Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Sasuke Passes the Written Exam – A Test of Will and Wisdom
"Are you planning to use the rules I set?" Ibiki's gaze shifted toward Sasuke and his team, his expression a mix of disbelief and reluctant admiration. Here they were, turning the rules he established into a strategy to achieve their own goals. How cunning—Sasuke wasn't just thinking of his own success but also plotting a path to ensure his comrades' advancement. What a problem child.
Ibiki had initially devised the test questions, thinking they would stump the candidates, but Sasuke's clever interpretation of the rules threw him off. If Ibiki didn't honor his own rules, it would undermine the entire exam's authority. Yet, if he allowed Sasuke's strategy to stand, other candidates might adopt the same approach, rendering the intelligence-gathering test meaningless.
A bitter smile played on Ibiki's lips as he realized the dilemma: the audacious young ninja had managed to corner him. "Fine. You're lucky," he said at last, gesturing for Sasuke to sit down.
Sasuke's approach had stirred excitement among the other candidates. Naruto and Sakura cheered, finally feeling relief from their anxieties. Naruto, in particular, felt a newfound confidence that he could pass the written exam. His friend's strategy had not only saved their team but also sparked hope among others who couldn't solve the questions themselves. The room buzzed with quiet murmurs of possibility.
"Alright, quiet down, everyone," Ibiki announced from the podium, his voice slicing through the whispers. "I'm now going to present the tenth question." He scanned the room, letting his gaze linger briefly on Sasuke before continuing. "Before I reveal the tenth question, each of you must make a choice. You can decide to take the exam or withdraw."
The tension thickened as candidates exchanged glances. Sakura spoke up immediately, echoing the thoughts of many in the room. "Why hesitate? Of course, I'll continue with the exam!"
Ibiki's lips curled into a sly grin as he delivered the twist. "Candidates who fail the tenth question will be banned from ever taking the Chunin Exam again. For life."
The room erupted with cries of disbelief. "How can they do this?" one candidate shouted, while another muttered in dismay, "Disqualify us for life? That's outrageous!"
Ibiki's declaration had thrown everyone off balance, creating an atmosphere thick with frustration and tension. But amidst the unrest, one bold candidate called out, "Why can't we just follow Sasuke's example and sidestep the question entirely? If he can do it, why can't we?"
Ibiki's response was swift and cutting. "From this moment, any candidate found exploiting loopholes will be immediately disqualified."
The announcement swept over the crowd like a shockwave, silencing the murmurs and filling the room with an air of unease. Protests broke out again as candidates voiced their frustrations. "This is favoritism toward Konoha ninjas!" one yelled. "Yeah, they're probably just making rules to benefit their own people!" added another.
Ibiki's voice cut through the noise, laced with cold authority. "Enough! The rules here are my rules. If you can't abide by them, then perhaps this isn't the place for you." His words sent chills through the room, and the tension returned with full force.
Candidates wrestled with their decision. The stakes had never felt higher. The idea of failing and being permanently banned from the Chunin Exam weighed heavily on them. In a matter of minutes, many chose to withdraw, unable to withstand the pressure. The mounting tension gnawed at everyone, and even Naruto's confidence seemed to falter.
But then, in the midst of the uncertainty, Sasuke rose to his feet, capturing everyone's attention. His voice, though calm, carried a powerful resolve. "Being a ninja is dangerous. In this world, we face risks every day. Whether you're a Genin, Chunin, or even a village leader, death could come at any moment."
Sasuke's gaze swept over the crowd, his expression unwavering. "If my fate is to remain a Genin forever, so be it. I'll accept that. But I won't let the fear of failure hold me back. I have dreams to fulfill, and I'm not giving up just because the path is hard. If it means breaking your rules to stay true to myself, then I'll do it. I'd rather live my life as a Genin than turn into a coward afraid to try."
His words sparked something in the room. Naruto's face lit up with determination, and he joined Sasuke, echoing his defiant spirit. "He's right! I want to become Hokage, and I'm not backing down either. If it means risking everything, then so be it!"
Sakura and Ino chimed in, their voices filled with admiration. Sasuke's resolve had reignited the passion within each candidate, encouraging them to confront their fears. Murmurs of agreement spread, and one by one, the candidates found their courage, each resolving to face the final question head-on.
Ibiki watched the shift in the room, his irritation tempered by a hint of respect. Sasuke had managed to inspire every candidate, turning them from hesitant and fearful to determined and resolved. What a troublesome kid, he thought, though he couldn't help but admire Sasuke's ability to rally those around him.
"Alright then," Ibiki said, his voice steady. "If no one else wishes to withdraw, I'll reveal the answer to the tenth question."
He allowed the silence to hang for a moment, relishing the suspense before his lips curled into a knowing smile. "Congratulations. Every single one of you here has passed."
The room erupted into cheers, disbelief, and excitement as the weight of the announcement settled in. Many couldn't believe it; they had spent the past minutes agonizing over a test that, in the end, rewarded their courage and commitment rather than their answers.
Ibiki explained, "The tenth question was a test of your resolve. Being a ninja requires strength not just in skill but in character. By staying, you've proven that you have the courage to face uncertain outcomes. Passing this exam isn't just about intelligence—it's about the willingness to see things through, even when the outcome is unknown."
Sasuke's defiance had proven invaluable, sparking a wave of determination that unified the room. Ibiki's challenge had seemed insurmountable, but by refusing to submit, Sasuke had changed the course for everyone. His words had given voice to the fearlessness required of a ninja, reminding them of the strength they each held within.
As the candidates filed out of the exam hall, they carried with them a newfound confidence and respect for each other, bound by the shared experience of overcoming a test that pushed them to their limits. And as they walked away, Sasuke's words echoed in their minds, a reminder that being a ninja was more than a rank or title—it was a commitment to never back down, no matter the odds.
Ibiki watched them leave, a faint smile on his face as he pondered the path that lay ahead for each of them. The challenges would only grow more intense, but after today, he knew that they were ready to face whatever came their way.
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