The Life of Ki (Naruto Fanfic)

The Forest Of Death

(A/N: FINALS ARE COMING UP SO IM PRETTY SURE THAT WHAT I PUT ABOVE IS RELATABLE)

We arrive at the 44th Training Ground of Konoha, and I've got to admit I'm a little impressed.

I was always aware that there were intense training grounds in this land, but this specific one has always been off-limits to students and second-rate ninja.

Looking at it now, I can imagine why it is nicknamed the "Forest of Death".

A giant stone wall separates us from the creatures inside, but I can still see distant trees peeking up over the enormous wall, and screeches and wails ring out through the air.

"Okay, teams!" Anko announces to the groups in front of her.

"I will explain the Second Test, and then I will need you to sign these...agreement forms." She chuckles nervously.

"Nothing serious—just in the case of death, I don't want to be responsible, heh." She says as she begins to pass out forms.

Naruto fetches a stack for our team, and I skim the paper absentmindedly just to ensure I'm not selling my soul for participating.

I look up again as Anko continues speaking.

"Simply put, this part of the exam is a survival test." Anko begins to explain.

Something tells me this isn't going to be as fun as Kakashi's survival exercise...

I watch the large, looming wall with apprehension as Anko continues explaining. "Around Practice Arena 44, there are 44 locked gates where each team will be stationed in the beginning. Your mission is to obtain both a Heaven and an Earth scroll in the arena." Anko holds up two scrolls in her hands, one white and one black.

"At the start, each team will either have an Earth scroll or a Heaven scroll. Your mission will be to obtain one of each type of scroll and arrive at the tower in the center of the arena. This test will last 120 hours, and there will be plenty of food provided in the forest. There is only an opportunity for 13 teams to pass, but it is likely that not even 13 will make it." Anko says darkly.

Only 13 teams can pass at the most? We'll have to work hard to be one of the teams that do.

"As a rule, there is no quitting during this challenge. "You will also be disqualified if you...'lose' a teammate." Anko announces, clearly hinting at death.

"Furthermore, you also may not look at the scrolls before arriving at the tower...or else I will have to kill you." She smiles cheerfully.

"Alright, that's it. Turn in your agreement forms and your team will receive its scroll. Oh! One more word of advice...don't die." With that final word, Anko heads towards the arena's gate.

Who would quit at this point? The worst case scenario is just death.

I hold the agreement form in my steady hands. Around me, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke immediately sign the form, but I have thoughts on my mind...

It is not hard to infer what this agreement form means: it means there will be killing in that arena. Everyone will be fighting with all they have—this is a true survival mission.

Looking at some of the participants' age and size, I have no doubt they will begin with trying to take out the rookies like my own team.

I hesitate one final time before quickly writing my name to prevent myself from changing my mind.

"We will begin in 15 minutes!" Another examiner announces not far from behind me. With all of our team's contracts filled out, the four of us rush to the tent where we will pick up our scroll.