Auditorium three hundred and one turned out to be huge. In essence, it was a spacious hall with grayish-blue walls and red pillars near the entrance. Wide green cornices could be seen under the ceiling, and large crimson symbols of Konoha and the kanji for "fire" were visible on the walls and ceiling.
The company gathered here was diverse; most of those present were older than thirteen, some people looked to be thirty or forty. And although the latter seemed incredibly formidable, Team Seven understood that if you were still a genin at thirty, you were either talentless or lazy... or fodder who had come for the crowd scene. Of course, there were exceptions, but they were quite rare.
Sasuke cautiously surveyed the auditorium. Sakura, clenching her fists, tried to stand closer to Uchiha. Naruto's gaze found a Konoha chunin leaning against the wall near a dark green board. The guy tried not to stand out and was openly nervous, watching the crowd of genin. If a scuffle broke out, he would most likely be of little help.
- Hey, - Naruto addressed the young shinobi. - Where do we sit? - the dark-haired boy and the pink-haired girl also stared expectantly at the chunin.
The guy twitched as if he had been electrocuted. He looked around, trying to understand if they were talking to him. But, seeing the trio's inquisitive gazes, he composed himself and stammered:
- Y-you should be given numbers.
- Well, where are these numbers, dattebayo?
- Th-that is... - the guy glanced at a massive table near the window. Some square cards could indeed be seen on it.
- Are you handing them out? - Naruto asked.
The chunin swallowed. Uzumaki exchanged glances with his teammates. Apparently, he was indeed supposed to hand out the numbers. But the guy was completely terrified. Well, what could they do, the crowd gathered here was truly impressive. Some types looked openly bandit-like and more like hardened cutthroats.
- Is this your first time administering the exam? - Uzumaki asked.
The chunin nodded.
- It's my first time here too. True, I'm not administering, but taking it. And I'm nervous too, - Naruto smiled broadly, scratching the back of his head. - But it doesn't matter. Because I'm still going to pass this exam and become Hokage.
After these words, the blond took a crumpled application out of his pocket and shoved it at the chunin. The latter automatically took it. Applications from his teammates also soon ended up in his hands.
- Okay, we'll just go and take the numbers ourselves then, right? - the blond inquired. The chunin nodded sluggishly. - Sakura-chan, will you sit with me?
- As if! - Haruno exclaimed. - I'd rather sit with Sasuke-kun! - Naruto lowered his gaze.
- Hn, - Uchiha drawled skeptically, raising an eyebrow.
- Oh, right, - Sakura clapped her hands. - Sasuke-kun is right as always. If we wait to get the numbers, we won't be able to sit with whoever we want!
- Sigh... you still don't love me, dattebayo, - the blond said bitterly, theatrically wiping away an invisible tear. - And you even hit me recently... - Sakura rolled her eyes. In her opinion, Uzumaki was taking the exam too lightly.
Team Seven approached a large, polished burgundy table. The cards were lying in a pile. However, they were all facing number-down. On one of them, Uzumaki noticed a barely visible reddish dot. His hand itself darted out and confidently picked up the card with the seat number. Seeing the number "66," Naruto smiled.
Quite symbolic. After all, he had spent the last month training on training ground "66," and now he had gotten this number.
- Well, good luck to us, - the blond said and walked towards the third row from the window. His teammates also leaned over the table. Uchiha took a number without looking, while the girl, on the contrary, carefully examined them, apparently trying to choose the one she liked the most.
Naruto's desk was the last one in the third row. The neighboring seat was occupied by some middle-aged shinobi from Waterfall, who was arguing about something with other older genin from his village. Uzumaki pulled out the chair and sat down not far from the Waterfall ninja.
- Hey, kid! What the hell? - the shinobi protested.
Uzumaki raised his number and pointed to the corresponding digit on the desk. The blond also told him about the chunin to whom the applications should be submitted.
The Takigakure shinobi frowned, then reluctantly got up, called the others after him, and they went to the table with the cards.
- Well, there, - Naruto muttered, cracking his knuckles, - and I thought he'd start a fuss and get into a fight, dattebayo...
Out of the corner of his eye, Uzumaki noted the appearance of his former classmates. Inuzuka Kiba with his puppy-ninken on his head, a strange guy in sunglasses - Aburame Shino, and the modest Hyuga Hinata, who, as soon as she saw Naruto, for some reason immediately looked away and started to blush. The smart-lazy Nara Shikamaru, the perpetually chewing Akimichi Choji, and Yamanaka Ino also appeared.
