. Ryu wondered how the Inuzaki clan was able to understand their furry companions. When Akamaru finished, Kiba looked at Ryu with a frown. "Hey what's wrong with you? Akamaru said your scent is mixed with weird stuff. It's freaking him out!"
Silently Shino was asking the same question his beetles were being cautious around the new genin. They couldn't tell anything definitive he was like a predator and yet he isn't it's confusing, but ht dread was there. Everyone's eyes were noe trained on Ryu waiting to answer Kiba's question. Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke had an idea what was freaking Akamru out. It was his armor since he changed to different sets, their scent lingered on him for a while. "Hey I can't help it if my power freaks out your little friend, it'd be best to follow him though. His nose is better than yours. As for what it is you'll have to wait until the exams are over." Ryu answered. Kiba growled at his answer, Akamaru sensed his partner's aggression and whimpered more trying to get him away from the rider.
"Glad to see one of you newbie's have common sense." Another new voice. All the genins' looked to see a silver haired konoha ninja , "and who areyou?" Sasuke asked with narrowed eyes. "The name's Kabuto." The nin said. He then decided to give some info to them since they are all leaf ninjas. He pulled out a deck of cards, and explained how they get by using chakra on them. Kabuto pulled a card from the top of the deck; he placed on the floor and concentrated his chakra to it. It revealed a map of the 4 elemental nations and graphs of how many ninjas taking part in the chunin exams. Sasuke asked if Kabuto have any information on individual ninjas, he nodded. Sasuke then gave the names of Rock Lee, Gaara of the sand and Ryu.
Kabuto took out 3 cards from the deck and placed them in the floor putting his chakra in each card revealing the information in them. Each card had a small picture of who they were talking about, what village they were assigned with, pictures of their teammates and teacher, how many missions they were on and how they stacked up in ninja arts. It even told what their preferred weapon is.
"First, we have Rock Lee." Kabuto spoke as he picked up the taijutsu user's card. "He's a year older than you guys, he's done 31 missions to date, 11 D-rank missions and 10 C-rank missions. His specialty is Taijutsu and nothing else,he was considered the strongest of the genin. His teammates are Neji Hyuuga and Tenten and his teacher is Maito Gai."
Sasuke nodded at the information. So Rock Lee did some missions under his belt and lengthy training from Gai, no wonder he was so tough. "Next is Gaara of the sand, he did 8 C-rank missions and… Whoa! a B-rank mission too. Not many rookies get one of those. Since he's from the wind country I don't have any more on him but I do have something interesting on him, it's said here on every mission he comes back with no injury, blood or scratches on him."
Sasuke frowned at the information that Kabuto gave, a B-rank mission was only for the better ninja and Gaara a genin was able to complete that mission without a scratch even. "Finally we have Ryu, let's see 8 D-rank missions and… Wow 1 A-ranked you must be something. Since you originate from the wave village and moved here to the fire country and became a konoha-nin. Says that your ninjutsu and taijutsu skills are decent, you also have a partial immunity to genjutsus. Weird … it says that your preferred weapons are called rider cards, must be something special to turn cards into a weapon. It also says here you fought one of the 7 swordsmen of the mist and lived."
Most of the rookie 9 stared at Ryu as if he's from another world. Being a part of an A-rank mission is practically unheard of, and fighting one of the 7 swordsmen is obviously suicide, but here he is alive. Sasuke frowned even more at what he heard. He the last Uchiha was weaker than the rider. Kabuto then warned the rookies that the other villages will do whatever it takes to pass. Naruto took a deep breath and shouted to everyone that he will be great the class. Ryu laughed at the blondes antics, while Sakura slapped her forehead in exasperation. This was not what they needed at the moment. Sasuke just snorted at his teammate's introduction and went back to brooding.
Out in the crowd most of the ninjas ignored of what they heard. The Suna team Gaara, Kankuro and Temari heard the blonde and spotted him easily. The 1-talied beast container scanned the small group and saw the rider leaning against a wall with a smile on his face, almost like he knew what was about to happen. He was a curiosity to Gaara, his skill was frightening yet. The ones around him his teammates were used to it. Unafraid even, it made no sense to Gaara how could someone close to a monster have friends?
