These words were not just for comfort but also a fact.
The strong point of the Uchiha clan was not physical endurance.
Neither of the two had an exceptional physique like him, so having reached that ranking was already a very good result.
After saying this, he let the two go to rest.
Like many other people, Kuu and Reiko had spent a lot of energy climbing and had injuries on their hands.
And before knowing when the next exam would begin, the most important thing was to recover as quickly as possible.
While they rested, Reiko used medical ninjutsu to treat her own hand injuries and Kuu's.
The fact that both had been chosen by the clan to accompany Gen in this exam meant that each had unique abilities.
Despite being less strong than Kuu, Reiko's mastery of medical ninjutsu made her a versatile combatant and, at the same time, a valuable logistical support.
....
"As the examiner of this test, I announce that the first test has concluded."
Time passed quickly. When the last candidate climbed the cliff and reached the top, Buziyi stepped forward and loudly announced the end of the test.
At that moment, those who had not ranked among the top 150 lowered their heads in disappointment, while those who had received their identification plate immediately focused on Buziyi, waiting for information about the next test.
Gen did the same, watching him attentively.
Without wasting time, Buziyi scanned them all with his gaze and, after a brief pause, shouted, "Now, those who have received an identification plate, step out and follow me to the location of the next test."
"Is the next test starting already? Won't they even give us time to rest?"
"This is a problem, my hands are pretty hurt. It'll be hard for me to form seals."
"So fast? We don't even know what the next test will be about..."
Upon hearing Buziyi's words, the candidates who had passed the first test reacted in different ways.
Some frowned with concern, others muttered complaints in low voices.
But there were also those who remained unfazed, like Gen.
The fact that they didn't give them time to rest and moved straight to the second test made the exam more demanding. However, for him, this posed no pressure.
Shortly after, the top 100 candidates gathered and followed Buziyi up a stone staircase on the other side of the cliff, heading towards the location of the next exam.
Although the Land of Lightning was full of mountains, there were also forests.
After a little over an hour of travel, the candidates arrived, under Buziyi's guidance, at a forest surrounded by tall walls.
"Welcome, I am the examiner of the second test, Neil."
In front of the candidates, on the wall, there was a large iron gate. A group of Kumogakure ninjas was already waiting for them.
The man at the front of them stepped forward and spoke indifferently.
Most Cloud ninjas had a marked difference in skin tones: they were either very dark-skinned or pale white.
And now, this examiner of the second test, Neil, had skin as white as milk.
As Neil spoke, Buziyi discreetly withdrew, leaving the candidates in the new examiner's charge.
Everyone, including Gen, remained silent, attentively watching Neil, waiting for him to explain the rules of the second test.
"Now I will announce the rules of the second test. This test is a 'survival and badge battle' challenge. You must survive in the forest behind me for ten days while attempting to seize the badges of other participants.
There are only four rules in this exam:
First, you must obtain at least two badges from other participants and ensure that you do not lose your own. If you lose yours, no matter how many you acquire, you will be eliminated.
Second, both your own badge and the ones you obtain must be worn on your chest. Hiding them is prohibited; if you do so, you will be disqualified.
Third, you cannot leave the area enclosed by the walls. If you do, you will be eliminated.
And fourth, this exam remains an individual test. Forming teams or cooperating is not allowed. If any violation is discovered, you will be disqualified.
Finally, a piece of advice: inside the forest, there are not only a large number of beasts but also numerous and dangerous chakra-infused animals. Even simple survival will be a great challenge, so stay cautious."
Neil did not make them wait too long, and after a brief introduction, he immediately explained the nature of the exam.
'Survival and fighting for badges…'
After hearing the rules, Gen took his badge out of his pocket, glanced at it, and then observed the other candidates.
Many did the same. In fact, several people were already looking at others—some with caution and others with a strong hunger for battle.
From the first test, Kumogakure had made it clear that this exam would not be based on team trials but on individual assessments. This increased the importance of personal skill.
The badge had a pin on the back to attach it directly to the chest of their clothing.
After the rules of the test were announced, everyone properly placed their badges under the supervision of the Kumogakure staff.
"The entry order will follow the ranking of the previous test. Each candidate will enter one minute after the previous one. Now, enter in order."
Once everything was ready, Neil began organizing the entry.
The first on the list was, naturally, Gen Uchiha.
Since everyone entered through the same gate and there was a one-minute interval between each candidate, it was obvious that those who entered first would have an advantage.
Whether to hide, follow others, or set up an ambush, the first entrants would have more time to plan their strategies.
That is why, when the giant iron gate opened and Gen was the first to enter the forest, the other candidates, except for those from Konoha, watched him with suspicion and caution.
________
Time: If you're craving more (and I know you are!), I have just what you need. On my Patreon, you'll find exclusive chapters. Join our community and be the first to discover what happens next!
👉 [patreon.com/Athome790]
Your support fuels me. Thank you for the support! 💖