The Chunin Exams

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHORS NOTE: The Chunin Exams start this chapter. I ended up going with something a little different on the first round of the exam. Here is chapter 43. Enjoy!

[ ] signifies hand signs

Last time:

Rice Country, the Village of Oto

Orochimaru surveyed his plans. He had number of genin teams entering the Chunin Exams but most were there to eliminate Konoha teams or were fodder. The only visible team he expected to make it to the finals was a team he would be supervising himself while disguised as their Jonin sensei: Kinuta Dosu, Tsuchi Kin and Abumi Zaku.

The other Team of importance involved in Orochimaru's plans was Team Kabuto: Yakushi Kabuto, Tsurugi Misumi and Akad ō Yoroi. They were Oto spies working undercover as Konoha genins. Kabuto's recent reports had been less than encouraging but the Snake Sanin had been planning this for literal years and he'd be damned before he gave them up!

'All of the pieces have finally fallen into place.' thought the White Snake. 'Tsunade being Hokage is of little consequence in the grand scheme of things. I will have to examine the new seals that Jiraiya invented to protect Konoha though. With a little study I can bypass them easily enough…'

The Snake Sanin had no idea…

…

Fire Country, the Village of Konoha

Tsunade finished going over the list of entrants to the Chunin Exams. There were dozens of teams from both major and minor villages in the Elemental Nations. Twenty four teams from Konoha alone were entering which included the five teams of ANBU Brats just as the Hokage had planned. The only major player not participating was Iwa but Tsunade expected as much. The cold war between Earth Country and Fire Country went far back before her own time. The Tsuchikage Onoki was as stubborn as they came and frankly; Tsunade didn't want to deal with the old goat anyway. Stamping her approval on the entrance papers, Tsunade check marked the teams from Oto (among others) that would be kept under observation one way or the other.

Konoha might appear to have their doors wide open (and it would have been the case six months ago) but they were more than prepared for Orochimaru and whatever anyone else could throw at them now…

…

Chapter 43

Fire Country, the Village of Konoha, Tawara Bunshichi's Apartment

Bunshichi had been gathering his courage for some time. Tonight he was going to ask his psycho angel Mitarashi Anko on a date! He was dressed in a clean suit of clothes and was going to ask her out for dango. He had even shaved! It had taken several attempts at cajoling, wheedling, guilting, threatening and finally begging Uzumaki Naruto for Anko's home address but he'd done it!

Flashback…

Bunshichi was on his hands and knees with his forehead on the floor prostrated before his apprentice in taijutsu Uzumaki Naruto. "Your dear friend, bosom buddy and beloved sensei is begging you Naruto! All I want is one little, teeny-tiny date with Anko-chan! Please, please tell me her address!"

Naruto towered over his sensei like an angry god. "If you hurt Anko nee-chan's feelings I swear to you that I'll make you so your fishing tackle is sealed off forever Bunshichi-sensei! I'll see you writhe and beg for death!"

The white haired, unshaven man was sweating a river knowing this was no mere threat by his disciple. Finally gathering up his courage the desperate man said, "I'll take the risk! Anko-chan is worth it!"

Naruto wrote Anko's address down and told Bunshichi, "Very well Bunshichi-sensei. Commit this to memory and then destroy it….And remember, if Anko nee-chan says no it means NO."

Flashback end…

…

Now the (for once) clean-shaven man was coming up the stairs to Mitarashi Anko's apartment to ask her on a date. He was about to knock on the door when he heard Anko let out a deep, throaty moan. "Ooooh gods, oh gods, oh gods…."

Bunshichi face faulted before thinking 'ARRRGH! I'm too late! What bastard is in there with her?!'

He was about to break the door down in a rage when he heard Kurenai's sultry voice, "I can't believe this Anko-chan; you invite me over for a drink and it turns into…THIS! Lay back down and let me take care of you…" (thud) "Not so hard Anko, take it slow and easy…"

"Nai-chan, I can't take it!" said a panting Anko. "Just get me in bed!"

A geyser of blood shot out of Bunshichi's nose and steam came out of his ears. Snorting like a bull he had one thing on his perverted mind…'HOT. YURI. ACTION! Two of the most beautiful babes in Kohoha are getting it on! I HAVE TO WATCH!'

Kurenai exhaled heavily, "Anko-chan! We can't go on like this!"

"It's only a little longer!" squealed Anko. "I just need to ride it out! Just stay with me!"

