𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 [𝐤𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞]

𝟏.𝟐 𝐍𝐨 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥

                 In the first stage of the Chunin Exams, 26 teams, a higher number than average, pass the second stage. Proctored by Ibiki Morino, a Tokubetsu Jonin that specializes in interrogation, both physically and psychologically. A shinobi with the ability to subject people to great suffering without ever using physical torture, and has complete knowledge of human psychology. 

        The first stage, at a glance, is an hour-long written test of ten questions. However, the first nine questions are too difficult for an average Genin to be able to answer. The real objective, therefore, is to cheat: either copy from one of the few Genin that can answer the questions or from one of the Chunin, posing as an examinee. 

        If a Genin is caught cheating five times, they and the rest of their team are disqualified. It's an exam that tests their critical thinking skills. In most cases, being caught cheating means instant failure, but the two-point reduction is meant to give them a chance instead of trying again without being caught and make them realize they have to cheat. Getting the correct answer to these nine questions is not ultimately important, as it is possible to pass without answering any of them at all.

        Forty-five minutes into the first stage, the Genin are given the opportunity to answer the tenth question. They are first warned that, if they answer the question incorrectly, they will not be allowed to take the exams ever again; if they forfeit, which also disqualifies the rest of their team, before hearing the question, they will be allowed to retake the exams another time. This option is, itself, the tenth question; if a Genin is willing to face the unknown of the tenth question, they are ready to be a Chunin. Ibiki's specific set of skills are crucial, as he tried everything imaginable to get as many Genin to drop out as possible. 

        The second stage takes place in the Forest of Death and is proctored by Anko Mitarash, another Tokubetsu Jonin. 

        Three-man teams are given either a Heaven Scroll or an Earth Scroll before entering the forest. They then have five days for the entire team to reach the building in the center of the forest with one of each scroll in their possession; how they acquire the other scroll is up to them, by force or by trade being the most common options. Because of the natural hazards of the forest, the absence of services or outside assistance, and the likely conflict with other teams, Genin must sign liability waivers before entering to release Konoha from responsibility for any injuries or deaths.

        The Genin are forbidden from opening either scroll until they have reached the central building. If they follow these instructions, the scroll will summon a higher-ranked ninja to grant them advancement to the next stage. If they do not follow this instruction, the shinobi will render them and everyone else in the area unconscious for the duration of the second stage.

        Mist the exam, dead and faceless bodies are found outside, and miles away from the grounds of the exam. Someone had eliminated a Genin team from Kusagakure and is now posing as them in the exam. The way the bodies no longer had faces, shook Anko, recognizing it to be the work of someone she knows.

        "Where in big trouble! Communicate this to Lord Hokage right away!" Anko shouts. "And tell Hanai to call for action to the Anbu Black Ops to assemble more than two squads to the Forest of Death! Starting now, I'm going to follow these guys! Got it!?"

        That guy has come back to Konohagakure!

∞

        A metallic fence surrounds the perimeter with 44 gates equally spaced around it. Inside is a river, the forest, and a red tower located in the exact center; the forest's radius is about ten kilometers. Within the forest are several large and deadly creatures such as leeches, tigers, and bears. It's a very dangerous place, filled with hordes of flora and fauna, often gigantic, poisonous—or even more likely, both—hence its name, the Forest of Death.