It had been a few weeks since Team E had met with the Tsuchikage.During that meeting, they had been informed of two things: first, they had been chosen to participate in the upcoming Chunin Exams; second, they had been given a secret mission — to humiliate the Kumo genin who were attending the exams.
To help them with this mission, the Tsuchikage allowed each member of Team E to select one special scroll, on the condition that they learn the jutsu before the exam began.
Since then, the three genin had thrown themselves into intense training.Without the distraction of regular missions, they could dedicate all their time to mastering their new abilities.
Training Days
Currently, Team E was focused on one of their Sensei's special training exercises.
They stood atop a wide river, practicing the basic chakra control technique of standing on water.It might be simple, but their Sensei insisted it was vital for improving their overall control.To make things harder, he used earth jutsu to generate waves that disturbed the water's surface.
At first, the waves were small. But every ten minutes, the size and speed increased.The gentle ripples soon turned into towering walls of water.
Iwame fought hard to stay upright but fell after an hour and ten minutes.Zato lasted a little longer but slipped after an hour and twenty minutes when he failed to maintain his chakra evenly.Okura, the only girl in the team, endured the harsh waves for two hours and ten minutes before exhaustion took its toll.
Even though Okura had superior chakra control and reserves, her stamina couldn't quite match the boys. Still, her performance left everyone impressed.
Sharpening Their Skills
The next training was focused on kunai and shuriken throwing.
Their Sensei explained the test:
First, throw one kunai at a target eight meters away.
Then, throw one kunai and one shuriken at a target ten meters away.
Finally, throw three kunai or three shuriken at a target fifteen meters away.
After giving them instructions, Sensei left, allowing them the whole day to train on their own.
They practiced relentlessly until sunset, then woke up early the next morning to squeeze in more training before the evaluation.
When Sensei arrived, everything was ready.
"Alright," he said, crossing his arms. "Show me what you've got. One at a time."
Zato stepped up first.He threw a kunai, hitting the center of the target.Next, he threw a kunai and shuriken—his aim was slightly off but still respectable.Finally, he threw three kunai at the farthest target: one struck the center, the others landed nearby.
Sensei nodded, visibly impressed.
Okura went next.Her throws were perfect—every single kunai and shuriken struck dead center.Sensei even praised her, noting that she had a natural talent for weapon throwing.
Finally, Iwame stepped forward.Things did not go as well.His first kunai barely grazed the target.His second set — a kunai and shuriken — completely missed.During the final test, when he threw three kunai... one almost hit Sensei instead!
"Looks like you'll need some extra practice, Iwame," Sensei said, chuckling.
Iwame hung his head but promised to improve.
Testing Their New Jutsu
After that, it was time to demonstrate the jutsu they had been tasked to learn.
Okura volunteered first.She performed a series of hand signs and summoned two rock clones beside her.Her chakra control was clean and precise.
Iwame went second.He slammed his hands together, forming a massive stone wall in front of him.Sensei noted that, with a bit more practice, Iwame could use it both defensively and offensively.
Zato was last.He clapped his hands onto the ground and summoned a three-meter-tall wave of water.It was impressive, especially considering how rare water-style users were in Iwa.
Sensei praised them all but also warned Zato:"If you want to master stronger water jutsu, you'll have to seek knowledge from Konoha or Kiri someday. Here in Iwa, we simply don't have many water techniques."
Meanwhile, in the Tsuchikage's Office...
The Tsuchikage sat behind his desk, a mischievous smile on his face.
In his hand was a letter he had received — an invitation to submit an exam challenge for the Chunin Exams.All the Kage were allowed to suggest tests.
Grinning widely, the Tsuchikage picked up a pen and began writing down the most brutal and grueling test he could imagine.One that would make even the strongest genin sweat.
After sealing the letter, he handed it to an Anbu."Make sure it gets delivered immediately," he said.
The Anbu nodded and vanished.