During the written exam, every ninja used their own methods.
The Byakugan, Sharingan, Sand Eye, and even Sasori's technological eyes were all revealed.
Three nearly invisible insects dropped from Sasori's hand. In a short time, he had already located ninjas in the examination hall who knew the correct answers. The insects quickly copied the answers and flew back, connecting to the human retina nerves, making the test answers appear as if right in front of him—just copy them down.
After copying the answers, Minato couldn't help but feel somewhat guilty, inwardly sighing, *I'm actually the Hokage, yet leading by example in cheating. Fortunately, nobody knows.*
However, what about Naruto?
He had just been distracted watching Naruto. Clearly, from the start until now, Naruto hadn't written a single word. At this rate, he might very likely submit a blank paper and say goodbye to this Chunin Exam.
Anya comforted, "Don't worry. Ibiki Morino just said there'll be one final question coming forty-five minutes later—it's made for the slackers. Not every ninja who trains in the field is going to ace written exams."
Sure enough, Ibiki Morino posed the last question on schedule.
"For the next question, if you attempt it and fail to answer correctly, you'll be permanently barred from participating in future Chunin Exams. If you choose not to answer, you may leave now."
Under immense pressure, several ninjas gradually withdrew from the first stage of the exam.
Naruto continued struggling internally.
Minato silently watched him; he'd even snapped the pen in his hand without realizing it.
Seeing this scene, Anya sighed, thinking how pitiful parents could be. Ibiki, an expert in interrogation and psychology, had clearly designed this final question to psychologically pressure the examinees, revealing their vulnerable sides. Anyone who cracked under pressure and backed out would be out for real.
With Minato's intelligence, he immediately understood what was going on. At this moment, persistence meant victory. However...
Naruto, under enormous pressure, trembled slightly while raising his arm.
Just when Minato focused his gaze and prepared to rush forward,
Naruto slammed the table hard and shouted, "Don't underestimate me! I won't run away when it counts. Even if I stay a genin forever, I'll still become Hokage—with nothing but guts. I ain't scared!"
As Naruto's voice echoed across the examination hall, the previously oppressive atmosphere instantly dissipated. Even the low-ranking genin under pressure were inspired, and no one else walked out after that.
A faint smile curved Ibiki Morino's lips. "All the ninjas still remaining in the hall have passed the first stage."
Then entered Mitarashi Anko wearing fishnet clothing. As the examiner for the second stage, she led the candidates outside the Death Forest—the venue for the second phase of the exam.
Anya didn't seem particularly interested in the exam itself. Instead, she gave Mitarashi Anko a couple of extra glances, thinking how good-looking she was. Figured—Anko used to work for Orochimaru, a missing-nin, yet here she was, still an examiner in Konoha. Sarutobi really knew how to win people over.
Sasori tugged Anya's clothes, glancing toward a long-haired ninja.
"He's here."
Anya wasn't surprised at all. "It's normal. After all, this phase is the most vulnerable point to make a move."
"It's for that Uchiha, isn't it? Unexpectedly, he who lost to Itachi has turned his attention toward a mere Genin. What despicable methods," Sasori said with obvious disdain.
Minato felt confused hearing their conversation and asked, "Who's coming? Are they targeting Sasuke?"
"Orochimaru's body is still in his possession," Anya let out a sigh. "He must have been shocked after joining the Akatsuki Organization when he realized how many powerful individuals exist beyond its ranks. Combined with the aftereffects of Living Corpse Reincarnation damaging his soul, his resistance to Genjutsu has become extremely weak. To be honest, he desperately needs fresh chakra to replenish himself."
Minato seemed to understand Anya's thinking: "So you came to the Chunin Exams to stop him?"
Anya shook his head: "No, I want to talk with Sasuke. If he's willing to abandon everything for power, Orochimaru might actually be the best teacher for him."
"Isn't that too risky? I can tell you care about Sasuke deeply. Is he Mikoto's child?" Minato had already figured it out.
"Yes, I'll handle it with discretion."
Meanwhile, Anko had already explained the rules for the second stage's Forest of Death Survival Test and begun distributing the Death Consent Forms. Each Genin participant needed to sign their agreement before heading to the exchange point to collect either Heaven or Earth Scrolls. Among the 26 participating teams, 13 would obtain Heaven Scrolls while the other half received Earth Scrolls, meaning half the teams would inevitably get eliminated in this second stage.
Anya strode forward confidently and collected a Heaven Scroll, then casually tossed it to Sasori.
This scene was witnessed by several sharp-eyed participants who immediately began mocking them. By revealing who held the Scroll at the very beginning of the challenge, this team must be complete newcomers. All opponents needed to do was eliminate one of these three Genin to claim the Scroll.
Sasori tucked the Scroll away, feeling the hostile stares from all sides but remaining completely unfazed. In fact, he almost wanted to laugh.
Minato immediately caught on to Anya's twisted sense of humor, shaking his head with a bitter smile. Someone capable of casually creating a Puppet Master at the Elite Jonin level must possess Kage-level strength. Any Genin attempting to steal their Scroll would likely die without even understanding how.
At Anko's command,
The iron gates of the Forest of Death swung open. Almost simultaneously, all teams locked onto their chosen entry points and quickly rushed inside. From the very start of this challenge, every team became an enemy to the others, leaving absolutely no room for carelessness.
Anya's trio leisurely strolled inside, their calm demeanor sharply contrasting with the urgency of the other teams.
"Sasori, you go ahead."
Hesitating slightly, Sasori said, "Are you sure it's okay for me to leave you? That Orochimaru fellow has entered too."
Anya casually replied, "No problem. Right now he and I are partners, so he won't make a move. Even if he really does attack, Minato is here. He can hold out until you arrive."
"Fine, take this then. If you encounter an attack, use it to summon something capable of withstanding a Kage-level strike." Sasori handed Anya a scroll before finally leaving with peace of mind.
At this moment Minato asked, "Partnership? Anya, tell me honestly, what exactly is the content of your cooperation? Orochimaru wouldn't go through all this trouble just for a single Genin."
"Here, take a look."
Anya handed the documents sent by Otogakure to Minato.
One glance was all it took for Minato to panic. "Orochimaru actually wants to destroy Konoha? Why didn't you give this intelligence report to the Third? No, we must stop him."
"Don't worry, he won't succeed," Anya said calmly. "I've already let Jiraiya know. He should be on his way back to Konoha. With him involved, you can rest assured."
After hesitating for a moment, Minato still asked, "What is your relationship with Sunagakure Village (the Hidden Sand Village)? How did you get hold of such a top-secret document?"
Anya answered honestly, "Minato, you're my good friend. You can just ask me anything straight up—no need to hold back. I won't hide anything from you. Sunagakure Village is under my control. In fact, my influence extends beyond that. As I told you before, I intend to change the world. That hasn't changed—and it never will."
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