Private/Closed Naruto AU: Roleplay

[Fire Mana]

Aku peered around the room before Boxide had begun his speech about the test itself. It was just a room full of chests, and after hearing the explanation, the task given to him seemed simple enough. The older genin walked forward to the center of the room, positioning himself next to a few of the chests.

I can only open one of them, huh? But the way he worded it, I can still touch all of them without failing. As long as I only open the correct chest.

With a shrug, Aku gave a swift kick to the side of one of the chests, listening closely to determine if it was hollow. Surely an empty chest with a loose key inside of it was gonna make some noise. Of course it wasn't the most creative or flashy way to pass the test, and he was sure some of the other shinobi would go into whole theatrics for this, but it was efficient and didn't cost him any chakra or energy to do. Sure enough, it didn't take long until whacking the side of one of the chests resulted in the contents of it rattling around, clearly the sound of a small piece of metal hitting wood.

Well see, that wasn't so hard.

The boy crouched down, letting chakra flow into his palm before igniting it and pressing the small flame against the lock of the chest. The golden metal dripped to the floor in a molten pile before hardening again in a mass shortly after. He pulled the lid of the chest open and drew the key out from inside before jogging up to the door and inserting it into the lock.

 

[kyuukestu]

Sagisō

"I'm sorry...who are you?"

The Virago held an expression of cluelessness on her face as a 'mysterious' shinobi from Kumogakure rudely broke into the discussion she'd been having with Azumi. Sagisō raised a brow at him, doing a once over, but her expression still lacked any recognition and she seemed to wait for him to introduce himself.

 

[Godjacob]

"Guess you can call me a fan. Swept me off my feet last time we met." Kenji said as he took her comment in stride before he saw his peers move down to take their turns as he rolled his shoulders a bit.

"So, I presume you are here to observe Furijia?" Kenji asked as he figured he had some time to kill and why not a little chat with some old faces had been not the worst way to spend it.

 

[kyuukestu]

Sagisō

Kenji's almost cavalier acceptance of her apparent disregard for him, not even bothering to remember his name, left the skillful star feeling like she'd just thrown a jab at a cloud of cotton. Evidently, the Kumo-nin was unphased, and that failure to ruffle him caused a subtle scowl to settle on Sagisō's lips.

"It wasn't hard, you weren't too steady, Kenji," A short huffed blew a few errant strands of Sagisō's hair out of her face.

"That and some other things...I don't suppose you're here for an autograph?"

 

[DarkHydraT]

Although he passed, Mori wasn't exactly ecstatic about it. It wasn't because the exams were too easy, it was something that the proctor said.

A true ninja never fears the odds or danger ahead. We fight on no matter what’s before us.

It flat out felt wrong to say. How many ninja did exist that feared the odds or danger ahead, but kept going anyway? How many still do exist? He vividly recalled his dad, the strongest person he knew personally, admitting that he was always scared during the war, but he couldn't show it as to keep morale up. Heck, he was still afraid at times. Were all those ninja with fear....not real ninja? Was he not a real ninja because of his fears? He wasn't exactly the stone-cold faced ninja that Boxide saw as true ninja, but he still pressed on no matter his fears. Wasn't that much more admirable than just shutting off fear? It just didn't feel right to Mori, and every single cell with morality was doubting the words of the jonin. Once again, he left the current room with a frown on his face and a thought on his mind. As much as he wanted to speak his mind, he knew better than to cause a scene. The last time he spoke out because he was convinced of his actions being the right ones, it caused him a scar.

-------
"How about you make sure that they don't kick yours first?" Taji cracked an attempt at a joke as she got up and went down a different hallway. As soon as she saw a piece of paper on a table, her nerves began tying her guts into a knot. A test, but about what? She knew her way around most, if not all tests, but what about Aisha? She never went to the Academy and there was no way that she learnt everything from the quizzes she made her friends take. Kenji was probably fine, but Aisha was going to struggle a lot. If only she could message her somehow....

With adrenaline coursing through her veins and the image of Aisha failing and berating her for not preparing her enough on her mind, Taji stepped forward to announce her presence.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Amari’s Room



“...An interesting perspective...and you are correct... Just because you are a ninja does not automatically make you a hero or some sort of savior. ...But it’s something one should always strive to be... It took me a long time to see that. Our lord opened my eyes to the truth of the world... It is okay to rely on others as your foundation...as grossly played out as that sounds... But that’s not the entire meaning...”

looking down at Amari, he retracted his hand into his raincoat once more, giving a congested cough.

“...More onto the point... Could you afford not to be if those you cared about were to be in danger...? ...Bah...I don’t do well with this emotional crap...you pass...”

Giving up debating with her, he began to dissolved into the ground, allowing her access to the room behind him.



......



Tomiko’s room.


“...Look...kid...we are all cogs in the machine. Weather you know it or not. ...That’s not a bad thing. ...Machines work and function. Is that not what teams are about...? Five ninja that act in unison like a well oiled machine, sacrificing themselves if needed for the greater good...?”

He gave a long and drawn out sigh. It appeared the lesson was going over may of heads today. Should he even bother?



.......




Madoka’s room.



“...Ha... Kid, in my line of work...you gotta find joy in it somehow...less you crack. Your lucky my way of finding joy is humane... Though...good job passing...”

he then reverted to a pile of glowing sludge on the ground, allowing her access to the door behind her.



......


Aisha’s Exam


“...Is that doodling...or are you legitimately submitting that as an answer...?”

Taking up the paper, he looked long and hard on it, looking back to her. He stood in silence for several seconds.

“....Very well....continue...“

He simply sighed as he dissolved into the ground. This year’s candidates were far more...unique than years past..



.....



Sakura’s Exam.



“...Very good, legible handwriting as well. You may proceed.”

taking note of her intelligence, he reverted to a pile of goo on the floor, the door at the end of the hall unlocking.





.....


Aku’s exam



“...You know it’s people like you that make me feel as though my tests are juvenile...”

watching the subject pluck the key out of the box that he practically melted, he gave him a nod as he entered the next room. He was greeted with Boxide yet again, in between two doors.

“...Welcome to the final stage of the exam...” he spoke. “This next challenge has a 5% pass rate, and is considered the hardest stage of the exam.”

he gestured toward the door on his right, which one could tell there were flashing lights on the other side, orange and reds, and heat being thrown off of it.

“Due to legal constraints, you may also choose our alternative test, which is much longer than the difficult test, but is notably easier...”

he gestured to the left, which revealed nothing under it, other than just dark space.

