The abrupt revelation left the affected students in a state of bewilderment, their confusion palpable in the hushed murmurs that circulated among them.

One moment, they were diligently working on their exam papers, and the next, they found themselves confronted with the harsh reality of disqualification.

"Listen up, those of you caught in the genjutsu," he declared, addressing the bewildered students directly.

"The original intent was to encourage early submission, but something went awry. Unfortunately, you were ensnared, and breaking free proved difficult for you to release it."

His gaze scanned the disheartened faces before him, the weight of disappointment evident in the air.

"Given the circumstances, disqualification is inevitable. The rules are clear – if you can't dispel the genjutsu, you can't continue. This was an unexpected challenge, but every shinobi must adapt to unforeseen obstacles. Learn from this experience, and perhaps you'll emerge stronger in the future."

The gravity of his words hung in the air, acknowledging the unexpected turn of events and emphasizing the importance of resilience in the unpredictable world of shinobi.

Outside the exam hall, the group huddled together, attempting to make sense of what had just transpired. Aiko, animatedly explained the intricacies of the genjutsu, revealing its reliance on their chakra.

Renjiro furrowed his brow, contemplating the unexpected revelation. "So, it used our own chakra against us? Is that why I couldn't sense any chakra fluctuation from Yaza? Very Sneaky."

Aiko nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "Exactly. It played on our focus on the exam, diverting our attention while subtly siphoning our chakra to sustain the illusion. Clever technique, really."

Hiro chimed in, his voice reflecting a mix of frustration and curiosity. "But how were we expected to counter something like that? It's not like we can sense our own chakra being manipulated."

Renjiro sighed, rubbing his temples.

"True. It's a tricky one. We just need to figure out how to sense any chakra discrepancies around us. That's the key to breaking free from a genjutsu like this."

Luckily for them, they managed to move to the next stage and no one from their group was disqualified.

Yaza Kurama moved swiftly towards a group of chunins trailing behind. They were assisting with the proceedings.

"How many students are left?" Yaza's deep voice resonated.

One of the chunins, a young ninja with a clipboard in hand, quickly responded. "Out of the initial five hundred students, around thirty per cent have been disqualified due to the genjutsu."

Yaza's brows furrowed as he processed the numbers. "Thirty per cent? That's still a significant portion. We need to quickly tally the scores and move to the next stage."

The chunin nodded, "Understood, Yaza-sensei."

The students, now seated in restless patience, exchanged glances and murmurs as they awaited the return of their results.

The results of the written exam were a critical component of each student's overall score, contributing significantly to their chances of success in the graduation exam.

Two hours later, the tension in the air remained as the chunins distributed the graded papers. The room echoed with the shuffling of papers and hushed conversations as the students eagerly scanned their assessments.

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'This is better than I had expected.' Renjiro remarked.

He had gotten an 80 out of 100 marks. This was a good grade despite the fact that he only skimmed over the third year knowledge.

The rest had done fairly well with their scores ranging from 65 to 80. Overall as long as they continued with the same momentum, they would surely pass the exams.

The transition from the written exam to the second stage of the graduation assessment brought forth a myriad of challenges for the aspiring shinobis. As the students gathered at the designated testing grounds.

The first test focused on shuriken proficiency, demanding precision and speed from the participants. Targets of varying distances awaited, each requiring a well-aimed shuriken to prove their throwing accuracy determining the students' capabilities in ranged combat.

Stealth and infiltration became the next hurdle for the young ninjas. Navigating a course filled with traps and guards, they demonstrated their ability to move silently and unnoticed.

The course tested their agility, strategic thinking, and mastery of the art of subterfuge, vital skills for any ninja operating in the shadows.

Survival skills took the spotlight in the following test. Given a set of resources, the students were tasked with setting up a functional campsite in the wilderness.

This segment delved into their understanding of basic survival techniques, resource management, and adaptability to the unpredictable challenges of the great outdoors.

Chakra control challenges followed suit. The tests aimed to showcase not only the quantity but also the quality of the students' chakra manipulation.

Renjiro and his fellow students showcased remarkable performances in the diverse array of tests that comprised the second stage of the graduation assessment.

In the shuriken proficiency test, his high mastery of shurikenjutsu skill came in clutch and Renjiro's precision and agility stood out. He consistently hit targets with exceptional accuracy.

During the stealth and infiltration test, the group demonstrated a seamless coordination of their skills. Renjiro's ability to navigate through the course with a blend of speed and subtlety showcased his adeptness in the art of covert movement.

In the survival skills test, Renjiro's resourcefulness and adaptability shone through as he efficiently set up a functional campsite.

The group's collaborative efforts in managing resources and handling the challenges of the wilderness reflected their aptitude for survival, a crucial attribute for ninjas operating in varied environments.

Chakra control presented another arena where Renjiro distinguished himself. His precise manipulation of chakra in creating delicate structures underscored his mastery over this essential ninja skill.

Overall, Renjiro demonstrated a well-rounded set of skills, excelling in various aspects of the second-stage assessment. Unfortunately, not all of them would move to the next stage.

The elimination of 94 students following the second stage of the graduation assessment cast a bittersweet shadow over the remaining participants.

Among those unable to advance to the final stage was Makoto Inuzuka, a member of the second-year group that Renjiro had trained with throughout the academy journey. The news of Makoto's elimination induced a sombre within the group.

'Wasn't she the one calling her siblings pussies for not taking the exam? But I guess we admire triers.' Renjiro thought.

The next stage was Taijutsu and since there were a lot of students remaining, the battles would begin the following day.

They would have to potentially fight eight battles if they wanted to come out on top during that stage of the examinations.

As night fell, the candidates retreated to their respective quarters, contemplating the challenges that awaited them on the next day.

The prospect of engaging in combat with their peers added a layer of excitement and nervous tension.

The following day, the training grounds buzzed with an electric energy as the students, clad in their training gear, readied themselves for the imminent Taijutsu battles.

The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the weight of anticipation and the subtle rustle of leaves. In a notable turn of events, the Hokage himself graced the occasion, his imposing presence casting a hush over the training grounds.

The news of the village leader attending the Taijutsu trials spread like wildfire among the students, adding an extra layer of significance to the battles about to unfold.

But he was not alone, he was accompanied by another man. The man had spiky, silver-coloured hair that reached into the middle of his back tied in a ponytail and bangs that hung over his forehead protector.

He wore a standard Konoha-nin uniform with a pair of gloves, a flak jacket, bandages on his right arm, and the addition of a distinctive short white sleeve which had red edges and the standard crest of Uzushiogakure on it.

"Hmm...This guy looks familiar. Where have I seen him? Wait is that Who I think it is?" Renjiro could not help but blurt out.

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