When the exam approached the 15 minute mark, Shino finally began to fill in the rest of his paper, changing the fake answers he had written. It wasn't difficult with his hand speed. Directly copying from the answer sheet in his mind made it even easier.

Soon, Shino completed his answer sheet. He looked up and found some examinees around him staring at him in disbelief while some were scribbling furiously. Well, it seems they won't have time to copy.

Just when the 15 minute mark arrived, the proctor of the exam, Ibiki, stood up and announced. "There is 15 minutes to go, I now inform you that you've made it to the final question of the first exam. But before we get to that, there are some more rules that you need to be aware of."

Shino sat with a stoic expression on his face as Ibiki divulged his intimidating rules. "Now that we've weeded out most the useless cases, now we'll see who truly has what it takes to become a Chunin..."

The proctor's words echoed through the cavernous room, his voice carrying a menacing tone that sent shivers down the spines of many of the examinees.

Shino, however, remained unmoved, knowing full well what was to come.

With a serious face that enhanced the fierceness of his scar, Ibiki declared in a solemn tone. "Listen carefully. You have a choice to make: attempt the final question, or fail the entire exam…"

The examinees exclaimed in shock and disbelief. A ruckus of noise arose in the room as some examinees loudly questioned Ibiki in anger.

"… If you choose to give up, the rest of your team will also be disqualified! If you choose to answer the question but get it wrong… you will be barred from taking the Chūnin Exams forever. Think carefully before you decide."

Several teams hesitated, but eventually stood up and left, unwilling to risk their chance at becoming Chunin. However, it was unknown if these teams were true Genins or actors inserted by Ibiki, the mind game master.

Shino calmly remained seated while observing the other examinees with interest. He had foreknowledge – so he was like an outsider watching the show.

Noticing the fidgeting Hinata, Shino didn't remind her because he knew the true proagonist will jump out soon, radiating his confidence to all despite his own lack of. However, someone else on the team couldn't hold back-

Bam. Naturally, the aggressive Kiba couldn't stand it.

Pointing his finger at Ibiki, Kiba complained in angrily, "Hey! That's bull man! That's ridiculous! What kind of bogus is that?"

Shino adjusted his glasses. Sorry, but he doesn't know that guy.

Well, at least it made Hinata less nervous. It had some effect? But too bad Kiba, you'll still lose to the protagonist's talk no jutsu.

Sweeping his eyes over to Naruto who was next to Hinata, Shino's eyebrow imperceptibly twitched. With his face showing intense struggle, the poor boy seemed to have lost his soul as he sweated and frantically tugged on his own hair.

A sly smirk appeared on Ibiki's face, one that Shino would definitely feel like smacking had he not known of the jerk's motives.

"If you don't feel confident, you can skip it and come back to try again next year."

As the pressure mounted, the exam room descended into silence.

Shino silently adjusted his glasses. The pressure was daunting for others, but he knew the end was coming. So, he commanded Alina to prepare for the final infiltration.

[Affirmative, Overmind. Markers have been deployed near unmarked targets - awaiting signal for action...]

"Just a couple more – and the game will be complete..."

Suddenly, everyone's attention was attracted to an orange jumpsuit boy who was slowly raising his hand.

Just when Shino thought he caused a butterfly effect that made Naruto not play his role, the orange jumpsuit boy slammed his hand down onto the table, and with a determined face, he delivered his speech filled with confidence.

"Don't underestimate me! I don't quit and I don't run!"

Standing up aggressively, his charm seemed to radiate the exam room as he declared, "I don't care if I get stuck as a Genin for the rest of my life. I'll still be Hokage, dattebayo!"

Meant to calm and encourage himself, Naruto's outburst also radiated to the rest of the teams, removing all traces of wavering.

Honestly – it's amazing how his emotions flip from despair to courage, and how just simple words can infect everyone's mood. As expected of Talk no Jutsu, the most powerful technique in the ninja world.

This technique was also a powerful distraction, one that served as the perfect assist for Shino!

With Naruto drawing the attention of every Genin, Alina was successful in marking a couple of Genin who were particularly difficult to get close to, including the Sound Village Genin, Dosu Kinuta.

Thanks for the assist, Naruto!

Unaware of his role in completing a sly boy's plan, the innocent Naruto sat down, arms crossed with a face of confidence, deepening the admiration of the cute Hinata next to him.

Shino glanced over at Kiba and noticed his stiff face. Welp, at least he won't become a dog-licking man in the future, right?

Meanwhile, Ibiki couldn't help but curse inside. Remarkable… but the orange jumpsuit boy just made his job that much harder. There were much more than he expected. Now, his colleagues would mock him for having such a low elimination rate.

"This decision will change your life. If anyone wants to quit, this is your last chance."

Ibiki continued to pressure, "The tenth and final question, those who don't want to take it – raise your hands!"

Man, this guy never gives up till the last moments. Props to him for trying so hard.

Needless to say, the group had passed, but this was only the beginning.

After Ibiki divulged the real intentions of the exam, with a thunderous crash, an unassuming young woman with a slender frame, bursts through the window, defying all expectations.

She boasts piercing, pupil-less eyes the color of light brown. Her signature violet hair is styled in a spiky, fanned-out ponytail that would intimidate any foe.

She donned a custom-made metal mesh outfit that fits her body like a second skin, emphasizing her assets and covering her from neck to thigh. Her outfit also includes a tan overcoat with a purple in-seam and a pocket on each side, a dark orange mini-skirt, a dark blue belt, and pale grey shin guards that scream warrior.

Not content with just a typical forehead protector, she also dons a small pendant fashioned to look like a snake fang, hinting at the dangerous secrets she may hold.

Confidently standing in place after her dynamic entrance, she grinned and announced, "You guys, this is no time to be celebrating. I'll be your next proctor – Anko Mitarashi!"

Adjusting his glasses, Shino knew the real test was about to begin. He had prepared for months just for this. It was time to survive like true ninjas – through cruelty towards fellow ninjas.

And it was time to harvest the fruits of his labor.