“...Go ahead...“



.....



Taji’s Exam


“...Paper. Formula for Sulfuric acid. Begin...”

Being extremely brief with her, he stomped his foot once on the ground, signifying the beginning of some sort of time limit.

 

[DarkHydraT]

Anxiety struck Taji like a thunderbolt when the examinator stomped on the ground, was there a time limit? Hurrying over to the chair, she grabbed the pencil and took a deep breath. Sulfuric acid, huh? She recalled the bowyer using it when making her bow and she thought about using it for poison for her arrows, but it was too corrosive to put on cloth when concentrated. The thunderbolt of anxiety had simmered down to merely static electricity as the kunoichi wrote H2SO4 down and put the pencil down. All in all, it took her 10 seconds at most from picking the pencil up and putting it down. Was it enough though? How big was the time limit? Did it count every exam or was there a seperate one for each one? The uncertainity was not something Taji liked, and every second spent in silence felt like an eternity.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Taji’s exam.


Every second that passed was met with a tapping of a foot. A constant pace. 1...2...3... as he awaited what she would write. Right as he reached his tenth tap, she delivered him the answer.

“...Very good...you may proceed.”

his tapping stopped, allowing her to progress further, the door in her path unlocking itself.

 

[DarkHydraT]

The tapping of the proctor didn't exactly help calm her nerves, and why would it? This was the Chunin Exams, skill and speed were to be tested. This section was thankfully easy, but there was more to come. How much more, she didn't know. The only thing that was certain was that she was not done yet and the clock was ticking rapidly, so the Kumoichi got up and opened the door as soon as she got permission to do so. What was next? Did Aisha pass? How was Kenji doing? Would she be okay? Question after question raced through her head as she waited for the instructor to tell her what the deal was with this room.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Taji’s exam


She was welcomed to the sight of thirty boxes in the next room, another clone of the proctor awaiting him to arrive. The boxes were small and brown, with golden edges around them and a tiny keyhole in the center. He gestured to the boxes around him with movements of his head.

“...You see before you...the next door can only be opened through a key. There is one key in this room...however, you cannot open a chest withyour own body in order to make it through. Unless the chest happens to be the correct one of course. You may only open one. If you open the wrong chest yourself...you will instantly be eliminated...”

Gesturing to the chests before him, he stomped on the ground, giving a gurgling bellow

“....Begin...!”

 

[OmnipotentOnion]

Preparing his mind for whatever would follow, Senji stepped through the door, hand resting on the longer blade of his daisho weapons. He was surprised to see 30 or so chests laid out before him in a neat array, and his eyes skimmed across the room, scanning all of the boxes as he listened to Boxide's instructions.

"1 in 30, huh?" Senji murmured to himself, continuing to stare at the chests. Well...

Unsheathing his daito, he then made his way to a box in the front row before, with a deft motion, sliding the blade underneath a chest and tossing it behind him, following suit for the rest until he heard the rattle of metal from within and seemingly unfazed by the noisy clatter of wooden boxes crashing to the ground. Inevitably, Senji located the key inside a chest near the middle of the arranged chests and, after putting away his longer blade, now brandished his shoto and sliced through the box, plucking the key off the ground and hurrying to the door to unlock it. This feels a little too easy; maybe it'll really start get challenging from here.

 

[Grand Master Koop]

Shiho looked back down at her paper after her request to skip the question was denied. "Not going to be that simple huh." She said to herself. Trying to think of something, the girl faintly remembered something she found once when she ran into her brother on the crafting room. She turned back towards the examiner. " Uh, is Sulfuric Acid a really poisonous substance? One that also has some corrosive properties?" She asked.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Senji’s Exam


“For a moment there...your skin nearly touched several of the chests...consider yourself lucky...”

Boxide almost seemed to look forward to eliminating her, even though she wasn’t officially eliminated yet. He sunk into the ground, allowing her to access the next room. In the next room that she unlocked, Boxide’s clone stood in between two doors.

“...Welcome to the final stage of the exam...” he spoke. “This next challenge has a 5% pass rate, and is considered the hardest stage of the exam.”

he gestured toward the door on his right, which one could tell there were flashing lights on the other side, orange and reds, and heat being thrown off of it.

“Due to legal constraints, you may also choose our alternative test, which is much longer than the difficult test, but is notably easier...”

he gestured to the left, which revealed nothing under it, other than just dark space.

“...Go ahead...“




......




Shiho’s Exam.




“...”

Boxide didn’t answer this query either, but instead looked over her, audible foot taps being heard louder. It appeared he wasn’t going to be any help to her...

 

[DarkHydraT]

Boxes she was not allowed to touch with her body, huh? Taji had to admit, that was a bit of a challenge for some, but not for her. She grabbed two arrows from the quiver on her back and stabbed the arrowhead in both sides without breaking the box before lifting it by grabbing the rest of the arrow and shook it. Nothing. Removing the arrows from the sides, she moved onto the next box and repeated the cycle as the tapping continued. Time passed by faster than she wanted, but at last she found what she was looking for. A jingling sound came from inside the box, causing Taji to smile. Seperating the box from the others and retrieving her arrows, she opened the box with an axe kick and grabbed the key before moving on to the door and opening it. It wasn't nearly as fast as the previous round, but it couldn't have been more than 4 minutes.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Zino’s Exam


“...Good...if you spores bored, note that this is the easiest of the three tests...Hrrrrrrk...”

he oozed more neon green fluid onto the Floor before suddenly shaking and reverting into a green sludge. Along with this, the door at the end of the hall unlocked, allowing access towards the next examination room.



Taji’s Exam


“...That shaking truck is quite popular these days, isn’t it? Perhaps next time the boxes should be one fire...”

musing at the idea, the man simply reverting back to a puddle once more, slowing her to press on to the next room...


“....Now choose....”

she was given the same choice as Mori once had. A fiery door that had a low percentage, or a mystery door that was dark and was longer to complete.

 

[Godjacob]

"Do have a habit of being light on my fight, like to keep things loose." Kenji said as Azumi rolled her eyes, seemed a bit too lose for her taste though Kenji was quick to respond to her question.

"Nah, I already got my autograph in the last exams and I am looking to avoid a repeat performance." Kenji mused, as he still had that signed copy from the Toad Sage as a prized possession. "Course if there anything on my person you want your name on..."