The latter, by the way, upon entering the auditorium, with a cry of: "Sasuke-kun!" threw herself at Uchiha's neck. However, when she was a couple of meters away from her target, Sasuke's eyes flashed scarlet almost imperceptibly, and he himself took a step to the side. The blonde at full speed flew into... Sakura and knocked her onto the table. It so happened that the girl's lips smacked juicy against Haruno's lips when the latter turned around at the cry.
- Oh, sorry, Sasuke, I missed you so much, I couldn't help... - said the satisfied blonde, but she trailed off. The girl blinked and, abruptly recoiling, stared at Sakura in shock.
- You, - the green-faced Haruno growled, wiping her mouth disgustedly. - What the hell are you doing?
- It... - Ino grimaced.
- Ino-pig!
- Billboard brow! - Yamanaka yelled, pointing a finger. - What the hell are you doing? How did you even get here?...
Lightning seemed to flash between the gazes of the two small kunoichi. Definitely, if the girls could incinerate with their eyes, they would have already done so.
Sasuke, meanwhile, quietly retreated. He subtly surveyed the auditorium, but no one (except Uzumaki) paid attention to the girls' squabble, nor to his trick with Ino. Snorting at his thoughts, Uchiha proudly walked to a desk occupied by genin from Suna...
- Damn, I'm gonna fall asleep now, dattebayo, - Naruto muttered. His eyelids seemed heavier than the logs he carried during training.
The periphery of his consciousness caught that some ash-haired guy in round glasses had approached his former classmates. But what he wanted from them or what he was trying to tell them, Uzumaki didn't understand. The presence of the Leaf headband slightly calmed the blond; after all, it wasn't an enemy. So the guys were in no danger.
In the end, Naruto decided to doze off a bit while the other examiners arrived. After all, by the time they came, handed out the numbers and tests, time would pass. And it was better for him to spend this time usefully, giving his body the much-needed rest.
***
- Who the hell are you? Get lost if you value your life! - a shinobi from Sand disdainfully examined Uchiha, who silently showed his number.
- Don't be so rude, Kankuro, - sang a girl with sand-colored hair gathered in four pigtails. - We're guests, so we shouldn't provoke a conflict...
- Temari, just look at him! What an arrogant brat! Didn't even introduce himself. Just shoved some paper in my face! Do you even know who you approached, huh?
"Another idiot overestimating his strength," Uchiha mentally summarized. The Sand ninja's appearance was quite strange. A black baggy jumpsuit and a black hooded hat with pointed ears. The crimson-burgundy markings on his face also seemed eccentric.
- Don't hiss, kitty, - the dark-haired boy smirked. - Need some valerian? You'll calm down before the exam.
- What? Valerian? - Kankuro jumped up from his seat, choking with indignation. - You... you probably use it yourself so you don't crap your pants from fear! - the genin retorted.
- I don't use it, - Sasuke said. - But you're right about one thing. I'm afraid...
Kankuro slowly stretched his lips into a victorious smirk.
- I'm afraid you might poop in my slippers.
- You bastard! - the Sand ninja was about to grab the dark-haired boy by the chest, but a calm, authoritative voice interrupted him:
- Enough, Kankuro.
Kankuro swallowed and froze in place. The kunoichi also didn't move. The genin's former relaxation had vanished somewhere.
Sasuke glanced at the speaker. It turned out to be a red-haired kid with turquoise eyes; a scarlet tattoo with the kanji for "love" adorned the left side of his forehead. At first, Uchiha hadn't noticed him. The genin was sitting at the next desk in a meditative pose, his arms folded across his chest; a zone of alienation seemed to have formed around him.
- But, G-Gaara... - Kankuro began to justify himself. - He was...
- Shut up. Or I'll kill you, - Gaara said. These words seemed so commonplace coming from his lips. Sasuke felt a chill run down his spine. This guy was truly capable of killing not only an enemy but also his own without a second thought. Just because he could, or because he felt like it.
Despite the Sand ninja's harmless appearance, Uchiha's intuition told him that the red-haired boy was incredibly dangerous.
- I understand, - Kankuro nodded nervously. - But...
- I'm repeating myself for the second time. There won't be a third, - Gaara said. Kankuro began to break out in a cold sweat. - Shut up. Your behavior is disgracing the Hidden Sand. Now we'll go to the table and take our number cards. And we'll hand in our applications.
Gaara deftly jumped to the floor and slowly walked to the table. Kankuro, forgetting about Sasuke and their bickering, followed him. Uchiha noticed a rather large gourd-pumpkin behind the red-haired boy's back.
