Naruto returned with a big smile, brimming with pride as he reiterated how he hadn't cheated at all and had simply written some answers. He also mentioned that he wasn't ready to give up, which was why, at the end, when Ibiki tested their endurance under immense stress to ensure the genin wouldn't easily give up.

Aoto was pleased and offered Naruto a few compliments, sending Naruto over the moon since Aoto rarely gave compliments.

"But don't get too happy too soon. Jiraiya-sama will soon start teaching a new kind of ninjutsu to you," Aoto said.

"What? I don't want to... It's so much struggle," Naruto complained.

"But you said you don't give up," Aoto sarcastically remarked. The happy-looking Naruto stiffened upon hearing that, realizing Aoto had just called him out.

"I will go look for him tomorrow," Naruto said before running off. Aoto knew he didn't need to say more; Naruto would likely leave for training with Jiraiya in the upcoming days as the next test was a week away, providing ample time for Naruto's preparation.

An hour after Naruto's arrival, Shikuro showed up, but his expression was grim.

"What's wrong?" Aoto asked, curious.

"I've noticed two students who seem very different from the rest," Shikuro said.

"Different how? Is that a problem?"

"No, I don't think they're students at all."

"Oh? Tell me about them," Naruto said, gesturing for Shikuro to sit and explain. The first student he mentioned hailed from the Sound Village, displaying jutsus more associated with snakes.

This person apparently had a long tongue like a snake, which brought a smile to Aoto's face as he knew who this person was.

"Should I inform the Hokage about what I've found?" Shikuro asked, noticing Aoto's silence after describing the student.

"No need," Aoto said, opting not to explain further. He had been waiting for this person for a long time; why would he ruin his plan? Although Shikuro wasn't entirely comfortable with Aoto's decision, he felt compelled to go along with it.

"What about the next one?" Aoto asked, trying to recall any 'sus' students from the pool of genin taking the exams. Another exceptional student Aoto knew of was the other Uzumaki; aside from that, he couldn't recall any others.

Stolen novel; please report.

"There were a few monks among the students," Shikuro said.

"Monks? From the Fire Temple?" Aoto asked. The Fire Temple of the Fire Country had been around for many years. In the original story, Asuma went on to become a Guardian of the daimyo, and Chiriku, who belonged to the Fire Temple, also joined as one of the Guardians.

Although they later separated, their work as Guardians led to a bounty being placed on their heads, with Chiriku being targeted by the Akatsuki to collect the reward. Chiriku's fighting style gave Hidan and Kakuzu quite a challenge, both literally and figuratively.

So, when Shikuro mentioned monks, those were the first things that came to Aoto's mind.

"No. They didn't come from our country. They came from the Land of Tea." Shikuro said.

"They? But you just said one monk." Aoto asked.

"I did. All the other monks were fine. But there was one particular monk... How to say it... He was dangerous!" Shikuro said. This made Aoto a bit concerned. Since the time he had met Shikuro and brought him under his control, never did Shikuro describe someone as dangerous.

Since his knowledge had broadened, Aoto had a feeling that even Madara might not be termed as dangerous by Shikuro. It didn't mean that Madara wouldn't be able to take down the current Shikuro, just the fact that Shikuro had seen and known more dangerous people around.

"What is so dangerous about this monk?" Aoto asked.

"I don't know. He looked pale, his eyes hollow devoid of any emotions, as if this small kid had never seen any joy in his lifetime." Shikuro said.

"That is not enough. There are many genins who are taught at their families some jutsus that make them act this way. It might be a kekkai genkai or a kekkai touta." Aoto said.

"No. I understand and I am not particularly hung up on those facts, because the other monks were almost the same. But this monk, I sneaked spell on him out of curiosity." Shikuro said.

"And?" Aoto asked.

"If my magic is right than the soul of the man is already dead." Shikuro said. This made Aoto bit taken aback.

"Are you sure you used the correct soul spell. You know those spells are dangerous and often comes out wrong." Aoto said.

"I thought the same and thus tried the spell on others around and the result came out as expected. The souls are intact. And again I tried my magic on that man, and again the soul of the man didn't seem to exist at all." Shikuro said.

This was not what Aoto was expecting to hear in this exam. Because in the original story there was nothing of that sort, or at least it was never shown that way. Shikuro was silent as he could see that Aoto seemed to be little concerned for the first time since he spoke of the two students.

As Aoto was thinking there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." Aoto replied involuntarily. The door opened and it was the Hokage himself.

"Ah.. I think I have come in a wrong time. I will come later." Hokage said as he could easily tell that Shikuro and Aoto were having some kind of serious discussion. He didn't want to intrude into their private life.

"We aren't dating, for you to think that your presence is intruding." Aoto said. This made the Hokage stop and turn to give a wide smile.

"Hahaha.. I was just kidding. I hope the students had been good. We hope to see a few chunins after the exams." Hiruzen said.

"That we will see." Aoto said as he ushered the Hokage in and allowed him to take a seat.