Chapter 213: Display
In the first written exam's classroom, the clamor had already dispersed, leaving only Morino Ibiki and several examiners organizing collected test papers. He casually flipped through a few papers, seeing the densely packed answers, and nodded slightly.
Most examinees had used their respective intelligence gathering abilities to answer questions reasonably well. As expected, those who remained had some capability.
In fact, almost all examinees' cheating methods hadn't escaped his and the examination team's eyes—whether the Hyuga's Byakugan, the Uchiha's Sharingan, the Aburame clan's insects, or even Sunagakure's Sand Eye and that puppet. Only those with excessively crude methods who didn't know restraint would be caught on the spot and disqualified.
After organizing for a moment, Ibiki deliberately pulled out the paper he was most concerned about from the pile.
"Uzumaki Naruto..."
He murmured the name on the test paper, his expression becoming complex. This genin's name was currently almost the focus of private discussions among all Konoha jonin—Hatake Kakashi's prized student, personally recognized by the Third Hokage as definitely a future Hokage...
Ibiki carefully examined the neat handwriting and clear answers on the paper, unconsciously nodding slightly.
All answers correct, logically clear... truly an incredible kid. What method did he use to obtain the standard answers?
Naruto's "cheating" technique was the only one in the entire hall Ibiki hadn't managed to see through. He was certain Naruto had used some special method to obtain intelligence, yet could never determine specifically what means.
However, when his gaze stopped on the second major question—that problem about calculating shuriken maximum range in ground combat and analyzing enemy shinobi characteristics—his brow gradually furrowed, then revealed an incredulous expression.
Wait... something's not right here.
The answer itself was correct, no problem. But... the calculation basis and derivation process written beside it was actually far more detailed and rigorous than the standard answer formulated internally by examiners!
Not only listing the complete projectile motion formula, but also meticulously analyzing hit probability for targets of different heights under parabolic trajectory, even considering minor effects of wind speed and shuriken weight!
This depth of analysis... could it be this question wasn't copied through cheating at all, but rather calculated step by step by himself?!
This discovery plunged Ibiki into brief silence.
Truly... a frighteningly capable brat.
Just like his father...
---
In the Forest of Death's damp and oppressive air, Naruto took a deep breath, calming down before turning to his two teammates.
"For upcoming actions, I'll uniformly safeguard the scroll we have—that's safest. Satsuki, you're responsible for flank vigilance and main firepower output. Sakura, your mission is constantly monitoring surroundings and protecting yourself. The goal is quick decisive victory, avoiding unnecessary entanglement as much as possible."
Somehow, Sakura felt the current Naruto seemed more energetic than usual, his entire aura becoming sharper. Was it an illusion? She felt Naruto's eyes seemed slightly moist...
At this moment, only the Gold Experience Naruto could see had quietly manifested. It slowly pressed its hand against the moss-covered ground, invisible life energy perception spreading like ripples. Every animal in the forest, every examinee's life aura was clearly visible in Naruto's perception.
This Stand ability was far too practical. Just this detection range and precision for life energy could rival the Byakugan's perspective and Mind's Eye of the Kagura.
After hearing Satsuki's nearly confession-like firm response, Naruto's determination and confidence solidified to an unprecedented height.
Orochimaru, you're disguising yourself as a chunin to come fish in a barrel here? Then I'll let you personally experience what it feels like when barrel-fishing meets cheating.
Just then, he clearly sensed two special chakra signatures. One was Gaara's familiar aura mixed with violence and pain. The Nine-Tails in his heart immediately grew restless, constantly urging him to go teach that tanuki a lesson right now and steal the scroll while at it.
But Naruto immediately vetoed this action. First, now wasn't the time to face Gaara. The other reason was that he'd sensed that cold yet viscous life aura belonging to Orochimaru, rapidly approaching their location at extreme speed.
Kurama, patience. Now isn't the time. He soothed his restless partner internally.
At this moment, Sakura raised a question. "Naruto, so which direction should we move in now?"
"Directly to the central tower." Naruto pointed toward the forest depths without hesitation.
"Eh? But," Sakura was somewhat puzzled, "the exam passing condition is gathering both Heaven and Earth scrolls. Shouldn't we first go rob the one we're missing?"
Beside her, Satsuki hearing this question felt somewhat speechless. Though theoretical knowledge was perfect, tactical thinking still wasn't flexible enough. Rushing to the tower vicinity beforehand to wait like a hunter for prey, intercepting teams that had already gathered scrolls and were preparing to pass—wouldn't that efficiency be much higher? Teams reaching there must have already collected both scrolls.
"The missing scroll... we can solve that on the way using this method."
Words barely finished, under Satsuki and Sakura's somewhat puzzled gazes, Naruto produced a uniquely shaped, triangular special kunai—precisely the marked kunai for Flying Thunder God Technique.
In their surprised gazes, he seemingly casually tossed the kunai lightly upward.
Just as the kunai left his fingertips, reaching its apex—
"Whoosh!"
A blurred figure plummeted sharply from the dense tree canopy. In Satsuki's suddenly contracting pupil's reflection, that ambusher had already approached Naruto's back at astonishing speed, the sharp kunai in hand aimed directly at Naruto's neck. The intent couldn't be clearer—hostage-taking!
Got him!
The ambushing Kirigakure shinobi looked at that close, completely unguarded blonde back, unable to suppress a triumphant vicious grin at the corners of his mouth.
As expected, just a brat with too little experience! Actually discussing tactics in such a place without any guard—deserves becoming my prey!
However, just before the blade edge in his hand was about to touch Naruto's skin—
Swish!
Naruto's figure vanished from the spot!
All this happened in a split second. The triumphant expression on the ambusher's face hadn't even had time to transform into shock before completely freezing.
WHAM!
A dull impact sound came from above! The Naruto who should have been before him had now appeared as if instantly teleporting above his head. One hand steadily caught that just-thrown special kunai, while the other hand viciously pressed against his skull, smashing his face entirely toward the ground!
The massive impact instantly made this Kiri-nin lose balance, pressed firmly to the ground. Immediately after, that cold kunai was reversed, precisely positioned at his own throat.
"Don't move."
Naruto's calm voice came from above his head. "Now, answer my question—is your squad's scroll safeguarded by you?"
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