---
The chūnin exam room was wrapped in silence as the genin stared wide-eyed at the figure before them.
An ANBU, wearing a mask with the symbol of lightning carved across its surface, had just delivered a chilling ultimatum: any wrong answer to the final question would lead to a permanent disqualification, and quitting now would disqualify their entire team.
"Think carefully," the ANBU's voice was low and menacing, echoing throughout the room.
"If you answer incorrectly, your path as a ninja ends here. Forever."
A ripple of anxiety swept through the room, and many of the young shinobi began to glance at each other, eyes wide with fear and uncertainty.
The weight of this challenge pressed down on them, leaving even the most confident genin silent.
It wasn't long before some of the more fearful participants began to rise, one by one, their faces stricken with worry.
The reality of the potential consequences was too daunting. For those who dreamed of making their way in the world as chūnin, the risk felt unbearable.
Some genin hesitated, their hands trembling as they weighed their choices, and reluctantly, a few more stood and left, each departure accompanied by a look of regret and anxiety.
Their exit echoed through the room, a constant reminder of the stakes as those remaining steadied themselves.
Among the candidates who stayed put were Sakumo, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, who maintained calm expressions.
They watched in silence, recognizing that this was a test not of knowledge, but of resilience and conviction.
A true ninja, they knew, would never back down when so much was at stake.
After a tense silence, the ANBU scanned the room one last time and nodded. "All those who remain… have passed."
The silence was briefly shattered by confused murmurs as the genin looked around in surprise.
Realization dawned on many of them: this test was not about getting the right answer, but rather having the courage to stay despite the threat of disqualification.
Those who had left had lacked the resolve required to advance.
With a wave of his hand, the ANBU dismissed the remaining candidates, a glint of approval in his eyes.
"You have proven your resolve. Now, prepare for the next phase."
Still bewildered but relieved, the genin filed out of the room, their expressions a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
The Forest of Death awaited them, a notorious training ground known for its deadly inhabitants and treacherous environment.
The genin assembled in front of Training Ground 44, also known as the Forest of Death.
Towering trees stretched into the sky, their thick foliage casting long shadows across the ground.
A high iron fence surrounded the area, a physical reminder of the dangers lurking within.
An aura of foreboding hung over the forest, and the very air seemed to buzz with anticipation.
As the candidates gathered, another ANBU, this time wearing a mask engraved with the symbol of earth, stepped forward.
His voice was deep and steady as he began to outline the rules.
"For this part of the exam," the ANBU announced, "you will be given either a Heaven Scroll or an Earth Scroll. Your objective is simple: acquire the corresponding scroll and make it to the central tower within three days."
He paused, allowing the information to sink in.
"To pass this phase, you must arrive with both scrolls in your possession. Be aware: any team found to have opened their scrolls before reaching the tower will be disqualified. The purpose of this exam is not just about reaching the tower but about showing teamwork, perseverance, and caution."
The ANBU's voice held an unmistakable edge.
"The Forest of Death is filled with traps, and you may encounter other teams along the way who will try to take your scroll. Remember, this isn't just about strength; it's about strategy and survival. The time limit is three days. Good luck… you'll need it."
Each team was called forward to receive their scroll, and Sakumo, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru stepped forward.
The ANBU handed them an Earth Scroll, its weight feeling symbolic as they accepted the mission that lay ahead. They looked at each other, determination shining in their eyes.
The gates to the forest creaked open, and with one final nod of encouragement to each other, they stepped into the Forest of Death.
---
Thick foliage closed around them as they made their way into the forest, the canopy overhead casting dappled shadows across the ground.
The air was thick and humid, filled with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves.
The distant sounds of wildlife echoed through the trees, mingling with the rustle of leaves and the occasional call of a crow.
Sakumo took the lead, his keen senses on high alert as they delved deeper into the forest.
"We have an Earth Scroll," he reminded his team quietly. "That means we need to find a team with a Heaven Scroll. Keep your guard up; they might ambush us if we're not careful."
Orochimaru's golden eyes glinted as he scanned the surroundings. "This forest is perfect for setting traps. I say we lie low and let other teams come to us."
Tsunade considered his suggestion. "That could work, but we'd have to choose our spot carefully. We don't want to get cornered if more than one team shows up."
Jiraiya, ever the strategist, nodded thoughtfully. "How about we find higher ground? We could set up a vantage point and keep watch. It'll give us a better chance to spot anyone approaching."
Sakumo agreed. "Good idea, Jiraiya. Let's find somewhere with visibility. And remember, stick close. This isn't the training ground back home; there are things in here that could take us down in seconds if we're not careful."
They moved through the forest with a practiced silence, their footsteps light as they carefully maneuvered around thorny bushes and twisted roots.
The trees seemed to close in around them, casting deep shadows that seemed almost alive.
Every rustle of leaves and crackle of twigs set them on edge, but they kept their senses sharp, prepared for anything.
At one point, Jiraiya caught sight of a movement in the underbrush, and he held up a hand, signaling the others to stop.
They crouched low, each poised to react. A large boar burst from the bushes, grunting as it charged past them, oblivious to the humans in its path.
The genin relaxed, but the encounter served as a reminder of the forest's unpredictability.
As they continued, Sakumo spotted a large tree with low-hanging branches that provided a view over a small clearing below.
"This should work," he said, motioning for them to climb.
Once they were settled on the branches, they took turns watching for signs of other teams.
Hours passed, with occasional sounds of distant skirmishes drifting through the forest, each clash a reminder of the dangers that lurked beyond their sight.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen observed the forest through his crystal ball, his eyes narrowing as he focused on genins.
The two ANBU stationed behind him awaited his orders, standing in silent vigilance.
"Have the props been placed in the forest?" Hiruzen asked, his gaze never leaving the crystal ball.
An ANBU with a mask marked with the symbol of wind stepped forward.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. All designated chūnin teams have been dispatched into the forest to test the genin. They're aware of their roles and have been instructed to maintain a realistic level of pressure."
Hiruzen nodded approvingly. "Good. This test is as much about resilience as it is about strength. I expect these genins to perform admirably."
He watched as Sakumo, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru maintained their vigil from the tree, their expressions focused and alert.
They had positioned themselves well, using the natural terrain to their advantage.
Pride flickered in Hiruzen's eyes as he observed their strategic awareness.
Back in the forest, the team finally spotted movement—a squad of genin, their headbands bearing the insignia of the Konoha. Tsunade tensed, recognizing the distinctive family crest.
"They have a Heaven Scroll," she whispered, her eyes gleaming while staring the scroll hung at the back of a blonde ninja. "That's what we need."
Sakumo nodded, motioning for them to hold. "We'll wait until they enter the clearing, then move in from the sides. Stay low and strike fast."
The team nodded, each readying themselves as they waited for the Ino-Shika-Cho team to enter their trap.
The seconds stretched into agonizing minutes, each heartbeat a reminder of the risk they were taking. But none of them flinched. They were prepared, their resolve unwavering.
Finally, the Yamanaka team stepped into the clearing, their guard lowered as they scanned the surroundings.
Soon one of them spoke "let's make a camp here, and wait for sometime to capture an Earth scroll." other two both nodded.
But just as they spoke,
At Sakumo's signal, team hiruzen moved in, swift and silent as shadows.
In a matter of seconds, they had surrounded the Yamanaka squad, and with a carefully coordinated strike, they disarmed them.
The Yamanaka team, caught off-guard, had no choice but to yield their Heaven Scroll.
---