Chapter 24: Illusions Unleashed - The Start of the Chunin Exam

Sato, did your Jonin instructor inform you about it?" Instead of sitting between Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi, Ino, who was seated on the side of Sato with Hinata, held Sato's arm and spoke with a smile. "The Chunin Exams are starting on July 1st. Has your teacher already registered you?"

Sato nodded and replied, "Teacher Kurenai has already registered us, and we've completed the application process."

"Of course, as the top student, you wouldn't miss the Chunin Exams," Ino remarked, as expected.

At that moment, Shikamaru, while helping Choji flip the barbecue, spoke slowly, "This year's Chunin Exams won't be easy. I heard that the children of the Kazekage from Sunagakure, our allied country, will be participating. As descendants of a Kage, their strength is definitely formidable."

"And I believe other classes will also be participating in the Chunin Exams. It's an opportunity for the successors and outstanding children from major ninja clans to compete with each other," Shikamaru continued. "So, this Chunin Exam might be more thrilling and intense compared to previous ones. You should be prepared once it starts."

Upon hearing Shikamaru's words, the expressions of Ino and the others grew slightly serious. Shino, who sat silently on the side, appeared unchanged on the surface, but his eyes behind his sunglasses were reevaluating Shikamaru.

Everyone was contemplating how to perform well in the Chunin Exams. Was Shikamaru already considering this a competition between the allied countries and major ninjas? Was this the mindset of the Nara clan? Shino pondered, recalling his father's assessment of the Nara clan.

"Let's do our best when the time comes," Sato said, patting Ino and Hinata's shoulders. He eased the tension and added, "For now, let's enjoy this barbecue. We don't know when we'll have the chance to dine together again."

With Sato's mediation, the atmosphere quickly returned to normal. The group engaged in conversations about their experiences over the past few months, and smiles gradually appeared on their faces. Even Shino, with his seemingly impassive face, occasionally raised the corners of his mouth.

Because Shino had discovered a secret—Sato was indeed trying to have relationships with both Ino and Hinata. However, Sato was fortunate that the two girls who had been with him since childhood had contrasting personalities. One was enthusiastic and lively, while the other was shy and reserved. If Ino and Hinata were civilians, Sato would likely have succeeded. Unfortunately, they were ninjas and came from affluent families. Eventually, Sato's delicate balance would inevitably collapse. So, when the time came, whom would Sato choose? This mischievous thought lingered in Shino's mind.

...

July 1st arrived. It marked the beginning of the first exam of Konoha's 60th Chunin Exams. Team 8 gathered early and made their way to the Ninja Academy.

Upon reaching the academy, instead of heading straight to the testing room, Team 8 followed Kurenai's lead. They had already completed the application forms and went to the main building to sign up.

As they stepped into the building, Sato, Hinata, and Shino immediately sensed their minds being invaded by the Genjutsu chakra, disrupting their perception of the floor. The three of them silently disturbed the flow of chakra in their bodies, dispelling the illusion. Then they proceeded towards the staircase guarded by two Chunin.

"Release," Sato softly uttered, raising two fingers.

Instantly, the floor numbers in front of them changed.

The two Chunin gatekeepers didn't react at all to the breaking of the illusion barrier. Upon closer inspection, their complexions appeared dull.

It was only when Team 8 passed between them that the two Chunin regained their senses.

"What... just happened?"

"I don't know. It felt like a momentary distraction."

"Wait... how did the illusion barrier break?"

"Ah... the sensation we felt earlier... we were under an illusion?"

The two Chunin, having regained their composure, realized that the illusion barrier they had cast had been shattered.

In truth, this was nothing extraordinary. Anyone who recognized it as an illusion enchantment and possessed the skills to break illusions could easily dispel such a weak enchantment.

Amidst their horror, the two Chunin didn't know when they fell under the illusion or who cast it upon them. This indicated that this year's Chunin Exams would feature a "monster" candidate with exceptional illusion abilities, leaving even Chunin like them powerless to resist.

"Hehe, it seems this Chunin Exam will be quite exciting."

"Yeah, our mission here is done. Let's go!"

After experiencing shock and horror, the two Chunin resumed their laughter, raised their index fingers, and disappeared from the floor in an instant.

Leaving behind a group of broken illusion barriers, they finally realized that their minds had been disrupted by the cognitively-disturbing genin.

Meanwhile, Team 8 had already submitted their application forms. Leaving the main building, they quickly located the testing room for the first exam and entered through the door.

Despite arriving early, Team 8 wasn't the first to arrive. Many others had beaten them to it.

As soon as Team 8 stepped into the classroom, numerous eyes turned their way. Most of these gazes were filled with malice, and some even carried a hint of murderous intent.

If their mental fortitude wasn't strong enough, such gazes could easily intimidate them.

However, the malice and killing intent were insignificant to Team 8, who had already shed blood and become accustomed to the feeling of taking lives.

"Nice eyes, so be it..."

Observing the numerous onlookers, Sato reciprocated secretly by raising one hand and whispering, "Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique."

Swish...

In an instant, all the examinees watching Team 8 felt a chilling sensation. As they looked into the eyes of Team 8, they experienced an illusion, seeing themselves lying dead beside the team.

At that moment, a suffocating feeling overwhelmed them.

"Ha ha..."

Those who realized they had fallen under the illusion eventually broke free. They were merely victims of the D-rank Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique, but they panted heavily, looking at Sato with eyes that no longer held malice but were filled with fear.

When did this guy cast illusions on them? And that murderous aura... he's definitely not ordinary. He'll be a strong opponent in this Chunin Exam.

Realizing they couldn't afford to be trapped by the illusions again, those who acknowledged Sato's formidable nature lowered their heads, no longer daring to meet Team 8's gaze.

Unfortunately, those lacking mental resilience or strength weren't as fortunate as the more perceptive individuals. Upon closer inspection, many candidates in the classroom wore dull or frightened expressions.

This action made many of them appear foolish, but it also showcased Sato's skill in genjutsu.

"Is he this year's top student?" Yakushi Kabuto, who had hidden among the examinees and purposely acted as if he had broken free from the illusion, looked at Sato with horror in his eyes, secretly thinking, "As expected of Yuhi Kurenai's student. Even Tayuya would struggle against this kind of genjutsu."

Unaware of Yakushi Kabuto's thoughts, Sato proceeded to his designated seat, separating from Hinata and Shino, and took his place according to the number on his plate.