Author's Notes.
New chapter day. I got a bit stuck on writing this chapter, hence the wait in it's upload. I hope you guys like how this chapter went, I think it turned out pretty well. The first phase of the exams is now over and we'll be moving onto the much more action packed second phase, where we'll get some fights with other chunin teams, and some action with Orochimaru.
I'll ask this now because it's something I'll need to work into the plot. Do you guys want a Kei & Shisui vs Orochimaru fight? I think it would be interesting but since Kei is smart enough to avoid Orochimaru I'd need to have a reason why he can't, because I imagine unless Orochimaru is actively hunting him, Kei can avoid him pretty well with the Tenseigan.
Anyways, feedback is always welcome.
I don't own Naruto.
Please Enjoy.
Chapter 15
Konoha's Torture & Interrogation Division, or the T & I Division. One of Konoha's various non-combat divisions.
The Torture & Interrogation Division specializes in getting information from prisoners such as confessions, valuable intel, enemy village secrets.
The T & I Division are usually responsible for the first phase of Konoha's Chunin Exams for a few reasons, but perhaps the biggest reason is their skill in intimidation and mind games.
Throughout the room used for the first phase there are many members of T & I. There's at least one member for each row to check for any cheating and call out anybody caught three times. There are about five members at the front of the room looking intimidating and applying pressure to any of the examinees, trying to get the weaker examinees to lose their cool and make mistakes, because after all, if you can't handle this much pressure you aren't ready to be a chunin. But lastly are the few members disguised as examinees for various other purposes.
"It's time for the tenth and final question."
I could feel the tension instantly increase in the room, as if the air got heavier. The tension definitely got to a few people, I could see some break out in nervous sweat, others fidgeting, some of the rookies looked like they were going to faint. Even Shisui seemed to get more focused at the announcement.
"But first," Yami started, "There are a few extra rules you all need to be aware of."
I could see the instant reactions spread throughout the room like a wave, confusion, panic, curiosity, the last one was definitely Shisui.
"First rule," Yami continued, the feel of the room changing with every word, "If you choose not to answer this question, you and your entire team will be disqualified." Shock, determination, more panic, "Second rule, if you get this question wrong your team will be eliminated and you will be forced to stay a genin forever."
The room was silent, I could see the examinees comprehending what he just said, emotions continuing to change from more shock, to even greater panic, and finally a disbelieving fury.
Someone abruptly stood up, a Konoha shinobi, one of the T&I infiltrators.
"You can't do this! We-" He was interrupted by the sound of four of the T&I members shunshining to his position.
The air was so tense you could cut it with one of the kunai being held at the T&I infiltrator's throat.
It was a clever tactic, to prevent any of the examinees from causing problems they use one of their own to scare them from even getting the idea.
"Take a seat," Yami bit out, "Now if that's all, we will give out the question in ten minutes, in the meantime you will decide whether or not you will be doing the tenth question, after all, if you leave now there's always the next exam."
For a while nobody did anything, nobody wanted to be the first to give up. The first to leave was one of the T&I infiltrators, and then like that the flood gates opened. Examinee's were leaving left and right until there was less than half remaining.
Those remaining were full of determination and resolve. The room was tense. Except for me of course.
Even if I hadn't been told beforehand, I knew what the true purpose of this test was, after all, it's almost the exact same as the one from the anime.
The real purpose of the tenth question is to test the resolve of the examinees, if they're willing to risk ultimate failure to accomplish their goal. It's the reason why this is the first test of the Chunin Exams, because if they aren't resolved to kill or die they aren't ready for what's to come.
"Time's up! This is your last chance to leave!" Yami yelled out. He was merely met by a determined silence, "All right, in that case…"
Somehow the room got even more tense. This was the climax of the first phase, they either pass or fail.
"You all pass!" except no one was actually going to fail.
The room paused as everybody registered what Yami just said.
It took a lot of effort to not laugh when everybody in the room let out a surprised, "Huh?!"
"Congratulations, everybody remaining in this room has passed the first phase of the Chunin Exams," he confirmed.
Most of the remaining rookies still looked confused, while others had a look of realization on their face. Yami continued
"As I'm sure some of you have realized, the tenth question was actually to test your resolve," Yami took of one of his gloves and rolled up his sleeve to reveal every inch of his arm covered in scars, "As a chunin you will all be required to face dangerous tasks and you'll need the resolve to face them," he raised his uncovered arm for emphasis, "and to face the consequences of failure."
If there was one thing Root taught me, it was the resolve to kill and the consequences of failure.
"The second phase of the Chunin Exams will be held tomorrow at the Forty-Fourth Training Ground, be prepared for anything. Good luck, you are dismissed."