After the first exam concluded, Yūhi Shinku soon announced the list of those who had passed. Tenya’s name was among them.
The successful candidates were led by the staff to the location of the second round, the Forest of Death.
The Forest of Death, also known as Training Ground 44, was surrounded by over 44 locked gates. It contained rivers and dense forest, and at its center stood a towering structure.
Looking around, all that could be seen were green plants surrounded by barbed wire, with the towering structure faintly visible at the center.
“Everyone, take a rest. The second round will start once the proctor arrives,” instructed the staff, leading the candidates to an open area.
They didn’t have to wait long. A group of Konoha ninja soon arrived at the scene. Tenya recognized the lead Jonin—Hiruko.
Tenya felt no affection for Hiruko, suspecting him to be the mastermind behind the recent assassination attempt on him and Nanase.
As Hiruko stepped forward as the second-round proctor, Tenya’s wariness grew.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Hiruko, your proctor for the second round,” Hiruko began, his gaze sweeping over the gathered candidates, lingering on Tenya for a moment. “I will now explain the rules for the second round. Please listen carefully!”
The candidates perked up, paying close attention to the instructions.
Tenya couldn’t shake the feeling that Hiruko’s gaze fell on him more often than others, raising his guard even higher.
“I’ve explained everything. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask,” Hiruko said calmly, waiting for any inquiries.
“Proctor, are there any restrictions in the second round?” a Mist ninja inquired.
“There are no restrictions in the second round. You may use any means necessary to collect both Heaven and Earth scrolls and reach the central tower. Successfully doing so within three days will qualify you for the next round,” Hiruko explained.
“Does that mean life and death are irrelevant?”
“Yes.”
“Heh, good to know,” the Mist ninja chuckled coldly, seemingly satisfied with the answer.
The participants from the major villages were unfazed, but the atmosphere grew heavier, filled with tension.
“Before we begin, there’s one more thing you must do,” Hiruko continued, pulling out a scroll. “Sign this waiver. Since there are no restrictions in this exam, deaths are inevitable. Those willing to sign may proceed to the second round. If not, you may leave now.”
The candidates exchanged glances, none showing any sign of retreat.
Having come this far, they all had confidence in their abilities and weren’t deterred by a waiver.
Soon, everyone signed their names.
“There are 37 participants in the second round, forming 13 teams, including solo participants. You will each receive one scroll, either Heaven or Earth. Only by possessing both scrolls and reaching the central tower within three days will you qualify for the next round,” Hiruko stated.
“Now, let’s distribute the scrolls.”
With the help of his assistants, Hiruko handed out the scrolls, each sealed in a tube, making it impossible to distinguish between Heaven and Earth scrolls by appearance.
Standing alone among the crowd, Tenya drew much attention. The other candidates finally realized that Tenya was the solo participant mentioned by the proctor.
Was he truly strong, or just seeking attention?
Many eyes turned to Tenya, filled with hostility and some even with open killing intent.
The upcoming exam was bound to be bloody, and many participants saw eliminating weaker opponents early as advantageous. Alone, Tenya seemed an easy target.
Among the Konoha teams, the three participants from Root examined Tenya briefly before dismissing him. He appeared unremarkable and not worth their attention. Their focus remained on the formidable opponents from the other major villages.
For Root’s participants, the success of Konoha’s deterrence plan rested on their shoulders, not on other Konoha participants.
In the crowd, Kisame Hoshigaki eyed Tenya thoughtfully. Despite the hostility and killing intent directed at him, Tenya remained unperturbed—a sign of someone not to be underestimated.
Kisame’s instincts warned him that Tenya was dangerous. If they clashed, his chances of winning were slim, so it was best to avoid conflict with him.
Kisame withdrew his gaze, deciding not to take unnecessary risks. Survival was the ultimate victory.
“Alright, with everyone having their scrolls, I declare the second exam officially started!” Hiruko announced. “In 15 minutes, you may all enter the Forest of Death.”
The teams, guided by Konoha staff, headed to their designated entrances, ready to begin the exam as soon as time allowed.
As the participants disappeared from view, Hiruko’s eyes glinted with a barely perceptible cold smile.
This time, the major villages had sent strong teams, including some with bloodline limits. Tenya, from the Moonlight clan, was just one of many targets.
Obtaining their bloodline limits would further his research significantly. The thought alone excited him.
Being the proctor allowed him certain privileges, such as easy access to the Forest of Death, facilitating his plans.
Meanwhile, at the central observation tower, the Jonin leaders from Cloud, Rock, Sand, and Mist villages watched their teams through surveillance monitors.
Not far from them, Orochimaru observed the proceedings with interest.
The door to the surveillance room suddenly opened, and Yūhi Shinku, the proctor of the first round, walked in.
“Oh? Shinku! I didn’t expect to see you here,” Orochimaru greeted with a smile.
The Jonin leaders from the four major villages glanced at Shinku before returning their attention to the monitors.
Shinku nodded to Orochimaru. “One of my students is participating in the second round. I came to check on him.”
“Your student?” Orochimaru’s expression turned curious as he glanced at the roster. “So, the solo participant is your student. Bold move!”
“Indeed,” Shinku responded.
“Let’s watch together then,” Orochimaru suggested. “Anyone daring enough to take on the second round alone must have some skills. As his teacher, you should know best.”
“My student is quite capable. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have allowed him to participate alone,” Shinku stated confidently.
“Oh? That makes me even more interested!” Orochimaru smiled. “Let’s see how far your student can go!”
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