Naruto: Konoha's Psychic

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The weight of Anko's words hung heavy in the air, and the reaction among the Genin was mixed. Many swallowed nervously, fear creeping into their expressions as they considered the grim reality of the test. Yet, others, especially those from rival ninja villages, had a dangerous gleam in their eyes. The thought of taking out opponents—perhaps even killing them—seemed to excite them.

Anko surveyed the group, her sharp eyes catching every flicker of fear, excitement, and determination. Her grin widened. Perfect. She had achieved exactly what she wanted: tension and focus.

"Alright, now that you understand the stakes," she began, her voice commanding attention, "let's talk about the rules for the second round of the exam."

She held up two scrolls for everyone to see. One was marked with the word Heaven, the other with Earth. "These," she explained, her tone almost teasing, "are the key to your survival in this round. There are 26 scrolls in total—13 Heaven scrolls and 13 Earth scrolls."

She paced slowly, letting her words sink in. "To pass this test, your team must possess both a Heaven scroll and an Earth scroll. You'll then need to make your way to the tower located in the center of the 44th Training Ground." She pointed to the scroll she had just opened, revealing a detailed map of the forest. Her finger landed on the tower, the central point marked prominently.

"You have five days to accomplish this," she added, her tone growing sharper. "Fail to reach the tower with both scrolls, and you're disqualified. Lose all your team members? Disqualified. Lose your scroll? Disqualified."

The Genin murmured amongst themselves, the challenge sinking in. For some, it felt straightforward. For others, it seemed nearly impossible.

Then Anko's gaze fell on Inoiki, and her smirk turned sly. "And you, Inoiki," she said, singling him out with an almost predatory glee, "will have an extra challenge. Unlike the others, you won't be starting with either of these scrolls."

The crowd turned to look at him, curiosity and disbelief written on their faces.

Anko continued, her grin widening. "To pass, you'll have to defeat two separate teams—one carrying a Heaven scroll and the other carrying an Earth scroll. Only then will you have what you need to reach the tower."

Inoiki's expression didn't waver, though inwardly he felt the weight of the added challenge. Anko's smirk lingered as if daring him to falter.

The other Genin eyed him warily. Some looked amused, others calculating, and a few even excited at the prospect of targeting him. But Inoiki stood tall, his resolve unshaken. He simply nodded at Anko, accepting the challenge without a word.

The Forest of Death awaited.

Nearly an hour passed as the Genin submitted their consent forms, one by one. Inoiki, like the others, handed over his form and moved to the next phase of the exam. Teams approached a counter, shrouded by a thick curtain, ensuring that the scrolls each team received—either Heaven or Earth—remained a secret.

When the last team had collected their scroll, the invigilators began organizing the Genin. Each team was escorted to a specific gate, numbered from one to forty-four, spaced evenly around the vast perimeter of the Forest of Death. This distribution ensured the teams started far enough apart to make the test a challenge, forcing strategy and stealth to come into play.

Inoiki was assigned to Gate 7, standing just outside the imposing fence with an invigilator. The man was silent, his expression unreadable, as he occasionally glanced at his watch. Inoiki stood still, his face calm yet serious, already focusing on what lay ahead.

At exactly 2:30 PM, a loud mechanical groan echoed through the forest. The gates creaked open simultaneously, and with a sense of purpose, every team stepped into the infamous Forest of Death.

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As Inoiki crossed the threshold of Gate 7, he immediately felt the shift in atmosphere. The towering trees loomed above, their dense canopy blocking most of the sunlight. The air was thick with the scent of earth and vegetation, and the faint rustling of unseen creatures echoed around him.

He moved with calculated steps, heading in the direction of the central tower—the ultimate goal for all teams. He knew the path wouldn't be simple. Other teams would undoubtedly target him, especially since he didn't have a scroll to begin with. Even those not actively seeking a fight would likely set ambushes or traps for unsuspecting opponents.

But Inoiki had one advantage: his sensory abilities. He could detect other teams lying in wait long before they detected him, making it easier to avoid conflicts or strike first. His plan was simple—locate and engage two teams, one carrying a Heaven scroll and the other an Earth scroll, to secure his passage to the tower.

As he walked, his face remained tense, his mind occupied with thoughts heavier than the task at hand. One question kept gnawing at him: Should I help Sasuke or not?

His brows furrowed as he weighed the possibilities. With my current strength, I might be able to protect Sasuke from falling into the darkness Orochimaru will lead him toward, he thought. But doubt crept in. If I intervene, would Sasuke lose the power he gained from Orochimaru's training? Could I risk weakening him by preventing that path?

He clenched his fists, the forest's damp air clinging to his skin as he pushed forward. No, he resolved, his thoughts sharpening. If I help Sasuke with everything I have, there's no reason he can't grow even stronger without Orochimaru. And what kind of friend would I be if I let him walk into the hands of a monster?

Still, the word "friend" felt heavy. Our bond isn't deep, he admitted to himself, but maybe it doesn't have to be. I owe it to myself to try.

Inoiki pressed onward, his resolve hardening. The Forest of Death was unforgiving, but so was the future he hoped to reshape.

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