Ch29 : Ninja Graduation Test

At dawn, on training field number 3, Sakumo Hatake stood in front of Yasuke, the serenity of his presence contrasting with the tension of the moment. The sky still tinged with the colors of dawn served as a backdrop for the beginning of a test that would define Yasuke's future as a shinobi.

-Shiya Yasuke, your graduation exam will be unconventional," Sakumo began, her firm voice cutting through the crisp morning air. You will face a challenge that will test all of your hitherto acquired skills.

He paused, making sure to get Yasuke's full attention.

-You will be taken to the Forest of Death, a place that, as you well know, lives up to its name. Your mission will be twofold. First, to survive on your own for a week in that unforgiving environment. And second, to capture a prisoner who will be released into the forest with you.

Yasuke's expression hardened, aware of the reputation of the Forest of Death and what it meant to survive there.

-This prisoner," Sakumo continued, "has been promised freedom if he manages to avoid capture during that week. This means that you will not only have to fight for your survival but also demonstrate your tracking and trapping skills.

Sakumo watched Yasuke, looking for any sign of doubt or fear.

Yasuke listened, his gaze fixed on Sakumo, processing the magnitude of the task assigned.

-Don't underestimate this challenge. The Forest of Death is home to dangerous creatures and deadly traps. Moreover, the prisoner is cunning and will do anything to gain his freedom. Your success will depend on your cunning, your strength and your will to survive.

-You will have to use all your tracking, stealth, and combat skills, as well as your wits and knowledge of survival. This test will evaluate not only your physical ability but also your mental fortitude and your determination to overcome extreme adversity," Sakumo concluded, making it clear that success would require more from Yasuke than just shinobi skill.

With one last meaningful look at Yasuke, Sakumo concluded:

-You have thirty minutes to prepare. Make sure you are ready.

Yasuke, still assimilating the information, asked if there was anything he should know about the prisoner.

- Examiner, will I be provided with any relevant information about the prisoner?

Sakumo nodded, satisfied by the question.

-In the shinobi world, you will rarely have all the information at your fingertips," Sakumo explained. -That is why several scrolls have been distributed in the forest, some with true information and others with falsehoods about the prisoner. You will find details about his age, appearance, abilities and the reasons for his imprisonment. In addition, among these scrolls, there are aids that may lead you to additional help, such as maps or supplies. Your ability to discern truth from lies will be crucial here.

That said, Sakumo pulled out a scroll, spread it on the ground and, after making a seal with her hands, a cloud of smoke appeared. When the smoke dissipated, several ninja tools materialized in front of Yasuke. Sakumo watched him carefully and warned him:

-You have 30 minutes to prepare. Choose wisely; carrying too much may become an unnecessary burden, while carrying too little could hasten your failure.

After imparting this instruction, Sakumo took a few steps away and leaned against a tree, beginning to count down the time, leaving Yasuke facing the critical decision of selecting his equipment for the test.

Yasuke stood in front of the items laid out by Sakumo, aware that each choice could be crucial to his success. He reflected on the skills he mastered and the possible scenarios he would face in the Forest of Death. With a determined look, he began to select:

First, he picked up kunais and shurikens, knowing that they would be indispensable for defense and ranged attack. Then, he carefully chose some explosive seals, thinking of their usefulness in creating traps. He knew that the forest could harbor natural dangers, so he grabbed antidotes, anticipating encounters with poisonous plants or animals.

Soldier pills also seemed essential; a boost of energy could make all the difference at a critical moment. However, he was wary of relying too heavily on them. The first aid kit was his next choice, mindful of the importance of being prepared for any minor injuries he might sustain. Next, he turned his attention to the blank rolls and paintbrush. He reflected on the importance of documenting his findings and strategies during the mission; this would not only help him keep track of his progress, but also help him organize his thoughts and plans. Finally, he picked up the compass. He knew that orientation would be vital in the vast and complicated terrain of the Forest of Death.

As he took each item, Yasuke assessed its weight and usefulness, mindful of Sakumo's advice about the importance of not overloading himself. He set aside other items that, while useful in different circumstances, he considered not essential for this specific mission. He was determined to carry only what would maximize his chances of success without becoming a burden.

With his choices made, Yasuke carefully packed each item into the leg pack, optimizing space to ensure quick and efficient access. He looked up at Sakumo, nodding with determination, ready to face the challenge ahead.

At the end of the allotted time, Sakumo approached Yasuke, who had finished carefully selecting his tools.

-Are you still determined to take the test? -Sakumo asked, observing Yasuke with a serious look.

-Yes, I'm ready," Yasuke answered with determination.

-Good, then relax for a moment," said Sakumo, his soothing tone hiding an undisclosed intention.

Before Yasuke could process the comment, he felt a swift and precise blow to the back of his neck. His world instantly went dark, collapsing into a deep faint.