"Let's not finish that thought." Azumi said as she had cut off Kenji who had a carefree grin as he glanced Sagiso's way.

"So, anything catch your fancy since coming to the Rain?"

----------
"Thank you sir." Sakura said with a touch of respect as she advanced to the next room. She figured this was the simplest part of this exam but that had not stopped her from acing it rather easily.

Hell yeah!

----------
"B-bah of course it is, obviously..."

Aisha tried to sound confident, even flashed a smirk with her arms folded over her chest, but the truth is she was absolutely terrified. This had not been what she had expected and now she worried the entire months of preparation would be wasted just because she had not been exposed to science books at a younger age.

However, with the subtle sweat drop, the proctor passed her all the same. Aisha let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank kami! I-I mean yeah of course, nothing to it." Aisha said as she sheepishly tried to present she had been sure of her answer before she advanced to the next room.

----------
Zino simply shrugged at that warning, he figured it would progress in difficulty but had been prepared for that as he simple stood up ready to move on, though felt he needed to pass some parting word or two.

"Figures, though spooking me isn't gonna get the result you desire." Zino replied with casual confidence as he moved to the next room.

 

[DarkHydraT]

Two doors, one of which was most likely right. Which one though? It had to be a metaphoric choice, it just had to be. Probably something about willing to go the extra mile for missions and the village, which she was willing to do. She was proud of her village and would serve it to the best of her abilities, what kind of question was this? Something held her back though, causing her to stop halfway a step.

Why did she love her village? It always was a safe place to call home, but lately she'd been skeptical of anything called home. The only thing she 100% could call home were her friends, so maybe she asked the question wrong. Would you risk your life to protect what is important to you?

She would, always would. Aisha and Kenji had given her so much in the last couple weeks, she would do everything to protect them. They were a pack, no? Didn't pack mates look out for each other? With renewed vigor in her step, Taji chose the dangerous door and she would choose it again if her friends were in danger.

 

[OmnipotentOnion]

Those odds were way too low for comfort; upon being presented with two different doors and what lay behind them. The one with the vibrant lights and rather intense heat was said to have a 5% probability of passing, while the other would be much longer, but much easier. From how he'd been doing so far, it would've been much more reasonable for Senji to take the easy route and pass, what with the emphasized difficulty. However, his performance prior to this point only served as further incentive to take the harder way instead; especially due to his luck with the first section of the exam, the simplicity so far only spurred him on more to prove himself as a competent ninja who could protect his village.

With his mind made up, Senji unsheathed both of his daisho blades and brandished them in a reverse grip as he began approaching the door to the harder route, watching his surroundings before walking through.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Spoiler: Taji’s Results

The closer She came to the door...the hotter it got. As he pressed on the door, the heat rose hotter and hotter, the lights getter more and more red. As he opened the door...he was given a surprising sight...

*Pffffff!*

Confetti had been released on the other side, several heaters and red lamps on display, feigning the idea of danger. There was an exit door right behind this that lead to the outside. A final Boxide clone was at the end, giving a congested laugh.

“...Ha...good...you have passed... You know why, don’t you...? Your answers to the first exam mean nothing...your second exam? Easy if you were any self respecting ninja. But this one? ...A true ninja never fears the odds or danger ahead. We fight on no matter what’s before us. Well done...you pass...”

he gestured to the door behind him, light being seen on the other side. The final clone made a single laugh before it too vanished like its predecessors.

.....

Spoiler: Senji’s Results

Senji approached the door, his hesitation bringing interest From the proctor, who leaned in on his choice. The closer Senji came to the door With his swords in hand...the hotter it got. As he pressed on the door, the heat rose hotter and hotter, the lights getter more and more red. As he opened the door...he was given a surprising sight...

*Pffffff!*

Confetti had been released on the other side, several heaters and red lamps on display, feigning the idea of danger. There was an exit door right behind this that lead to the outside. A final Boxide clone was at the end, giving a congested laugh.

“...Ha...good...you have passed... You know why, don’t you...? Your answers to the first exam mean nothing...your second exam? Easy if you were any self respecting ninja. But this one? ...A true ninja never fears the odds or danger ahead. We fight on no matter what’s before us. Well done...you pass...”

he gestured to the door behind him, light being seen on the other side. The final clone made a single laugh before it too vanished like its predecessors.

Sakura, Aisha, and Zino’s exams.



Upon entering the next room they were welcomed to the sight of thirty boxes in the next room, another clone of the proctor awaiting for them to arrive. The boxes were small and brown, with golden edges around them and a tiny keyhole in the center. He gestured to the boxes around him with movements of his head.

“...You see before you...the next door can only be opened through a key. There is one key in this room...however, you cannot open a chest withyour own body in order to make it through. Unless the chest happens to be the correct one of course. You may only open one. If you open the wrong chest yourself...you will instantly be eliminated...”

Gesturing to the chests before him, he stomped on the ground, giving a gurgling bellow

“....Begin...!”

 

[Fire Mana]

Aku proceeded through the now unlocked door into the final test room. Two paths, which meant two choices for the final test. He listened to Boxide's explanation of the two routes he could take, but he didn't need to think on it any further. It would be a disgrace to himself, and to the families of those he hurt, if he took to easier path. Suddenly, Aku felt something within him, almost like his resolved physically steeled itself as he stepped up to the right-hand door.

"I don't care about your pass rates. This weak ass heat and those flashing lights don't scare me either. I've already been through hell."

The boy moved his arm, wrapping his fingers around the handle of the door. He took a last deep breath before pushing it open, fully ready to take on whatever task the examiners had for him. No talk about failure or taking an easier route was going to change what he needed to do.

Keep moving forward. Get stronger for them. Atone.

 

[kyuukestu]

Sagisō

"Strange, I don't remember leaving any lasting injuries..." the Skillful star frowned, a moment of concern knotting her brow.

The comment that suggested he had already gotten her autograph was odd because Sagisō took a peculiar cautious not to gravely injure opponents. During the last Chūnin exams she had restrained from launching attacks with the potential to take lives. Of course, once the sound invasion had begun she hadn't had the luxury of sparing her foes and had been moving with lethal intent.

"Nothing yet; but, I'm hoping Azumi can show me something interesting once this is all done."

Baiyan

"Then...what should a warrior's form appear like?"