Suddenly, the red-haired boy turned around, fixing a piercing gaze on Uchiha.
- I am Sabaku no Gaara from Sunagakure. And what is your name?
- Sasuke Uchiha, - the dark-haired boy replied without hesitation.
- I'll remember, - Gaara nodded, after which he and Kankuro went to the table with the numbers.
- What a pity, - Temari drawled, wrinkling her nose. She also reluctantly got up, intending to approach the other genin from Suna.
Sasuke, looking at the girl, raised an eyebrow questioningly.
- What a pity, - the kunoichi repeated, - that you're going to die, handsome. But you can still run away from Konoha.
- And who should I run from? - Uchiha snorted.
- From Gaara. He remembered you...
***
Sasuke sat at his desk in a relaxed pose. A steady hum of voices could be heard in the auditorium. The wall clock directly above the blackboard showed exactly four o'clock. The exam was supposed to start any minute now. The dark-haired boy decided to check on his teammates. After all, they needed to pass the first stages together. At least, that's what Naruto, who had read about it somewhere, had told them.
Sakura sat one row away from Uchiha and surreptitiously looked around. The girl tried to appear brave and confident, but she wasn't doing very well. Jerky movements, biting her lip, an occasionally twitching leg - all this betrayed strong excitement. True, Sasuke didn't quite understand the reason for this excitement. She was quite strong in theoretical subjects, so she should pass the first stage. And as for the other rounds of the exam... The girl had chosen the path of a medical-nin, so she didn't really need the chunin rank.
However, noticing how she periodically glanced in his direction, Sasuke realized that he was the reason. If it weren't for Sasuke, Haruno wouldn't be here. True, what the heck, if it weren't for her, then Naruto and Sasuke wouldn't have been allowed to take the exam either.
By the way, about Uzumaki. The blond's behavior made Uchiha's eye twitch.
"Naruto," he mentally ground his teeth. And there was a reason to grind them: Uzumaki was sprawled out insolently in his chair, his head slightly thrown back, his mouth ajar, and it looked like he would start drooling any minute. Yes... the usually hyperactive blond was currently paying no attention to his surroundings and was peacefully dozing.
"Iron nerves," Sasuke thought enviously. Although, if anyone shouldn't worry about passing the exam, it's Naruto. In strength, he surpassed a chunin. In knowledge... the dark-haired boy wasn't sure about that, but sometimes Uzumaki would reveal information that Uchiha had never even heard of.
A commotion arose near the table with the cards. A group of genin had gathered there, arguing about who should take a number first, as well as about how legitimate it was to take numbers without the chief examiner's knowledge. The conflict - over nothing - threatened to escalate from cold to hot. Shinobi from the Village Hidden in Sound got into fighting stances. Opposite them, Kiba froze in a low position, his pet Akamaru, having jumped off his master's head, froze in a similar pose slightly to the side.
Uchiha's gaze slid over the wall clock. It showed three minutes past five.
"They're late," Uchiha thought irritably. "If a scuffle starts now..."
However, as if reading the dark-haired boy's thoughts, two dozen Konoha shinobi in grayish-green uniforms appeared with a loud thud near the entrance. The silhouette of one of the men blurred, and he appeared between the conflicting parties.
- Silence! - the jonin didn't shout, but everyone heard his voice. The genin held their breath. A gloomy, oppressive aura surrounded the jonin, which made many sweat profusely and swallow nervously.
He was a middle-aged man with scars on his face, his head covered with a bandana. Surveying those present, he said:
- My name is Morino Ibiki, and I am the proctor for the first stage of the current Chunin Exams.
He paused, allowing the participants to digest what had been said.
- I want to clarify the situation. Fights without the proctor's permission are prohibited. Those who break this rule will be ejected from the auditorium faster than they can say the word "chunin." Is that clear? - he fixed a heavy gaze on the trio from the Village Hidden in Sound. They slightly bowed their heads in response.
- So, as I see, some of you have already submitted your applications and taken your numbers, - Ibiki glanced towards the chunin who had stood in the corner and pretended to be a rag. The latter flinched under Morino's gaze. But he didn't faint.
- Well, excellent, - he continued. - The rest of you, please come forward and do the same...
***
Morino Ibiki didn't particularly like such events. But the Hokage had been extremely insistent this year when assigning jonin as chief examiners. Morino was unlucky, and the Sandaime's choice fell on him.
