The next day, all the Chunin who had entered the exams gathered in a large hall. There were about 90 young boys and girls of different ages, all eager. Among them were promising figures like Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade from Konoha; Momonosuke, Sao Temuri, and Matsu from Kirigakure;Meanwhile, Sunagakure had its own team of somewhat strange kids, Rotsuchi from Iwagakure, daughter of the Third Tsuchikage, and many other future talents who would one day leave their mark on ninja history.
The hall was filled with tables organized in rows, each separated to avoid any possibility of cheating. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the young ninjas exchanged glances of nervousness. Some, like Jiraiya, tried to maintain a relaxed appearance, while others, like Orochimaru, observed the competitors with a calculating coldness.
In front of them, a single Jonin from Konoha stood imposing and watchful. It was Kiyoshi Morino, the one in charge of supervising the first phase of the exam. Kiyoshi Morino was known for his severity and rigorous methods, which increased the tension in the room even more.
.Kiyoshi Morino: "Welcome to the first phase of the Chunin exams. This phase is a test of intelligence, strategy, and analytical ability. Each of you has an exam in front of you. The questions you will find are extremely difficult, and many of you will likely not know the answers."
The announcement provoked a murmur among the young ninjas. Jiraiya frowned, while Tsunade clenched her fists, aware that the true test lay in how they would handle the pressure.
.Kiyoshi Morino: "The real test here is not just to answer correctly, but how you obtain those answers. You may use any method at your disposal, but if you are caught obviously copying or breaking the rules, you will be disqualified along with your entire team."
Orochimaru smiled slightly upon hearing this, understanding that the key lay in cunning and the ability to deceive the examiners without being discovered. Momonosuke, for his part, remained calm, trusting in the skills he had developed in Kirigakure.
.Kiyoshi Morino: "Every mistake, every false move, will be observed. This is a test of both your skills and your ability to work under extreme pressure. You have one hour. Begin."
With those words, the young ninjas began reading the questions on their exams. Some, like Rotsuchi, started writing immediately, while others, like Matsu, carefully analyzed the questions, looking for any hidden clues. Sao Temuri, with her strategic mind, was already thinking about how to use her environment to gather information without being discovered.
Meanwhile, from a hidden room, several Jonin observed the exam through one-way mirrors, evaluating every movement, every expression, every action. The first phase of the exam measured not only knowledge but also the ability to remain calm and think strategically under pressure.
The young ninjas began to fill the exam sheets frantically, the sound of pencils on paper resonating in the large hall. The questions were complex and challenging, designed to test their knowledge of combat tactics, ninja geography, and jutsu theory. Some bit their lips, focused on finding the correct answers, while others cast furtive glances at their companions.
Jiraiya leaned over his exam, his mind wandering through memories of his training. Despite his relaxed attitude, the pressure was beginning to build. Each question seemed more difficult than the last.
Tsunade, next to him, kept her composure. Her hands moved quickly as she wrote, determined not to let the pressure overwhelm her. She remembered her grandfather's lessons and how she had learned not to let uncertainty stop her.
At the table in front, Orochimaru smiled cunningly, having found a couple of questions that could be answered with some logic and prior knowledge. His cold, calculating mind allowed him to unravel even the trickiest questions with ease.
Momonosuke, noticing Orochimaru's calculating gaze, decided to focus on his own exam. He had learned to trust his instincts and the teachings of Katahara. However, there was a sense of uncertainty that made him more cautious than usual.
Kiyoshi Morino, watching the room with a critical eye, could see the tension rising among the young participants. Some were beginning to sweat, while others maintained an almost supernatural composure. His presence was authoritative, and he didn't hesitate to remind them of the importance of this phase.
Kiyoshi Morino:
—Remember, it's not just about answering correctly, but how you get those answers. Cunning is essential.
As time passed, the students struggled to bring out their ingenuity. Rotsuchi, aware that she couldn't rely solely on her knowledge, lifted her gaze from the exam and observed her companions. In a moment of brilliance, she decided to use her surroundings. She noticed a small group of students who seemed to be more successful with the questions, and in a subtle act of cunning, she approached them as if seeking help.
Matsu, always cautious, decided to focus on the questions he knew, but kept an eye on his surroundings, looking for any clues he could use to his advantage. He noticed that some of his companions were writing energetically on their sheets, which only increased his own anxiety.
Meanwhile, Sao Temuri didn't miss the chance to be crafty. She noticed that in one corner, there was a group of students focusing on the same question. With subtle movements, she took advantage of the situation to listen to the answers they were exchanging, calculating the risk of being caught.
As the clock ticked on, the atmosphere became increasingly tense. The students realized that time was running out, and the pressure mounted with each passing second. Kiyoshi Morino continued to observe, his gaze scanning the room for any signs of cheating.
Finally, the sound of the bell echoed through the hall, marking the end of the hour.
Kiyoshi Morino (in a commanding voice):
—Hands up! Put down your pencils.
The young ninjas raised their hands, some breathing in relief, while others looked nervous. The sheets were collected and handed to the examiners, who began to review them meticulously.
Kiyoshi Morino:
—Now, wait for the results. Remember, your performance in this phase is not only based on the number of correct answers but also on how you handled the pressure and circumstances.
As the young ones sat in silence, murmurs began to spread through the hall about the tactics used. Jiraiya, with his optimistic nature, broke the silence.
Jiraiya:
—Well, if cunning is part of the exam, then we should all pass with flying colors!
Laughter spread throughout the hall, relieving some of the tension that had built up.
However, deep down, they knew this was only the beginning. The second phase of the Chunin Exams awaited, and they could already imagine the challenges they would have to face. Each of them was aware that their future as ninjas depended on their performance in the upcoming tests.
Kiyoshi Morino, seeing the relief on their faces, knew that he had done his part, but the real test was yet to come. The evaluation of the results would soon begin, and the ninjas would have to prepare to prove they were worthy of becoming Chunin.