The red eyed genjutsu mistress said, "This can't go on! I feel so torn…"

'OH MY GOD, Kurenai hasn't told Asuma she's sleeping with Anko! It's a forbidden affair!' thought Tawara as he rocketed off into yuri fantasy land…

Then Bunshichi lost his hard on when he heard Kurenai say, "We've got to get you to the hospital Anko. That cursed seal that Orochimaru put on you is killing you!"

Tawara started thinking with the head on his shoulders instead of the one in his pants. 'Anko-chan needs help with that awful juinjutsu seal.' Then he face palmed. 'I don't know shit about fuinjutsu but my apprentice is the best damn seal master alive!'

He knocked on the door and said, "Anko-chan, Kurenai! Open the door. It's Tawara Bunshichi. You need a seal master, not a Doctor! We need to get Anko-chan to Uzumaki Naruto!"

Kurenai wondered how long Tawara had been there but Bunshichi cut her off and said, "I'll explain later; let's head to the Natsume residence."

…

It was late and Naruto had been playing in bed with his Hinata-chan when Hanako Obaa-chan suddenly knocked on the door. She said, "Naruto-kun, young Anko needs your help! Get you fuinjutsu brush and come to the dojo. That Cursed Seal has her in agony!"

Naruto and Hinata looked at each other and Hinata said, "Go quickly Naruto-kun; help Anko!"

When Naruto got to the dojo a few minutes later he found Kurenai and Bunshichi looking a bit helpless as Anko was curled up in the fetal position in pain from the Cursed Seal of Heaven. Hinata and Maya arrived shortly thereafter. Hanako was already waiting for them and Naruto took charge…

Ten minutes later Naruto had Anko sitting in the lotus position topless in the center of a sealing circle. If he hadn't been so concerned about his nee-chan the whisker marked blonde would have been terribly embarrassed seeing his sister figure this way. He'd already painted a suppression seal over the Cursed Seal of Heaven to stop the pain and was studying the nature of the juinjutsu. Naruto was also a bit angry. He said, "Anko nee-chan; you never told me this thing caused you such pain! I'm a seal master! Why didn't you have me look at it before?"

Anko sighed. The purple haired jonin said sadly, "I didn't want to bother you Naruto-kun. The Snake is a sealing genius. It can't be removed anyway."

"The hell it can't!" roared Naruto to everyone's shock. "I got rid of the cursed seal on the entire Hyūga branch house and I'll be damned if I can't get rid of this abomination!"

Bunshichi, Kurenai and Anko all stared at Naruto in shock. Hanako quickly said, "You three are sworn to secrecy about the Hyūga cursed seal. Understood?" All three jonins quickly nodded and Naruto got to work on the Orochimaru's juinjutsu…

…

Naruto worked tirelessly for hours on the Cursed Seal of Heaven as he rattled off one fuinjutsu formula after the other under his breath. Anko was beginning to lose hope when the blonde said triumphantly. "Hah! It's corrupted senjutsu. Removing this will be child's play." He quickly got out a scroll and drew a complex seal upon it. Then he placed it over Anko's corrupted seal and said "Evil releasing method!" Orochimaru's Cursed Seal of Heaven was drawn completely out of Anko making her feel a rush of energy as the corrupted chakra was purged from her system. A second later the scroll which Naruto had on her shoulder rolled up with the kanji for 'Cursed Seal' written on it.

Anko was shocked. The seal was gone. She felt as if her soul had been cleansed. The purple haired Jonin hugged Naruto and started crying. "I-it's really gone isn't it Naruto-kun?"

Naruto gently returned her hug and said, "Yes Anko nee-chan; you are free of Orochimaru's curse at last."

Hanako smiled and said, "That's the way Naruto-kun. So much for Orochimaru being a sealing genius."

Once Anko was dressed the group adjourned to the front room where they all toasted Anko's new freedom with some sake…and Anko agreed to go on a date with Bunshichi for helping her much to his joy…

…

Konoha Front Gates

Three days later Team Baki from Suna arrived in Konoha after several days of trekking across the desert in Wind Country and then through Fire Country. Baki and his team were pleased to be there. For the Suna Jonin he felt good knowing they were there just to participate in the Chunin Exams and not to make war on their allies. He'd spoken to Rasa-sama and talks between Suna and Oto had broken down. Suna was no longer operating under the pretense that they were going to war. Orochimaru had been absolutely furious but nevertheless the Kazekage held firm that Suna no longer was interested in a war with Konoha. Baki wondered if Orochimaru would call the whole thing off but the Kazekage seemed to believe that the Snake Sannin would go through with his war plans regardless…

Kankuro signed in at the Village Gates and smiled. "I'm finding it hard to believe I'm saying this but it's good to be back, eh Gaara; Temari nee-chan?"