Ibiki had only been a proctor for the Chunin Exams a couple of times, and both times it had been a closed exam, only for Konoha genin. Then he had been able to go all out on the poor shinobi larvae. There had even been fainting spells and other embarrassing incidents. However, this time Hiruzen had hinted to him that the Head of the Torture and Interrogation Force shouldn't put too much pressure on the youth, because this exam was open. Many genin with mentors from various villages had come. Therefore, if they all failed, it would be unpleasant. After all, the third stage was initially planned to be with pomp, with wide publicity, inviting the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and ambassadors from other Elemental Countries.
However, this was only advisable until Konoha learned about the terrorist organization Akatsuki. And now such publicity could backfire on the Leaf. Shikaku had insisted on strengthening ANBU patrols and had also said to keep a close eye on the guests. Morino agreed with him. After all, who knew, maybe Akatsuki members were already in the Village to take the head of one of their own. Literally.
Ibiki recalled all this while announcing - and writing on the board - the rules of the exam. The numbers had already been handed out, and the shinobi had taken their places.
"Some have even submitted their applications and taken their numbers themselves. Well, that's not prohibited... although initially it was planned to hand them out to the genin immediately."
Without taking his hand off the board, he cast an icy glance at the chunin standing in the corner. Feeling the gaze of the Head of the Torture and Interrogation Force, the poor guy shuddered. Ibiki grimaced.
When Morino finished writing the rules on the board, he reread what he had written to himself once more:
Chunin Exams
Rules of the First Stage
1. Examinees begin the test with 10 points. There are 10 questions on the test. One point is deducted for each incorrect answer.
2. The test is a team effort. The score is the sum of the points of all three teammates.
3. Those caught cheating lose two points for each offense.
4. Those who lose all their points on the exam or do not answer a single question are considered to have failed, along with both of their teammates.
"Yeah," he thought. "Easy peasy. The only catch is in the last - the tenth - question, designed to weed out the unworthy... as well as illiterate genin who are completely unfamiliar with the rights of shinobi."
The stupidity of the test was obvious, but the Hokage had come up with this idea for the rules. And the higher-ups a priori don't put forward stupid ideas, and if they do... then it's not the ideas that are stupid, but the subordinates who are unable to comprehend the wisdom of the Ruler.
What the heck, Ibiki even wrote the rules on the board, besides announcing them, as if for idiots. Although shinobi should have excellent memory. But all this was so that as many people as possible would pass to the second stage.
Ibiki turned around, casting a gloomy look over the auditorium:
- To answer the questions, you have one hour, and it starts right now. Begin!
The genin immediately unfolded the sheets with questions. The reaction of many was quite amusing to observe. Some turned gray. Some turned pale. Some, after reading the entire list, swallowed nervously and surreptitiously tried to peek at their neighbor's paper. Many didn't understand if they were the only ones so unlucky, or if it was the same for everyone.
Such reactions were predictable. After all, the test was not designed for independent writing, but for cheating off the planted chunin, who had specifically learned these questions in advance.
Ibiki barely suppressed a chuckle. He sat down on a chair and began to observe the examinees discreetly through half-closed eyelids. The planted chunin, meanwhile, were busily scribbling answers.
Time passed. Occasionally, the Head of the Torture and Interrogation Force (God, as his subordinates called him behind his back) glanced at the examiners. Izumo and Kotetsu, sitting near the far wall, periodically whispered to each other. Kotetsu, seeing that Morino was "sleeping," took out cards from his pocket and offered to play with his friend, but the latter only twirled a finger at his temple, and the shinobi with the bandage on his nose sighed mournfully, shaking his head.
However, most of the examiners were still more conscientious in their duties. They cast intense glances at the genin, as if trying to burn holes in them, while they themselves were busily scribbling something in notebooks, occasionally glancing at their colleagues' notebooks. Ibiki snorted. From the movements of pencils and pens, he realized that half of the observers were actually just playing tic-tac-toe or hangman, diligently considering each next move of the game.
About half an hour passed, and the Head of the Torture and Interrogation Force nodded to one of the observers near the fourth row. The latter, startled, put his notebook aside.
Whistle.
A kunai stuck right into the test of one of the shinobi with a Konoha protector. He widened his eyes and looked around in bewilderment.
- You, - one of the observers said. - Five violations. You failed. Your team failed the exam.
- Get out, now, - Izumo said, standing up to his full height.
The loser, "caught" cheating, grabbed his head, his mouth agape. His hands trembled, and he shook his head, not believing what he had heard.
"Overacting," Ibiki clicked his tongue.
His teammates behaved more naturally. The guy crumpled the answer sheet, saying, "Kuso!", and the girl simply silently got up from her desk, her head bowed. Kotetsu and Izumo led the "failed" ones out of the auditorium.