Her teasing was short-lived as the Swordswoman seemed more curious with Reaver—no, the boy's—sudden agitation. Truthfully, blind as she was, the girl identified the boy by his chakra signature which, as far as she could sense had not changed at all in the time she'd known him. Contrary to his belief that she'd 'witnesses' some unsavory state of his, it was only due to this present confrontation that the girl had begun to realize that something was off.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Spoiler: Aku’s Exam Results

*Pffffff!*

Confetti had been released on the other side, several heaters and red lamps on display, feigning the idea of danger. There was an exit door right behind this that lead to the outside. A final Boxide clone was at the end, Staring at him.

“...Hm...I normally would say some sort of pun or joke as to lead into why you passed...but I’m afraid there’s nothing to laugh at here...”

he turned his back to him, the gurgling man with the trench coat sighed.

“...Look...I know that you have some sort of past. ...I don’t care what it is, but here’s a word of advice... Don’t let it interfere with your exams to come. It will be the death of you...”

And with that somber tone, he reverted to a puddle, allowing him to proceed through the exit door.

Kai’s Room


Kai looked down in disgust as the proctor had become fizzing goo. What a peculiar form...why in the world would he choose something so messy? Shaking this off, he opened the exit door.

On the other side, there was a big open area. Damp grass littered the clearing, an iron gate separating the clearing from a massive swamp. It’s humid air was almost possible to taste, the dense wooden tree coverage preventing any line of sight to what was inside.

it appeared that this zone was far away from where they once were. Looking back, Kai noticed the doors suspended in a rocky corridor that appeared to go underground. The clouds over the village alongside tall buildings were seen in the distance. They were on the outskirts of rain territory. Were we under some kind of genjustu? I’m tired of these games.

Other doors’s handles began to twist as he realized he wouldn’t be alone for very long...except he realized he wasn’t alone already.

“Bo!”

“Gwah!”

taken aback by the sudden mime wannabe’s appearance, he staggered back. Bobo appeared to be standing on air, the first one in the field. How in the world did this clown manage to pass?!? Looks must be deceiving. How tiresome...

 

[sSoul]

Taiyo
Any smugness that was once in Taiyo's demeanor had dissipated as soon as he heard that Boxide was making an exception to his actions that would've gotten him eliminated otherwise. When the FBS master heard the options that were offered to him, between the fiery pathway and the empty void that was promised to be easier but longer, it didn't take long for him to determine which choice he wanted to make.

"No one ever got anywhere by taking the 'easy' way out, I'll take whatever challenge this exam can dish out," The fiery shinobi confidently walked up to the door that was heralded as the hardest part of the exam, assured of his own success.

I should scout out the danger ahead of me before I use FBS, that way I don't overdo it...
Tsuki
Confused about the unusual warning against tensing up, the Yuki-nin continued onto the final room, from where she was given the choice between the easy, but lengthy road and the short but difficult road. Given that there seemed to be no hard time limit on her decision process, Tsuki decided that she would take as much time as reasonably necessary to make her decision.

Many a proverb warn about the "wide" road, how it's easy to traverse but leads to destruction. They also foretell about the "narrow" road, difficult to traverse, but ultimately worth the strife. Given how the exams have been going so far, how expectations have rarely been subverted, I believe its safe to say that with if I follow my expectation of the "narrow" road leading me to a better place, I am sure to succeed.

Resolved with her analysis, Tsuki approached the fiery, imposing door and opened it, mentally preparing herself for whatever trials were to come.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Spoiler: Taiyo’s Results

Taiyo approached the door, his hesitation bringing interest From the proctor, who leaned in on his choice. The closer Senji came to the door With his swords in hand...the hotter it got. As he pressed on the door, the heat rose hotter and hotter, the lights getter more and more red. As he opened the door...he was given a surprising sight...

*Pffffff!*

Confetti had been released on the other side, several heaters and red lamps on display, feigning the idea of danger. There was an exit door right behind this that lead to the outside. A final Boxide clone was at the end, giving a congested laugh.

“...Ha...good...you have passed... You know why, don’t you...? Your answers to the first exam mean nothing...your second exam? Easy if you were any self respecting ninja. But this one? ...A true ninja never fears the odds or danger ahead. We fight on no matter what’s before us. Well done...you pass...”

he gestured to the door behind him, light being seen on the other side. The final clone made a single laugh before it too vanished like its predecessors.

Spoiler: Tsuki’s Results

*Pffffff!*

“...Ha...good...you have passed...something tells me you already know the reasoning behind your pass...so I won’t keep you here any longer than you need to. Good luck on their exam...or not...hrrrrrrk....”

he gestured to the door behind him, light being seen on the other side. The final clone made a single laugh before it too vanished like its predecessors.

.....


Reaver growled, looking at the ground. She was either playing with him or being truthful. What was worse is that he couldn’t tell if it was either of them.

“Grrrr...NEVERMIND THEN!! WHO GIVES A DAMN ANYWAY?!?”

Reaver turned around to leave, the clanking of his suit making it difficult to leave unnoticed.

 

[Godjacob]

As the second part of the test was exclaimed, it seemed like a wild if not random stroke of luck was required to find the right key among these countless wooden boxes. They could not be opened with their body, or rather they had one chance to open one of them with their body to hopefully get the right key in order to open the door.

A proverbial needle in the haystack, how each approached it would decide their fate.

-----​

Sakura took the words to heart of the proctor, she could not touch the boxes with her body to open them. Key word having been used her body, with a draw of her scroll she produced a bundle of sunflowers and cast some hand signs in succession. Soon enough the petals of the flowers scattered and worked to swoop under various boxes as she had began to lift them in the air. Sakura knew that, if the proctor's words were to believe only one of the boxes had the key...which meant there'd be a slight weight difference between it and the others.

That slight weight difference would allow that box to be lower than the others, and sure enough she found a box that seemed a touch heavier than others, and Sakura moved over popping the box open and sure enough pulling the key out.

"Heh, and they say diamonds are a girl's best friend." Sakura mused to herself, as she walked over as the petals returned to her scroll while she moved to unlock the door.

-----​

Aisha had taken the words in stride, she could not mess and pick the boxes with her body, but that said nothing about her companions as they had been sent and the wolves bumped up, rubbed and knocked over boxes as they tried to find one that had the right clang to it to signify it had the key. If Taji's word were to be believed, the wolves would be seen the equivalent to ninja tools and thus be viable to use in such a manner.

Aisha put her trust in her companions, and Taji's words, and sure enough a box had been knocked over and the clang of something inside was easily heard by her sharp senses. Aisha grinned, as she dashed over to grab that box as she picked it open and revealed a key. As she thanked Luna & Sky she moved to the door to unlock it with the key to see what waited for her on the other side.

