Chapter 156:
The Chunin Exam?
Yes, the semi-annual selection for promoting genin to chunin.
Nawaki had been a genin for nearly two years now, and it was natural for him to take part in the exam. But with success came consequences. After becoming a chunin, he'd be deployed to the battlefield and from there, who could say what fate awaited him?
At Orochimaru's words, Tsunade's expression darkened, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"Orochimaru… do you think… we'll make it? That we won't die out there on the battlefield?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Orochimaru was taken aback by her question. Then, noticing her subtle trembling, he couldn't help but ask, "Are you scared?"
"I…" Tsunade hesitated, searching for words. "I never used to be. But now…"
"There's no reason to be afraid," Orochimaru replied calmly. "As we grow stronger, the odds of survival naturally increase." He paused, then added with a quiet confidence, "And… well, don't worry. We're not going to die."
Orochimaru didn't feel the need to elaborate. Some things, after all, were better left unsaid.