After explaining the rules, the Anbu handed out pre-printed exam papers.
The rules were simple: as long as one passed the written test, they could advance to the next round of examinations.
Mirai Uchiha picked up her paper and scanned it briefly, finding all the questions easy and straightforward.
They covered topics like the nature of chakra, the body's chakra circulatory system, and how to perform ninjutsu.
Only the final two questions dealt with Kekkei Genkai and Kekkei Tōta, requiring at least some knowledge to answer.
"Compared to the Chunin Exams hosted by Ibiki Morino that the Twelve Shinobi Genin participated in, this was way too easy."
"It seems... during times of war, ninja are held to less strict standards when it comes to theoretical knowledge."
Mirai Uchiha finished answering all the questions in a very short time.
She looked around the exam hall and noticed everyone looked relaxed and unstressed.
Soon, the exam time ended.
The Anbu graded the papers on the spot. In the end, only five candidates failed.
Only two examinees were disqualified for cheating.
This clearly showed how easy this exam truly was.
"Candidates who passed should gather at the Forest of Death in three days."
After announcing information about the next exam, the Anbu ninja took the exam papers and left.
The first stage of the Chunin Exams concluded.
Mirai Uchiha's name, which had been quiet for some time, once again entered people's sights.
...
Three days later.
At the perimeter of the Forest of Death.
Various ninja teams participating in the Chunin Exams each signed life-or-death waivers before receiving either a Heaven Scroll or an Earth Scroll.
This exam was conducted on a team-based basis; as long as a team could collect both Scrolls and reach the central tower, they would pass.
The Forest of Death was filled with deadly beasts and venomous insects, its environment extremely harsh—carelessness could easily result in fatal danger.
Moreover, to simulate the cruel conditions of actual battlefields, this examination permitted teams to resort to any means necessary to win, even fighting each other.
Of course, during matches, if a team chose to surrender by handing over their scroll before being killed, other teams couldn't continue attacking them.
Such brutal rules made every examinee look serious and worried.
Except for Mirai Uchiha's team—everyone else looked uneasy.
Almost all the teams reached a consensus.
If they encountered Mirai Uchiha's team, they could only blame their bad luck.
At noon:
Various ninja teams entered the Forest of Death through different entrances.
The second phase of the Chunin Exams officially began!
...
Forest of Death.
Because it was mid-winter, bare tree trunks and withered vines could be seen everywhere. Compared to spring or summer, suitable hiding places in the Forest of Death were now scarce. Adding to this, fresh snow had recently fallen, covering the ground in a thick white blanket.
It had become nearly impossible to conceal one's tracks.
"Mirai Uchiha, what's your plan?"
After briefly surveying the surroundings, Kurenai Yuhi naturally turned to Mirai Uchiha for guidance.
Mirai Uchiha waved forward slightly. "Head straight for the central tower."
"Eh?"
Kurenai looked puzzled. "But even if we reach the central tower, we won't pass the exam without both Heaven and Earth Scrolls."
"We'll definitely encounter other teams along the way," Mirai Uchiha patiently explained. "And if we don't, we can just lie in wait at the entrance of the central tower."
"The teams that make it to the central tower must already have collected both scrolls," he continued. "We take their scrolls, then we can pass the exam too."
Hearing Mirai Uchiha's words, Kurenai's eyes widened in shock.
Can you even do that?
Thinking carefully about it though, it did sound quite reasonable.
Such an approach would likely seem completely unrealistic for other teams.
After all...if you waited right at the entrance of the central tower, you'd probably become the target of everyone else.
But their team was different!
With Mirai Uchiha's strength, there was absolutely no need to worry about that kind of thing.
"Asuma, what do you think?"
Mirai Uchiha shifted his gaze toward Asuma Sarutobi.
"I'm fine with anything. You decide."
Looking at the unusually quiet Asuma, Mirai Uchiha felt somewhat confused.
He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but since the start of the Chunin Exams, Asuma had grown quieter than usual.
But Mirai had no interest in digging deeper into the issues of this rebellious Kage's son.
Confirming their direction, he raised his hand. "Let's go!" he declared.
...
Perhaps they had traveled too quickly.
Just one hour later, Mirai Uchiha and his two teammates arrived at the entrance of the central tower.
As planned, they quietly stationed themselves at the door, waiting for other ninja teams to show up.
As time passed, more and more ninja teams reached the central tower.
However, upon seeing Mirai Uchiha's team clearly guarding the entrance, each team chose to stop at a distance, watching cautiously from afar.
So an amazing sight gradually unfolded.
Three days later, over a dozen ninja teams were scattered not far from the central tower.
In the cold wind, everyone squatted on the ground, eyeing each other warily, equally tense and annoyed.
"What's Mirai Uchiha up to now? Is he trying to knock everyone out by staying here?"
"I don't think so—heaven forbid the proctors would stop him."
"Could it be they haven't collected both Heaven and Earth Scrolls, so they're just waiting to ambush teams heading for the central tower?"
"You know, that's actually quite possible."
"Darn it! That arrogant little Uchiha brat..."
Hearing all the murmurs, Obito Uchiha couldn't take it anymore. He stood up and snorted coldly, "Kakashi, are we really gonna keep waiting here forever?"
"You're not weak either. Don't you think you can hold off Mirai Uchiha?"
Upon hearing this from Obito, Kakashi Hatake shook his head, "You're overestimating me."
"As long as Mirai Uchiha stays here, no one stands a chance of entering the central tower."
Seeing even Kakashi Hatake lacked confidence, nobody else dared to speak up.
After a moment of silence, someone suggested, "What if we all attack together? Mirai Uchiha might not be able to stop all of us at once."
Nobody agreed.
Mirai Uchiha can even kill Jonin—who would dare to be the first to stick his neck out?
This sight made Might Guy feel absolutely thrilled.
So impressive.
I wish my Youth could shine as brightly as Mirai's too.
...
"Mirai, they don't seem to dare come over at all. Do you think this will actually work?" Kurenai Yuhi looked at Mirai Uchiha with some concern.
The exam in the Forest of Death lasted five days.
Three days had already passed.
She originally thought they'd just rob a team wanting to reach the tower and finish it. But who knew after so long, none of the teams showed any intention of coming.
Would their village just sit around and watch this unfold?
"Don't worry, Kurenai," Mirai Uchiha replied calmly.
"Eventually someone won't be able to resist."
As his words fell, fighting sounds erupted from ahead.
Then, a pair of Heaven and Earth Scrolls were tossed far towards them.
"Well then, time to pass the exam."
Mirai Uchiha picked up the Scrolls, got to his feet, and turned into the central tower.
Leaving Kurenai Yuhi behind looking completely bewildered.
Wait... seriously?
We just sat by the entrance resting for three whole days—and someone actually brought us a complete set of Scrolls!
Unbelievable!
Too unbelievable!
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