-----​

Zino himself glanced at each of the boxes, his Byakugan active as he tried the most basic approach. But all he saw was chakra that seemed obstruct his view; a jutsu in place he guessed to keep Dojutsu users from getting an easy result.

No matter, seemed he'd do it the long way.

Zino moved to the door itself, rather than the boxes as no ruling had been made at them. He worked to move his finger by the lock itself and closed his eyes as he focused. The Hyuga traits and training allowed him impeccable chakra control, and more importantly the ability to weaponize his chakra itself. As his chakra entered the lock, it worked to try and force the gears and nacks to twist in just the right way to force it to unlock. While his skills with such talents had been a far cry from other Hyuga such as Shura or Sagiso...

Clink!

It had been enough for his end, as he picked the lock with his chakra and worked to open the door.

----------
"As I said, I will do my best to show your our way and entertainment of my people. Course, we could get along faster if distractions had not been put in our path." Azumi said with a knowing glare directed as Kenji who offered a shrug.

"What can I say, I'm a people person. If you two wish to have tour time I will respect it. Any parting words you wish to leave your "admirer" with?" Kenji said ad that cheeky grin had reminded Azumi of their old encounter, though it puzzled her to a degree. Kenji usually had been the confident type, based off her brief interactions with him during the exams and the battle with Reaver and the Sound. But to a degree it had always had this shadow this trace of doubt that he masked well.

Yet now, despite the same surface demeanor, he seemed truly sure and confident in himself. Something even one who lacked a Dojutsu could see. Something had changed about him, but what? Perhaps Azumi paid it too much mind, though since her developing friendship with Sagiso she had grown curious of others and what drove them. So she had not been able to help herself even if her expression betrayed nothing.

 

[Nukas]

Amari thought about Boxide's words as his clone dissolved into nothingness. His ideals were admirable but somewhat unachievable. That of course, wasn't a bad thing, some could say the same about her ideals. He seemed to truly believe in this "lord" of his. She assumed his Lord was the same as the "god" Azumi told her had saved her village. It's amazing how much they seemed to revere him.

Amari also made sure to take note of Boxide's final words. If the people she cared about were in danger she would still think rationally and not rush headfirst so that she could ensure the best outcome... at least, she was pretty sure that was how she'd react. She snapped out of her train of thought, realizing that she couldn't just stay there forever, after all, there was more than just one part of the Chunin Exams. Amari tucked the question in the back of her mind for later and went through the now open door.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Sakura’s Exam.


“...I want to fail you for how dumb that phrase was...but then I’d be unethical...shame... continue.”

Annoyed by Sakura’s phrasing of passing the stage, he gave a huff before dissolving into a puddle, allowing her access to the next proton of the test.



Zino’s Exam



Upon messing with the door, the door started to radiate chakra, like it was about to repulse him. It was with a quick hand movement that he unlocked the door, bypassing the direct repulsion.

“Hm...how rare...using your actual body’s straight chakra.” Boxide spoke. “Regardless, you passed. Now move on...”



....



Aisha’s Exam.



*Bang!* *Crash!* *Rattle!*

the dogs bumped into Chest after chest, trying to find a key. Eventually, Aisha did find it, though Boxide seemed mildly disturbed.

“...You know how long that fur is going to take to clean up? How unsanitary...Hrrrrrrrrk...”

nonverbally accepting her to the next portion, he gestured to the door behind him before slumping into a puddle.

 

[Godjacob]

"Thank you sir." Sakura said with a smile as she made he way through the door to the next part of the exam. While she was pleased on the outside though...

Bah! I'd like to see puddle boy come out with a one liner on the fly.

----------
Aisha sheepishly rubbed the back of her head as Luna & Sky barked happily having helped Aisha make it past this part of the exams. "S-sorry sir uh, we'll make it up somehow. Have a good day!"

With that AIsha made her way to see what awaited them.

---------
Zino had no comment to share with the man, he merely moved to the door and prepared to walk through. Though perhaps on a spur of the moment he turned to the proctor clone and flashed a peace sign to him as if to wish him a good day.

With that, he moved onto the next part of the test.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Sakura’s Exam


Entering the next room, the pink hair Kunoichi was met with yet another clone of Boxide, in between two doors.


“...Welcome to the final stage of the exam...” he spoke. “This next challenge has a 5% pass rate, and is considered the hardest stage of the exam.”

he gestured toward the door on his right, which one could tell there were flashing lights on the other side, orange and reds, and heat being thrown off of it.

“Due to legal constraints, you may also choose our alternative test, which is much longer than the difficult test, but is notably easier...”

he gestured to the left, which revealed nothingunder it, other than just dark space.

“...Go ahead...“



.....


Aisha’s Exam


Boxide followed her movements with his head as he sunk down into the fluid, not exactly keen on her canine companions. As she made it to the next room, he delivered the exact same spiel he gave Sakura.

“...Now choose... And please, do be sure to choose one wisely, and by yourself....Hrrrrrrrk...”


.....




Zino’s Exam


“Now choose...”

The proctor, after his speech, used this time to analyze the character before him. Zino was an odd candidate. Someone had the guts to bear a child with a Hyūga...but what other bloodline? Perhaps an arranged one to make sure they would have a strong child? After all, the Hyūga did value their clan’s kekkei genkai not getting into the wrong hands...so who would they mate with?”


......



“Bo!”

“...I would very much like you vacating yourself from my general area.”

Bobo continued to dance in thin air, pirouetting a foot from the hunter-nin. Kai stepped back as he tried to process what was going on. Is this one really a ninja? And if so...how did they get past the exam so quickly...and why this goofy style? Xenos work on a different wavelength that I will never quite comprehend...

 

[Godjacob]

Two doors, two choices. One path, seemed inviting on the surface but promised danger and a near assured failure while the other which seemed to have pure darkness seemed to offer a slower but more manageable path to passing. A choice, that's what this seemed to be...pick the poison you'd be able to handle and bare the consequences for it. But what would these new faces to the door pick?

-----​

Sakura, she faced a tricky dilemma. On one hand, the side of her that favored reason and the source of her academic pride had her favor the darker path; there was no rush to complete this given the number of applicants and taking every advantage in itself was an attribute of ninja.

On the other hand, one thing she had been taught both by her academy but especially by her sensei is there had been no such thing as a sure thing. There never had been, and there was risk with every decision, but it was a ninja's duty to face such risk anyway best they could and that a moment wasted was often difference between success and failure. Life and death.

