Chapter 21, First step taken

Mirai was a bit worried when she first got the test. Should they think about making it even, so no one seemed to be the worst ninja in the team?

But then she realized that splitting up a team because they know their weaknesses would go against the purpose of the test.

Surely the correct way to do this would just be to answer honestly without thinking too hard about it. And so, she did.

The team had gotten quite close over the last few months and she felt like they could all easily answer these questions without faults.

As time went by some teams got caught for cheating. Mirai was done with the first five questions after just a minute so the rest of the time she looked around at what would be her opponents.

Some were clearly cheating but as long as they only did it twice the team was fine after all. One long cheat could last them throughout the test if done well enough. Some teams were caught quick and others took time.

When they were handed the second group of five questions another couple of teams were eliminated because they failed to answer uniformly.

After half an hour, and fifteen questions, the room was less than half full. She noticed that team 3 must have made it through as she saw Inari Yua a couple of rows ahead of her.

Soon the last few questions were checked and the examiner stood up.

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Hikaru had waited for quite a while but it was finally time. The examiner, Kankuro, had stood up and would state the results.

"The results are in. One in each team has been given the most negative traits. If you think that person is you, you now have a chance to step forward and get a 16th question. If you answer it correctly, you may swap places with a ninja of your choice that's on your team."

The room was silent. Most ninjas in the room were thinking it through. Hikaru knew in his heart that this was just a way to bait out those who would abandon their friends.

Suddenly a couple of people stepped forward. One man from Suna and a young slender woman from Konoha. Kankuro nodded and gave them their question "Why would I approve of a ninja who'd sacrifice someone else for their own gain?"

The intent of this guy was insane. Hikaru could feel his legs shaking, he couldn't imagine what it would feel like getting this question asked right to your face. His glare was not exactly having a calming effect either.

The two who had stepped forward broke down and stood on all fours in front of Kankuro. "The teams these two belong to, have failed, but the rest of you may go to the field outside. There you will get instructions on where to go in three days when the next part starts. Except for you, you and you. One of your team members made the same mistake."

Kankuro had pointed at three men in the back who did not take this very well. "For the record" he looked down at the two who took the 16th question "None of you two actually got the most negative traits." This didn't bring their moods up.

Hikaru walked out along with the young boy he sat next to during the exam and just before they reached the field he spoke to him "I'm Hikaru from Konohagakure by the way. May I know who you are?"

The boy smiled, probably pleased he wasn't treated like a baby by Hikaru "I'm Junsui Sanpa, You can call me San if you want!" He had the most brilliant smile and it was only just now that Hikaru looked at his headband.

It was made out of a brighter metal than usual and had a large sun in the middle. "Might you be from Hikarigakure (village hidden in the light)?" Hikaru asked curiously and the boy was excited that he guessed correctly.

"Yes! I forgot to say. I'm from the light village. I'm so happy we got to see some other countries this year. Usually we have this exam on out own or with the darkness village but that just isn't the same."

San leaned in to Hikaru a little and whispered "A fair warning, the darkness village will make you feel terrible but don't fall under their effect and you'll easily beat them" San winked at him and then ran off to meet his team.

'Perhaps the light and dark have some kind of rivalry going on, why else would he tell me something about them?' Hikaru thought 'Then again, maybe it's because he's young and he trusted me..' Soon Tsukune jumped him and interrupted his thoughts.

"Easiest test I've ever taken! Who knew that eating out with my friends would help me pass the chuunin exam?" They both laughed and so did Mirai as she has been close enough to hear it.

"I'm glad we made it through, it feels like so many teams got knocked out there.." Mirai seemed on edge so Hikaru answered "Yeah but the strong teams make it though! See! There's Natsuhi as well!"

Soon they saw all of team 1 and both teams joined up to wait for the information.

After about fifteen minutes a wide gentleman with a cow mask stood up on the stage and told them the specifics. "Hello everyone! You may call me cow. I am the head examiner of the second test."

'Cow, what a strange nickname to take..' "You will all be expected to gather by training ground number 15 by 10 am in three days. Until then, have fun. Rest up. Eat well. You'll need all you can get."

As soon as the group got outside of the grounds, they were met with the large grin of Rock Lee "CONGRATULATIONS! I never had any doubts!" He always had a way of making everyone smile.

"But now, time for practising. We have to keep those bodies in tip top shape for the next test!" After such a simple test for teams who were honest and close, they were all ready for something challenging. And Rock Lee delivered. That night, all six of them crawled back to the hotel.

They honestly couldn't give a damn about the looks they got on their way through the village centre, all they wanted was to get to the hotel and take a hot nice shower before bed. They had eaten plenty of Rock Lee's 'energy food' today and didn't want to eat anything either. The bed was calling.