The remaining genin visibly tensed up. Ibiki mentally smirked. After all, among the planted chunin, there were also those who had been called in for just such scenes, to make the others nervous.
Suddenly, Ibiki was distracted by a strange sound. At first, he couldn't understand where it was coming from, but then, listening closely, he understood.
- Khr-r... phew... - it came from the blond sitting at seat number sixty-six.
"Uzumaki Naruto. Is he sleeping during the exam?"
If Morino had eyebrows, he would have raised them in surprise.
In principle, if the blond wasn't woken up until the end of the exam, he would one hundred percent pass the first test. After all, the answer to the tenth, oral question was the decision to stay in the auditorium and go to the end. But Ibiki had to abandon this option, because the genin had begun to look back at the jinchuriki. And if the examination committee didn't react, it might seem suspicious.
Ibiki had received many instructions from Hiruzen, but one of the main ones was to monitor the progress of some promising Konoha genin. Perhaps the future favorites could be considered Kurenai's, Asuma's, Guy's, and Kakashi's teams. Their students had to pass to the second stage at all costs. Therefore, the committee turned a blind eye to the funny (but still successful) attempts of Inuzuka Kiba and Rock Lee to cheat.
Another "violator" was "caught" cheating, and a trio of planted chunin with protectors from a village unknown to anyone noisily dropped out of the competition.
Meanwhile, Uzumaki's snoring became even louder. The Hyuga clan heiress sitting in the next seat quietly tried to wake the blond with a polite, "N-Naruto-k-kun...", but the latter was in dreamland and was in no hurry to leave it.
Ibiki stood up and fixed a sharp gaze on Naruto. The Head of the Torture and Interrogation Force released his killing intent and concentrated it on the jinchuriki.
However, the blond only snored even louder and smacked his lips sweetly in his sleep.
- Hey you, seat sixty-six! - Ibiki said loudly. But Uzumaki still didn't react.
Quiet chuckles were heard. However, they immediately ceased as soon as Ibiki released his full killing intent. Some genin trembled, the weakest fainted. Nevertheless, Naruto still continued to sleep.
Suddenly, the pressure of the killing intent stopped. Morino, flicking the hem of his black cloak, slowly walked to the board and took a larger piece of chalk. Slightly infusing it with chakra, he sharply launched it directly at the blond.
Everyone gasped.
The projectile whistled towards Naruto. However, right near his forehead, it was stopped by the jinchuriki's hand.
- Khr-r... yum-yum... phew... - Uzumaki was still asleep. And his hand with the piece of chalk clutched in it fell with a thud onto the desk.
One of the examiners hesitantly applauded. Apparently, he was amazed by the blond's reflexes.
A gruesome smirk contorted Ibiki's face.
The jonin approached the table where the number cards had previously lain. Suddenly, he lifted the table above his head and with a cry of, "Watch out!" launched it at the insolent jinchuriki. All the genin in the third row ducked just in case. The massive projectile flew overhead and didn't hit anyone in its path.
The blond's hand automatically rose, but this time it didn't help Uzumaki...
***
- Ow-ow-ow, - the blond said, rubbing his bruised head. - What, is the brawl already starting, dattebayo?
Naruto found himself sitting on the floor near the wall, a few meters from seat sixty-six. For some reason, a huge broken table was lying next to him.
Driving away the remnants of sleep, he blinked and surveyed the room.
All the genin stared in shock, as if they had seen the second coming of the Sage of Six Paths.
- What, has it already started? - the blond inquired, getting up from the floor.
His gaze fell on the clock, which showed... "16:45". He rubbed his eyes, but the hands still stubbornly showed this time.
- Damn, why didn't anyone wake me up, dattebayo? - Naruto said agitatedly and hurried to take his seat.
- Uzumaki Naruto, seat sixty-six, - a gloomy guy in a bandana said. - Carefully read the rules on the board and proceed with the test. You have a quarter of an hour left. Exactly at seventeen hundred hours, fifteen minutes before the end of the test, I will ask the final, tenth question.
- Uh-huh, - the jinchuriki nodded and got to work. The other genin returned to their tests.
Uzumaki read the rules on the board. He didn't understand them immediately, reread them again, but still couldn't figure out what the deal was.
Naruto massaged his head to think more clearly. Contrary to expectations, no clever thoughts appeared in his head, so he decided to recall what he had read about the Chunin Exams.
Examiners usually monitor the completion of each stage.
The first stage is a written test, checking theoretical knowledge or... cheating skills, it depends on the circumstances. Sometimes they add psychological pressure, for example, in the time of the First Hokage, they could use directed killing intent on the applicant, thereby checking resistance to intimidation.