Could she face her sensei if she had taken the "safe" choice? Sakura quickly had come to an answer and walked through the door of danger ready to face whatever awaited her.

-----​

Zino glanced at each door as he considered the situation, to him this seemed to be a simple test of will. Did one have the guts to face the more dangerous path or would they cower to the safe one. But the thing that had thrown him off was the way each door was designed as they each seemed the opposite of what they had intended. A trick?

Zino shook his head, sometimes the greatest slight of hand is assuming what was obvious was a trick of sorts. So with that, he gambled, and walked through the door claimed to be the danger door on this principal.

-----​

Aisha glanced at the two doors, for her the choice was really not too difficult of one to make. Danger had been a part of her being since she was raised with her family in the pack, and continued to be so on her ninja life. She would not have taken it anyway, to go to the other safer door out of some assurance? Some math she herself had little concept of? Nonsense!

Luna & Sky seemed to sense her decision, and without any hesitation moved to the door of danger. Aisha followed in kind as she prepared for whatever result of her decision waited for her.

 

[kyuukestu]

Sagisō

Kenji's buffoonery had brought a playful lilt to Sagisō's lips; but, formless confidence emanated from the Kumo-shinobi, a firmness, and certainty to his steps—one that had been missing the last time they'd met—and the distinct impression that in the short time they hadn't seen each other, the wilting boy had found some vigor. Maybe it had been a growth spurt—like puberty—but, whatever it was, the balls he'd previously been lacking had finally grown in; and, he was swaggering around like they were too big for his breeches.

A provocative smirk was Sagisō's first response but after a moment, she challenged him with another.

"Impress me."

 

[Godjacob]

Kenji simply replied with a smirk of his own, one that showed his confidence better than anything before then as he replied as simply as Sagiso had getting the intent of what she had meant by that lone word.

"Just enjoy the show."

With that, Kenji turned and took his leave, working up to an open door as he began his venture into the Chunin Exams. And this time, he had been sure they'd go better than last time.

-----​

Kenji entered the room, where the clone of the proctor stood as he presented a lone desk with a paper and pencil, as it seemed that this test or rather part of it he guessed involved writing down the answer to this one question presented before him. No lingering eyes to cheat off of, nothing really to search around for hidden clues as this seemed direct as can be.

Kenji had worries that Aisha may struggle with this, Taji he had been sure would be fine and Rika was the smartest of his class. But still Kenji had to have faith in the Inuzuka as he sat down and wrote the formula asked of him before he set it down and waited for what was next.

----------
Ino decided the time had been now, and with a spur to her step she walked forward through the door where she was greeted by a proctor or rather the clone of the proctor as he merely asked her to solve the equation and write the correct formula for sulfuric acid.

Ha! This is nothing, Sakura wasn't the only one to finish high on her academic marks.

Ino with a assured smile wrote down the correct formula and waited to see what would happen next.

----------
Takato entered and seemed a bit puzzled that such a simple single question had been part of their Chunin Exams. But he figured that if all he had been asked was something simple and he noticed nothing out of the ordinary on his scan of the room why waste energy dwelling that over as he moved and wrote down his answer.

----------
Aki had walked in with a confident stride to his step, his performance here likely would assure Sakura take note of him. Yes this was his chance to impress, yes this would be when the Akimichi would shine! Aki entered the room with a big smirk as he seemed sure he could handle anything.

Then he saw the paper, and that confidence of his flushed down the drain. W-what was this!? A science question, on these exams?

Aki had began to sweat a bit at this, crap what was he supposed to do? Aki had no idea what to do about this, his mind raced as he tried to think of every no any scenario that might help him here. Man no matter what he'd put down he'd look like an idiot before being eliminated!

However, the sweat came to a stop as he flashed a sudden smirk. As if a newfound confidence surfaced before he took his seat and picked up his pencil. Seemed as if he had a eureka moment as he flashed the pencil the proctor's way and his smirk seemed to only grow.

"I'll see you next time."

With that, he dropped his pencil, sat up, turned around and left the room. Not even having placed an answer on his paper, if he had been to fail it'd be on his terms; with his head held high and on his terms.

----------
Rika had walked in once the room seemed to thin out, and once Kenji and his group had gone ahead. If preferred she'd keep from being noticed by them, but she figured fate would not be so kind. But for now she'd do what she could and as she entered inside the room as the proctor clone presented her with a simple rather basic science question.

Rika shrugged as she sat down and wrote down the formula before she faced the proctor. Seemed easy enough, but she figured there had to be more in store.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Spoiler: Sakura’s Results

Sakura approached the door, her hesitation bringing interest From the proctor, who leaned in on his choice. The closer Sakura came to the door...the hotter it got. As she pressed on the door, the heat rose hotter and hotter, the lights getter more and more red. As she opened the door...he was given a surprising sight...

*Pffffff!*

Confetti had been released on the other side, several heaters and red lamps on display, feigning the idea of danger. There was an exit door right behind this that lead to the outside. A final Boxide clone was at the end, giving a congested laugh.

“...Ha...good...you have passed... You know why, don’t you...? Your answers to the first exam mean nothing...your second exam? Easy if you were any self respecting ninja. But this one? ...A true ninja never fears the odds or danger ahead. We fight on no matter what’s before us. Well done...you pass...”

he gestured to the door behind him, light being seen on the other side. The final clone made a single laugh before it too vanished like its predecessors.

Spoiler: Zino’s Results

*Pffffff!*

Confetti had been released on the other side, several heaters and red lamps on display, feigning the idea of danger. There was an exit door right behind this that lead to the outside. A final Boxide clone was at the end, tilting his head at the candidate..

“...you have passed... I have a feeling you know why... Your clans that you represent embody this. Sacrifice of yourself, giving everything to your village. Tread carefully, and watch out for enemies you may make Sheerly based on your blood. Good luck...”

he gestured to the door behind him, light being seen on the other side. The final clone made a single laugh before it too vanished like its predecessors...but not without a final sentence.

“...Mr. Uchiha...”

Spoiler: Aisha’s Results

*Pffffff!*

“...Seems as though you have made the right choice. You of all people should know the lesson for this test. You have a pack to look after... To so quickly set aside your life and their lives for the mission...it goes without saying. You pass young one...”

he gestured to the door behind him, light being seen on the other side. The final clone made a single laugh before it too vanished like its predecessors.

