Raijin felt like he already experienced this situation before. He wore a deadpan expression while staring at the chunin proctor. 'Seriously…? Can't you guys come up with something else?'

While his thoughts drifted off, every candidate in the training ground widened their eyes.

Suddenly, a hand went up to signal the need to ask a question. Noticing it, the proctor promptly answered with a nod.

"We can die in the third test?"

An oblivious girl still trying to assimilate the words spoken by the proctor asked. Her words were spoken in an unsure tone, expressing her doubts about the predicament they were put in.

The chunin proctor stiffened his gaze. With a serious tone, he followed, "If you want to enter the Shinobi Academy, the least you are expected to do is to be prepared to give up your life for the sake of the village."

As his words fell on the air, the candidates looked at him with a newfound respect. While his aura wasn't domineering, his words were spoken in a tone that cemented his belief in what he said.

In silence, the small crowd that gathered inside the training ground now had a new opponent besides exhaustion — their fear.

In the mind of one civilian boy, he confronted himself about his decision. 'I can die if I decide to participate in the next test…'

His memories surfaced to remember his family, his small number of friends in the local park, and his little crush on one of the girls in his neighborhood. All the pleasant moments he lived up until that moment came to his consciousness as soon as this realization occurred.

However, despite his initial hesitation, a feeling of resolveness arose in him. 'I… I will do it. No matter what it takes!'

The same exact reaction took place in almost every person in that training ground. Only some clan members and a particular civilian orphan didn't have the need for this emotional turmoil, as from the moment they entered that place, they were sure they would leave as students.

'Whatever the cost, I will not let my family and friends suffer again!'

His internal turmoil prompted him to remain silent. His determination to become a shinobi had only increased after experiencing first-hand the despair of hearing the last words of a close person.

Ever since last year, he wasn't the same.

Hearing the silence that ensued after his speech, the proctor observed closely the expression of the candidates. Each of them had an initial hesitation, but after a few moments, they wore a stubborn appearance.

'Now, that's a surprise.'

Seeing that no one had given up even after minutes passed by, he was forced to reevaluate the children before him. 'To think that no one resigned even after this little stunt. Now, that's what I call a promising bunch.'

Wearing a fresh smile, the chunin proctor couldn't help but think that these kids seemed more mature for their age. "Well, that is reasonable enough. Since no one has any problems with dying prematurely, then let's not waste more time."

While speaking about the test, a simple motion followed his speech. "Before you, the third test."

His hand made a thumbs-up in their direction.

"You passed!"

"..."

Raijin was almost laughing out loud. He didn't expect the proctor to pull up that stance in front of them. With his internal crisis almost cracking him up, he turned his attention to the people around him.

"What?!"

A boy screamed in the proctor's direction with his expression denoting his confusion while his index finger pointed to the one that prompted this behavior.

"We passed? Are you making fun of us?!"

A clan member looked in the chunin's direction. His crossed arms and squinted eyes said a lot about his current feelings.

Seeing the indignant protests his action warranted, the proctor started to explain himself. "All of you passed, don't worry!

It's just that the entrance exams aim to test mainly three things about its potential students. First, their healthiness in mind and body."

His vision locked on the students as his once closed hand had a lifted index finger to indicate the number of the first requirement.

"Second, their state of mind. You have to be able to endure hard training and work, not yielding to even the mightiest of obstacles."

He also lifted his middle finger.

"And lastly, your love for the village and hope to help to preserve peace and prosperity in it."

He lifted his ring finger. With all three fingers showing, his smile enlarged. "And you all have been tested to meet our requirements. Congratulations on being admitted to the Ninja Academy!".

After he concluded, the proctor stared in the candidates' direction to judge their reactions. All of them were still processing the information, with some still lagging on.

After a few seconds, the first cheer could be heard.

"Yeah, finally! Dad will be super proud!"

"Hmph, that was cool, I guess…"

A round of voices were emitted. With all of them gathering in one place, their combined might could overwhelm any clueless passerby.

Raijin observed the screams of cheer and muttering voices of happiness. He wore a surprised look for the candidates around him. 'So they did not give in to their fear… I expected at least a few dropouts, so this is certainly unexpected.'

While the children celebrated, the chunin proctor took some notepads from his pockets. Taking his hand high up, he said, "Here's your admission papers. Just take these to the reception counter. With this, you will be officially registered in the Academy and be given your student card.

For those who need private housing, you will also receive your keys to a new apartment there, so don't worry. Also, your monthly 1,500 Ryo allowance will be given when the classes start, so those who are eligible for it can ask for it."

Without further ado, the newly admitted students left their stupor and registered the proctor's words. They quickly took their admission papers and started to head out.

While some were in groups, others were alone. Raijin was among those few, so he promptly made his way to the reception, since he wouldn't have to wait for anyone there.

When traversing the Academy corridors, he took notice of the classrooms and the huge blackboards with loads of chalk filling up boxes. It appeared that they needed to restock the chalks since all had been lost since the building's destruction.

While observing this, Raijin didn't even notice that he had arrived at the reception. However, after taking a glance at the woman behind the counter, he quickly approached her and asked in a moderate voice, "Hey, is it here that I can make my registration into the Academy official?"

After he said that, the woman noticed the young boy before her. Registering his words, she quickly replied with a smile. "Yes, it's here. Just tell me your name and give me your admission paper so that I can get your information done."

With that, Raijin handed the paper to the receptionist. After a few moments, she gave him a student card and asked him, "Are you eligible for private housing and a monthly allowance?"

Recognizing that he didn't know if he could get these benefits, Raijin asked with a hopeful voice, "Well, I don't know. What are the requirements for these?"

Seeing that the boy wasn't aware, the woman quickly said in a corporate tone. "Well, the requirement for the private housing benefit is that you have to be living without any family that has already been of age. The requirement for the benefit of the monthly allowance is that your current monthly income per capita has to be below 6,000 Ryo to receive it.

Of course, if you are living in an orphanage, you will be automatically eligible for both."

Seeing that he could be considered, Raijin answered, "Then I am eligible for both benefits."

"Great, then let me get your student card back, please. I need it for the next steps."

Handing his card, Raijin waited for her to be finished. After a few moments, he received brand-new keys for an apartment and his student ID card with his status as a beneficiary included.

As she handed him his keys, the receptionist informed him of the location and number of his apartment, dismissing him just afterward.

Just as Raijin left the counter, he could see that a huge line behind him had already been formed. Walking out of the Academy, he could still see some children waiting and the chunin proctor announcing the next batch to take the exams.

With a giddy smile, as Raijin took a route to the nearest residential area, he noticed an apartment complex that was built to accommodate students and ninjas alike.

Going up the stairs, he went to his room numbered "113". Unlocking the door and taking a glance at the small apartment, he saw a slightly furnished flat. It had partitioned segments for the kitchen and bathroom, but grouped areas for his bedroom and living area.

As he entered the apartment, he admired the plainness of it. "Well, that is more than enough for me."