The second stage is a survival test. Genin are released into the wild and given a specific task for a certain time. This stage mainly lasts from three to seven days. Depending on the policy of a particular Village, measures may be taken for covert observation of the genin, as well as evacuation of injured participants. Moreover, injuries can be obtained both from local flora/fauna and from competitors for the chunin title.
The third stage is one-on-one fights. To the death or not - again, it depends on the Village's policy. In the Leaf, it's quite lenient. Therefore, fatalities in the Chunin Exams in Konoha, although they occurred, were relatively rare. Mostly, the examiners tried to stop the fight if one of the losers was in mortal danger...
Naruto ruffled his hair and decided to look at the tasks. Because knowledge about the Chunin Exams would not help him clarify the current situation with the stupid rules written on the board.
He skimmed the list of questions. He knew the answers to most of them. Geography, mechanics, tactics, history, mathematics - these disciplines, although Uzumaki struggled with them (although he struggled with all theory), the practice and rereading of the material by the clones did their job. Where the blond lacked talent, he made up for it with perseverance and repeated repetition of the same thing.
Naruto quickly began to write answers to the questions he knew. His hand moved with incredible speed. But his handwriting was surprisingly even and neat. After all, dozens of clones had practiced calligraphy for hundreds of hours each for a reason. And involuntarily, he was channeling chakra into his wrist, so he could perfectly control the writing of each hieroglyph, each digit. After ten minutes, he finished answering most of the questions. Seven out of nine tasks were completed.
"And what to do now? Try to cheat on the remaining two answers?" Putting down his pen, Uzumaki thoughtfully scratched his head. The tasks on cryptography remained, which he had only started studying the day before yesterday. If he had known, he would have left a few clones in the library so that they could help him at the right moment. But what's not there isn't there. Five minutes remained, and if his cheating was noticed, they could deduct points, and he really didn't want that. After all, usually, to get the chunin rank, you should perform well in all rounds of the exam. And score as many points as possible.
"If I get caught, I'll lose two points, but if I cheat unnoticed, then..." Naruto froze in a stupor. The exam rules, which he hadn't understood initially but had managed to memorize, appeared before his eyes:
1. Examinees begin the test with 10 points. There are 10 questions on the test. One point is deducted for each incorrect answer.
2. The test is a team effort. The score is the sum of the points of all three teammates.
3. Those caught cheating lose two points for each offense.
4. Those who lose all their points on the exam or do not answer a single question are considered to have failed, along with both of their teammates.
"Stop!" Naruto slapped himself on the forehead. "Those caught cheating lose two points for each offense, one point is deducted for each incorrect answer, and at the same time..."
Uzumaki almost laughed. Because the rules didn't say a word about a correct answer adding a point to the current ten. That is, it turned out, he could very well not answer all the questions, thus passing further.
"This... So, it turns out," he pondered, "to pass to the next stage, it was enough to answer one question? And that's it? What nonsense."
Maybe there was some kind of catch here? After all, the last question hadn't been announced yet. Most likely, it would be a question like: "Why did you become a shinobi?", "What is the purpose of a shinobi?", "Why do you need the chunin rank?" or something like that. That is, apparently, he would have to write an essay...
"Damn, and I've almost filled all the sheets," Uzumaki mentally lamented.
A shinobi with a bandage on his nose stopped near Naruto. He held a notebook in his hands, closely examining the third row. The observer's gaze stopped on the blond. Uzumaki responded with a radiant smile and cracked his knuckles, stretching his hand after writing.
For some reason, the examiner swallowed nervously, then, visibly paling, rubbed his slightly swollen jaw and hurried away.
"What's with him...?" Uzumaki didn't understand.
- Time's up! - the scarred man said, interrupting Naruto's thoughts.
***
- So, I am announcing the tenth question, - Ibiki said, casting a heavy gaze over the auditorium. - But before I ask it, I will introduce several additional rules...
The genin put down their pens and were ready to listen to the examiner's words. Someone was trembling. Someone was sweating profusely. Morino snorted. Now the one-man show would begin. He hoped it would all end soon.
- Firstly, you must choose whether or not you will attempt to answer the final - the tenth - question.
Indignant exclamations were heard in the hall from a Suna kunoichi. She asked what would happen if they refused to answer.
- Oh, it's simple. If you refuse - your points will be reset to zero. That is, you will fail the exam... Of course, the entire team of the failed participant will be disqualified along with him.
