Demon Desert.

Central Control Tower.

"Is this it?"

Standing in front of the gate of the control tower, the girl had long black hair, and even if she crossed the desert field for more than ten kilometers, her body was clean and her hairstyle was not messy.

She looked at the hot sun overhead, tugged at the neckline of her dress, and exhaled.

"It's really hot here, and it's a bit too bad for an exam room."

Having said that, she didn't look worried at all, and the tone of her voice seemed to be gloating.

The two ghost countries that followed behind her couldn't be denied.,The unique geographical environment of the country of wind.,It's really good to hone the will of ninjas.。。

Even in the country of ghosts, there is no such high-quality ninja training place.

However, as far as national development is concerned, more than ninety percent of the country's land is a desert wind country, and it is estimated that it does not want too much such barren land.

As they communicated, the door of the control tower was slowly pushed open from inside, and a sand ninja walked out, nodded slightly to the three girls, and then turned to leave, entering the control tower.

Follow the sand ninja into the control tower, which is full of light and air-conditioning, which makes the body and mind refreshed.

Follow the Sand Hidden Ninja all the way into the deep space of the control tower, at the intersection location, Sand Hide's upper ninja Maki seemed to have expected that a guest would come, standing in the center of the intersection and waiting for the arrival of the girl and others.

"You're here a little early, Miss Chiba Kazuhime. Now the second exam has just started less than an hour, and there are still three days left before the end of the exam. ”

Markey said to the dark-haired girl.

Even though he knew that the girl in front of him was the biological daughter of the first enemy of the Wind Country, his expression was very calm, and he did not show any hostility or dissatisfaction.

Although he did feel unwilling to fight the war a few years ago, but after thinking about it, even if he did it all over again, Sand Hide, who participated in the war on behalf of the Land of Wind, might not be able to win the war.

Although Sand Hide mobilized all his strength, but in the final battle, only a few people appeared in the country of ghosts, and in the end of the battle, the ninjas of the country of ghosts still showed ease. If Sha Yin insists on fighting to the end, it is likely that in that war, he will completely fall into the position of a great power and become a second- or third-rate small country.

Because when the time comes, it will not only be the country of ghosts that will be eyeing the country of the wind, but the rest of the countries will also beat the water dogs, come up and eat a bite, and carve up the country of the wind.

Even after his defeat, Markey was in awe of the high-level leaders of the Oni Country.

If it weren't for the fact that the grudges between each other were too deep to be adjusted in a short period of time, Markey wouldn't mind a deeper cooperation between Sand Hide and the Oni Country.

But alas, for the time being, this possibility is not available.

Even if the two sides want to cooperate, they will have to wait until the relationship eases.

"I'm bored to stay alone in the military district of Kazami Castle, so I deliberately came to observe it in advance. If it bothers your work, then I'm sorry. ”

As the saying goes, don't stretch out your hand and don't hit the smiling person, As long as the sand ninja doesn't take the initiative to provoke, Yiji doesn't want to cause trouble here.

So when we met for the first time, Ichihime thought that the atmosphere was still relatively harmonious.

Neither close nor estranged, the purpose of both parties is very clear, then put aside their respective prejudices for the time being, and jointly hold this joint Zhongnin exam, so that both sides can get by.

As for past grievances, leave them to be resolved on the battlefield.

"It's not a problem...... Forget it, since I'm here, I'll arrange a place for a few people to stay. By the way, Miss Yiji, how many groups do you think will pass the second exam? ”

Markey asked with interest.

He doesn't really know much about Kazuhime, only that Chiba Shiraishi and Uchiha Ruri have such a daughter.

But judging from the information transmitted from Konoha's side, the other party has suppressed the country of waves and liberated the power of the two tails, and whether the strength can be comparable to the five shadows is not known for the time being, but even if it is not as good as the five shadows, I am afraid it is not far behind.

On top of that, the other party is only fifteen years old.