The red haired Gaara gave his own minimal smile. "It is good to be here Kankuro. We'll have to visit our friends here after we check into the hotel."

"Yes we will." agreed Temari while thinking of a certain blue eyed blonde. "It's been a few months and we've all gotten stronger. I can't wait to test my skill."

Baki signed in last and said, "We'll stop in at the Natsume residence and visit your friends later. Right now we have to register at the Chunin Exam Hall and check in at our hotel."

The three Suna genins were traveling along when Kankuro was nearly run over by one Sarutobi Konohamaru who was playing with his friends and not paying attention to where he was going. Konohamaru rubbed his head where he crashed into Kankuro and said, "Owwww….sorry Mister, I didn't see you there."

The cat suit wearing Suna nin growled and grabbed Konohamaru by the collar. "That hurt you little brat! I ought to-"

Temari face palmed and muttered, "We don't have time for this…"

Gaara looked over to his left and a second later Team 11 appeared there in a body flicker. Maya said pleasantly, "Hello Kankuro-san, Temari, Gaara. Is there a reason you are holding the Third Hokage's grandson against his will?"

Kankuro went wide eyed and set Konohamaru down gently. "Sorry kid…." he said lamely.

Naruto, Hinata and Maya walked over and Hinata asked, "What happened?"

The young Sarutobi explained, "I crashed into him by accident and he got mad."

Hinata ruffled Konohamaru's hair and said, "Did you apologize?" Seeing the youngster nod she looked over at the sweating Kankuro and said, "I trust no harm was done then?"

Temari smiled at Hinata and said, "My idiot brother lost his temper, that's all."

Naruto shooed Konohamaru off to play with his friends and addressed Team Baki. "It's good to see you all again. Are you ready for the Chunin Exams?" Seeing them all nod confidently the blonde smiled and said, "You look well Temari. It looks like you have a new battle fan."

The Suna Princess smiled and said, "You look good yourself. You've gotten a lot taller Naruto."

Naruto shook hands with Gaara and the two groups exchanged greetings when Baki suddenly arrived. "There you three are. I turned my head for a moment and you all vanished!" That's when he saw Naruto, Hinata and Maya. "Uzumaki; I wasn't expecting to see you so soon." The Jonin greeted the three genins of Team 11 and the Suna party soon headed towards the hotel with promises to come visit the Natsume residence later.

Maya grinned. "I have a feeling the Chunin Exams are going to be a wild ride. Those three have gotten stronger."

"So have we Maya-chan." replied Naruto. "It will be good to have some real competition."

"Let's not underestimate them Naruto-kun." said Hinata. "Temari's new battle fan isn't just for decoration you know."

"This should be fun. I wonder what other competitors there will be…" pondered Naruto.

…

Dango Shop

Yuki Haku of Team Zabuza was in a happy mood. Her journey from Kiri with her teammates Kaguya Kimamaro and Hōzuki Suigetsu had been pleasant and their jonin sensei Momichi Zabuza kept the three of them in fighting trim the whole way as they practiced every day. She was admiring some flowers with medicinal properties along the front of a local Dango Shop when she was amazed to hear a familiar voice. "Hey look; it's Haku-chan!" said Mitarashi Anko.

Haku looked over in surprise and saw Emi, Ino, Shikamaru and Anko of Team 10 all sitting there together waving at her to come over. Smiling, the ice wielding kunoichi hopped over in front of Team 10's table and bowed. "Anko-sensei; my friends! It is so good to see you all. It's been months since that joint mission in Hot Springs Country. How have you been?" The group was soon having a lively discussion when Zabuza, Kimamaro and Suigetsu caught up with their kunoichi teammate and found her having an animated discussion with some Konoha ninjas.

Zabuza was about to say something but Anko saw him first. "Momichi Zabuza, how are you?" asked the purple haired snake mistress. "Had any bad fish lately?"

The Demon of the Hidden Mist sweat dropped and then sighed. "Hello Snake Princess. I see Haku found you." 'Gods; why did it have to be Anko? She'll never let me live that food poisoning down.'

Shikamaru drawled, "It is good to see you've recovered your health Zabuza-san. We feared you might die from the smell before."

