CHAPTER 22

"Oh? Why?"

For the first time, a look of surprise crossed Nara Shikaku's face. He realized that, although his son was lazy, Shikamaru's intelligence was even greater than he had imagined.

In the shinobi world, there are few entertainment activities. Life for ordinary people is dull and repetitive.

Given Shikaku's status and caution, he never used real-world shinobi affairs to test his son. Instead, he trained Shikamaru using shogi, guiding him through complex thinking in the form of strategy games.

But now, with the emergence of the exam space and live broadcasts, Shikaku felt he had just discovered a new method of parenting.

Using real-time global exams to evaluate your own child?

It was unexpectedly effective.

"Even though this exam space has only appeared for the first time, it's obvious it won't be the last," Shikamaru said, calmly.

Shikaku nodded thoughtfully and gestured for him to go on.

"I noticed something," Shikamaru continued. "The analysis and the 'Top Talent List' only appeared once each. So far, the only thing that hasn't shown its purpose yet is the make-up exam ticket."

"According to the space's rules, a make-up ticket lets you bypass the fee and immediately join a future exam. Also, it said individuals need to keep participating in tests to raise their authority and unlock more talent lists."

"That means Akatsuki members still have more chances to be summoned again."

"So, I'm guessing: regardless of whether they answer the fifth question right or not, the system will probably reward them with the make-up ticket anyway."

"Why? Because there's no better group to demonstrate that function than Akatsuki."

Shikaku's eyes gleamed. "Not bad. What else?"

He couldn't help feeling proud. That's my son.

Finally showing real promise.

Shikaku was about to point out a small oversight when Shikamaru spoke again:

"Father, don't you think this whole exam space is following some kind of mission?"

"Any test has a purpose. So what's the goal of an exam that can predict the future?"

Shikaku suddenly froze. Something clicked in his mind—a flash of realization—but the thought slipped away too fast to grasp.

He replayed the conversation in his head, his face gradually growing more serious.

Almost there... I was so close!

"Go on, Shikamaru." He picked up his tea and took a sip, his expression thoughtful.

Today, this lazy son of his was full of surprises.

"Assuming this exam is selecting individuals who meet certain hidden requirements, it wouldn't just summon Jiraiya and the Akatsuki," Shikamaru said. "With that level of power, it could summon anyone in the shinobi world."

Shikaku stopped sipping. He already knew where this was going.

"There are two things all the people summoned so far have in common," Shikamaru continued. "First—they're mostly members of Akatsuki. Second—they're all extremely powerful shinobi."

Gulp.

Even Shikamaru felt his throat dry up. He knew this wasn't just nervousness—it was mental strain.

He hesitated. Should he really say this next part? It was too bold. Too wild.

But then he leaned in closer, lowering his voice.

"I'm starting to think... someone might be controlling the exam space from behind the scenes. And that person—or group—might be tied to Akatsuki."

CRACK!

The cup in Shikaku's hand shattered from the pressure of his grip. Water sprayed like a burst arrow in every direction.

But he didn't even react.

He just stared at Shikamaru in shock.

How the hell did this kid come up with that?

That level of deduction... was practically demonic.

Shikaku gave a strained laugh. Just as he was about to respond, the door burst open behind them.

A woman with kind eyes but an intimidating presence rushed out, holding a broom.

She scanned the two of them, saw nothing was wrong, and exhaled in relief.

Then she raised the broom and waved it at them furiously.

"You two better stop talking over my live broadcast or I'll knock both of you out!"

---

Meanwhile, inside the exam space, the crowd waited anxiously.

Finally, the fifth question appeared slowly in the sky:

> Question 5: Who stopped Pain when he attacked Konoha?

A. Hiruzen Sarutobi

B. Kakashi Hatake

C. Might Guy

D. Naruto Uzumaki

E. Minato Namikaze

"Five options this time? Increasing the difficulty?"

People immediately noticed the change in format. The first four questions only had three choices each.

This one had five.

"Damn! No wonder question two only had a one-line explanation!"

Deidara groaned.

That question—"Who betrayed the Akatsuki?"—had barely any explanation in the analysis. Just one line:

C. Item Six. Pain's betrayal occurred before the Fourth Great Ninja War.

They now understood why. The system had been saving space for this question.

Cursing the exam space's logic, Deidara muttered, "So boss, who among these five people can actually defeat you?"

Jiraiya, still emotionally wounded by earlier questions, was filled with question marks.

When did this become about brute strength?

He glanced at Deidara in irritation.

He knew every single one of those five names—all Konoha shinobi.

But who could realistically stop Pain?

Well, to analyze it properly...

Let's forget Pain for a second. Could any of these people even beat Jiraiya himself?

Hiruzen Sarutobi... too old.

Kakashi Hatake... his chakra reserves are too low.

Might Guy... he doesn't use ninjutsu.

Naruto Uzumaki... still a kid back then.

Minato Namikaze...

Jiraiya raised his eyebrows.

If I didn't know he gets resurrected later, I'd say this question has no correct answer at all!