Ma Ji was a little glad that this monster girl had become a shinobi in advance, otherwise, she might have used her own chakra eye illusion in the first exam to make a mess of the exam room.

Not to mention the second exam.

There is no need to estimate and speculate, there is absolutely no one among the candidates who can fight her head-on.

If it evolves into that situation, the third exam will not even be necessary, and it will become a game for her to clear the level alone.

That's right, for ninjas of this level, the middle ninja exam is just a game called one-sided slaughter.

"How many teams will be cleared? If I'm not mistaken, there were forty-six teams in the first game, a total of 138 people. ”

Kazuhime said.

"That's right."

"According to the elimination rate of the first exam, it is about 60 percent. The second exam is much more difficult than the first exam, so the final clearance rate is likely to hover around 20%, maybe even lower. ”

Kazuhime voiced her guess.

Because it is estimated according to the second pass rate of the mid-year ninja exam in previous years, on average, it also fluctuates around this value.

"It's a very pertinent judgment, but I think the quality of the candidates this time is very high, and there is nothing wrong with a slight increase of a few percentage points."

Hearing what Markey said, Kazuhime didn't refute it.

Because she hasn't been to the scene to simulate, except for the lower ninja of the ghost country, she has no way of knowing what the level of lower ninja in other countries is like. Therefore, the guessed data is based on the old data in the past, and the compromise estimate is made.

"So, one more question, how many groups do you think the Oni Nation has promoted?"

Markey's question is more acute.

Ichihime raised her eyebrows slightly, thought carefully for a moment, and replied, "There will be three or four groups." ”

Even if the strength of the Shinobi of the Oni Country is not weak, but the Shinobi who came to take the exam from various countries this time, maybe there are troublesome guys.

Therefore, three to four groups to pass the exam is more in line with Yiji's judgment.

Although she most likely thinks that the group that will eventually clear the Ghost Country will be three, not four.

However, even if three groups clear the level, in terms of the total number of people, it is still a passing score.

This is the bottom line that Kazuhime thinks.

If it is lower than this probability, Ichihime feels that the lower ninja of the country of ghosts needs further special training.

For example, reduce the vacation time and extend the class time of various simulated actual battles.

"Then let's wait and see. I think we'll be even better then. ”

Markey smiled confidently.

As long as you don't face the monster in front of you, then with my Airo's strength, in this exam, you will be invincible.

"Oh?"

Kazuhime was also 'provoked' by Markey's self-confidence.

Although they didn't have the intention of comparing at first, judging from the current situation, the country of wind and the sand have not given up the idea of recovering their dignity.

When Markey said this, it was probably the fourth-generation Kazekage who instructed him behind his back.

"So, as you say, Mr. Markey, let's wait and see."

◎

"It's hot...... It's like being in a fire. ”

Walking on the hot sandstone, Xiang Ryu put her hand on top of her head to block out the sunlight shining from above.

As long as the head is raised, you must close your eyes, otherwise you will be injured by the strong light emitted by the sun.

And not only that, after the sun rose, the temperature of the Demon Desert began to rise sharply, and it was not yet noon, and the temperature here was at least fifty degrees Celsius, almost close to sixty degrees Celsius, according to Xiang Li's feelings.

At noon, when the sun is at its strongest, the temperature can reach a terrifying 70 degrees.

At that time, I didn't know that I would face the problem of lack of water, and my physical strength would be consumed very quickly, so I was not suitable for moving outside.

"No, stay in the furnace and people will burn it directly. It's good to get used to this temperature. ”

In the shade of the sandstone, Asuka and Aya sat there, and on the sand lay a pile of branches, on which was placed a clay kettle, filled with treated and drinkable water.

The bird spewed a small ball of flame from its mouth, causing the branches to burn and begin to boil water.

The place they are now choosing is not far from a small river from which they can draw water.

The moment the exam began, the three of them directly ran as fast as they could, taking advantage of the white eyes to quickly find the location of the water source, and then used this place as a temporary stronghold, waiting for the rest of the later groups to come, and then raided to get the scroll of the other group.

