The Written Test

The exam began with an air of palpable tension. The students were handed papers and instructed to answer nine questions.

Ibiki, the head examiner, stood at the front of the room, his presence intimidating. "Listen up," he announced, his voice echoing through the silent room. "You have an hour to answer these questions. The final question will be given to you only after you have completed the first nine. Remember, if you're caught cheating, not only will you be disqualified, but your entire team will be as well. So think carefully before you decide to cheat."

They were also told that the tenth question would be given only after they finished the first nine. The catch? If anyone was caught cheating, they and their entire genin team would be disqualified and suspended.

As soon as he finished speaking, the students began to employ their unique methods of gathering information without getting caught. Ibiki watched them closely, his eyes sharp and discerning.

Sasuke activated his Sharingan, his eyes spinning with power. He pretended to be deep in thought, but in reality, he was copying the movements of another student's hand as they wrote the answers. 'This is easy,' he thought, a smirk forming on his lips. 'I can see every movement perfectly.'

Neji, with his Byakugan activated, was observing the answers from the smartest students in the room. He could see through the papers and walls, his vision extending far beyond the confines of his seat. 'These questions are a joke,' he mused, his expression remaining stoic as he wrote down the correct responses.

Lee, lacking such bloodline abilities, relied on Tenten. She expertly threw small mirrors that landed in precise positions, allowing Lee to see the reflections of answers from students ahead of him. Tenten subtly signaled Lee if any observers were watching too closely. "Thanks, Tenten," Lee whispered, his hand moving swiftly to write the answers. "You're the best."

Ino utilized her Mind Transfer Jutsu, her consciousness briefly entering the minds of other students. "Got it," she murmured, her body snapping back to life as she wrote down the answers she had gleaned. Choji, meanwhile, munched on his snacks, appearing oblivious. "Good job, Ino," he said between bites. "I knew we could count on you."

Gaara manipulated grains of sand to float across the room, subtly revealing answers on various students' papers. His siblings, Kankuro and Temari, used their own unique methods to gather information without drawing attention. "This is too easy," Kankuro muttered under his breath, his fingers deftly moving his puppets. "They don't stand a chance."

Sakura, Shikamaru and Kabuto were the only one who were able to write down all the answers without cheating.

Naruto, although appearing unfazed, was trembling with frustration internally. 'Bitch, help me out here,' she pleaded in her mind. 'I need to pass this exam.'

-Answer to the question number 1: When a metal ball imbued with wind chakra falls from 6 th—

Just as Bitch began to relay the answers, Naruto abruptly told her to stop. 'This is an exam. I won't cheat,' she whispered, her resolve firm. But Bitch tried to argue.

-The exam is all about cheating.

'I don't care,' Naruto insisted, shaking her head. 'I'm doing this on my own.'

Seeing Naruto not writing anything, Hinata, sitting beside her, leaned over and whispered, "D-do you want to look at my p-paper and write the a-answers?"

Naruto narrowed her eyes, thinking Hinata was trying to sabotage her by giving false answers. "I won't fall for such a trick," she replied curtly. "Mind your own…eh… stuff. Dattebayo."

Hinata looked heartbroken, retreating back into her seat. 'I just wanted to help,' she thought, her eyes downcast.

Ibiki, noticing Naruto staring blankly at her paper, approached her. "Why don't you write?" he tried to intimidate her. "Why don't you just give up and—"

Naruto tilted her head, her eyes determined. "I will...uh... pass this exam. Dattebayo."

Meanwhile, quite a few students were caught and expelled from the exam by the observing chunin. The room gradually emptied as nervous candidates were escorted out, their dreams of advancement dashed.

Naruto was desperately trying to come up with answers but failed to write a single word. The pressure mounted as the minutes ticked by.

Finally, the time was up. "Stop writing," Ibiki commanded. He then addressed the room, "Now, it's time for the tenth question. But first, if you don't believe you can answer it, you should leave now. If you stay and cannot answer correctly, you will remain a genin for the rest of your life."

A wave of uncertainty washed over the room. One by one, students began to stand and exit, not willing to risk their futures.

Sakura and Sasuke exchanged worried glances. They knew Naruto's strengths and weaknesses, and academics certainly fell into the latter category.

'Loser,' Sasuke clenched his fists. 'Now what?'

'Oh, Naruto…' Sakura was on the verge of raising her hand to give up, not wanting Naruto's dream of becoming Hokage to be crushed.

But then, they saw Naruto stand up. Everyone turned to look at her, and the examiner asked, "Do you want to give up?"

"Negative," she replied emotionlessly.

"Then?" Ibiki frowned, releasing a bit of killing intent. "Are you that confident that you can understand the question?"

Naruto's eyes pierced through the tension, her voice bold and unwavering. "I will become the Hokage no matter what happens, even if I have to stay a genin my entire life." She declared, striking a cool pose after standing on the table. "Dattebayo."

Her declaration sent a ripple through the remaining students. Inspired by her determination, many decided to stay.

Ibiki was highly impressed. "Congratulations," he said, "you all pass. You have the courage to face the unknown, and that's the real test."

The room erupted in a mix of relief and disbelief as Ibiki explained the true purpose of the exam.

Naruto looked at her fellow competitors. "I was already aware of the true purpose of the test."

Her teammates sighed while other students did not say anything, still traumatized about her earlier act.

Suddenly, the windows of the classroom shattered, and someone entered with a banner that was immediately pinned to the board on the wall. The banner read: The Sexy and Cool Anko Mitarashi.

Anko grinned at them. "Alright, maggots, this is no time to celebrate! I am your proctor for the second phase of the Chunin Exams." She glanced around the room before turning to Ibiki. "Wow, you must be getting soft, Ibiki. Twenty-four teams? I thought there would be much fewer."

Ibiki looked at Naruto, who puffed out her chest and struck a 'cool' pose. He smirked. "We have quite some unique ones this year."

Anko smirked back. "When I'm done with these brats, there will be less than half remaining." She then yelled, "Meet me at the Forest of Death's north gate in five minutes!"

The students quickly gathered their belongings, their minds already racing with the challenges ahead. The first phase was over, but the true trials were just beginning.

TBC