Chapter 47: The Trial Grounds

"I'm relieved to see you have such determination," Shindō said with a smile, just as Minato had mentioned. He trusted his students.

Indeed, his class had a few promising young individuals, with Minato being the most outstanding among them.

After everyone had gathered in the classroom, Shindō announced the Ninja Ability Trial and the mandatory participation condition.

This caused quite a stir among the students, even Mikoto was no exception. The only one who remained relatively calm was Minato, who had prior knowledge.

However, the teacher didn't seem to know the specific details or location of the trial, which was likely kept confidential by the village to maintain the integrity of the assessment.

Based solely on the scale, this trial couldn't be a simple test of combat abilities like previous evaluations.

For the Ninja Academy students, relying solely on combat prowess would put them at a significant disadvantage.

When strength and experience couldn't be compared, the only determining factor would be their respective wisdom.

As for how to apply it, that would depend on the specific location and format of the trial.

Minato believed that this Ninja Ability Trial wouldn't be so straightforward, based on the Third's words that day.

If it were merely to test his ability to become Kushina's guard, having an Anbu evaluate Minato's strength would have sufficed.

After learning that the trial participants included not only Ninja Academy students but also recently graduated genin, many in the class showed signs of concern.

However, Kushina, sitting not far from Minato, appeared excited.

Minato smiled awkwardly at her reaction. With her current strength, most genin wouldn't be a match for Kushina.

In the neighboring class, the majority of students had similar expressions to Minato's classmates. However, Uchiha Homura, who usually appeared expressionless while sitting in the front row, now had a slight smile on his face.

"Minato Namikaze, this time, we'll see who's stronger between you and me."

Meanwhile, somewhere in Konoha, a young shinobi wearing a Konoha forehead protector showed a keen fighting spirit upon receiving the news.

He couldn't help but recall the blond boy he had sparred with shortly before his graduation a year ago.

After a year under Jiraiya's tutelage, how much had Minato grown?

"Minato, I look forward to our reunion. Over this past year, I've become much stronger too." Nawaki smiled, gently touching his Konoha forehead protector.

His gaze then turned towards the Hokage Rock, the symbol of Konoha.

"Grandpa, I won't let you down!"

Three days later, the Ninja Ability Trial would begin.

While everyone harbored different feelings of apprehension and anticipation, the three days passed quickly.

On the third day, just before the end of classes, an unfamiliar man entered Minato's classroom.

He was also wearing the distinctive Konoha chūnin vest, but his overall presence exuded a vastly different aura compared to Shindō-sensei – an intense hostility. On the left side of his face, he had a gruesome scar several inches long.

Even though his features weren't ugly, his appearance startled many of the students.

He surveyed the youthful faces before him, his gaze emotionless. Wherever his eyes landed, the students instinctively averted their eyes, until he noticed Kushina fearlessly looking at him, causing a slight ripple in his expression.

Kushina's lack of fear wasn't due to indifference, but rather her past experiences as a war orphan, which differed from her classmates. Although the Konoha chūnin's appearance was somewhat intimidating, she was already accustomed to such sights.

He then turned his gaze towards Mikoto beside Kushina, who also remained unfazed.

As a member of the Uchiha clan, known for its powerful shinobi, Mikoto was no stranger to imposing presences far more intimidating than his.

Finally, he noticed Minato sitting in the corner. Unlike the previous two's indifference, Minato calmly met his gaze.

A hint of a smile appeared on the man's gruesome face. He had expected all the students to be startled by his appearance, but there were a few exceptions.

Withdrawing his gaze, he said in an extremely raspy voice, "I am a staff member for this Ninja Ability Trial. I'm here to inform you about the relevant details of the trial. I'll only say this once, so remember it well."

Many students unconsciously nodded, while Minato, Kushina, and a few others focused intently, determined not to miss anything.

"This Ninja Ability Trial is to assess whether you possess the aptitude and current strength to become shinobi. No one is allowed to withdraw or carelessly give up. As for the consequences, I believe your teacher has already warned you. If you have the mindset to become a shinobi in the future, don't treat this trial as a mere examination, but as a mission to be executed."

"For every mission, shinobi must be prepared to risk their lives. I hope you always remember this." The man said coldly, instilling a sense of oppressive urgency in everyone, making them realize that this trial was no joke.

Indeed, when he mentioned the word "lives," everyone, including Minato, couldn't help but furrow their brows slightly.

The man laughed and continued, "However, you don't need to worry too much. After all, many of you will be deemed unqualified because only the strong can pass this Ninja Ability Trial and... receive the trial's reward!"

"Reward?!" Minato muttered inwardly, as Shindō-sensei hadn't mentioned this.

"As for what this reward is, only those who pass will know. And in my opinion, none of you have any hope of passing," he said flippantly, further demoralizing the students before him.

"It's just a trial. What's so difficult about it? I'll show you by passing it!" Unable to contain herself any longer, Kushina suddenly stood up and declared.

Although Mikoto tried to stop her, Minato focused on the trial staff member, contemplating the information he had gathered so far about the trial.

"Oh, is that so?" The man looked at Kushina with interest before continuing, "Then I look forward to your performance. Let me tell you where this Ninja Ability Trial will take place."

"The trial grounds... will be the Forest of Death."

(End of Chapter)