Lotus Of The Leaf ~Book One~

Chapter 22! The Tenth Question! All Or Nothing!

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The minutes seemed to drag on as I awaited for Ibiki to announce the last question. And from the looks of it, so were a lot of people. The subtle tick of the clock had me wanting to pull my hair out. "Now that we've weeded out most of the hopeless cases, fifteen minutes to go. Time for the main event!" Ibiki announced, making me look up in relief. 'Finally...' "Alright! Listen up! Here's the tenth and final question!" I clenched my fingers over my pencil, gritting my teeth. 'Here we go... it's all or nothing at this point...' I sigh out and pay close attention. "But, before I give the tenth question, there are some more rules that you need to be aware of." Ibiki states. Just as he does, the door opens and Kankuro steps in.

"Huh?" He hums.

"Ah... Made it just in time." Ibiki smirks. "I hope you found your trip to the bathroom enlightening." Ibiki chimes. I perk up, wondering if what I felt was right. "Well? Take your seat." Ibiki snaps. "These rules are unique to question ten. Listen carefully and try not to let them frighten you." Ibiki looks over his shoulder. 'Frighten me more than Gaara over here?' I question to myself. "Very well then, Rule Number One; Each of you is free to chose not to be given the final question. It's your decision." 'Huh?'

"Woah! So what's the catch!" I hear the blonde girl from the sand trio ask aloud. "Say we decide we don't wanna do it, what happens then?"

"If you chose not to take the tenth question, regardless of your answers to the other nine, you'll get a zero. In other words; You fail. And that means, of course, both your team mates fail as well." Everyone started to murmur as to why anyone would do that. "Not so fast... You didn't let me finish." Ibiki stated. "If you do accept the question, but answer it incorrectly, you will not only fail...." We all sat at the edge of our seats. "You will be barred from ever taking the Chunin Exam again!" He declares loudly.

It feels as if a chill washes down my back. "Hey, that's bull man!" Kiba shouts "That's ridiculous! What kind of bogus rule is that?! There's lots of people here who've taken the test before!" Kiba snapped. Akamaru barked in response.

Ibiki just chuckled. "I guess you're just... Unlucky." He states. "I wasn't making the rules before, but I am now. Of course if you don't wanna take it, you don't have to." He repeats. "If you're not feeling confident enough, then by all means skip it, you can come back and try again next year." Ibiki smirks before laughing again. 'That's such bull shit! If one of us decides we don't take it, we can try again next year, but... if one of us screws up... we won't get that chance again....' I bite my lip, trying to hide my obvious anger. "Now then, the tenth and final question. Those who don't want to take it, raise your hand." Ibiki commanded. "Your number will be recorded and then you're free to go." A few people did decide to leave. One by one, teams got up to leave. It made my heart wrench at the thought. I stared at Naruto, waiting for him to raise his hand. I wouldn't hold it against him if he decided our futures were more important than some stupid question. I pursed my lips, debating if I would raise my hand for him. He would be too stubborn. I looked over at Sakura to see her start to raise her hand, but Naruto raised his. We all flinched at his shaking hand.... That is until he slammed it on his desk.

"Don't underestimate me!" Naruto suddenly shouts, standing up. I stare in awe. 'This kid, I swear. He's got more guts than anyone would give him credit for.' "I don't quit and 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!" He finishes, staring down at Ibiki with determination. He sat back down wit a huff, crossing his arms over his chest. 'Way to go, Naruto... You knuckle head...'

"This decision could change your life!" Ibiki starts. "If for any reason you would rather quit, now is your last chance." Ibiki urged.

"No way, I never go back on my word." Naruto retorts confidently. "That's the way of the Ninja." I smiled and straightened up, cracking my knuckles.