As Maki contemplated and researched Hashirama's physique within his system, some of the words didn't really make sense to him—terms like "shinobi," "Naruto," "Nine-Tails," and many others he had never encountered before. However, the fragments of information he had seen during the integration with the card gave him a rough idea of what was going on.
While Maki was doing this, the other people around him were also preparing themselves—adjusting their mindsets and trying to forget what had happened earlier. Some talked about random things just to help themselves feel more at ease. Others, especially those with black ribbons on their possessions, were discreetly scouting the people who would be part of their test.
Many eyes were drawn—almost glazed—toward the female instructor with the black ribbon on her head. Some wanted autographs, some wanted signatures, others just wanted a picture. But they were here for the examination, so they forced themselves to focus on what was coming. After all, once they passed, they would have more time for things like that.
This female instructor was not just beautiful—she was powerful. Famous for her Authority, her Kekkei Genkai, and her sub-class nature transformations, she was not merely an idol but a true powerhouse capable of controlling elements. Her Kekkei Genkai allowed her to condense lava and wield Boil Release.
This encounter alone was an opportunity.
She was Mei Terumī—the future Fifth Mizukage of the Mist, also known as the Godaime Mizukage of the Mist Family.
Just standing there and seeing her felt like a gift. Everyone knew that strong families and lineages helped maintain the balance of this world, and one of the most prominent among them was the Mist Family. Mei was the future head of that family, which only emphasized how strong and noble she was.
Some people couldn't take it anymore. They were ready to approach her, consequences be damned—but before they could move, the atmosphere changed.
They all saw him.
The man in the black hoodie.
He held a black ribbon between his index and middle fingers. Because of him, many people who had been eager suddenly became more attentive and guarded. They watched him stand still, not making any unnecessary movements.
It seemed like the man was staring at Mei Terumī. They all turned their heads toward her—and saw her smile in his direction.
But when they looked back, they realized the black-hooded man wasn't looking at her at all. He was scanning the surroundings, searching for something.
Some felt envy. Others felt anger at his deadpan reaction to Mei Terumī's smile. They stared at him—some with hostility, some with jealousy, some with fighting spirit, some with curiosity, and some who were just here for fun.
As they carefully monitored his movements, they suddenly heard a clap.
Mei's hands came together, and with her elegant yet authoritative voice, she spoke.
"Okay, enough chit-chat. We're starting the examination now. Everyone, follow me."
She turned around and began walking.
Without saying a word, the crowd followed her.
At the very end of the group, Maki was still reading his system. When he noticed the crowd moving, he deactivated it and slowly followed behind them. As he walked, his thoughts turned to how he could use Wood Release.
He had seen fragmented footage of Hashirama,and that man was a complete badass. Hashirama used wood like live sculpting, shaping it effortlessly. That gave Maki ideas—his own way of applying Wood Release.
Imagination is the key.
That was the thought repeating in his mind.
As they continued walking, Maki noticed they were heading into a forest. Soon after, he spotted a tunnel. When they approached it, lights along the ceiling flickered on, illuminating the dark passage. Even from the back, Maki could see a white-blue, pulsating portal at the far end—like something straight out of a game.
The tunnel was about twenty meters long.
When they reached the end, the portal revealed its full size—around ten meters high and eight meters wide. Some people gulped at the sight. Others seemed unfazed, as if they had seen something like this before.
Mei Terumī stopped at the entrance of the portal and turned back to face the crowd.
"Okay, we're here. Some of you might not know what this is, right?"
Some people nodded.
"This portal is called the Chamber," Mei continued. "Inside is another world—different environments. Maybe a forest, maybe a desert, maybe an island. You'll be taking your exam inside this Chamber."
She paused, her tone becoming more serious.
"Now listen carefully. Your mission is to survive and eliminate monsters inside the Chamber. First: survival. You'll be inside for one full week—seven days. If anyone wants to back out now, raise your hand, and I'll escort you later."
She scanned the crowd. No one raised a hand.
Of course. This was U.A.—a great school and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Who would back out?
"That's what I like to see," Mei said with a smile. "Second: the monsters you kill will be recorded automatically by the black ribbon you're holding. It's not just fabric—it's advanced technology made of smooth alloy, acting as a watcher and recording system."
"If you kill monsters of different grades, the ribbon will calculate your points. The higher the number on a monster's forehead, the stronger it is."
"And lastly—if you lose your black ribbon, you're automatically disqualified. If you're in real danger, shout 'I give up,' and you'll be pulled out of the Chamber. That also means disqualification."
"Any questions?"
The crowd exchanged glances. Then a hand was raised.
It was a guy who looked like he came straight out of a comic book.
"Yes?" Mei said. "What's your question?"
"Madam, what about survival food?"
Mei smiled. "This is a survival exam. I expect you to search for your own food. Don't worry—you'll find supplies scattered around."
"I understand. Thank you, Madam Terumī."
"That's my job," Mei replied. "Anything else?"
Another hand went up—a woman with vine-like green hair.
"Madam Mei, are we allowed to attack other participants?"
Many people looked at her; they'd wanted to ask the same thing.
Mei chuckled softly. "Fufufu. No. You'll be disqualified. This is an exam, not a battle royale."
"Thank you," the girl said, clasping her hands in prayer.
"Anything else?" Mei asked.
No one spoke.
"Then let's start the examination."
Some still looked confused, but the twin sisters Maki had noticed earlier were already walking toward the portal. A man resembling Wolverine followed, then a pink-haired girl, then sword-wielding women—until the entire crowd rushed forward.
First come, first served.
Once everyone had entered the portal, Maki was left standing alone.
True to himself, Maki was an aesthete—a person with a heightened sensitivity to beauty in both nature and art. It was a trait he inherited from his mother, who had taught him how to fish by the sea. Somehow, that part of him carried over into this world.
He stared at the swirling, light-blue portal. It looked like a living whirlpool—pulsating, alive.
Mesmerizing.
Mei noticed him. The only one still standing.
She quietly approached him, and when she was about three feet away, she realized just how tall he was. Tall people weren't rare here, but there was something different about him—something that made her curious.
Maki still hadn't noticed her presence.
"Is this your first time seeing a Chamber?" Mei asked, her voice solemn, teasing.
Maki didn't look away from the portal.
"A dance of nature," he said in a deep voice.
Mei tilted her head, then looked back at the portal and whispered, "Oh… I see. It really does dance."
Both of them stared at the Chamber.
No one spoke.