A commotion arose. Some particularly nervous genin began to shout over each other that they were ready to answer, some - older and calmer - said that there was no point in all this tension.
- It's not that simple, - a sinister smirk twisted Ibiki's lips. - There is one more rule. If you do risk answering this question and answer incorrectly... - Morino made a theatrical pause. - Then you will lose the right to take the Chunin Exams and will remain genin forever!
Oh, what began after that phrase. An incredible din arose. The genin began to talk to each other in an attempt to understand what was happening. A kid from the Inuzuka clan jumped up and accusingly pointed a finger at Ibiki.
- Nonsense! There are those here who are taking this for the first time. Nothing like this has ever happened before! - the ninken on the little Inuzuka's head also barked protestingly.
- There's a first time for everything, - Ibiki spread his hands. - You're unlucky that I'm administering the exam this year. And I'm setting the rules too. - He unleashed his killing intent on the agitated crowd, causing the dog handler to plop back into his seat, and a tense silence fell in the room again.
- So, you have a choice. Those who are not confident in themselves can refuse the question and try to pass next time.
The genin were silent. An exciting moment had arrived. First and foremost for Ibiki. The main thing was that none of the nine rookie genin tried to leave. The Hokage would take his scalp for that... And never mind that there was nothing left to take.
- Whoever has decided to refuse - raise your hand. As soon as your number is recorded - you can lea...
Ibiki stopped mid-sentence, because a hand lazily rose into the air... Uzumaki Naruto's.
Morino cleared his throat and demonstratively ignored the blond's maneuver.
- As soon as your number is recorded - you can leave, - he repeated dryly.
- Naruto! - the pink-haired kunoichi exclaimed in shock. - Lower your hand quickly...
- Hey, mister, - the blond drawled, ignoring his teammate's words, - I wanted to ask something here.
Morino turned a suspicious gaze to the jinchuriki. But he nodded, allowing him to ask his question.
Uzumaki's hand fell onto the desk, and Ibiki barely suppressed a sigh of relief. After all, the blond of all Konoha was not going to leave.
- Hey, mister, who are you, dattebayo?
An awkward silence fell. Muffled chuckles were heard, which somewhat defused the tense atmosphere.
Ibiki frowned:
- My name is Morino Ibiki, and I am the proctor...
- No, no, not the name, - Naruto waved his hand carelessly. - I mean, what position do you hold, since you have the right to rewrite clauses from Konoha's collection of laws? I just remembered something. It seems in section three, article twenty-eight, it says that any resident of Konoha has the right to receive junior ranks: genin and chunin. According to this law, to become a chunin, it's not at all necessary to participate in the official three-stage event. It's enough to submit an application, pay a fee to assemble a commission, and be qualified enough to claim the title.
A deathly silence hung in the air. The genin silently looked around. Ibiki gritted his teeth. Such a clause did indeed exist, but usually no one remembered it because everyone was used to taking exams at the official Chunin Exams, held twice a year. Moreover, similar clauses existed not only in Konoha's legislation but also in other Villages.
- And it's not entirely clear either, - Uzumaki continued. - How can the Konoha administration prohibit shinobi from other villages from receiving chunin vests? After all, that would be interfering in the politics of other Hidden Villages. Strange, dattebayo...
"An amazing combination. Well-read, but stupid. The fewer shinobi from other villages participate, the better it should be for you, Naruto. Is it really that hard to keep your mouth shut?" Ibiki thought irritably. Outwardly, however, his expression remained cold.
The Hokage, of course, had said that as many people as possible should pass to the second stage, but if too many people passed to the second stage - the Forest of Death - because of the disruption of the first stage by one talkative jinchuriki, then the next round would turn into a circus performance. One hundred and fifty-three genin remained. There were thirty gates to the Shi no Mori. If everyone passed, then Tenzo would have to hastily erect more... over twenty gates. M-hm. He would hardly be able to manage in half an hour. Perhaps the second stage would need to be slightly postponed for technical reasons.
Biju, good thing none of the guests would see this, and they were only invited to the finale.
The Head of the Torture and Interrogation Force shook his head, driving away unnecessary thoughts.
- You are only partly right, - Ibiki said in a calm voice. - We really can't prohibit genin from other countries from receiving the chunin rank, but as for Konoha shinobi... - he grimly surveyed all the genin with Leaf protectors. They shivered under the jonin's gaze.
- This is a violation of rights... - Naruto began, but Morino interrupted him:
- Everything you see in the first stage of the exam has been personally approved by the Sandaime. Therefore, you can take all your complaints to the Hokage Tower! The Third will listen to you carefully.