 

[Nukas]

As Amari stepped through the doorway, she was once again outside. She found herself met with a swampland of sorts, far away from anywhere they were before. It didn't exactly seem like she had gone that far, but maybe it was another trick with genjutsu. She looked around and it was quite obvious that many people were able to pass just like her. She saw Koki'o, glad to see that her sister had passed despite all of the craziness that she had started. Amari started walking over to her. As she got closer, she noticed something felt... off. She wasn't acting the way she usually did. Amari was halfway to her when she heard a slight "Tktktktk" and realized what was going on. She decided to leave "Koki'o" alone for now, not wanting to tip anybody else off on what was going on. She decided to meditate as she waited for the next round.

 

[Godjacob]

Spoiler: Sakura's Results

W-what the....!?
The fuck!?

Needless to say the sudden confetti drop after the tense entry had been the last thing on either of their minds. The proctor seemed to congrulate her, as it seemed just the answer Sakura made had been all that was needed; a test of character, which while confusing had made the kunoichi give an awkward smile.

"T-thanks, wait what do you mean point...!?" Sakura had began to ask but the proctor's clone faded as she questioned the first part of the test, but with a sigh she decided not to protest. She passed, that was what counted. And with that she moved to the exit.

Spoiler: Zino's Results

Zino's eyebrows dipped a bit at the remark, this proctor was well aware of his duality yet seemed to chose on purpose to refer to him as an Uchiha. In spite of only really having used his Hyuga traits till now. Had that just been a tongue and cheek thing, or was there something about him that just screamed Uchiha to people?

Perhaps it was a sign, maybe...maybe it was just a consequence, that really he'd never be considered one or the other. He'd always be an outsider. A fr...

Zino shook his head, despite his own...conflicted history with this he decided not to challenge the man on it on it. The proctor's clone faded as it were so it'd have been a wasted effort, as he moved towards the exit.

Spoiler: Aisha's Results

"All right!"

Aisha had been naturally shocked by this reveal, the confetti even startled Sky a bit even if the male wolf tried to play it off, but all three seemed pleased with themselves that they had passed. As Aisha crouched to pet each of them she flashed a grin the proctor's way before she responded.

"Gotta say for a first exam, even if there was no action, was kinda fun. Anyway got to go one down two more to go!" Aisha said pumped up as she dashed for the exit with her companions in toe, all she hoped now was that Taji and Kenji had made it through in kind.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Kenji’s Exam



“...Hm...Your answer appears familiar...your understood it similar to a another woman that was here before you...you can learn a lot from her...”

giving a non-verbal way of saying to move on, he began to reduce back to his ooze like state, losing his previous human lot form altogether, the door at the end of the hall unlocking as a result.


.....



Ino’s Exam



“...Aren’t you the confident one...?” Boxide cocked his head inquisitively. “...I’d be curious to see if that trend continues...”

Making disturbing gurgling sounds that were indistinguishable from Laughter or coughs, he proceeded to vanish Into the floor, allowing the flower loving kunoichi to access the second stage.

....



Aki’s Exam



“...”

watching Aki leave in what could be seen as ‘style’ by very few, Boxide simply shook his head as they closed the door behind themselves.

“...Ninjas that make absurd assumptions and act on them do not deserve to be ninjas at all...”



......



Rika’s Exam


“...You pass the first exam. That’s it. Your good.”

“...”

“...”

“...Ha...Ha...Ha... Did you think you I was serious just now...? ...Keep going.”

seeping down into the floor, he allowed the door at the end of the hall to unlock itself for Rika.




......


Takato’s Exam.


“Hm...Yes...good...”

the lethargic proctor simply waved to the next portion, allowing the bars to progress as the door unlocked itself.

 

[Godjacob]

"Oh a nosy proctor ain't you?" Kenji said as he was somewhat surprised that he mentioned a woman that had been "similar" to him, could he mean Taji or Aisha? Well if they had been similar and he passed this part that had to meant so did one or hopefully both of them, be he'd have to wait and see with that.

Kenji took his leave and moved to see what was in store for him.

----
"Oh I'm just getting started, trust me." Ino said with that same confident energy as she seemed pleased she got through the basic question, a formality really as Ino got up and made her way to the exit.

Time to see what else she had to contend with.

-----
Takato raised an eyebrow as this proctor seemed to almost have as little care for this as he did, perhaps he had been bored doing the same routine over and over again with who knows how many applicants. Takato related to the man's plight as he passed a sympathetic glance before he shuffled over to the next part of this first exam.

----
Rika had nodded as she sighed in slight relief, not that the question had been difficult but there was a pressure on her to progress far as she could so she needed to clear this first exam hurdle as the shame of failing at this stage would be beyond recovery.

"T-thank you..." With a silent bow she moved forward to see what was next for her.

----------
What had been next for each of the four, unaware of the other in their own separate exam rooms, as they were greeted with what seemed to be dozens of wooden boxes and a large door. They were asked to figure out a way to find the lone key among the boxes, as they needed to get past the door but they could not touch the boxes with their bodies. They'd be given one chance to ope a box and had to make it count.

So, how'd these ninja get around this?

-----
Kenji had a rather simple idea in mind, the boxes were wooden and all would be hollow minus the one key inside. As he extended his index finger he produced a faint spark of electricity and then held it before each keyhole of the box and had began to walk around the room.

If the key inside was there, it would draw in his electric spark; the metal a natural point of lure for his loose bit of electric spark. The one box that would react different than the others, and sure enough as he passed by one box towards the right of the room his electric spark zoomed inside one box as Kenji had a grin as he picked it up as he opened and revealed the metal key which sparkled with from little electric detector.

Kenji picked the key up and moved to unlock the door. Curious what awaited him beyond it.

-----
Ino glanced about the room, as she considered her options on what to do before a lightbulb went off. They said she could not touch the boxes with her body, and all warnings had been about boxes.

Nothing about the door had been specified.

With a sly grin, she pulled a lock of hair from her ponytail and fused it with chakra as she moved to the door, using the hardened strand as a make-shift lock pick. While the Yamanak had been prided as ninjas of the mind, she took personal pride in weaponizing her flawless locks and sure enough the correct clang was heard as Ino successfully picked the lock.

"Heh, nothing to it." Ino said as she opened the door to see what was next in store for her.

