As the clock ticked ominously overhead, tension filled the air in the exam room. The sound of pencils scratching against paper echoed through the hall, but amidst the anxious scribbling, several teams began to employ their own tactics to get ahead.
Sitting near the back, Hinata noticed Naruto's frantic movements. He stared at his paper, sweat rolling down his forehead as he struggled to answer the questions. "N-Naruto, do you need help?" she whispered, glancing nervously around to ensure no proctors were watching.
"Y-Yeah, I don't get this at all!" Naruto replied, his voice a mix of panic and desperation. Hinata took a deep breath, her Byakugan activating subtly as she attempted to peer at the answers of the other nearby teams.
Meanwhile, Hyuk sat at his desk, already finished with his exam. His emerald eyes scanned the room, taking in the sight of his peers either struggling or attempting to cheat. He observed the Sound-nin who had attacked Kabuto earlier, feeling a simmering annoyance bubbling within him. They're just a bunch of fools, he thought, his irritation growing with each passing moment. I'll put them in their place later.
As he leaned back in his chair, Hyuk couldn't help but notice the atmosphere of the room shift. Ibiki Morino had been pacing around, keeping a watchful eye on the participants. Eventually, he stopped in front of Hyuk, noticing that the pink-haired boy had completed his exam far ahead of everyone else.
"Done already?" Ibiki asked, raising an eyebrow.
Hyuk nodded, handing his paper over. "Easy."
Ibiki took the paper, scanning it with a critical eye. As he read through the answers, his eyebrows shot up in disbelief. The level of understanding displayed was not just impressive; it was extraordinary. This kid… Ibiki thought, noting the accuracy and insight in Hyuk's answers.
Hyuk leaned back in his chair, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and relief.
Meanwhile, as Ibiki walked away, Hyuk finished going through his thoughts. He felt a flicker of curiosity about the old man's reaction. He'll probably report this to the Hokage. Let's see what Hiruzen thinks, he mused, a small smile creeping onto his face.
With the exam dragging on, Ibiki eventually left the room, and a heavy tension returned as everyone continued their work. In a quiet moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi, seated in his office, received a report from Ibiki. As he read through the notes, his expression grew thoughtful.
Hyuk Haruno… Hiruzen mused. Just like Minato and Itachi—a real prodigy.
Back in the exam hall, the sound of pencils scratching resumed, and students tried to focus on their papers. The pressure in the room was palpable, with several teams attempting to find ways to cheat off each other.
Hinata leaned closer to Naruto, whispering, "N-Naruto, I can help you with the answers. Just look at my paper!"
"Really? Thanks, Hinata!" he said, his face lighting up with hope. But as he leaned over, one of the proctors caught sight of them, his eyes narrowing.
"Cheating!" the proctor barked, swiftly making his way toward them.
Naruto quickly sat back, eyes wide with fear. "I wasn't cheating! I swear!"
Hinata blushed, her heart racing. "I-I was just—"
Before they could explain, Ibiki returned, his expression serious as he stepped back into the room. "Listen up, everyone!" he announced, his voice cutting through the noise. "I need your attention!"
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Ibiki. He cleared his throat. "If one person from your team fails, then you all fail. So, pay attention and do your best!"
Gasps rippled through the participants as they looked around, bewildered.
As the exam continued, Hyuk leaned back in his chair, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and relief. The first stage was done, but the real challenge was yet to come.
He cast another glance around the room, seeing the Sound-nin who had attempted to cheat earlier looking increasingly nervous as the scrutiny fell on them. Hyuk felt his earlier irritation toward them resurface. They really are a bunch of clowns, he thought.
As the exam dragged on, he found himself wondering how far he could push his abilities. The competition was just heating up, and he was ready to show everyone what he was truly capable of.