Naruto: I, Naruto, don't want to try anymore.

Chapter 96

As Naruto expected, the second exam was held in the Death Forest from the original story.

"This is the examination venue for the second test, the 44th training ground, also known as the Death Forest."

Beneath her beige trench coat, Mitarashi Anko, seemingly enjoying a life of leisure, introduced the examination room for the second exam to everyone in a light and carefree tone.

In the clearing outside the forest, the remaining candidates gathered in twos and threes.

"Before the second exam, please sign the consent form. Because someone might lose their life here, I must tell you in advance that the exam can only begin after you have signed the consent form."

Hongdou brought over a stack of documents and said with a smile, "Also, while we're signing, let me tell you about the rules for this exam."

"Training Ground 44 is surrounded by more than 44 locked entrances, and contains rivers, forests, and a central tower..."

After giving a brief explanation of the city and county distribution of Training Ground 44, Hongdou's gaze swept around the area, pausing briefly on Naruto's face.

"The core content of this exam is teamwork, wilderness survival, and racing..."

"In the first exam, there are 54 remaining candidates, which is 18 groups. Their success will be determined by the order in which they arrive at the central tower."

"In that case, isn't it just a race?"

Temari raised a question, and the others also looked puzzled.

If that's all there is to it, then the rules are far too simplistic.

"Of course, it's not just that..."

Red Bean smiled with her eyes narrowed, licking her tongue in a gesture just like Orochimaru's, but her tongue looked small and delicate, much cuter than Orochimaru's.

Naruto's gaze lingered for a moment on that flexible, supple little tongue, and several gigabytes of plot flashed through his mind...

"The order determines the ranking, but I didn't say it was first come, first served."

Even numbers pass, odd numbers are eliminated, and only groups of three who reach the tower count.

"In other words, the first team to reach the tower will definitely be eliminated, while the second team will be able to pass."

"As for the time limit, it is 120 hours, which is five days."

"What?! Five days?"

Choji panicked: "Then what are we going to eat?"

"Use local materials."

Red beans are concise and to the point.

"Those are really harsh conditions... In that case, we have to capture one of our opponents alive no matter what..."

Hei Tu crossed his arms and chuckled, "Or perhaps we could reach the tower as quickly as possible and gamble on our luck."

"Interesting rules, they're very advantageous to us, Deidara-senpai."

"Let's settle this in this exam! Let's go, Sassa!"

Deidara stared intently at Sasuke, completely ignoring Kurotsuchi's words.

Kurotsuchi: "..."

"Even numbers pass with one..."

Shikamaru patted his forehead, feeling a headache coming on.

Ino looked at him: "Have you thought of any good ideas?"

"There really is one..."

"Tell me about it?"

"I need Naruto's help."

"..."

Ino's face darkened. "I only asked you because I wanted to show off in front of Naruto!"

Hinata's team, Kiba Inuzuka frowned deeply: "This greatly increases the danger level..."

"In fact, quite the opposite."

Aburame Shino, who had been silent all along, spoke up softly.

"This condition was set precisely to prevent candidates from dying."

As he spoke, he tilted his head slightly, his gaze subtly glancing in Naruto's direction behind his sunglasses.

"This means that to pass the level, you must either capture at least one squad alive, or rush to the vicinity of the central tower as quickly as possible to ensure that the examinees are not wiped out by a single squad..."

Although she has a relatively low profile, Shino's words still attract a lot of attention.

After thinking about it, everyone realized that it was indeed true.

Is Naruto capable of defeating everyone?

The answer is yes, it all depends on whether he's willing or not.

If this guy hadn't arrived the day before the exam, most of the candidates would have had to drop out in the first round.

Those who can still grit their teeth and continue taking the exam now are all people with strong wills.

"Who are you talking about, Shino?"

Ino's expression turned displeased: "Naruto would never do that!"

He just wouldn't do that to you, but he might do it to others...

Right, Kusanagi Shinobu?

"I didn't mean to target anyone, but from the perspective of the rules, if nothing unexpected happens, these rules can ensure everyone's safety."

Shino tilted his head slightly, speaking in a gentle tone.

Aside from Neji, he was the one most wary of Naruto.

Because the insects inside him couldn't sense Naruto's presence at all!

How could a living person standing there not exist?

Red Bean glanced at Naruto, her smile showing a hint of apprehension.

Indeed, these rules were temporarily modified. The original rules were not this complicated; it was just a battle for the Heaven and Earth Scroll.

However, with Naruto's arrival, the rules will have to be changed.

Although the possibility of total annihilation is indeed low based on their personalities, it is still necessary to be prepared.

Given Naruto's relationship with the current Ino-Shika-Cho trio, at least four teams' safety can be guaranteed. Even if the others are wiped out by Naruto, Konoha will still have a spot in the finals.

"Do you want me to take you guys?" Naruto asked Ino.

"Don't underestimate me!"

Ino chuckled: "Although I can't compare to you, I've gotten a lot stronger these past few years."

Naruto shrugged, said nothing, and casually tossed Ino a small black gourd made using Yin-Yang Release.

Ino took the gourd, shook it, and a rattling sound came from inside; it felt heavy in her hand.

"If things get bad, eat one; it'll be enough for you to eat as a meal."

Naruto raised his hand and patted Ino's head, silently transmitting a burst of chakra.

Sensing this powerful chakra, Ino's expression changed slightly.

"Keep it up!"

"Um…"

Sensing Naruto's affection, the girl's cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her head shyly with her hands behind her back, her shoes lightly rubbing against the ground, a stark contrast to her infatuated demeanor in the past.

"Tsk..."

Karin pouted unhappily, but didn't say anything.

She knew very well that, in terms of status, she couldn't compete with Ino, since Ino was the first one to arrive.

Moreover, as the first person to show kindness to Naruto, she was actually quite grateful to Ino.

But gratitude is gratitude, and a rival in love is a rival in love; they are not the same thing.

Elixir…

In the crowd, Kimimaro's gaze fell on the gourd in Ino's hand.

His bloodline disease was cured by Naruto using a medicinal pill.

Meanwhile, in Temari's team, Gaara, with his red hair and dark circles under his eyes, was also observing Naruto.

The moment Naruto touched his head, he sensed a chakra fluctuation similar to his own.

That guy... is the same kind of being as me.

Gaara's gaze was deep and unfathomable, but he did not dare to provoke Naruto rashly. He could feel the subtle pressure emanating from Naruto.

"Alright, those who have signed the consent form, come forward and draw lots. After you've drawn your lots, the examiners will lead you to your respective entrances!"

Hongdou called out, and soon, the eighteen teams headed to the entrances they had drawn.

Before leaving, Sasuke glanced in the direction of the Root squad.

"Should we just deal with those guys?"

"Anything that happens during the exam is legal and justifiable, so killing someone would be pointless."

Naruto's lips curled slightly: "But if it weren't during the exam, we'd have to have a serious talk about this... See that Byakugan boy? That's how his father died."

"..."

This is the first update for today! Two more updates are coming up! Please vote and follow my posts! Thank you everyone!

(End of this chapter)