Therefore, Asuka did not feel anxious about the next development, but sat calmly and waited in place, waiting for work.

In such an extremely hot environment, water droplets can evaporate when they come out, so it is necessary to shorten the time of action as much as possible to avoid a lack of physical strength in the early battle. After getting the corresponding scroll, you can think about other things.

Xiang Ryu jumped off the sandstone and also reached the shade.

"Is there really anyone coming at a time like this in this kind of ghost weather?"

Xiang Ryu raised her own questions.

"If there's a group that thinks the same way we do, then somebody will come in a short time."

Asuka said.

"What if they don't preemptively occupy the water area?"

"Then their movement will be restricted...... Or, they may wait until the evening to act. ”

"At night?"

"The temperature difference between day and night in the desert is huge, and it is better to move at night than in the very hot weather during the day. However, there is a problem that you are likely to get lost in the desert at night, and the creatures in the desert come out to forage for food, usually at night. ”

This is not only a dilemma for the rest of the candidates, but also a dilemma for Asuka that they need to face.

But fortunately, they now occupy a stronghold with a water source in advance, as long as they are properly arranged and protective measures are taken in advance, they can not only avoid the waste of physical strength, but also effectively prevent the attack of desert creatures at night.

As long as there are candidates who have ideas, Asuka believes that they will make this choice.

This is not only a battle between candidates and candidates, but also a battle for survival.

Before the battle, Asuka will prioritize solving the aftermath problem, and only after solving the basic survival puzzle will he consider capturing the scrolls of the rest of the group. Avoid being treated with others and making the exam more difficult for yourself.

Just when the water in the kettle was about to boil, suddenly Cai's body shook slightly.

Although the movement was small, Asuka and Xianglin looked at him at the same time.

At the same time, Xiang Lian also unfolded his own perceptual ninjutsu, searched the surroundings, and formed a double exploration 'network' with Cai to avoid any fish that slipped through the net.

"Are you coming?"

Asuka asked in a whisper.

Cai nodded, and replied softly: "There are three people who go to the other side of the river, and it is about seven hundred meters away from here. ”

"Where's your side?"

Asuka confirmed it to Kao.

Xiang Lian nodded, her perception result was the same as Cai, there were only three people, and the distance was more than seven hundred meters.

Asuka was relieved and did not rush to go, but stood up and continued to ask unhurriedly, "Do you see clearly what scroll they are carrying?" ”

"Like us, it's the Scroll of Heaven. Do you want to let them go? ”

After Cai finished speaking, he asked rhetorically.

"Don't use them as bait, just get rid of them. Xianglian, you stay here, Cai, you come with me. ”

Asuka left the shade of the sandstone directly with Cai, and with the help of the uneven terrain around him, he hid his figure and approached the river step by step.

The three candidates who stayed by the river had not yet left, and Asuka was sure that there were no sentient ninjas in the group.

A hundred meters away from the three candidates, Asuka and Aya stopped and relied on a heavily weathered rock as a cover to probe the river.

Asuka took out three kunai from his ninja bag, and wrapped thunder and lightning around his hands, and the three kunai were immediately attracted by some kind of force and suspended in midair.

"Can you make sure you hit those three?"

Asuka asked.

Aya glanced at it and said, "The kunai on the left side shifted ten degrees to the left and lifted up two centimeters. ”

Asuka did so, and it only took a second for him to adjust the direction of the kunai according to Cai's speech.

Then, without the slightest pause, the movements flowed smoothly, and the kunai suspended in mid-air immediately shot out and disappeared from Asuka Kazua's eyes.

There were no screams, only the sound of wind and sand blowing, and everything seemed so quiet and peaceful.

After about a few seconds, Asuka and Aya came out from behind the rocks and rushed to the river as fast as they could, and saw the three candidates lying next to the river embankment, each with a kunai stuck in their bodies, and they fell into the flesh.