At the end of his speech, Ibiki couldn't help but smile. Uzumaki, however, frowned, biting his lip...
Soon, Ibiki repeated what he had said earlier regarding the rules and the tenth question. The jitters gripped the genin again. True, now it was only the Konoha shinobi. The ninja from other villages looked completely relaxed after one blond's "questions."
The first hands began to rise into the air. One team left the auditorium, unable to withstand Ibiki's psychological pressure. Another, a third...
- To hell with it, - Naruto said indignantly. - Even if the old man changed the laws for the sake of one exam, even if I really can never become a chunin again... It doesn't matter. I will become Hokage, even if I remain a genin forever! That's my ninja way, dattebayo!
In confirmation of his words, Uzumaki slammed his fist on the desk. Cracks immediately spread across it, and the supports on which it stood tilted.
The jinchuriki's demonstration of power and intentions had a positive effect on those present. They were infected by his determination and no longer dared to leave the auditorium after such impressive words.
- I'm asking for the last time, it's not too late to refuse, - Ibiki said, slightly releasing his killing intent. - You may lose the opportunity to become a chunin.
But his words, even seasoned with killing intent, did not have the desired effect. No one raised their hand or moved from their seat.
- Well, wonderful... - Morino said coldly. - So, everyone who has remained... - a crooked grin crept onto his face. - Congratulations! You have successfully passed the first test!..
***
A couple of tokubetsu-jonin - and now also proctors for the second stage of the Chunin Exams - walked slowly along a white stone wall.
- Saitama, was it really necessary to put on this stupid cloak? - Anko drawled discontentedly, once again surveying the guy's "full" attire.
- Of course! - the bald shinobi smiled. His white cloak fluttered in the wind. Saitama himself seemed taller, his back straighter, and his chest remotely resembled a wheel. Even his bald head cast bright reflections that were as blinding as the blades from the Land of Iron. - You don't understand. I've waited so long for this moment.
- And what were you waiting for? Surely not this rag? You should have said so, I would have given you my sheet.
Saitama just waved his hand. This woman would never understand his feelings. This suit and cloak - nostalgia...
It had only been a month since he arrived in this world. But he had the impression that he had been here for a long time. Did he miss that world? It was hard to say. Genos, King, old man Bang remained there... Maybe he forgot someone, but it seemed those were all his acquaintances. Could these people be called his friends? Perhaps. However, here he had a new student. Naruto. At first, he hadn't planned to teach the kid anything, because no one had taught Saitama how to become stronger. He had achieved everything himself, through his persistent training. But, unlike Genos, his method of grueling training helped the blond. Naruto was definitely making progress, and considerable progress at that. And in recent days, Saitama had decided to take the blond more seriously. Fortunately, memories of various manga and anime were still present in his bald head. Therefore, he should have enough imagination to come up with new types of training for Naruto.
Anko had also appeared, who often dropped by. And many other acquaintances, which allowed him to brighten up the bald man's measured life somewhat. Stable work had also appeared. Now he was a shinobi, and not in the lowest rank. He had a salary, and also the opportunity for additional earnings by performing various missions.
Of course, there were unpleasant moments, like training with Anko. But, in principle, even that could be gotten used to. They trained for no more than four hours a day, and therefore there was still time for cooking, household chores, and reading Jiraiya's books. By the way, Saitama decided that it would be nice to get to know him, because this writer was also one of the strongest shinobi in this world. At least that's what they said...
- Here we are, - Anko's voice interrupted Saitama's thoughts.
He hadn't even noticed them entering the courtyard of the shinobi Academy. Green lawns, training grounds with makiwara, straight dirt paths. Here and there, low trees could be seen. Old rope swings with a couple of planks instead of a seat were tied to one of them.
The Academy itself was a large complex of buildings, the main part of which was three stories high, with red tiles and the kanji for "fire" in the center. Judging by the arrangement of the windows, the auditoriums had very high ceilings. Apparently, some classes were often held on the roof, or future shinobi simply rested there. This was evidenced by the presence of high mesh fences with rounded stone pillars.
- Wow, I never thought I'd be administering exams to schoolchildren, - Saitama said.
- There's a first time for everything, - Anko yawned. - True, they're not exactly schoolchildren, but it doesn't really matter. So, Saitama, it's time for our entrance.
- You meant "entry"? - the bald man clarified.
- Depends on how you look at it, - the kunoichi snorted. - Ibiki should be finishing up right now. So we should appear on time, and most importantly - beautifully and spectacularly... - a triumphant grin crept onto her face. - Follow me, Saitama!...