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A/N:
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When Anko called out his name and tossed him two identical Earth Scrolls, Furen discreetly glanced behind Anko at the three grass ninjas wearing straw hats.
"One of them is Orochimaru... Did the Third Hokage not investigate these people's identities carefully?" Furen frowned slightly.
Anko, completely unaware that Orochimaru was hiding among the crowd, shoved her hands into her pockets after explaining the rules. "Each of you choose an entrance, and when the time comes, all teams will enter the training ground simultaneously. One last piece of advice: don't die in there, okay?"
Afterward, each team submitted their consent forms, collected their scrolls, and entered the Forest of Death through different entrances.
Furen's team received two Heaven Scrolls.
After entering the Forest of Death, they didn't rush to start fighting. Instead, they placed both Heaven Scrolls on the ground.
"Our Team 7 needs to collect both the Heaven and Earth Scrolls to pass the exam..." Furen said as he picked up one of the Earth Scrolls and stuffed it into his clothes. "So, I'll go find an Earth Scroll. You three go search for the other Earth Scroll."
As soon as Furen explained his plan, Sakura looked over, full of concern. "Furen... are you going to act alone?"
"Yeah, we only have five days, and during that time, we must collect the Heaven and Earth Scrolls. Splitting up is the most efficient way to do that." Furen smiled at Sakura. "Besides... I'm the strongest one here."
Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke fell silent, thinking over his plan. After a long moment, they nodded, agreeing with Furen's strategy.
"Be careful, Furen..." Sakura said in farewell as they split up.
After the three of them left, Furen tossed the Heaven Scroll in his hand and began to plan his next move: "Zaku has already fallen under my Mind Confusion Technique, so I can find Kin Tsuchi anytime. No need to rush there... First, I need to gather some Heaven and Earth Scrolls."
Furen looked up at the sky. "Hmm, better finish this quickly. Tonight, something really fun is going to happen..."
After stashing the Heaven Scroll in his clothes, Furen suddenly spoke to the air: "Come out."
As soon as the words left Furen's mouth, Naruto scratched his head and sheepishly emerged from behind the tree where he had left. "You found me, huh, Furen?"
Furen watched Naruto approach with an expressionless face. Naruto grinned and said, "I came back because I wanted to ask for some kunai. I'm all out…"
"Do you think a right-handed person would tie their shuriken holster on their left leg?" Furen chuckled and pointed at Naruto's left leg. "Your Transformation Jutsu is terrible."
Naruto froze, his smile vanishing. He lowered his head. When he looked up again, his forehead protector had changed to that of the Hidden Rain Village, and his entire appearance reverted after the Transformation Jutsu was undone.
"You found me out."
Three Rain ninjas wearing breathing masks appeared from all sides, blocking Furen's escape. It was clear they had been tailing Furen even before Sakura and the others left.
Just as the three Rain ninjas were about to speak, Furen interrupted them.
"Hidden Rain ninjas, hand over your scroll, and I won't kill you."
The three Rain ninjas exchanged glances, each seeing disbelief in the other's eyes. Was this Konoha ninja really planning to take on all three of them by himself?
"I'll give you three seconds. Three, two..." Furen said.
The Rain ninjas, seeing that Furen had no intention of surrendering, began forming hand signs: "Ninja Art: Waterfall Clone Technique!"
In an instant, hundreds of Rain ninja clones filled the area, completely occupying the space. Furen's countdown reached its end.
"…One."
Furen, looking impatient, spoke: "Ice Release: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals."
In a flash, the temperature around them plummeted, and mirrors of ice formed in the air. Furen had used Haku's Bloodline Limit technique.
"To use this on you guys is really overkill," Furen said, raising his hand and snapping his fingers.
In that moment, the white ice turned red with blood...
Furen searched the bodies of the three Rain ninjas and found yet another Heaven Scroll. "They had Heaven Scrolls too? What a hassle."
As for the three Rain ninjas, Furen had swiftly and efficiently dealt with them.
Given Furen's current strength, the only opponent in this Chunin Exam who could offer a challenge was Gaara, once Shukaku went on a rampage and partially transformed into his human form.
"Where should I find an Earth Scroll next?" Furen muttered to himself as he headed toward the trio of Sound ninjas, including Kin Tsuchi.
Furen stopped on a sturdy tree branch and looked down at the ground. "Speak of the devil... Sand Coffin, huh?"
On the ground below, large patches of yellow sand were stained with fresh blood—evidence that Gaara had just been fighting here.