First Test

Now, although there are still several years until that moment, the Eight-Tails, being the strongest Bijū after the Nine-Tails, even if it can only control the power of one or two of its tails, is already enough to cause an explosive increase in Killer B's strength.

"Killer B is probably the most dangerous person for me in this exam." He looked at him deeply for a moment before looking away.

But while he observed the others, they were also observing him.

Although Gen had not appeared before Kakashi, his talent became evident when he surpassed him, taking the title of Konoha's greatest genius, which naturally attracted everyone's attention, including that of the other four great villages.

"Is that Gen Uchiha?"

"According to reports, he is Konoha's greatest genius and the one to watch out for the most. But seeing how young he is, is he really that strong?"

"In this exam, we must not only demonstrate our village's strength but also eliminate as many geniuses from other villages as possible, and Gen Uchiha is among the main targets."

"The Uchiha clan is famous for its genjutsu. If we face him in battle, we will have to strengthen our resistance to genjutsu."

Several gazes landed on Gen, some filled with battle thirst, others with caution.

With his keen senses, he naturally felt the gazes directed at him, but since there were too many, he paid them no further attention.

In this place, aside from the exam participants, there were numerous Kumogakure ninjas in charge of security.

After a while, a ninja from Kumogakure, around 30 years old, appeared at the front.

"Silence!"

His strong voice drew everyone's attention.

And seeing that all attention was on him, he continued.

"My name is Buziyi, and I am the examiner for the first test of this Chūnin promotion exam.

Now, I will announce the contents of the test.

I suppose you have already noticed the red lines on the cliffs. The test will consist of climbing to the top within the limits of these two lines.

Additionally, there are four rules you must follow:

First: You are not allowed to use chakra to climb. You can only rely on pure physical strength; otherwise, you will be immediately disqualified.

Second: You are not allowed to leave the area marked by the red lines. Otherwise, you will be disqualified.

Third: Only the first 150 to reach the top will be considered as having passed. Once the number reaches 150, the rest will be automatically eliminated, regardless of whether they reach the top afterward.

Fourth: This exam is individual. Forming teams or cooperating with others is not allowed. Any violation of this rule will result in disqualification.

Lastly, your performance in this test will have a direct impact on the next stage of the exam. In other words, the better you do here, the greater advantage you will have in the next phase."

As Buziyi explained the rules, the participants listened attentively. However, upon hearing the third rule and the final warning, many began to hesitate.

"Seriously? This cliff must be at least a thousand meters high! How do they expect us to climb it using only our strength?"

"Ah, I see... That's why there are two red lines. They're forcing us to go up a single path... But this test is ridiculously difficult."

"So the first test is an exam of physical endurance...?"

Some frowned, visibly worried, while others remained silent, showing no emotion.

The fact that only 150 out of the 300 or 400 participants could pass the test made it clear that this would not be easy at all.

Gen raised his gaze toward the top of the imposing cliff, following the red lines with his eyes as they extended vertically every hundred meters.

The height of the cliff was impressive, and climbing to the top without using chakra would not only test their endurance but also push their bodies to the limit.

As much as ninjas were stronger than ordinary people, chakra was still the foundation of their power in this world.

For a group of youths under 15 years old, climbing a thousand-meter cliff with only their physical strength was not just a challenge—it was madness.

And they didn't just have to reach the top… they had to be among the first 150.

"Examiner, I want to know if attacking or killing others is allowed in this test."

Suddenly, a voice rang out unusually clear among the murmurs, immediately drawing everyone's attention.

It was a ninja from the Hidden Mist Village, a boy with white hair who looked about thirteen or fourteen years old.

Far from being nervous about the gazes on him, he smiled sadistically.

Although Kirigakure had not yet entered the era of the 'Bloody Mist,' its ruthless competition system was already well established, forging incredibly brutal and lethal ninjas.

Around him were other Mist ninjas, who did not seem surprised by his question. In fact, they shared the same mindset.

Like the rest, Gen shifted his gaze from the top of the cliff to observe this boy.

Upon seeing him, he immediately recalled the information sheet he had obtained yesterday.

Hanyue Hōzuki, a prodigy of Kirigakure. Although he was only thirteen years old, according to the information obtained by Konoha, his strength level was already at least that of an elite Chūnin.

Moreover, his surname revealed him as a member of the Hōzuki clan, a lineage with a powerful Kekkei Genkai that allowed them to turn their bodies into water.

After all, the Second Mizukage of Kirigakure came from this clan.

His surname alone was enough to ensure no one underestimated him.

However, after observing him for a moment, Gen soon shifted his gaze to another ninja from the same village standing beside him.

________

Time: If you're craving more (and I know you are!), I have just what you need. On my Patreon, you'll find exclusive chapters. Join our community and be the first to discover what happens next!

👉 [patreon.com/Athome790]

Your support fuels me. Thank you for the support! 💖