Chapter 19: The Cursed Exam
Everyone was doing their thing. Sakura was answering quickly -huh, nerd-, Sasuke was using his Sharingan to copy her hands movements, Gaara was using his sand eye to copy someone's answer, Orochimaru and Kabuto seemed to already be done and were doing nothing and Naruto... well, he was suffering.
I found it quite funny, since the Chunin overwatching the exam with Ibiki began eliminating random people who were caught copying, which increased everyone's nervousness. The funny part was when the person who the eliminated guy was copying from was also eliminated.
'Guess it's time to write something'
Looking around the classroom, I realized I was sitting right in front of a guy who was writing everything with complete confidence. Hence, I decided to do something very simple.
'Suiton: Water Mirror'
Water Mirror is a self explaining Jutsu. It literally creates a mirror made of water. I used the mirror to see what he was writing in his sheet and, just like that, copied everything I knew was right. It took me fifteen minutes and only two questions were left. I guessed that any moment now, Ibiki would jump in with his magical tenth question.
Not thinking about other's problems, I looked at the two remaining questions. It was clear as day that they weren't meant for any Genin to answer them, since I had only learned of those topics in depth when I spent the entire month training.
'What is the basis behind shape and nature manipulation of Chakra?'
I was sure that this question would remain unanswered by at least fifty percent of the examinees. It wasn't usual for a Genin to understand such a difficult topic, since most of them didn't even know what their Chakra affinity was until they became Chunin or their Sensei decided to give them proper training in Ninjutsu. The last question was more of a trip down hell.
'How many Ninjas are registered in the Bingo Books?'
That question was outright impossible to answer, since only Jonin level Shinobi have access to the Bingo Book of their respective village. Even if you somehow knew the Bingo Book of your own Village, there was no way you would know the book of a different one. I didn't linger too much on that question though, simply because Ibiki began his speech.
"It's time for the tenth question. But before I give it to you, there is a catch. If you answer incorrectly, you'll fail and won't be allowed to take the Chunin Exams ever again. But if you forfeit now, you can take the Exams again"
Everyone began thinking about what to do and, just when someone was about to raise their hand, Ibiki said his final piece.
"Before you forfeit, though, you must know that you are taking your team with you"
After that the situation became tenser by the second. A lot of people began to leave the venue. This time though, it wasn't Naruto's speech that kept more people there. I gave them a little push while at the same time earning their ire.
"If you aren't ready to face unknown circumstances, or if you are simply afraid, then why the hell are you even here?"
I didn't speak in a loud voice, neither did I try to sound arrogant. I was simply stating a fact. After me, Naruto jumped in and gave his motivational speech on not backing down. Ibiki looked at both of us and simply smirked, apparently happy with the new blood that would be working in the newest generation. Once he saw everyone was adamant on staying, Ibiki smiled widely.
"Congratulations! Those of you who remain here pass!"
"WHAT?!" "How so?!" "Then what was the exam for?!"
Question after question flew from most of the Genin present, Naruto included. When Ibiki explained the true purpose of the exam and how the last question was meant to just test who was willing to stay against all odds, a lot of people deflated like an old balloon.
When everyone was already relaxed, the next proctor entered by breaking the window.
"What are so many people doing here? Ibiki, have you grown softer?"
"Ha! There are some interesting examinees this year"
As he said that, he looked at me. He must've realized that I already knew of what the exam was truly about, since I had no reaction when he explained it. Anko also looked at me and somehow seemed to know me from somewhere. I didn't pay it much mind though.
"Ok, everyone, I'm Anko Mitarashi and I'll be the proctor for the second stage. I'll be waiting for all of you tomorrow at Training Ground 44"
Like that, Anko disappeared and we were dismissed to do whatever we wanted before the assigned time to be at the location for the Second Stage. While everyone was leaving, I asked them to wait for me outside since I had something to do. Which was talking to Ibiki.
"Ibiki-san, there is something that you need to inform the Hokage about"
He looked at me surprised, since it was a Genin saying something that completely outranked him. Still, he was more curious about what I was about to say.
"What is it, kozo?"
"There are two suspicious Shinobi. One is the pale girl with the rope belt, she feel dangerous and oozes of death. The other one is Kabuto Yakushi from Konoha. He doesn't feel dangerous, but he gives off a malicious vibe"
Ibiki looked at me as if I was spouting bullshit, which I probably was in his eyes. Still, I had to insist on this. If possible, I wanted to stop trouble from happening.
"Just ask Hokage-sama about me. He'll probably tell you to investigate those two"
With my piece said, I left the venue, leaving behind a pondering Ibiki. What I didn't know was that I had just made myself as much of a target as Sasuke and Naruto would be later on. And as they say, ignorance is bliss. That is why I continued my day celebrating with everyone else and our families that we had sucessfully passed the First Stage.
That same night, things would begin to shift.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone