The First Chunin Exam (Part 3)

As the exam time progressed, more candidates were disqualified for being caught cheating five times. Soon, only half of the original candidates remained in the exam room.

Watching the remaining candidates, Morino Ibiki silently pondered.

"The exam has been going on for forty-five minutes. The weaklings are probably all eliminated. It's about time."

Thinking this, he took a deep breath and loudly announced to the candidates.

"Alright, now for the tenth question. But before I announce it, there's something else. For this last question, I'm adding two rules. These are... rules that will make you despair!"

As the captain of the ANBU interrogation squad, Morino Ibiki was highly skilled in interrogation. However, since the Chunin Exam did not allow physical interrogation, he chose to employ psychological tactics instead.

"First, you must choose whether or not to take the tenth question!"

Choose whether or not to take the question.

Hearing Morino Ibiki's words, the candidates showed puzzled expressions. Sitting in the back row, Temari couldn't help but ask.

"Do we have to choose? What happens if we choose not to take the tenth question?"

"If you choose not to take it, your exam score will become zero, meaning you will lose the right to take the exam. Naturally, your entire team will also be disqualified!"

As soon as Morino Ibiki finished speaking, the candidates began to discuss the topic among themselves.

"What does this mean?"

"Of course, we'll choose to take the question!"

"This is just too messed up..."

Amidst the candidates' chatter, Morino Ibiki lowered his head slightly and closed his eyes.

"Additionally, there's another rule. If you choose to take the tenth question but cannot answer it correctly, you will forever lose the right to participate in the Chunin Exam!"

"What kind of rule is that?"

Before Morino Ibiki's words finished, Kiba Inuzuka stood up abruptly, pointing at him.

"Doesn't this room already have several people who have taken the Chunin Exam multiple times?"

Looking at the indignant Kiba Inuzuka, Morino Ibiki, instead of getting angry, laughed.

"Hehehe... Hahahaha... You just have bad luck. Proctor Uzumaki Ryunosuke has given me full authority over this exam, so this year, I make the rules!"

"That's right!"

As soon as Morino Ibiki finished speaking, Zhang Miao, sitting on a chair drawing pig heads on the exam paper, looked up and glanced at the candidates.

"Ibiki's words are my words. If you lack confidence, you can leave now!"

"..."

Having felt Zhang Miao's terrifying aura, no candidate dared to underestimate him. As soon as he spoke, the exam room fell silent once again.

"Hmph!" Seeing the room quiet down again, Zhang Miao snorted. "Continue, Ibiki."

"Yes!"

Hearing Zhang Miao's words, Morino Ibiki nodded and returned to the candidates.

"But I'm not leaving you without a way out. Just like Proctor Uzumaki said, those who lack confidence can choose not to take the question and try again next year or the year after. Hehe!"

This was a difficult choice.

Choosing not to take the question meant the entire team would be disqualified;

I chose to take the question, but failing meant permanently losing the right to take the Chunin Exam, remaining a Genin for life and being looked down upon.

Considering this, looking at the disdainful Zhang Miao and the cold-smiling Morino Ibiki, many candidates' expressions turned hesitant.

Seeing all the candidates' expressions, Morino Ibiki shouted.

"Then let's begin. Those who choose not to take the tenth question, raise your hand. Once confirmed, leave immediately!"

As soon as Morino Ibiki finished speaking, many candidates began to waver. Soon, someone raised their hand.

"I... I choose to give up!"

"Candidate 50, disqualified. Candidates 130 and 111, also disqualified!" Proctor Kamizuki Izumo picked up his clipboard and read the numbers as soon as he spoke.

Hearing Kamizuki Izumo's voice, the candidate who raised his hand lowered his head in shame. "Sorry, Gen'nai, Inahira... Damn..."

With the first one leading, soon, others followed suit.

"I... me too..."

"And me..."

"I... I'll give up too..."

In no time, seven or eight people raised their hands and left the room with their teammates, looking dejected.

Seeing this, Naruto lowered his head, sitting in the front row, clearly contemplating something.

At this moment, Zhang Miao also looked up, watching Naruto deep in thought, and silently thought, "I can help him with everything else, but inner strength and will must come from himself. Naruto, don't disappoint me!"

As Zhang Miao thought this, Naruto slowly raised his left hand, trembling.

Seeing this, Zhang Miao frowned.

"Giving up? Has my presence changed Naruto's character?"

Just as Zhang Miao thought Naruto had given up, to his surprise, Naruto suddenly slammed his hand on the table and shouted at Morino Ibiki.

"Don't underestimate me! I won't back down. I'll take the tenth question. Even if I have to stay a Genin forever, I'll become Hokage and show you! Who's afraid of who!"

Hearing Naruto's defiant roar, Morino Ibiki widened his eyes. "I'll ask you again. This is a decision that will affect your life. If you want to give up, do it now!"

"I always keep my word. That's my ninja way!" Naruto replied without hesitation as soon as Morino Ibiki finished speaking.

Hearing Naruto's words, nearly all the candidates' expressions became determined, clearly influenced by Naruto.

Seeing this, Zhang Miao, sitting on the chair, laughed.

"Haha, that's my brother. I knew you wouldn't let me down!"

Thinking this, Zhang Miao stood up and smiled at Morino Ibiki.

"That's enough, Ibiki. The candidates' anxiety has been alleviated. Even though there are still many remaining, dragging it out won't change anything. Announce the results."

"Yes!"

Hearing Zhang Miao's words, Morino Ibiki nodded and shouted to the candidates.

"Your decisions were correct. So... all those who chose to stay, you pass the first exam!"

"What?"

Hearing Morino Ibiki's words, all the candidates were stunned.