-----

"Ninja Art: Shadow Spike Strike Jutsu."
​

Takato had position himself in the center of the room, as his shadow extended to a tendril and began to worm its way into the open keyhole of each of of the boxes, knowing only one had a key inside and such only one his shadow had been bound to feel anything within. So he searched each box in the room, an annoying tedious search but he figured the more chakra he saved with this the better and sure enough he felt something in a box to the left as he moved and opened up to reveal a key inside.

"Alright whoever decided this part of the test I hope you found this funny." Takato mumbled to himself with a scowl before he moved to unlock the door eager to advance further.

-----
Rika in turn had to think over what to do, as she could not open up but one box with her body though that alone gave her pause. She could not open the boxes with her body, or use her body in anyway but that had not denied her other means to pick at the boxes.

Rika made some hand signs, and with a scroll that revealed a large container of water, she produced what seemed to be almost an maybe small dog sized snake of water that began to move about the ground as it moved under and lifted up a box in the air before Rika had it shake it. As she tried to listen for a sound. If only one key had a box, then that had to mean only one would produce a sound as metal banged against steel. The first box yielded no result, so she had the snake move on to the box next to it repeating the process. This continued several times as she searched about till finally she heard a rattle in one box towards the northern section of the room as Rika.

This continued several times over but soon enough, she heard just that noise she had saught out, as she quickly picked her box open and pulled out the key before she returned her snake to the pot, returned the pot to her scroll and moved to unlock the door ready to progress forward.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Kenji’s Exam


Boxide watched in curiosity as Kenji traces the chest with his electricity, turning himself into a human metal detector. This got a stir from him.

“...Interesting...Able to differentiate metals such as gold from that of steel...we could use that ability here in the village...but I digress...you pass on to the third stage of this exam...


......


Ino’s exam


“...Has hair just been on the rise lately without my knowledge...?” Boxide sighed. “At least it isn’t messy this time... Know this girl... It will take more that looks and a hair conditioner to make it through this next test...

with that, the man laughed in a manner similar to that of coughing as he reverted to a acidic slime like substance.



........


Takato’s Exam


“Impressive display...Efficient... How history would have changed if the Nara were in the Rain... But I digress... you move on to the third and final portion...”

he gestured to the door, showing where thy the key would go to said door. He gave Takato a stare as ripples into the floor.


.....



Rika’s Exam



“Hmph...you’ve accomplished it in the third quickest time thus far...well done...carry on.”

Boxide kept it brief, quickly dissolving into the ground, allowing her access to the next room, where many other ninja have been met with a difficult choose to make...

 

[Godjacob]

And so, the final step of this test reached these individuals who again were oblivious to what anyone else had gone through, as this one seemed to be a pick your poison type of exam. One door, which seemed to offer light and more assurance had in fact been the door of risk and near total failure. While the door of darkness, which seemed to invite dread, actually was the safe alternative option.

Two doors, two choices. An unknown fate for all who face this crossroads, what would these applicants choose?

-----
Kenji had arrived as he glanced at the two doors as he considered the options. Play it safe and take the long game, or get risky and bare a greater chance for failure? If Kenji had been at these exams mere months ago, he may have adopted the slow and steady approach; not out of worry or anything, but that he had never been one to rush things in spite of his speedy reputation out of the Academy.

Yet, his experience with Taji and Aisha, the training of those chakra cuffs he still wore even now...had taught him that the greatest results came when the risk for failure was higher. After going to hell in back in the mountains, why would he have backed down from this door of all things now? with a confident step he moved to the door of danger.

-----
Ino had her hand to her chin as she milled over the options, longer and safer or shorter and with greater risk. Her instincts screamed at her to take the later door, the darkness with that context seemed more inviting and to a degree one needed to play percentages with these things.

But one thought stopped her, Sakura. There was little doubt her friendly rival likely had picked the harder door. Given how far Sakura had pushed herself since graduation and the number of hair raising situations she had gotten into on her tales. If she had picked the cowardly option, could she face Sakura with her head held high.

I'll show you Haruno, you are not the only bold Kunoichi from our class!

With her renewed pride, Ino moved to the dangerous door.

-----
Takato glanced the two, and for him the choice was easy. Compared to whatever else he had been through, the number of times he should have died by now the risk/reward concept had lost meaning. If it meant he finished faster, he was willing to play the odds as he figured some cruel spirit of luck hung over his head. Keeping him in the game, but just barley as it were.

Takato moved to the danger door with little hesitation.

-----
Rika herself had not been sure how to progress. Scratch that, she knew what she wanted to do which was to leave an impression on these exams...and if her mother found out she had taken the easy path along the way she'd likely not be able to look her in the eye which was far from needed for her.

But was the greater risk of failure worth avoiding her mother's wrath for being perceived as "cowardly" in this regard?

Rika needed not debate this, and avoided the greatest risk of all by moving to the door with lower odds but one that promised not to punch a hole in her perceived pride.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Spoiler: Kenji’s Results

Kenji approached the door, his lack of hesitation bringing interest From the proctor, who leaned in on his choice. The closer Kenji came to the door...the hotter it got. As he pressed on the door, the heat rose hotter and hotter, the lights getter more and more red. As he opened the door...he was given a surprising sight...

*Pffffff!*

Confetti had been released on the other side, several heaters and red lamps on display, feigning the idea of danger. There was an exit door right behind this that lead to the outside. A final Boxide clone was at the end, giving a congested laugh.

“...Ha...good...you have passed... You know why, don’t you...? Your answers to the first exam mean nothing...your second exam? Easy if you were any self respecting ninja. But this one? ...A true ninja never fears the odds or danger ahead. We fight on no matter what’s before us. Well done...you pass...”

he gestured to the door behind him, light being seen on the other side. The final clone made asingle laugh before it too vanished like its predecessors.

Spoiler: Ino’s Results

*Pffffff!*

Confetti rained down on Ino as the proctor examined her. He began nodding his head as if he had made a correct assessment about her.

“...That’s what I thought... Those eyes are that of a rival. Burning desire to do better...to BE better. It makes a good motivation to become stronger... You are lucky to have such a relationship... Will you overcome your rival I wonder...? Only time will tell...

leaving her alone with this thought in mind, he dissolved for the final time, allowing her to leave and proceed to the door

Spoiler: Rika and Takato’s Results

The proctor gave them a similar spiel to the ones he had given other candidates today. However, he did notice that he was getting more and more tired the more this went on. Maybe he went a little over his head with this whole proctor thing? Boxide sighed, simply allowing them to pass. He just wanted a rest at this point.