Upon awakening, Yasuke felt a sharp pain in his neck and an uncomfortable feeling of dampness in his body. He was in a completely different environment: the air was damp and heavy, filled with the sound of rustling leaves and the distant call of hidden creatures. Light barely filtered through the dense canopy of tall trees that stood as guardians of a dark green world. The ground beneath him was covered with damp leaf litter and the atmosphere was permeated with the smell of earth and wildlife. Yasuke realized he was in the heart of the Forest of Death, the site of his graduation test, alone and with no guide but his wits and determination to face whatever came.

Yasuke's first day in the Forest of Death really tested his resilience and cunning. He tried to use the compass from the beginning, thinking it was his best tool in this forest. However, the compass needle was spinning incessantly. After a while, he could only theorize that due to the concentration of chakra in the environment, the compass's operation was disturbed. Realizing that his compass was useless, Yasuke did not waste time on lamentations. Instead, he reminded himself of the importance of adaptability and began to observe the environment for natural signs that might guide him.

-The shinobi must be more than their tools," he muttered, as he examined the position of the sun and the direction of the wind for guidance.

It had only been a few hours since Yasuke had attempted to locate himself using the directions and natural signs, when he encountered his second major challenge. As he cautiously advanced, a bear, clearly stronger and fiercer than normal, possibly affected by the same chakra that deactivated his compass, attacked him.

-Dammit -Yasuke could only curse before he had to react to a blow from the bear.

The fight began with Yasuke trying to keep his distance, aware of the bear's superior physical strength and his own chakra limit. He used basic genin techniques to create distractions and ranged attacks, looking for the bear's weakness.

-This bear is much stronger than I thought it was.... I need to stay calm and find a way to defeat it.

The bear proved to be a formidable opponent, resisting the initial attacks and using its stun roar to disorient Yasuke. Each roar shook the forest, forcing Yasuke to retreat and rethink his strategy.

-Dammit, this roar is disorienting me! I need to concentrate and find a way to counterattack.

At a critical moment, Yasuke decided to take a chance and employ one of his special abilities, but his inexperience and what little energy he had left made the outcome unpredictable.

-"Room," Yasuke muttered, summoning a sphere within which he could manipulate objects and beings at will, but his control was weak and the sphere was much smaller than desired. Then, using "Shambles", he sought to disorient his opponent to prepare a critical attack.

However, the high chakra consumption took its toll, and he was forced to deactivate the "Room" and catch his breath before he could launch a meaningful counterattack.

Despite the difficulties, the bear, confused by the brief but disconcerting changes in its surroundings, let its guard down. Yasuke took advantage of these moments to concentrate his limited resources on precise and strategic attacks, targeting the bear's weak points.

The battle became a game of cunning, endurance and taking advantage of momentary opportunities. Yasuke, using his intelligence and basic genin skills, combined with sporadic but calculated attempts to use his special abilities, gradually managed to sap the bear's stamina.

Finally, in a moment of clarity and with his chakra almost depleted, Yasuke found the opportunity to apply an immobilization technique he had been preparing. Taking advantage of a moment of close proximity forced by the bear, he applied a combination of jutsu henge to escape the bear's attack and at the same time stun it. Then, using his last reserve of chakra, he executed a simplified version of "Tact", lifting the ground around the bear and throwing it against a tree, which gave Yasuke the necessary time to escape or prepare an attack.

Finally, with no chakra and little physical strength, he threw a precise kunai at the bear's face, wounding it in one eye and getting it to retreat from the battle.

The battle ended with an exhausted but victorious Yasuke, having learned valuable lessons about his own limitations and the importance of strategy over sheer brute force.

As night fell, the forest was plunged into deep darkness, interrupted only by the faint glow of stars between the branches of the trees. Yasuke was exhausted after a day full of challenges and confrontations, both physical and mental. As he searched for a place to rest, his gaze fell on the hollow of a hollow log, offering a makeshift shelter in the midst of the hostile nature that surrounded him.

With heavy steps and labored breathing, Yasuke approached the log and slipped into the hollow, feeling a momentary relief at being protected from the elements. The relief was short-lived, however, as his mind began to go over the events of the day. He recalled every confrontation with the bear, every improvised strategy and every moment of exhaustion as he struggled to stay on his feet.

As the night slowly progressed and the sound of the forest became a symphony of rustling and rustling, Yasuke reflected on what he had learned. He recognized his own limitations and the need to improve both his physical and mental abilities. Every challenge overcome, every obstacle faced, was an invaluable lesson in his journey to become a stronger and wiser shinobi.

With renewed determination, Yasuke promised himself that he would use every experience, every challenge, to grow and improve. He knew the road ahead would be arduous and dangerous, but he was ready to face whatever it took to reach his goal.

To be continued...

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