Elsewhere in the crowd 3 genins with oto head bands glared at Kabuto, who made their village so trivial. It made them sound like a bunch of kids playing ninja. They then got an idea, why don't all three of them make an 'Impression' to Kabuto. Back at the small crowd Sakura had Naruto in a headlock crabbing him about how stupid his actions were. Shikamaru looked at the two; it reminded him when Ino would crab him and Chouji about being lazy.
The otot trio made their way to the group and had a 'little conflict' to Kabuto then one of them say that they from otogakure will be chunin. Ryu had made the smallest snickers and since those three are from the sound they can hear anything small or far, all three of them glared at the genin. "Is there something funny?" Zaku asked. "Why yes, seeing you be chunins is quite laughable. With your cheap tricks and all." Ryu answered. "Cheap tricks?" Zaku growled as he stared towards the rider, "you want to start something."
"Anytime sound faker." Ryu glared back. Before any conflict came, a loud explosion was heard at the front of the room there was a cloud of white smoke. When it cleared there were several men and women and a man with facial scars and a black trench coat leading the group. "All right, all right everyone shut up!" getting most of the class' attention. He then looked at the back and saw Zaku staring down at Ryu. "Hey! You bunch back there! If you're going to fight then you're disqualified!" he shouted.
"Sorry sir we got carried away." Dosu said while taking Zaku away from the rider. "Hmph." The man growled. "Well then, my name is Ibiki Morino, and I'm going to lay some rules simple enough for you to follow." Then he glared at the class getting them to listen. Ryu from his information was correct this man was able to make any person submit to his wit. Everyone took a card referring them to where they should sit. Ryu sat near the front between a konoha-nin and Iwa-nin with Naruto behind him with Hinata beside him, while Sakura and Sasuke were farther back.
Ibiki then began explaining the point system of the test, everyone has 10 points to start 1 point is taken for every wrong answer. 2 points are taken when caught cheating, then he finished by stating if one person from the team fails then everyone fails. Ryu heard everything and already got what was the point, you have to cheat without getting caught. He felt sorry for Naruto since he doesn't have good intelligence or information gathering skills. To help him Ryu had to wait for the right moment and give him the chance to cheat.
He already had in mind who it will be, his buckle was ready all he has to do is wait. "You have 1 hour." Ibiki spoke finishing his speech. "Start… NOW!" Everyone started writing the answers on their tests while Ryu answered only five questions since you'll have to use your ninja skills to take information from others without getting caught. A soft woofing was signaled that Akamaru was giving answers to Kiba, but since no one can understand a dog. They couldn't prove anything, Ryu looked towards the lights and saw something reflective there no doubt the weapon mistress was making progress. A buzzing noise caught his attention and saw something small flying away, Shino's bugs sure are hard to see if you cannot pay attention around you.
A thunk sound captured Ryu's attention next, he turned to see a ninja behind Naruto was caught cheating. The examiners proceeded to drag him and his team outside. The hyperactive blonde was shivering from the shock, no doubt this test is raking on his nerves. He was about to have a nervous breakdown soon. Ryu then saw Hinata lean forward whispering something that made Naruto smile, Ryu suspected that she will let him copy the answers.
Ryu quickly took out his card and slipped it in his buckle Kamen Ride Hibiki. Purple flames coverd his body, when the flames died out it revealed the demonic rider Hibiki. The two nins sitting beside Ryu screamed in terror. It's perfectly understandable. One moment you were taking the test, then suddenly someone beside you turned into a monster. Who wouldn't be afraid? It was having a desired effect everyone was looking at Ryu, even the examiners. All of them had their mouths open even Ibiki stared at him with wide eyes.
Naruto was surprised that his 'nii-san' using his powers openly. Of course that was until he saw the examiners were staring at Ryu, this was his chance to cheat without getting caught. Naruto quickly asked Hinata to let him see the paper closer which she happily but quietly agreed, Naruto spared no time stopping when copying the answers knowing the shock won't last. He then Thanked her for the answers, hinata was trying hard to stay composed for close to her idol.
