SWNOVELXO Chapter 50: Chunin exams.
The Chunin Exams were today, and Minato had already given us an overview. It consisted of three main stages: a written exam (often with a twist or hidden challenge), a survival test in a dangerous environment like the Forest of Death, and a final tournament of one-on-one battles. These stages were designed to test not only knowledge and skill, but also teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to survive under pressure.
Early in the morning, we all gathered near the academy. Minato teleported in a little later and led us into the gathering. There were various young shinobi and instructors already present. Soon, we were led by the instructors to different rooms for the first stage. Before parting ways, Minato simply smiled and said, "Good luck," before teleporting away again.
By now, I had gotten used to seeing his Flying Raijin in action. I didn't flinch or get wide-eyed anymore; it was just a natural part of who he was. Still, that level of mastery was something I quietly aimed for.
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**1. First Stage: The Written Exam**
This stage typically involved a written exam that appeared straightforward but contained hidden challenges or loopholes, requiring ninja to think outside the box. It might involve answering questions from a textbook that doesn't exist or finding a hidden message within the exam. The first stage tested a candidate's ability to gather information and apply it strategically—and eliminated those who lacked the necessary critical thinking.
After entering the exam hall, each of us—Kakashi, Guy, and I—were assigned to different rooms.
I wasn't worried in the slightest. As soon as I reached my assigned seat and took a look at the paper, I almost grinned. Strategy, analytical thinking, situational deductions… it was practically written for me. I quietly got to work.
Kakashi was in a similar situation. The paper wasn't difficult for him either, and he began answering swiftly. From what I sensed, he was just as confident as I was.
As for Guy—he'd always struggled with written exams. But this time, he wasn't walking in blindly. Over the past month, since Minato told us the first stage would be written, I'd given Guy my academy notes and helped him review key areas whenever we got the chance. Even though he was still unsure of himself, he at least had a safety net.
He looked a little nervous when the paper was handed out, glancing at each question with a tight jaw. But unlike previous times, he didn't freeze. Instead, he let out a breath, scratched his head, and gave a small grin to himself.
"Alright! One step at a time!" he muttered under his breath, trying to calm himself. That mix of concern and resilience—it was just so Guy.
The exam was two hours long, from 8 to 10 AM. Once the time was up, all of us were sent out from the halls, and the instructors collected the papers. They announced that the selected candidates' names would be posted in an hour, and those passing would move on to the second stage.
Kakashi, Guy, and I regrouped at the academy grounds to wait for the results.
Kakashi stood with folded arms and an unreadable face—though I could feel the quiet confidence coming off him. Guy, on the other hand, looked somewhere between optimistic and anxious. Still, there was something lighter about him this time. His usual carefree self wasn't entirely buried under nerves.
"I think I did okay," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "At least better than before, thanks to you, Ren."
I gave him a small pat on the shoulder. "You've got this."
As we waited, I noticed Minato wasn't anywhere to be seen. I figured we probably wouldn't see him until the exams were over. That made things feel a little heavier—like we were really on our own now.
Eventually, the instructors returned with a scroll. They began announcing the names of the students who had passed.
Guy's name was called twenty-second out of sixty selected participants. I could see the relief flood his face as he exhaled. Then came the top two.
As expected, Kakashi was second—only two questions wrong. And I came in first with a perfect score. The announcement made several other young shinobi shoot glances my way. Some stared a little longer than necessary.
I could practically read it on their faces: *This one's a threat.*
Kakashi didn't say anything, but the corner of his mouth twitched downward. He wasn't thrilled about being behind me, even in a written test. But I could tell—he was already thinking about the one-on-one battles in the final stage.
Once the names were read, all selected students were led to a different location. We were taken from the academy to the outskirts of the village—to Training Ground 44.
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2. Second Stage – Survival Test in the Forest of Death
Seeing the training ground , I recalled what Minato had told us about the second stage.
The second stage is often a survival test, frequently taking place in a dangerous location like the Forest of Death. This stage eliminates a significant number of candidates, as it tests not only individual survival skills but also the ability to cooperate and strategize with teammates. Candidates must collect specific items (like scrolls) from other teams, and the environment itself can be a major obstacle, full of traps and dangers.
I was surprised by the size and layout of the area.
A metallic fence surrounded its perimeter, with 44 gates equally spaced around it; this perimeter was where the shinobi would enter. Inside was a river, dense forest, and a tower located at the exact center. The forest's radius stretched about ten kilometers. It lay to the north of the Forty-Third Training Ground, on the outskirts of the village. Within the forest were several large and deadly creatures such as leeches, tigers, and bears.
The mission and goal of the second exam were exactly as described in the anime I had once seen.
It was simple in concept—reach the middle of the training ground: the tower.
The tower was the final destination for each team, but before reaching it, every team needed to collect two scrolls. Each team started with only one scroll, either the Scroll of Heaven or the Scroll of Earth. To pass the exam, a team had to find another team with the opposite scroll and obtain it by any means necessary. Then, they needed to reach the tower as a full team within the five-day limit. Before the second exam began, the candidates were required to sign a release form acknowledging the risks—stating that the proctors would not be held responsible for any injuries or deaths.
Teams were formed with three members, so naturally, I was grouped with Kakashi and Guy.
We were ready for the second round...
Five days...
Author Note
This marks the 50th chapter of my fanfic, and I couldn't be happier!
Thank you all so much for the support, comments, power stones, and encouragement you've shown me along the way. Your enthusiasm keeps me motivated to write every single day.
Let's continue this journey together—there's still so much more in store for Ren, Tsunade, kakashi and the rest of the world I've built for them.
Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!
— Dreaming_dragon97