Nara Shikamaru and the rest of the six Konoha Genin teams—Team 8 and Team 10—had completed the second phase of the Chūnin Exams and reached the central tower in under a single day, making them the first to arrive with both the Heaven and Earth scrolls.
After a brief discussion between Chūnin examiners Hayate Gekkō and Morino Ibiki, it was decided that Hayate would report the situation to the chief proctor, Anko Mitarashi, while Ibiki would remain behind to explain the next phase of the exam—and share with the Genin a message left behind by the Third Hokage himself.
Even though the situation with Orochimaru was a serious threat, the Chūnin Exams and the cultivation of Konoha's next generation were of even greater importance. Protocol had to be followed. With both teams arriving together, one proctor was enough to handle the debriefing.
"First of all, congratulations."
Hayate Gekkō turned to the six young Genin after Morino Ibiki disappeared through the hall, carrying the corpse of the impostor they'd brought with them.
"Making it through the second stage means you've proven that you can survive in hostile battlefield conditions. That was the point of the Forest of Death. Even if you don't pass the next round, you've already shown that you're among the elite of your class."
Kiba Inuzuka, never one to enjoy being patronized, furrowed his brow at the proctor's overly sympathetic tone—but Hayate was a Chūnin, and he held his tongue.
"The rule that no team member can be incapacitated in battle is there to emphasize the importance of teamwork," Hayate continued. "Chūnin are typically team leaders. Missions are carried out in squads. A squad leader must prioritize the safety of their comrades. Because here in the Leaf—people are our most valuable resource."
He then turned and gestured toward the large calligraphy scroll mounted on the tower wall.
"You've probably noticed that scroll by now. That was written by the Third Hokage himself. It's more than just decorative—it carries the philosophy of what it means to become a Chūnin."
Hayate read aloud:
"Heaven is clear and intangible, and thus governs wisdom. Earth is solid and heavy, and thus governs strength."
"If you lack natural intellect, then compensate through discipline and study. Only by constantly expanding your knowledge can you recognize opportunity and seize it. That's what it means when the Hokage wrote: 'If you lack Heaven, then gain wisdom to prepare for its arrival.'"
"If you lack natural strength or stamina, then forge it through training. Discover your talents. Refine them. Strengthen them. That's what 'If you lack Earth, then run across the fields in pursuit of benefit' means."
Hayate's gaze swept across the Genin. His eyes lingered briefly on Shikamaru, who stood quietly at the front, staring intently at the wall as though absorbing the meaning behind every word.
"When a shinobi has both—wisdom and strength—they are able to face danger and turn it into victory. That's the meaning of 'When both scrolls are opened, peril gives way to the right path.'"
He held up a Heaven scroll that had already been unsealed.
"The blank space on the scroll represents the missing third piece: 'Man.' The original text is 'This is the ultimate expression of Man, fit to lead.' A shinobi who embodies wisdom, strength, diligence, and the ability to turn danger into safety—such a person has the qualities to become a Chūnin. A squad leader. Someone responsible for the lives of their comrades."
"That's what I was assigned to teach you today," Hayate concluded, his voice firm. "There may be Anbu or other shinobi coming to question you later, but don't let it bother you."
"Rest up, all of you. The next phase of the exam is coming—and you'll need your strength if you want to earn that promotion."
Meanwhile, deep in the tower's monitoring room, a middle-aged shinobi with a goatee and sunglasses was staring at one of the surveillance feeds.
"Impressive…" he murmured. "They completed the second phase in just one day?"
A second Chūnin, lounging nearby, stood up curiously. "What was that?"
"These new Genin... they made it through the Forest of Death in record time."
But then his eyes widened.
"Wait—are those extra scrolls they're handing over? That many!?"
On the monitor, the Genin were seen passing off their excess scrolls—spares they no longer needed—to Hayate Gekkō before he left.
"They've got two extra Heaven scrolls, in addition to the ones needed to pass…" the second Chūnin muttered in awe. "That means they must've defeated at least four other teams. In one day? That's not something even most Chūnin could manage."
The first Chūnin sifted through a stack of files beside the terminal.
"Let's see… Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba, Hyūga Hinata… Nara Shikamaru?"
"This kid's from the Nara Clan?" the second one raised a brow. "No wonder he's got that haircut."
"And they beat Gai's squad here, too… Neji's team didn't arrive first."
As they were speaking, the door slammed open with a loud bang.
Startled, they turned—only to see Ibiki Morino stride in, still holding the corpse from the Forest of Death.
"You two, check the exam roster. See if this guy's name is on the list," Ibiki barked. "Has Anko returned yet?"
"No, not yet," the man with the goatee replied. "But the Anbu have already been informed. They've dispatched three squads into the forest."
"Anko's being reckless again," Ibiki muttered, annoyed. "The intruder might be—"
But before he could finish, both Chūnin suddenly stiffened and turned around.
They weren't alone.
A thin, elderly man had silently entered the room. He wore a large conical hat, a thick white beard, and the robes of a Hokage.
"Lord Third!" the three of them immediately bowed in unison.
The old man—Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, and one of the greatest ninja in history—walked forward and stared down at the corpse on the floor.
"What's this body?" he asked.
Ibiki straightened. "It was brought in by six Konoha Genin—Teams 8 and 10. They encountered him in the Forest of Death. He was disguised as a Grass Ninja, but they suspected he wasn't a legitimate participant."
"I see…" the Hokage murmured as he knelt and inspected the wounds.
"These are claw marks—likely from Inuzuka Kiba's companion. And these..." he noticed a few insect remains embedded in the flesh, "...must be from Aburame Shino's insects."
Then he glanced at the man's face. Though the disguise had mostly been removed, traces of an artificial layer of skin remained—particularly around the neck.
"This is Orochimaru's work," Hiruzen said grimly. "Only he would think of such a technique. And only he would have the skill to pull it off."
The false skin had been melded to the flesh almost seamlessly. The craftsmanship was chilling.
"To waste such genius on forbidden jutsu…" Hiruzen's voice was tinged with sorrow. "He could've been great…"
Then he stood.
"No need to check the records," he said. "This man was with Orochimaru. One of his agents."
None of the others questioned his judgment.
"Genma," Hiruzen addressed the Chūnin with the goatee. "Return to the village and bring back Chiba Gen from the Medical Corps, and Oyama Yusuke from the Forensics Division. I want this body analyzed immediately."
Genma nodded and left swiftly.
"You said it was six of our Genin who brought this body in?" Hiruzen asked. When Ibiki confirmed it with a nod, the Hokage fell silent for a moment in thought.
"They'll be entering the next stage of the exam soon. I don't want them distracted."
He turned to Ibiki.
"Summon Nara Shikamaru to this room. I need to speak with him directly. As for the others, tell them this man was an unauthorized intruder from an enemy village. The village will officially recognize their contribution."
Though he had no intention of interfering too much, Hiruzen knew this couldn't be ignored.
There were questions only Shikamaru could answer.
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