"All right, all right! Everyone SHUT UP!" Ibiki shouted , getting everyone's attention. He turned to Ryu and glared at him. "YOU! Undo that stupid transformation! You're disrupting the exam!" Ryu quickly de formed and went back to his paper. Ibiki withheld a sigh, he didn't physically look like someone from the land of fire so he was easy to pick out from the other applicants. He'd been told that by the hokage that Ryu was able to change in different sets of armor, but seeing it physically was something else. He looked to the other genin who were back to answering their tests.
The examiners gave notices to Ibiki that no one was cheating. It wasn't until he got to one that shook his head and looked to the kyuubi kid. 'I suspected him but got distracted by the chaos.' Ibiki stole back a glance at Ryu who was finished with his test and reading the paper. He had to hand it to the kid, he made a big distraction to let his teammate cheat without getting caught. He definitely had teamwork and planning skills down.
"All right," Ibiki finally spoke. He put his hands in his pockets getting the attention of all the genin. "Get ready for the tenth question." The room was tense as they waited for the final question. "Before we continue," Ibiki continued "I'm adding one more rule." Everyone was paying strict attention to Ibiki, if he was adding a new rule they would follow or they're disqualified by breaking them." First you're going to choose whether or not to take the question." He explained. Ryu knows exactly what Ibiki was saying, either take a leap of faith or don't. "Choose?" Temari cried out, "and what will happen if we don't."
"Simple. If you refuse to take the tenth question then you give up all your points and disqualify in the exams" Ibiki answered. "Then why would we choose to reject it?" yelled a kusa-nin from the group. "Because of the other rule, if you try answering the final question and get it wrong then you will never be permitted to take the chunin exams again." Ibiki explained. A lot of teams quit thanks to the pressure and doubts in their minds, and then a slam was heard. Naruto declared himself that he will be a chunin and nothing will stop him.
Ryu smile at Naruto's pep talk he sure had guts and some other teams that were about to quit stopped and stayed with new confidence in them. Ibiki noticed this and saw the examiners gave nods, seeing that there is no more need to go any further. "All right then," Ibiki smirked. "For those who are still here… you've just passed the first exam!" there was a stunned silence at Ibiki's proclamation. Everyone was in disbelief and was wondering if they are hearing things. Ryu had suppress a snicker since look dumbfounded.
"That's right." Ibiki nodded, "78 of you passed the first exam."
"What do you mean passed?" asked Sakura, "what about the final question?"
"There was no tenth question." Ibiki grinned, "Well not beyond the point of accepting or rejecting it anyway." He then proceeded to take off his bandanna showing the genin his scars wounds on his head. He then said that information is more valuable than life itself in the battlefield. Then everyone heard a crashing sound from the windows, they turned to see a kunoichi with purple hair wearing a fishnet shirt under a tan trenchcoat with a miniskirt.
"None of you are in position to celebrate!" the woman shouted at the collected genin. "Listen up! My name's Anko Mitarashi, you're second chunin exam officer!" stunned silence was the reply of the genin group. Ibiki chuckled a little and got a word with the special jonin. "Can't you sense the mood here?" he asked. Turning Anko a little red, then she proceeded to count how many examinees were still left in the room. "78?" she blinked in surprise and disappointment, she then turned to Ibiki. "You let 26 teams pass the first exam?"
"What can I say?" Ibiki said with a grin, "there seems to be some exceptions this year." Anko shrugged and lead the teams to the next exam area. "All right. This is your second place for exam, training ground 44. Also known as the forest of death!" she said to the genin making them shiver. She then told them that the teams were to hold a scroll and take an opposite scroll from another team, each team were either given a heaven or earth scroll. Team 7 got a heaven scroll and were told to wait at gate 12. After half an hour a signal was heard and the gate has opened every genin dashed inside to the forest.
The second test has begun.
Chapter End