Time went by as the Genin who were able to collect both scroll types began to enter the tower and pass the second phase of the Chunin exam. Soon, the living room was filled with surviving Genin from different villages, all looking tired, bruised, and beaten up from their time in the brutal forest.
There were only a few teams that were able to stay clean and tidy. Most of these teams came from great ninja villages. After all, these ninjas from great ninja villages have always had deep foundations, allowing them to learn more jutsu and combat techniques.
Just as everyone was resting and gathering information on other contestants, the big door at the front of the room opened. Anko stepped out alongside Tsunade, Hiruzen, and the rest of the Jonin leaders, including Kakashi, Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai.
"Alright, listen up, you brats!" Anko shouted, her loud voice instantly cutting through the noise. "First off, congratulations on making it out of the Forest of Death alive!"
A small cheer rang out from the crowd before Anko held her hand, stopping the nosy kids to listening to the rest of her words.
"However... way too many of you soft fools actually passed. Really, we never expected almost all the scrolls would be collected by you guys," Anko continued, a creepy grin spreading across her face as she looked over the crowd. "So this means we've got a problem. What to do!!"
Just as the small kids were getting this tense because of this and were even considering making a run for it, Anko, who was so serious, suddenly made a playful remark and said, " Tehee, why don't we let our Third Hokage explain what will happen next to you lot "
Seeing Anko acting like this, Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed loudly, looking like she already had a headache, while Kakashi just rubbed the back of his head with an awkward chuckle.
Old Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward, coughing softly to bring order back to the room before taking a small puff from his pipe. A trail of gray smoke drifted up toward the high ceiling as his deep, calm voice echoed through the hall.
"What Proctor Anko meant to say is that the final phase of the Chunin Exam is a big event," Hiruzen explained, looking at all the tired young ninjas. "Important lords, leaders, and rich clients from all over the world come to watch these fights. Because we don't have enough time and there are too many guests, we simply cannot let this many candidates fight in the final tournament. Therefore..."
The Third Hokage turned slightly and pointed toward a giant black screen mounted high up on the wall.
"...we will be holding a set of preliminary rounds right here, right now. One-on-one battles to cut our numbers in half."
Groans, gasps, and angry complaints broke out among all the other teams, but there were also some teams who got super excited. Especially those ninjas from the Sound Village, who were still naively thinking of going through with their big plan. They had no idea that their boss, Orochimaru, had already run away from Konoha, trying to find a safe place to heal his terrible injuries.
"So, young Genin, rest for another hour, and then we will announce the lots and tell you each of your opponents for these preliminary rounds," Hiruzen said as he eyed the foreign Jonin who came.
These foreign Jonin were the guardians of the young ninjas. Before Hiruzen even stepped into the room, he had already held a quick meeting with them to discuss what to do. It was actually those foreign leaders who asked for a one-hour break, wanting to give their tired kids a chance to catch their breath.
And after speaking some more about rules and regulations, Hiruzen and the rest left the room, letting the kids enjoy their rest time. They also had to finish making up the preparations needed to do for the preliminary rounds.
….
While the Hokage and the rest of the Jonin were busy dealing with the preliminary rounds, Izanami didn't head straight back home after scaring away that snake. Instead, she made her way up to Hokage Mountain, standing quietly on the clifftop as she looked down at the peaceful village of Konoha below.
From high up on the mountain, the entire village looked small and quiet. The warm breeze blew her hair as her dark eyes scanned the streets, the busy shops, and the houses spread out under the blue sky.
"At first I thought letting you take charge of Root should just be temporary because of your already unstable mentality, but I never expected you to develop the Root Division like this. This is completely out of my expectations," Izanami said as she turned around.
Behind her stood a young man with long black hair, tied back in a low ponytail, wearing the dark, emblem-less armor of Root. His dark eyes were calm, but deep inside, they held a heavy weight. It was Itachi Uchiha.
"You and Lady Tsunade gave me a task, Lady Izanami," Itachi replied softly, bowing his head slightly in respect. "To rebuild something from the dark and turn it into a blade that protects from the shadows. I simply used the methods necessary to ensure absolute loyalty and efficiency."
Izanami stepped closer, her sharp eyes scanning him. "Efficiency, huh? Danzo used seal tags and brainwashing to control his shadows. You used your eyes and their own devotion to you. I can't decide which one is more terrifying."
A faint shadow passed over Itachi's face, but his voice stayed smooth and steady. "Danzo built a cage. I built a shield. The members of Root now act not because they are mindless dolls, but because they believe in the purpose. They operate in the dark so Konoha can stay in the light."
Izanami let out a soft, amused laugh, looking back out over the village below. "A shield made of dark shadows... how poetic. But remember, Itachi, if a blade gets too sharp, it might cut the hand holding it."
"I am fully aware," Itachi said, stepping up to stand a few paces beside her, gazing at the village where his younger brother was currently fighting in the tower. "How were the exams?"
"Boring," Izanami replied lazily, a dark smirk playing on her lips. "Though your little brother was quite good, he is still too green. Ah, right there was that snake who tried to show off."
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of Orochimaru. "Orochimaru was there?"
"He was," she said, her voice full of calm indifference. "I broke him a little and let him run. A living snake keeps things interesting. Besides, the real fun in this village is only just beginning."
*****
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