Capítulo 66: Chunin Exams Phase One (1)
The sun had just begun to cast its warm glow over the village as Renjiro joined Aiko and Hiro on the journey to the Chunin Exams Centre.
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and Renjiro couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Hiro, eager and confident, led the way with determined strides.
As they walked, Renjiro engaged in casual conversation with Aiko, discussing various topics to lighten the mood before the exams. Well, it was more to lighten his mood. However, amidst their banter, Renjiro picked up on something unusual.
Renjiro began to notice a deviation from the expected path. The familiar surroundings of the village started to give way to the dense trees of the infamous Forest of Death.
'Where are we headed to?'
Renjiro narrowed his eyes, as he turned to Hiro. "Hiro, this isn't the way to the Exams Centre. Why are we heading to the Forest of Death?"
Hiro's expression remained stoic, "What do you mean Exams centre? the exam is in the Forest of Death."
'Wait, wasn't there usually a written test before the Forest of Death part?'
Renjiro's confusion deepened as Hiro seemed genuinely unaware of what he was talking about.
"Are you Okay Renjiro? I thought you were aware that the first phase of the exams began at the Forest of Death." She was concerned as today they all had to put on their A game for their exams. If Renjiro was not at his best then it could also affect them negatively during the exams.
'Right, I'm technically in the past of the Anime, so it would make sense if the Chunin exams format of this year would be different than the one from Naruto'stime. Well, there aren't any other villages participating, so that should have informed me already of the changes.'
"Aah... I had forgotten about it sorry," Renjiro sheepishly replied.
"Okay, as long as you are fine," Aiko replied.
'The crowd I am sensing are probably other genins congregating in the Forest.' Renjiro surmised as they drew closer to the forest.
The group quickly arrived at their destination and stood in a corner on their own. They did not see the need to socialize with others out of nerves
They stood there, patiently waiting for the arrival of the other genins and exam instructors.
After a brief wait, five shinobi suddenly emerged, their presence marked by the rustling of leaves. Renjiro narrowed his eyes, recognizing the distinct features of the approaching group.
Aiko whispered to the team, "Here they come. Stay sharp, everyone."
"Gather around!" One of the shinobi shouted. He was Shimura Taki.
Taki Shimura, the appointed jounin proctor for the first phase of the Chunin Exams, emerged as a commanding presence.
He stood tall, his muscular frame reflecting the physical prowess expected of a seasoned ninja. His spiky, dark hair framed a stern face that bore the marks of countless battles, giving him an air of experienced authority.
Dressed in the traditional Konoha flak jacket, Taki's demeanour exuded a sense of confidence and no-nonsense professionalism.
His sharp, onyx eyes surveyed the gathered genins, assessing them with a keen and observant gaze. A Konoha headband adorned with the village symbol was securely fastened around his forehead, emphasizing his allegiance to the Leaf.
As he stepped forward, Taki's voice carried a firm and authoritative tone. "Greetings, aspiring shinobi. I am Taki Shimura, a jounin here in Konoha and your proctor for this phase of the Chunin Exams. Pay close attention to the rules, and remember, only those who adapt and persevere will proceed to the next stage."
His words, delivered with a weight that spoke of experience, resonated within the clearing.
Taki continued, beginning the process of outlining the challenges that awaited the candidates in the Forest of Death.
As Taki Shimura outlined the details of the Chunin Exams' first phase, the tension among the genin grew palpable.
"In this phase, each team will be given one of two scrolls – the Heaven Scroll or the Earth Scroll. Your objective is to safeguard your team's scroll while attempting to steal the opposing team's scroll.
However, the catch is that to pass, your team must possess both scrolls by the time you reach the finish line. The forest is vast, and the challenges are many. Use your wits and teamwork wisely."
He paused, surveying the sea of determined faces before him. "Remember, not all encounters will be hostile. Some teams might be willing to cooperate, while others will see you as competition. Adaptability is key. And keep in mind that not all threats will come from fellow genins, the forest itself harbours dangers."
"Exercise caution, trust your teammates, and do whatever it takes to ensure both scrolls are in your possession when you reach the finish line," Taki emphasized.
"You have one week to navigate through the Forest of Death and secure both scrolls," Taki explained, his voice cutting through the air. "During this time, you may encounter other genin teams. Engaging in battles is allowed, but remember, this is not a fight to the death. Killing is strictly prohibited. We don't want to lose valuable shinobi over a competition. Use your ninja skills wisely, and may the best teams succeed."
The gravity of the situation sank in as genin teams exchanged glances, sizing up potential allies or threats. The vastness of the forest and the multitude of challenges it held became more apparent as they prepared to step into the unknown.
Taki's final words resonated, "Survival is not just about defeating others; it's about overcoming the obstacles within the forest. Make alliances if needed, but remember, only those with both scrolls at the finish line will proceed to the next phase. Best of luck, and may your teamwork shine."
He glanced at the array of eager genin. "Now, the scrolls will be distributed randomly, so make your way to the designated starting point and await further instructions."
As the genin teams lined up to receive their scrolls, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Renjiro, Aiko, and Hiro stood together, waiting for their turn. Taki Shimura and the other instructors observed the teams, ready to hand out the scrolls.
Taki handed team 15 with the Earth Scroll. "Here is your scroll. Your objective is to acquire the Heaven Scroll. Remember, both scrolls must be in your possession when you reach the finish line."
Renjiro nodded, firmly holding the Earth Scroll in his hands. Not long after every team had their scroll and the exam was about to begin.
With a command from Taki, they all headed to their designated starting points of the Forest of Death.
Renjiro's strategic mind kicked in as they entered the daunting Forest of Death. The team had decided to take a direct route to the finish point, bypassing potential confrontations in the heart of the forest.
'I am sure there will be teams waiting at the end to ambush us for our scrolls. It will be better to just go ahead and do the same to them.'
Renjiro led the way, "We're going straight for the finish line. No unnecessary risks. I don't want to give other teams a chance to ambush us for our scrolls," he declared, glancing back at Aiko and Hiro.
Hiro, his senses alert, added, "Yeah, let's not waste time dealing with others. We've got a week, but I'd rather be out of this forest as soon as possible."
As Team 15 ventured deeper into the Forest of Death, their progress was unexpectedly halted when they encountered three other Genin teams standing in their path. The coincidence was uncanny, all three teams seemed to have the same goal in mind: acquiring an Earth Scroll.
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