At that point Zabuza face-faulted and Anko exploded into laughter. Gathering the remains of his lost pride Momichi said, "These are my genins Kaguya Kimamaro and Hōzuki Suigetsu. You've already met Haku-chan of course."

Suigetsu leered a bit at the girls and said haughtily, "We're here for the Chunin Exams and you're looking at the top contender. Which one of you babes would like to show me around town?"

Haku turned to Suigetsu with an icy stare and said, "Don't make me freeze you into an ice cube again Suigetsu-kun."

Kimamaro gave a minimal smile and said respectfully, "I'm Kaguya Kimamaro and I'm pleased to meet you…

…

Konoha Front Gates

Not everyone was thrilled to be in Fire Country. Team Dosu signed in at the Konoha Front Gates hours later. Orochimaru was disguised as an Oto Jonin leading the team. The White Snake looked around his former hometown with a combination of wistfulness and disgust. 'This place with soon be razed to the ground. It's long outlived its time.' thought Orochimaru. It was then that he saw one of the gate seals out of the corner of his eye. He blinked and saw the fuinjutsu seal there was nothing like he'd seen before. The Snake Sanin's expression was the same externally but inside he was completely baffled. 'What the hell…? These seals are set up on a totally different set of matrixes than I've ever seen! I can't tell where the end and where the beginning is! How do I begin unraveling these? It's like a Moebius…'

His three genins noticed the Sanin was staring blankly at the symbol on the gates and Zaku asked, "Is everything okay Gimei-sensei*①…?"

Orochimaru blinked again and chuckled embarrassed to cover his faux pas. "I was just looking about the Village. I've never been here before; Konoha really is something." 'I don't even know where to start! This could be a serious problem. Did Jiraiya pick up something from the Toad Sages? He's good but this is a whole new level…'

ANBU Hawk noticed the odd reaction of the Oto Jonin and made a quick notation. 'The first Team from the Land of Rice is here and their sensei is gawking at the seals like he's never seen one before. They are already assigned to be observed by the Hokage but I'll note it in their file anyway…Team Gimei…'

The Snake Sanin and his team moved on to register at the Chunin Exam Hall and were soon entered as Team Gimei…

…

Chunin Exam Hall

The day of the Exams arrived and Team 11 reported in to the Chunin Exam Hall at 9 AM sharp. As each team came in they were told to pick a random paper note out of a basket. Each note had a room number and three seat numbers. Yūgao's Team's note was picked by Maya who discreetly looked at it before leading her teammates to room 201 where Hinata, Naruto and Maya sat in chairs 15, 16 and 17. Eventually the room filled up with genins and Hinata noted that Gai's Team 9 with Lee, Tenten and her cousin Neji was in the room as well. She hand signaled a greeting to her cousin as everyone finished sitting down.

That was when everyone's favorite psychological sadist, the one and only Morino Ibiki came marching in looking as intimidating as possible. He was flanked by a dozen chunins looking dapper in their green flak vests. Ibiki roared, "Everybody shut up and look at the wall!" A map unfurled showing Konoha neatly divided into four sections each with a corresponding color. "This is a map of Konoha for those of you too dumb to figure it out. You are members of Green Country. The green fourth of the village is your safe zone. Your job is to infiltrate another Country that holds something you need." He motioned to red, yellow, and blue countries. "Those are hostile territories."

'…Oh Gods, this has Yūgao-sensei written all over it…' thought the ANBU Brats morosely. Somewhere a purple haired sword mistress was cackling evilly…

Ibiki continued explained, "You will be given a sheet of paper that describes an object and approximately where it is in Konoha. Your objective is simple; retrieve the object and bring it back to the base in Green Country Base without getting caught. Here are your instructions." The head of Torture and Investigation quickly wrote the rules on the chalkboard:

1: You must obtain the specific item listed on your sheet and bring it to the designated delivery spot. If you do not deliver them it you will fail.

2: The item will be guarded and if you any of you get captured you will fail.

3: There will be regular patrols looking for you. If you get captured you will fail.

4: Some Teams will be after the same item so at least half of the Teams will fail.

5: You have a twenty four hour time limit. If you exceed the time limit you will fail.

6: No killing or maiming is allowed! If you do either of the above it is an automatic fail.

7: No cooperation with foreign Teams or you will automatically fail.

8: You can opt out of taking this test. If you do so it is an automatic fail but you can try again next year…

9: NO QUESTIONS or you will fail.

