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An hour isn't long, but it isn't short either. For Rong Lin, it passed quickly, but for some, it was agonizing.
Some sighed in relief, some looked dejected, and some even burst into loud wails. In that moment, a variety of reactions unfolded.
"Everyone, leave the hall! You will be notified later. The second exam will be held tomorrow. Dismissed now!!!"
The hour was up. Just as Rong Lin had guessed, a large number of participants were eliminated outright.
It was finally over.
Unlike the tension and pressure felt by others, Rong Lin calmly stood up, stretched his neck, and left with the crowd.
"Hey! How about we grab something to eat later and catch up?"
Just as he reached the doorway, the two teammates who had previously ignored him approached, greeting him proactively.
"Apologies."
Rong Lin coolly raised a hand, gesturing towards them: "Apologies, please step aside. I'm busy and don't have time to eat."
Trying to build connections now? What were you doing before? It's too late now!
Rong Lin walked straight past the two, whose faces had turned ashen, and left the examination hall.
As long as the first stage isn't scored based on team performance, who cares about you anyway?
I'm just returning the attitude you gave me earlier. If he weren't worried about embarrassing Tsunade, Rong Lin could have said something even nastier:
'One raises bugs, covered in bugs; one raises pigs, reeking smell... who would want to eat with you?'
Although it wasn't easy to identify the affiliation of the other teammate, Rong Lin had previously noted his name and the faint smell about him, allowing him to confirm his identity.
Most ninja come from the major clans, while a smaller proportion hail from ordinary families involved in various trades, such as animal husbandry—like raising pigs.
"Bastard!! How dare you ignore us!!"
"This guy's too arrogant! We'll definitely make him pay."
Rong Lin's words made the two flush red with anger and start cursing loudly. But Rong Lin, who had just reached the corner, turned back to look at them and said with a smile: "My apologies, my hearing is quite sharp. What should we do about that, hmm?"
"You..."
The two hadn't expected Rong Lin could still hear from that distance and were instantly choked up. But Rong Lin's next words nearly drove them mad with anger.
"If you two want to eat, perhaps you should go back and dine with the bugs and fat pigs you raise at home. I'll be taking my leave now."
After saying this with a beaming smile, Rong Lin left without a backward glance.
He wouldn't proactively provoke anyone in a way that would make things difficult for Tsunade, but since they had started cursing, why should he hold back? If fighting weren't forbidden here, Rong Lin would have shown them exactly how 'pigs' are dealt with!
"Ugh, how disgusting."
"Seriously, I've lost my appetite."
This caused everyone nearby to distance themselves from the pair, making the two so angry they nearly spat blood.
Bastard, we definitely won't let you get away with this!!
Watching Rong Lin's figure disappear around the corner, the two looked as if fire might shoot from their eyes.
Emotions swung wildly in an instant—some were happy, some dejected, others anxious. As for those directly eliminated, needless to say, they were all tragedies.
As for the Genin from other villages, they could only rest in designated inns and weren't allowed to wander freely. If they entered restricted areas, they could be arrested as spies with no recourse. What awaited them would be endless interrogation, leading to mental collapse and physical ruin.
"Brat, how did it go? Are you confident?"
Arriving at the hospital for a check-up, the first thing Tsunade did was ask about his exam results.
"Don't know yet, but it should be fine. I'll pass! I just don't know what the second stage will be like."
Nodding, Tsunade extended her hand. Rong Lin asked curiously, "Isn't my body already healed? Why do I still need a check-up?"
"It's to check for any hidden injuries. Cut the crap, are you the doctor or am I?"
Tsunade glared and began the examination. "Brat, remember what you said. Perform well, best give them a big surprise, got it?"
Blinking innocently, Rong Lin said: "Of course I'll perform well, but Tsunade..."
"Ouch!!"
"What did you just call me?"
Tsunade irritably withdrew her hand. Rong Lin, clutching his forehead with his other hand, cried out: "Why'd you hit me?! You were the one who said calling you by name makes you sound old! Now you're blaming me?"
"Is that so?"
Tsunade looked at him doubtfully, tilted her head, thought for a moment, then acted as if suddenly realizing: "I suppose I might have said that, but I just forgot."
"...."
Alright, playing dirty and feigning ignorance are eternal female talents... just like men enjoy debauchery. As the saying goes, there are no men who aren't bad, only men who lack the opportunity. Try asking a man who's constantly socializing and running around everywhere to be a 'good man'.
Similarly, don't try to make a woman who's dead set on playing dirty admit fault.
"Why are you suddenly so concerned about this? Why do I get the feeling I'm being used?"
Rong Lin wasn't naive; he certainly understood there must be some scheme involved, but it seemed Tsunade wouldn't come clean.
"Kids shouldn't know so much. You just need to know you should perform brilliantly for me, and I'll give you a little reward afterward."
Tsunade certainly wouldn't tell Rong Lin about the bet with Jiraiya. Actually, she was also looking forward to seeing what sparks would fly when Jiraiya, full of anger, went looking for trouble with Rong Lin.
Indeed, Tsunade's prediction was accurate. Leaving the hospital, before even getting home, Rong Lin ran into someone radiating killing intent—one of the Sannin, Jiraiya.
"Uh, Lord Jiraiya, may I ask if you need me for something?"
Jiraiya's furious expression wasn't faked. Rong Lin was very puzzled. When had he offended him? Had he spoken ill of him?