Aya walked over, her figure flashed, and her palm slammed against the stomach of a male candidate, and the furious chakra rushed into the opponent's internal organs to carry out an internal attack.

Suddenly, the candidate who pretended to be dead let out a miserable scream, spit out a large mouthful of blood, and his dying eyes revealed a color of disbelief.

I don't know how the enemy noticed that I was pretending to be dead.

In the male candidate's ninja bag who pretended to be dead, Cai turned over a scroll of heaven and found it, and the kunai, shuriken, detonation charm, scroll and other items in the opponent's ninja bag were all scavenged, and none of them were left.

Asuka also took the same measures, searching the bodies of another male and female candidates, and taking away all the ninja equipment and other things.

These are important materials that can be used sustainably.

The two brothers didn't say anything, and after searching for the booty, they tacitly began to dispose of the three corpses, waiting for the next group of 'destined people'.

◎

Six or seven hours have passed since the start of the second exam.

Two o'clock in the afternoon.

The temperature in the desert continues to rise at a slow rate, causing the temperature of the sand to begin to rise, and walking in such a place is like being imprisoned in a huge furnace and being burned by a fierce fire.

Even a native of the Land of Wind, such as Temari, doesn't like to go out in such a hot environment.

However, in order to prepare for a dangerous night, it is necessary to gather enough supplies during the day to ensure a good survival the next day.

In the Demon Desert, Temari has heard a lot of rumors.

The environment here is countless times more dangerous than the desert outside.

Especially at night.

In this desert, there are many large carnivores, and the night is when these large carnivores come out to feed.

The strength of some carnivores is difficult for even Shinobi to handle.

In addition, some carnivores have highly toxic bodies, and if they are poisoned, they will also make their own situation worrying.

Temari, who often lives in the desert, knows exactly what he needs to do to survive the desert safely at night.

From this point of view, the Sand Hidden Ninjas, who have more experience living in the desert, have an advantage in this exam.

"The meat and water have been found, and then we can go back after looking for something combustible."

The purpose of Temari is clear.

But even so, it is very difficult to find something combustible in the bare desert.

Everywhere you can see sand and rocks, as well as the sun's rays.

Temari felt that she had to fight quickly, and the longer the time dragged on, the more she couldn't stand this hot environment, and saving her physical strength and waiting for the fighter plane was a necessary basic tactic.

At that moment, Temari suddenly moved to her ears, and something was heard through the air to her ears.

It was like the sound of a person drowning in water.

Drown?

Temari, who had already surveyed the area, knew that there was no water source at all.

Moreover, the water in the Demon Desert is not deep, and it is impossible to drown people. Coupled with the fact that ninjas must be able to swim more or less and have the ability to walk on water, it is theoretically impossible for a ninja to drown.

But this sound is indeed the sound of someone drowning.

Although it was slight, Temari thought he had heard it absolutely correctly.

Temari was awe-inspiring, following the sound, silently walking forward, carefully climbing the huge sandstone.

This is a complex dune environment, and if you are careful, you can completely hide your body from the enemy.

But for the next possible battle, Temari also pressed his right hand on the Samsung fan behind him, ready to fight at any time.

Even in a critical situation, Temari is confident that he can handle it.

According to her strength, she has already reached the level of middle ninja, even if she acts alone, she thinks that among the candidates, there are few people who can pose a threat to herself.

Climbing to the top of the huge sandstone block, half of his head was slightly exposed, and it was easy to look down from a high place and see the scene below.

I saw three young male candidates, who were pinching their throats with their hands, rolling on the ground in pain, accompanied by fierce choking movements, coughing saliva from their mouths and spilling on the sand on the side.

That's where the sound of drowning comes from.

It was the lower ninja of Yunyin Village. Seeing this, Temari instantly recognized the three male candidates from their clothes and forehead guards as the lower shinobi of Yunyin Village.