The chunin hopefuls stared in horror at the test rules and one cried, "This is impossible! What a nightmare!" A quarter of the Green Teams dropped out on the spot…

The ANBU Brats had a sinking feeling. 'Here we go again…'

…

Team 11 was at Green Country Base (actually a warehouse) and was given green armbands to signify their 'allegiance.' Naruto picked a note out of the basket there and found out they were looking for a clock sitting on a counter in Red Territory. Specifically it was in Ozawa's Shoe Store. Team 9 came over and both Teams quickly conferred to make sure they weren't after the same object. Gai's Team was after a statue of Buddha in a Temple in Yellow Country.

Team Kabuto was likewise part of Green Country. They had to pick up a small lamp in Blue territory at a Meat Market. Yakushi Kabuto wondered just what they were getting into though his teammates were brimming with confidence…

…

With Team 11…

Maya, Hinata and Naruto were soon at the Green Country/Red Country Border (which was Hashirama lane) looking at their target from the top of a building. Numerous ANBU patrols were looking around and several Red Country Teams were scattered about headed towards other countries. Hinata saw a Red Team on the street below creeping into Green Country. They were from Grass Country judging by their forehead protectors. The Byakugan Princess motioned to her teammates and the three nodded simultaneously. They quickly faded into the shadows behind the building…

The Grass team was stealthily travelling along through a back alley and was whispering among themselves. "We have to go three more streets over to find the target." said the male team leader. "Just stay low. This will be a piece of cake."

"I don't know. I feel like we're being watched." said the kunoichi on the team.

The other male shrugged. "I think you're being superstitious. Don't jinx us."

Naruto, Hinata and Maya appeared from nowhere and quickly knocked out the hapless Grass nins before the poor bastards knew what hit them. Team 11 tied up their targets and took the red armbands off of them. "Leave them for the Green Country ANBU." whispered Maya as she flared her chakra to draw the ANBU's attention. Then Team 11 hastily left.

…Ten minutes later Yūgao's Team of ANBU Brats were in Red Country wearing red armbands that they 'liberated' from the Grass team and were quickly roof hopping towards Ozawa's Shoe Store. "Phase one complete." said Maya. "This was a good idea Naruto-kun." They saw a pair of Red Country ANBU as they hopped across the roofs and passed them without any incident. The three were soon on the top of a shop across the street from Ozawa's Shoe Store. Hinata used her byakugan and saw three people in the building as well as the clock they needed.

[There are two customers and a shopkeeper inside the building.] signed Hinata. [The shopkeeper and the female customer are ninja. The heavy set guy is a regular customer as far as I can tell. He's unarmed and not very physically fit. Hey, the shopkeeper is Iruka-sensei!]

…

Inside Ozawa's Shoe Store the 'shopkeeper' Umino Iruka was wondering just how the hell he got this assignment. 'What the hell am I doing here? I know squat about shoes. I've already lost three customers. At least they taught me how to use the register. I hate retail!'

Naruto, Maya and Hinata came in with their red armbands on and Naruto said jauntily, "Hey Iruka-sensei! Moonlighting as a shoe salesman?"

Iruka sweat dropped. "Naruto, don't you three have a time limit? You shouldn't be goofing off even if you are safely in Red Country."

The orange loving blonde said, "Come on sensei. We have till 9 AM tomorrow morning."

"Be serious Naruto!" said Iruka in an exasperated tone of voice.

Hinata nodded. "I think Iruka-sensei is right Naruto-kun. This is serious business."

"Yeah, stopping in here was unnecessary." agreed Maya as she moved over by the disguised kunoichi.

"At least you girls have your head in the game." said Iruka with a smile.

Naruto pouted. "Alright, I'll be serious. Wish us luck Iruka sensei! High five!"

Iruka chuckled and said "High five Naruto!" He saw the restraining seal on Naruto's hand a split second too late and the sensei was shocked as he was paralyzed through hand to hand contact. At the same time Iruka saw Maya knock out his kunoichi partner with a neck chop and Hinata do the same with the customer. Then the Academy sensei fell over stiff as a board. He saw the girls quickly pull the unconscious kunoichi and customer back behind the counter to conceal them and tied them up. Then Naruto hung up a "Closed for Lunch" sign on the door.

"We'll be taking that clock now Iruka sensei." said Hinata as she examined the timepiece with her byakugan. The pearl eyed girl smiled and said, "No traps or tags on or around the clock. Let's grab it and go."

Naruto quickly slipped the small clock into a sealing scroll and grinned. "Later Iruka-sensei. I hope business picks up after lunch."

