It was 2:40 PM. Izanami and Hinata first met Shino Aburame at their usual spot, then arrived outside Konoha's 44th Training Ground — the Death Forest. This was a restricted area, open only under special circumstances. Proctors had already set up tents and sheds outside, with a gathering-point sign displayed prominently.
Despite there being twenty minutes until the exam began, Team 8 wasn't the first to arrive. Dozens of teams, each in groups of three, stood in the open space. More and more examinees arrived over the next ten minutes, making the area increasingly crowded.
"Yo, Izanami! You guys came early," called out Izayoi upon spotting them. "Long time, Hinata."
"Long time, Minako," Hinata replied.
Team 7 and Team 10, newly arrived, noticed Team 8 standing at the periphery. Soon after, Team 6, including Kiba Inuzuka, joined them.
Minako whispered, "I heard that out of ten squads, only twelve individuals were accepted by the Jonin instructors. The rest were eliminated."
Hinata raised an eyebrow. "So the others are returning to the academy?"
Minako sighed. "Two squads are back to retake the course, others got reassigned, and some dropped out. Being a ninja isn't all glory—you saw our C-rank mission last month. That poisonous smoke nearly cost us our lives. Akamaru saved me."
Hinata encouraged warmly, "You'll be stronger next time." As a member of a Sensor team, Hinata's Byakugan range had improved to a 20 km radius—an unbelievable enhancement even for her. Still, the ordeal was harrowing.
Sasuke Uchiha prowled over, a smirk on his face. "Death Forest is forbidden territory. This exam is likely a survival test in the wild. Maybe squads will even compete. Watch your backs around me."
Izanami frowned, pinching his nose. "Did you drink?"
Sasuke scoffed, "I'm twelve, you idiots." He sniffed his clothes hoping to detect alcohol, and blanched when Izanami looked disgusted. "I thought you were hungover."
Kiba and Naruto burst into laughter. Sasuke, slightly embarrassed but ever tsundere, crossed his arms.
No one noticed a subtle change in Sasuke—the pride and aloofness he'd retained throughout the Academy's five years had softened. It was as if he'd reverted to a younger self.
As Team 8 chatted and laughed, other examinees glanced over. When they recognized the elite headbands and faces, several smaller-village ninjas' expressions turned wary. Among these twelve, eight were extremely dangerous: heirs of major clans, masters of secret arts, or geniuses beyond ordinary peers. These rookies—geniuses or clan successors—could one day rule Konoha. Their camaraderie intimidated onlookers.
Some secretly contemplated attacking: "Eliminate them in their own territory." One stared at Sasuke with greedy eyes, unable to resist licking his lips; another, a red-haired girl, envied Hinata and the pampered Sakura and Ino.
Karin noticed them staring and flushed. Among them were a handsome white-robed boy and a kimono-clad girl. He smiled subtly, making her blush brighter. She looked away but couldn't help sneaking glances.
Hinata caught her: "Izanami-kun, are you checking out that Grass‑nin?"
Izanami calmly nodded and whispered, "She shares my ability."
Hinata's eyes widened. "Not that—what we and Hanabi use."
Understanding dawned on Hinata. She turned her gaze back to Karin, who quickly averted her eyes like a startled rabbit. "Could she be in Izanami's clan?" Hinata wondered. "Grass ninjas border Fire Country—perhaps their bloodlines overlap?"
"Everyone, line up to sign the death-consent form. Exam Two is about to begin," an instructor called out.
It was 3:00 PM.
Unlike the original story, Naruto didn't provoke Anko Mitarashi here—so there was no lecture or reunion. All examinees queued to sign the death-consent form, then entered a tent to receive either a Heaven or Earth scroll. Proctors explained the second-exam rules on the way.
As Sasuke predicted, it was a wilderness survival test lasting 120 hours—five days. Within that time, each squad had to retrieve both a Heaven and an Earth scroll, then reach the Center Tower in Death Forest. Failure to collect both scrolls, reach the tower in time, or opening them prematurely would lead to elimination.
After the briefing, proctors stationed themselves at the iron-gate entrances. Squad 8's gate opened at No. 8.
"Byakugan—activate!" Hinata formed an unsealing sign, veins rising at her temples. "Entrance No. 8. Squads No. 7 and No. 9 have Earth scrolls."
"That's fine," Izanami said, glancing at his Earth scroll. "There are 24 squads and 12 Heaven scrolls. If we stay patient, the others will come to us."
Hinata glanced at Izanami. "Squad 7 has someone with very strong chakra."
Izanami leaned forward. "Who is it?"
Hinata quietly replied. "He's from Sand, has a gourd on his back." Shino, observing calmly, noted, "Sasuke mentioned him yesterday—he's not ordinary."
Izanami smiled. "Sounds like a powerful opponent. Could be interesting."
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