Anko Mitarashi, a whirlwind of manic energy, led the surviving genin to the edge of a dense, ominous forest.
"Welcome, little worms," she grinned, her eyes gleaming with a predatory excitement. "This is the Forest of Death! And you're about to have a blast!"
She proceeded to explain the rules of the second stage: survive for five days, obtain both the Heaven and Earth scrolls, and avoid death at all costs.
The atmosphere was thick with dread, the air heavy with the promise of unseen dangers.
As the genin were handed the waiver forms, acknowledging the risks, a wave of fear rippled through the crowd.
Some hesitated, their hands trembling as they contemplated the deadly challenge ahead.
Team 7, however, remained relatively composed. Sakura, despite her anxiety, tried to maintain a facade of bravery. Naruto, predictably, tried to intimidate the forest itself, shouting, "I'm gonna be the Hokage! You hear me, forest? I ain't scared of you!"
Sasuke, however, was focused on the system panel that had appeared before his eyes.
(Name : Sasuke Uchiha)
(Age : 13)
(Chakra Reserves : 3500/3500 [Elite Genin])
(Chakra Control : 32%)
(Ninjutsu : Intermediate)
(Genjutsu : Adept)
(Taijutsu : Intermediate)
(Shurikenjutsu : Adept)
(Sharingan : 24/25 [Level 1])
'Elite Genin', he thought, his eyes narrowing. 'My chakra reserves have increased significantly.'
The day to day sparring with Team 7 and Kakashi-sensei, after we returned from the Land of Waves mission, has clearly paid off.
He noted the slight increase in his chakra control, a testament to the mental strain of the written exam.
'And my Sharingan... just one point away from two tomoe.' He felt a surge of anticipation. 'Soon, I'll have even more power.'
He also noticed the increase in his genjutsu. Kakashi-sensei reluctantly taught me two D-rank genjutsu, saying it was important for him as he is an Uchiha & he should proficient in genjutsu.
A flicker of annoyance crossed his face. But he still refuses to teach me Chidori. "Not yet," he said. "You're not ready." He clenched his fist. 'He clearly underestimates me.'
The gates to the Forest of Death creaked open, revealing a dark, claustrophobic expanse of trees and shadows.
A wave of genin was released into the forest, disappearing into the dense foliage. The air was thick with the sounds of rustling leaves, the chirping of unseen insects, and the distant, guttural growls of unknown creatures.
The oppressive atmosphere, the sense of being watched, sent a chill down the spines of the remaining genin.
As Team 7 prepared to enter, a large, shadowy figure emerged from the undergrowth, its eyes glowing with predatory hunger.
The second stage of the Chunin Exams had begun, and the Forest of Death was ready to claim its victims.