Child of the Moon

What it Takes

Aiyanna's mild confusion at seeing Naruto's hand in the air was short-lived, as that same hand came slamming down on his desk.

"Don't underestimate me!" he yelled furiously. "I don't quit, and I don't run! You can act tough all you want. You guys aren't gonna scare me off, no way! I don't care if I do get stuck as a genin for the rest of my life, I'll still be Hokage someday!"

Aiyanna grinned widely to herself, leaning on her hand. "I knew I liked that guy. You go, Naruto! Let's all get through this, and show them our real strength!"

Ibiki looked around the room, staring down each person. Aiyanna noticed that Aki and Katsu had taken to pulling faces at the scarred shinobi.

"This decision is one that could change your life," Ibiki said. "If for any reason you should want to quit... now's your last chance.:

"No way, I never go back on my word," Naruto insisted. "That's the Way of the Ninja."

"Hell ya!" Aki cheered, pumping her fist into the air.

Aiyanna chuckled, as Katsu also cheered loudly.

Ibiki walked forward, the barest hint of a smirk on his lips. "He's impressed with Naruto. I would be too in his shoes. Naruto has clearly inspired everyone to stay and tough it out."

Ibiki then looked around at the sentinels, and once each had given a nod, he also nodded.

"Looks like the moment has come..."

"Well then, I admire your determination, if nothing else," Ibiki said. "For those of you remaining, there's only one thing left to do...and that's for me to tell you..."

"Oh no... if he doesn't stop, Aki is going to do something ridiculous..." Aiyanna threw the red-head a concerned look and could see her almost bouncing out of her seat, pure frustration on her face.

"That you've all passed the first exam."

"YES!" Aki yelled while everyone went into momentary shock. Aiyanna had to cover her mouth, to try to keep from laughing out loud. "Wait, what?"

"What just happened?" Sakura yelled. "What do you mean we passed? Where's the tenth question?"

Ibiki burst out laughing, a huge grin on his face. "There never was one, not a written one at least."

"Oh, I get it," Aki said, nodding sagely.

"No, you don't," Nanami said from her spot near Naruto.

"Yeah, I don't get it," Aki agreed again, still nodding sagely.

"Our decision to stay," Aiyanna said. "That was the answer to the tenth question, right?"

"Exactly," Ibiki said, still grinning and laughing.

"The guy is a sadist..." Aiyanna groaned internally.

"Wait a second," the Sand ninja from the other day, with the four braids, spoke up. "So the other nine questions were just a waste of time, is that what you're saying?"

"No, no, not at all," Ibiki shrugged. "Quite the opposite. The first nine questions had an important overriding purpose. To test your ability to surreptitiously gather strategic intelligence under the most adverse circumstances."

"Oh, well that clears up everything," she answered, sounding still slightly confused.

"Let me explain," Ibiki said. "You see, my intention was to not only test you as individuals, but as a team, and how well you function as a part of that team. That's why the test was scored on a team basis: so you knew that everything you did, or failed to do, directly affected your teammates. I wanted to see how you handled the pressure."