Chapter 79:

Anko jumped down from the fence, landing with cat-like elegance before she bounced back up to her feet, allowing her coat to swish for effect.

Anko was a busty woman with purple hair and a cocky attitude, but Kimimaro could tell there was more to her than met the eye.

"Right then you punks, listen up. I'm only going to explain this once." She said as she picked her teeth with the dumpling stick before throwing it at a tree.

Everyone watched and listen, waiting to see what the second exam would entail, already feeling nervous.

"Alright. For this exam, you will be working in your three-man cells. Each squad will be given one scroll." She said, holding both a heaven scroll in one hand and an earth scroll in her other.

"You will have five days to acquire both scrolls and make it to the building at the centre of the forest. How you get those scrolls is up to you. By simply gaining both scrolls, that does not mean that you pass the exam, that also goes for if you lose your scroll. Remember, the goal is to make it to the centre with both by the fifth day." She said, allowing a moment for the atmosphere to change as everyone realized what she insinuated.

"You have all had to sign a liability waiver before participating in this exam. So death is not unexpected. The forest holds many danger and if your not on you're guard, then you will die."

"As I said. Reach the centre of the forest within five days with both scrolls to pass the exam, and try not to die." She said, not seeming bothered if they lived or died.

"Oh and one last thing." She then said, turning around before she placed her hand on the gate to undo the seals.

"You must not open the scrolls and look inside under any circumstances, until you reach the finish line, that understood?" She said, watching them all nod slowly.

"Good." She then said, finally opening the gate to the forest.

"Now each team come and take a scroll. You will each enter the forest with a five minute time between entries, only to give you all a fair chance. After that, the rest is up to you!"

Haku had already done a headcount for the number of teams that were present.

He counted a total of 20 teams, 60 genin in total, including his own. Meaning each squad would have one scroll, meaning only a maximum of 10 full sets would be available. That was if they even gave an even number of scrolls out in the first place.

Koyuki was looked at the others with a serious expression, getting a nod from both of them as they too understood how dangerous this could be. With the nature of the exam and the scrolls not guaranteeing a pass or a fail, even if you lost your scroll, other team's could set ambushes around the finish line to steal them at the last moment, meaning you were not safe even up to the finish line.

"Alright, first squad step up!" Anko said as she began to hand out one scroll to each squad.

Once each squad had a scroll, some being quick to hide the identity of theirs, while others were less so as everyone tried to clock who had what.

"Alright, first squad enter," Anko said, allowing the first squad of genin, who was from the hidden grass village to enter the forest.

They entered the forest, looking a little nervous but quickly disappeared into the thick treeline and dark setting.

The time seemed to pass slowly, yet it came fast all the same. Now only half of the squads remained, with another being given the go-ahead to enter, each of them trying to make a strong start as they dashed off as quickly as possible.

Screams could also start to be heard coming from inside the forest now, as battles between squads, either with each other or the monsters within had begun.

Kimimaro watched as Kujira and his squad were next to enter. Kujira locked his eyes with Kimimaros for a moment, giving him a smirk before he entered the forest.

"See you in there. We wont lose!" He shouted before the three of them disappeared into the forest.

"What's plan you two? What should we do?" Koyuki said not seeming worried but wanting to have a level head between the three of them.

"I think it would be best if we either went around, taking our time to assess the situation, rather than be dragged into a conflict that could involve more than one squad," Kimimaro said, coming up with a plan rather quickly.

Haku agreed.

"The last thing we want is to engage in battle right from the start." He said nodding his head.

Koyuki also agreed. However, she couldn't help pout a little as she crossed her arms.

"I still think it would be easier to just kill another squad and steal their scroll from the get-go, but ill play along for now." She said, wagging her finger.

Haku couldn't help give a light-hearted laugh, where as Kimimaro kept a serious expression on his face, watching as Hattori and his squad also entered the forest now.

"Kimimaro... Hello, you in there!" Koyuki said as she waved a hand in front of his face.

Kimimaro snapped out of it quickly, seeing Koyuki standing in front of him.

"Sorry, Koyuki." He said.

"We should keep our distance and head towards the centre of the forest. I don't want to waste anytime." Kimimaro said, getting serious all of a sudden.

Koyuki was a little taken off guard as Kimimaro was usually so laid back. But this time he wasn't playing around.

Haku also noticed his tone. Knowing he was right. This wasn't the time to be playing around.

"It's time to get serious." Haku said as he placed a hand on Koyukis shoulder, agreeing.

Koyuki looked into his eyes, seeing the determination coming from him, knowing the look well.

"You're right. Let's do it."

"Alright you three, it's your turn. Hurry up and get a move on will ya!" Anko said as she turned to look at Haku and the others.

Anko couldn't help but notice the serious look in their eyes, almost getting a smile out of her.

"Hmm. This year's genin seem very interesting. Especially these mist brats." She thought, examining the three of them.

"Alright team, move out," Kimimaro said to the others, leading the charge as they burst forth into the forest at full speed.

"The chunin exams have begun!"

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Bit of a shorter chapter but hope you enjoyed it! lots of action to come soon!

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Anyway thank you for reading and as always have a great day!