SHINOBI EXAM

The atmosphere in the classroom was heavy. This was the first written test of the Chūnin exam, and Ibiki Morino's infamous tenth question was already bringing immense psychological pressure to the Genin.

Suddenly, an eerie voice echoed through the room. It was not human—it was cold, mechanical, and laced with malice.

[Question: During the Fourth Ninja War, who said, "Come and chop off my head after the war is over!" to protect someone?]

The unexpected sound shocked everyone in the room—students and proctors alike.

The Fourth Ninja War?!

The question alone was baffling. The recovery from the Third Ninja World War was still ongoing. How could there be a fourth? The proctors exchanged uneasy glances. Ibiki, always composed, frowned deeply. This was no ordinary prank.

Before anyone could question further, glowing words began to materialize on the blackboard at the front of the room:

[Rules:]

1. There are three opportunities to answer. All life forms in the room are eligible.

2. A wrong answer will result in the immediate death of the respondent.

3. Once three individuals lose their lives, the test ends, and the barrier will disappear.

4. If the correct answer is given, the barrier will open, and the respondent will receive a reward.

The ominous words hung in the air like a death sentence. The tension in the room reached a boiling point.

One of the invigilating Jōnin cautiously opened a window to test the boundaries. Although the glass slid open easily, his hand couldn't extend past the frame. It was as if an invisible wall blocked it.

Two Genin from Kusagakure, seated near the door, stood up. They cautiously pushed the door open, but their efforts were met with the same result—a barrier blocked their escape.

"Hey! Is this some kind of extra test, Invigilator-san?" one of them asked Ibiki.

Before Ibiki could reply, the mechanical voice rang out again.

[Wrong answer.]

Bang!

The Kusa-nin who had spoken earlier convulsed violently, as if crushed by invisible hands. His body compressed grotesquely until it exploded in a burst of blood and gore. The sickening sound echoed through the room, and the metallic stench of blood filled the air.

Nearby students were sprayed with crimson. Those closest to the scene froze in horror, except for Gaara, whose sand shield protected him from the mess.

The room descended into chaos. Haruno Sakura collapsed beneath her desk, retching uncontrollably. Most of the boys weren't faring much better. Even Naruto, who had faced danger before, felt bile rise in his throat. He fought to keep himself composed as he glanced at his teammates.

Sakura was pale, trembling as she struggled to breathe. Sasuke, sitting closest to the carnage, was drenched in blood. His eyes were wide, pupils dilated in shock. His expression was haunted, as if dragged back into a nightmare he desperately wanted to forget.

"Mom... Dad..." Sasuke muttered faintly, his voice breaking.

Though they had experienced danger before, this was different. Even during the battle at the Land of Waves, Kakashi-sensei had been there to protect them. Now, they were alone.

The invigilators quickly moved to calm the panicked Genin. One Jōnin covered the mouth of a student about to scream. Ibiki gestured for everyone to remain silent, his scarred face serving as a grim reminder of the dangers of disobedience.

The voice spoke again, shattering the uneasy silence:

[Rewards:]

The announcement made everyone stiffen. A white ninja sword materialized on the podium, floating eerily in midair.

[Reward 1: The Chakra Blade. Known as the weapon of Konoha's White Fang—Hatake Sakumo's ninja sword.]

Gasps rippled through the room. Even the Genin who knew little of history had heard of Konoha's White Fang, a legendary figure from the Second Ninja World War. He was said to be as strong as the Sannin, though his untimely death overshadowed his fame.

Naruto's heart raced. Hatake? Could this man be related to Kakashi-sensei?

But before anyone could process further, the voice continued:

[Reward 2: Resurrection.]

The word sent chills down everyone's spine.

[The respondent will be given a list of ten deceased ninjas from their village and may choose one to revive.]

The room fell silent as the implications sank in.

Resurrection? Could such a thing even be possible?

The first reward—a legendary blade—was already enticing. But the second... To bring back someone lost to war or tragedy? For many, it was worth risking everything. If the Konoha candidates could resurrect someone like Hatake Sakumo, their village's power would soar. And what if someone revived a Kage?

Yet, the gruesome fate of the Kusa-nin loomed large in everyone's mind. The cost of failure was too steep.

Ibiki scanned the room. His sharp gaze landed on a boy with a pineapple-shaped hairstyle seated near the middle of the classroom—Nara Shikamaru.

The Nara heir, Ibiki thought. Known for his intelligence and strategic thinking. If anyone can solve this, it's him.

But he hesitated. Shikamaru's potential was invaluable to Konoha. Could they risk him?

After a moment's thought, Ibiki scribbled a note and discreetly passed it to Shikamaru.

Tell me what you think the answer is.

Shikamaru read the note and sighed. He glanced out the window at the clouds. His usual indifference masked the storm of thoughts in his mind.

"Troublesome..." he muttered under his breath.

Shikamaru's sharp mind raced as he analyzed the situation. The Fourth Ninja War? It hadn't even happened yet. But if the question was real, it meant the answer had to come from someone who could plausibly exist in that future. Who among the leaders or key figures of the Alliance would say something like that?

The stakes were high. But Shikamaru knew one thing—hesitation would only make matters worse.

---

The tension in the room grew unbearable. Each passing second felt like an eternity. The candidates avoided looking at the bloodstain on the floor, but the scent lingered, a grim reminder of the cost of failure.

As Shikamaru weighed his options, Naruto clenched his fists. He hated feeling powerless.

"Someone needs to do something," he whispered.

Beside him, Sasuke's Sharingan flickered to life. His fear was now buried beneath a cold resolve.

Shikamaru finally broke the silence. "I have an idea," he said, his voice low but steady.

Ibiki's sharp eyes locked onto him. "Are you sure?"

"No," Shikamaru admitted. "But I'd rather risk it than wait for someone else to die."

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Will Shikamaru's quick thinking save the Genin, or will this terrifying Q&A claim more lives?

To be continued...

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