The Academy sensei was frozen in the floor behind the counter. He thought to himself, 'I don't believe this. I'm never going to live this down…'

Team 11 traveled back to Hashirama lane at a normal pace before crossing back into Green Country and switching back to their green armbands. They delivered the clock to Green Country Base without further incident 20 minutes later and were given the rest of the day off. They were to report to Training Ground 44 the next morning at 9 AM. Total elapsed time: 94 minutes.

…

With Team 9…

Lee, Neji and Tenten were hiding deep in Yellow Country looking at the local Buddhist Monk that was in charge of the Temple. They were putting together a plan of action when Neji spotted a team from Rain Country nearby wearing blue armbands. [There's a Blue Country Team and they are already on the move!] signed Neji.

Lee nodded and signed, [This is most unyouthful. What should we do? We haven't finished our reconnaissance yet.]

Tenten grinned and signed, [We wait and see. The old Monk and his two disciples are masters of taijutsu.]

They heard a thundering smack noise from within the temple and one of the Rain Country genins came tumbling out end over end with a bruised face….He staggered back up and ran back in screeching something about 'kicking some Monk ass.'

Lee's round eyes were huge with both shock and admiration as the monks held their own against the angry Rain genins.

Neji signed, [The Monks and the Blue Team will keep each other occupied. Let's move!]

Quickly racing over to the roof of the Temple; Team 9 heard the terrific knockdown drag out taking place below them. "I've got it! I've got it! I've got it!" yelled one of the Rain Country genins above the chaos of the fight.

"Don't stand there you idiot! RUN OUT THE BACK!" screamed another.

The head Monk thundered, "Come back here you little nonbeliever!" as the genin with the Buddha statue ran out the back exit.

Tenten threw a kunai with a miniature grappling hook on it and snagged the statue out of the genin's hand just before the head Monk tackled him sending them both tumbling.

A second later the Monk's two disciples and the other two Rain Country genins came tearing out the back door a dog piled on the first two who were wrestling on the ground behind the Temple. There was screaming, yelling and fists flying as the backyard brawl escalated.

…In the meantime Tenten reeled in the Buddha statue like an expert fisherman and secured it in a scroll. Lee gave the thumbs up and signed, [Excellent! Let's get out of here.]

Fifteen minutes later the Monks stood battered but victorious over their adversaries from Blue Country. The Yellow Country ANBU took the Rain genins into custody. It was then that everybody realized the precious statue of Buddha was missing in action. The entire group screamed, "WWHHAATT?!"

Team 9 took a zigzag route back to throw off any pursuit and slipped back into Green Country's Base an hour later. Total elapsed time: 3 hours, 12 minutes.

…

With Team Kabuto…

Yakushi Kabuto, Tsurugi Misumi and Akadō Yoroi looked like they'd been through a meat grinder. Everything had gone wrong from the get-go. They'd retrieved a small lamp in Blue territory at Fuso's Meat Market but in the process were attacked by old man Fuso, his wife, Fuso's guard dogs, an enemy team and the ninjas stationed there to protect the lamp. Worse still they were harried for hours by the Blue Country ANBU that hunted them relentlessly. By the time Team Kabuto made it back to Green Country Base it was nearly 4 AM. Total elapsed time: 18 hours, 46 minutes. They were exhausted…

…

Chunin Exam Hall

Tsunade and her advisors looked at the results of the first round of Chunin Exams and said, "Well, that was a shock to the system. We've eliminated nearly two thirds of the entrants for the year before they even made it to the second round. Do you think the first round was a bit too extreme?"

Hiruzen sweat dropped and looked over a pile of papers that Uzuki Yūgao had thought up for her class as 'homework' but never used. "It was a tad cutthroat. Perhaps we should try something easier next time."

"Given we had so many teams involved this year it is a good thing." said Hanako. There are still 27 Teams remaining. That leaves 81 genins competing.

"81 genins in the Forest of Death." said Tsunade. "I wonder how many will make it out this time…"

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Gimei: Means "Fake/False name." I couldn't have them walking around using Orochimaru's real name. I assume he used an alias but I can't seem to find one anywhere in the manga.

I got to have a little fun this chapter. I originally wanted to do all of the teams (or at least all the ANBU Brats) but it simply got too long. This was a rejected 'Homework from Hell' assignment that I dropped in favor of moving the story along way back in the training arc. Next Chapter we hit the Forest of Death which will probably be a real bloodbath. See you next time. Blue out. 7/29/23