Not far from the three Yun Yin Shinobi, a dazzling figure stood there.

The red and white shrine maiden costume and long black and shiny hair move with the wind.

The two arms hung down very naturally, and in her right hand, she held a bamboo tube with an open stopper.

On the bamboo tube, it is covered with charms and surrounds the bamboo tube.

As you can imagine, it was not a drinking utensil, but some kind of special forbearance.

The other party's fair-skinned hand bow is jealous of Temari, who is a girl, and her eyes are closed, showing an indifferent posture, like the 'heavenly girl' in the story picture book, who does not eat the fireworks of the world.

She's the shinobi of the Oni Country, is she doing it? Temari narrowed her eyes, and for some reason, there was always a feeling of horror when she looked at this witch girl who was a year or two younger than herself.

Judging from the situation at the scene, after encountering the three shinobi of the Ghost Country, they subdued the three of them by inexplicable means.

At least from Temari's point of view, she had no idea what means this Shinobi girl from the Oni Country had used to make the three Yunyin Shinobu roll in pain on the sand.

Just as Temari was thinking about which direction the situation would develop next, suddenly the three Yunyin Shinobu let out an extremely miserable howl.

Something scurried under their skin, causing their bodies to begin to twist in an eerie manner, and even the creepy sound of bones breaking could be heard.

Poof!

Countless blood splattered from the pores of the bodies of the three Yunyin Shinobi.

Like countless blood-colored flowers, they fell from the sky and splattered all over the ground.

This incomparably glamorous and bloody scene made Temari's eyes widen in shock.

What happened?

Why is it the way it is?

What did she do?

These questions kept flashing through Temari's mind.

The large amount of blood that had been sprinkled on the sand began to bulge with life, and the clean drops of water broke away from the blood, and the drops gathered together, and then, like a water snake, flew like lightning in mid-air, rushing towards the shrine maiden and entering the bamboo tube covered with charms in her right hand.

Is that also ninjutsu? Temari has an indescribable weirdness.

The abilities of this shrine maiden are really weird.

The color of the water that broke away from the blood was no different from that of ordinary water, but it was filled with a very strong smell of blood.

It was the same as the sand controlled by her brother Iro, and it was filled with a disgusting smell of blood and a terrible murderous motive.

This guy is not something I can deal with, and I have to go back and join the two of them. Temari said secretly in his heart.

Alone here, there is no sense of security.

When she had the idea of evacuating, the witch girl below disappeared at some point, leaving only footprints there.

Worst! Seeing this, Temari didn't know that his location had been exposed.

Without hesitation, he pulled out the fan behind his back and turned around and placed it horizontally in front of him.

Bang!

A palm slammed into the fan.

Temari's body shook, his face turned pale, his back slammed against the hard sandstone, and his mouth let out a slightly painful muffled snort.

The shrine maiden girl with her eyes closed appeared in front of her, her expressionless face as if she was a dead person, and she couldn't see any changes in her mood.

Temari didn't want to sit still, so he unfolded the three-star fan in his hand vigorously.

The shrine maiden seemed to sense something, and her body immediately jumped back, distancing herself from Temari.

"Don't try to escape!"

Temari waved the unfolded three-star fan forward.

"Wind Escape, Scythe!"

The wind swept up, and countless sands swept into the storm, and the blazing white shining air blades also mixed in with it, attacking the shrine maiden's body.

The witch girl was not in a hurry, pulled out the bamboo tube stopper in her hand, and shook it hard.

A piercing screech erupted.

Like a water snake, the water burst out like lightning from the bamboo tube, turning into a tangible entity, and flicking all the air blades that rushed towards him.

After flicking the air blade, the water floats around the shrine maiden as if it were a life consciousness, as if she was wearing a water feather cloak.

"You guy, it's not ninjutsu at all, it's witchcraft that only witches can do, right?"

Temari was in a cold sweat at this time, barely squeezing out a smile from his face, and asked the girl in front of him.