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The exam dragged on for 45 tense minutes, and in that time, many Genins were caught cheating. For each infraction, the invigilators acted swiftly, eliminating the offenders and their entire teams without mercy. One by one, teams exited the room, some defeated, others glaring bitterly at their more cunning peers.
Throughout the ordeal, Naruto was in full-blown panic mode. His blank test paper stared back at him mockingly—he didn't know the answer to even a single question. Every glance at the clock made his heart race faster.
At one point, Hinata leaned over with a kind smile, subtly trying to offer him her answers. But Naruto, in his characteristic foolishness, first suspected her of plotting something and later grew too scared of getting caught cheating. His stubbornness and paranoia left him paralyzed, unable to accept help even when it was freely offered.
Inoiki observed the scene quietly. If he wanted to, he could have easily helped Naruto. But he chose not to intervene. Altering events could lead the plot astray, and the ripple effects of that change could send the future in an unknown and possibly dangerous direction. So, he kept his distance, trusting that Naruto would find his own way.
Finally, as the clock struck the 45-minute mark, Ibiki stood in front of the blackboard and spoke, his deep voice cutting through the tense silence of the room. "The time for the 10th question has come."
A ripple of murmurs passed through the remaining Genins as they braced themselves.
"But before we begin, there are a few additional rules you need to understand," Ibiki continued, his tone cold and deliberate. "If you are unable to answer the 10th question, you will be banned from ever taking the Chunin Exam again. You will remain a Genin for the rest of your life."
His words hit the room like a thunderclap.
"However," Ibiki added, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room, "if you choose to give up now, you will only fail this year's Chunin Exam. The choice is yours."
Kiba shot up from his seat, his anger boiling over. "What the hell are you talking about?! How can you ban someone from ever taking the exam again? That's completely unfair!"
Ibiki's lips curled into a slight, menacing smile. "You're just unlucky," he said, his voice calm yet chilling. "Because I'm the proctor for this test. And as the proctor, I have the authority to make such decisions. Now, sit down."
Kiba sat back reluctantly, but his frustration was shared by many in the room. Whispers of panic spread like wildfire.
The fear was palpable. Many Genins, unable to handle the pressure, began standing up and announcing their withdrawal. The moment one team member quit, the rest of their team was automatically disqualified according to the rules.
One by one, the numbers in the room dwindled. Desperation etched itself onto the faces of those who remained, each wondering if they had what it took to face the unknown challenge of the 10th question.
Sakura sat frozen in her seat, her mind racing. She glanced at Naruto, who, despite his earlier panic and cluelessness, seemed determined not to give up.
If Naruto isn't willing to quit, maybe I should do it for him, Sakura thought. Her heart sank at the idea, but she didn't want him to feel embarrassed or burdened if they all failed because of him.
Just as Sakura made her decision, Naruto suddenly stood up, the legs of his chair screeching loudly against the floor. His voice rang out, breaking the tense silence.
"I'm not going to give up!" Naruto declared, his fists clenched tightly. "Not against this hurdle, not against any hurdle! I'm ready to answer the question!" His eyes burned with determination. "If I can't handle something like this, then how can I ever hope to become Hokage?!"
The room fell silent, stunned by the sheer force of his conviction.
Ibiki's sharp eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable as he addressed the defiant boy. "Are you absolutely sure about this?" he asked, his voice low and serious. "Understand, this decision means you may never get another chance to take the Chunin Exams."
Naruto didn't waver. "I'm sure," he said firmly, his voice unwavering. "No matter what, I'm not giving up."
Sakura, who had been on the verge of raising her hand to quit, felt a lump form in her throat. She lowered her hand and smiled, moved by Naruto's resolve. His courage was infectious.
And Naruto's words didn't just affect her. Around the room, other Genins who had been seconds away from quitting hesitated. His unshakable belief in himself and his dreams spread through the room like wildfire, reigniting the determination of many. Those who had been on the verge of giving up stopped, reconsidering their decision.
Ibiki stood at the front of the room, his sharp gaze sweeping over the remaining students. He didn't miss the renewed fire in their eyes, the hesitation replaced with conviction.
He sighed internally, realizing the impact of Naruto's outburst. Looks like I won't be able to disqualify anyone else now.
His lips curled into the faintest smile, though he quickly masked it with his usual stern demeanor.
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