The next day, 80 participants were gathered at the outskirts of the Fourth Training Field, known as the Valley of Death. This place, famous for its treacherous terrain and numerous challenges, would be the setting for the second test of the Chunin exams. The tension was palpable in the air, as the young ninjas knew that this stage would not only test their skills but also their ability to survive under extreme conditions.
Jonin Examiner: Attention, participants! The second test of the Chunin exams is about to begin. Each of you has received a talisman at the start of this test. Your goal is to obtain a total of 8 talismans to qualify for the final phase. Each participant must collect 7 additional talismans to complete their objective.
The Jonin Examiner paused to ensure that everyone understood the rules.
Jonin Examiner: To ensure a fair and challenging competition, each of you will be sent to a different location in the valley. This will be done at random, so each participant will start in a different and unknown location. This adds a level of uncertainty and tests your ability to adapt to different situations.
"Before you begin, I want to remind you that by entering this exam, your guardians signed a contract stating that Konoha is not responsible for any accidents that may occur during the test. This means that your life and safety are at stake in this stage. Stay alert and act with caution."
Jonin Examiner: To prepare the participants, we will provide a sedative. Each of you will receive a dose that will make you sleep for exactly 10 minutes. Once you wake up, you will be in completely different locations within the Valley of Death. Your first challenge will be to orient yourselves and start the search for the necessary talismans.
With a gesture of his hand, he distributed a small vial to each participant containing the sedative.
Jonin Examiner: Remember, the total time for this test is 8 hours. Once you have obtained the 8 necessary talismans, you must head north, where the end of the test will be located. Do not forget that the valley is full of traps and dangers.
With that, the Jonin Examiner signaled the start. The participants took the sedative, and after falling asleep, the countdown for the test began.
When the young ninjas woke up, they found themselves in different parts of the vast and dangerous Valley of Death. Each one was in a completely new environment.
Jonin Examiner: Let the test begin! Your time to collect the talismans and reach the finish starts now.
As Momonosuke slowly sat up, he noticed the freshness of the air and the sound of the wind whispering through the leaves. He had been in a deep sleep, and upon opening his eyes, he found himself in a stunning yet unusually desolate natural setting. The Valley of Death, as its name indicated, was not an ordinary place, and the raw beauty of the landscape contrasted with the latent danger it concealed.
Momonosuke got up, shaking off the daze of sleep and looking around. The terrain was covered in dense vegetation, imposing rocks, and deep ravines that stretched as far as the eye could see. The surrounding mountains formed a kind of natural wall, and the sun barely penetrated the ground due to the density of the foliage.
Momonosuke: (Thinking) This place is stunning... but it's also clear that it's not as welcoming as it seems.
Meanwhile, in a tower near the Valley of Death, all the delegations from the three villages were present. The atmosphere was set up to be welcoming and comfortable for everyone present.
In front of the delegates stood Mito Uzumaki, the Jinchuriki of the Nine Tails.
Katahara approached with a friendly smile.
Katahara: "Mito, it's been a long time since we last met. It's always a pleasure to see you."
Mito Uzumaki: (Smiling) "Yes, it has been a long time. I'm glad to see you well, Katahara."
Katahara: "And you still look as strong as ever. I expected nothing less from the Jinchuriki of the Nine Tails."
Mito Uzumaki: "It's nothing compared to your achievements. Becoming the Fifth Elder of Kirigakure is quite an accomplishment."
Katahara: (Modestly) "I'm just fulfilling my duty."
Mito Uzumaki: "I guess the offer my husband made you a long time ago wasn't enough for you anymore."
Katahara: (Seriously) "It's true that Hashirama made me an offer in the past, but the circumstances were different back then."
Mito Uzumaki: (Nodding) "I understand. Circumstances change over time; the son of a tiger remains a tiger..." (Mito observed the imposing waterfall that Momonosuke had created.)
Katahara: "Yes, it seems that Tsunade has also proven her worth."
Everyone watched as Katahara and Mito conversed with the familiarity of old friends. However, Hiruzen couldn't hide his concern. His mind was more focused on Mito and the potential risks that Katahara could represent for the Jinchuriki and for the village. He knew that any action against Mito could trigger a devastating conflict for Konoha.
In the heart of the competition, the team from Kirigakure stood out for their impressive performance as they rode a wave of water. Momonosuke, Matsu, and Sao Temuri displayed impeccable coordination, leveraging their skills as Mist shinobi to move fluidly and swiftly. Each of their movements was calculated and precise, allowing them to maintain a notable advantage over other competitors.
Sao Temuri: (Focused, encouraging his team) "Come on, guys! We can't let this opportunity slip by!"
Matsu: (Smiling, excited) "Exactly! We'll show everyone what we're capable of!"
At that moment, a gigantic wave crashed against a group of competitors who were in the middle of an intense fight. The force of the impact sent them flying, creating chaos on the battlefield.
Momonosuke: (With a sardonic smile) "Tough luck for those guys."
The Kirigakure team reacted immediately with astonishing precision.
Matsu: (Calmly and authoritatively) "Don't underestimate the ninjas from Kirigakure."
With a coordinated movement, the Kirigakure team threw their opponents to the ground with calculated brutality.
Momonosuke: "Take the 5 amulets; with this, we'll be the first team. Everyone else is behind us..."
Matsu: (Looking back with a competitive smile) "They can't keep up with us."
Suddenly, several fireballs flew toward them, launched from the bushes.
Momonosuke: (Quickly and precisely) "Fūton: Compressed Air Projectile!"
Pointing with his index finger, Momonosuke shot a tiny but incredibly fast air projectile, piercing through the fireballs with lethal accuracy.
Momonosuke: "Fūton: Dust Storm!"
Extending his arms forward, he concentrated his chakra in the palms of his hands. A whirlwind of wind began to form, growing in size and strength. The wind roared and swirled around him, lifting dust and debris as it headed toward the competitors chasing them.
The whirlwind created by Momonosuke swept away everything in its path, deflecting enemy attacks and creating a solid protective barrier for the Kirigakure team. Momonosuke manipulated the wind with impressive skill, ensuring that his team was not only protected but also propelled forward with renewed speed.
Sao Temuri: (Looking ahead) "Come on, guys! We're not far from the finish! Let's keep it up!"