Episode 24: Start Your Engines: The Chūnin Exam Begins!

Release Date: March 27, 2003

The rookies gather outside after surviving the written test.
Naruto throws his arms up, yelling, “Ha! I told you I’d pass! Piece of cake!”
Sakura snaps at him, “You didn’t even answer one question, idiot!”
Naruto pouts, “Hey, I still made it, didn’t I? That’s what counts!”
Sasuke smirks faintly but says nothing.

Suddenly, a loud voice cuts through the air.
Anko Mitarashi leaps into the scene, grinning wildly.
She shouts, “Listen up brats! I’m your next examiner — and you’d better pray you survive!”
Naruto stumbles back, pointing at her, “Wh-what the heck?! Who are you?!”
Anko smirks, licking her lips, “The one who’s going to make you wish you quit while you could.”

The genin are led to the massive gates of Training Ground 44 — the infamous “Forest of Death.”
Towering trees stretch endlessly, strange animal cries echoing.
Naruto’s eyes widen, “It’s huge… and creepy…”
Sakura gulps, “They’re really sending us in there?”
Anko claps her hands and announces, “Welcome to the second stage of the Chūnin Exams! The Forest of Death!”

Anko holds up two scrolls: one Heaven, one Earth.
She explains, “Each team gets one. To pass, you’ll need both. That means you’ll be fighting… and killing if necessary.”
Gasps ripple through the crowd.
Sakura mutters nervously, “K-killing…?”
Naruto clenches his fists, “Heh! Doesn’t matter! We’ll get both scrolls easy!”
Anko smirks and in a flash of speed slices Naruto’s cheek with a kunai.
Naruto yelps, “Oww! What was that for?!”
Anko leans in close, her eyes sharp, “Because you need to learn — loose talk in there will get you killed. The forest doesn’t forgive fools.”

Hinata gasps when she sees Naruto’s cheek bleeding.
She whispers, “Naruto-kun…”
Naruto grins at her, scratching his head, “Don’t worry, it’s just a scratch!”
Hinata blushes furiously and looks away.

As Anko continues explaining, one particular Grass ninja (Orochimaru in disguise) stares at Naruto and Sasuke.
He smirks to himself, “Yes… I’ve found them.”
His eyes glint with sinister intent.

Before entering, the teams are handed release forms.
Anko says coldly, “Sign if you’re willing to risk your life. Once inside, there’s no turning back.”
Sakura hesitates, but Sasuke signs immediately.
Naruto grabs the pen and scribbles quickly, “Of course I’ll sign! I’m gonna be Hokage! A little forest won’t stop me!”
Sakura sighs but finally signs too.

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