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"If five days are given, then wisdom must be used to seize the opportunity. If one lacks the proper location, then seek advantages from what is available. When the Scrolls of Heaven and Earth are united, danger gives way to the right path. This is the essence of becoming a true leader."
Sasuke Uchiha spoke solemnly.
As he explained, he cast a contemptuous glance at Uzumaki Naruto, clearly enjoying a renewed sense of superiority over his teammate.
"There's only one monster here," Sasuke thought with a hint of arrogance. "Everyone else is just like Naruto—foolish and beneath me."
Naruto, oblivious to the disdain, asked curiously, "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"
"It's probably referring to the scrolls," Ye Dou answered calmly. "Once you open both the Scroll of Heaven and the Scroll of Earth, your path forward becomes clear, even if it's dangerous."
Ye Dou recalled that this inscription was personally written by the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Although it held philosophical meaning, in Ye Dou's view, it was mostly motivational—only the central message had practical significance.
As he spoke, he pulled out both scrolls without hesitation and tore them open.
[The Windmill About to Turn]
"This is the experience written by the Third Hokage," Iruka Umino explained as he was summoned via summoning jutsu. "In this text, 'heaven' refers to the mind, and 'earth' refers to the body. To be a good shinobi, both are indispensable."
They were now on the first floor of the central tower.
As Ye Dou opened the scrolls, Iruka appeared from a summoning seal, just as described in the official Chūnin Exam setup. He began to clarify the meaning behind the inscription.
Iruka's explanation was simple: a competent ninja must not rely solely on power, but must use wisdom to make the best use of available resources. Leadership, after all, is about guiding a team and achieving goals with minimal cost.
Likewise, one shouldn't expect to exploit every situation—many problems in the shinobi world can't be solved with intellect alone. A Chūnin must be equipped with both strength and insight to lead others effectively.
"If any of you become Chūnin one day and lead your own squad," Iruka concluded, "never forget the words of the Third Hokage."
"Also, congratulations on passing the second test. You've all worked hard."
Iruka originally wanted to say something like "It looks like you've been through a lot"—but upon seeing Ye Dou's completely unscathed appearance (aside from a little dust), he held his tongue. Remembering how he once tried to test Ye Dou, only to nearly be mistaken for an enemy, he felt a twinge of guilt.
After the explanation, Iruka led the trio to the resting lounge.
Although it was only the second day of the second phase of the Chūnin Exams and still early, they were not the first team to arrive. As they entered the lounge, they saw several teams already gathered, quietly discussing strategies or keeping watch.
Most noticeable was the Suna (Sand) team, led by Gaara.
Despite being siblings, Kankurō and Temari both visibly feared Gaara, who like Naruto Uzumaki, was a jinchūriki. However, Gaara's life had been far more tormented.
Unlike Naruto—whose mother, Kushina Uzumaki, came from a clan known for powerful chakra and exceptional sealing techniques—Gaara had the One-Tail (Shukaku) forcibly sealed within him using inferior methods by the elders of Sunagakure.
Because of this, Gaara couldn't sleep, as Shukaku would attempt to take over his body whenever he did. The result: intense psychological stress and constant insomnia, leaving permanent dark circles around his eyes.
Gaara's gaze was locked onto Sasuke Uchiha the moment Team 7 walked in.
Sasuke, still recovering from his earlier beating, didn't react. He wasn't in the mood to show off or posture anymore.
"Didn't expect you guys to show up so soon," Inuzuka Kiba said proudly. "But we beat you here! Naruto, the next Hokage will be me—Inuzuka Kiba!"
His teammates, Shino Aburame and Hyūga Hinata, stood nearby. Their team, known for sensory and tracking abilities, had used clever trap strategies to finish the exam quickly.
Also present was another Konoha squad—Team 15, led by Hyūga Hanabi. Haruno Sakura walked up, smiling at Sasuke.
"Sasuke-kun, you're amazing! You passed so quickly!"
Sakura, whose teammates included heirs from Hyūga and a clan friendly with them, had made it through the test with little difficulty despite her limited combat abilities.
"Are you mocking me?"
To her surprise, Sasuke glared coldly at her. Misinterpreting her compliment, his mood only soured further. Sakura's attempt at praise had completely backfired.
She tried to explain, but Sasuke had already turned away and found a seat alone, brooding.
"What's wrong with him?" Hanabi asked.
"It's nothing," Ye Dou replied. "Rest up. The next exam will be even tougher."
At this point, events had developed much like in the original storyline—with a few key differences.
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