In the original plot of *Naruto*, the proctor of the second round of the Chūnin Exams was Special Jōnin Mitarashi Anko.
However, Aburame Shigeo wasn't the type to snatch someone else's duties. But considering Orochimaru would likely stir up trouble, he had no choice but to take over the responsibility.
After all, his godson was participating in the exam. There was no way he'd let things play out like the original story, where Orochimaru left Naruto half-dead.
That was simply unacceptable. Parents have to protect their children.
If a child makes a mistake, they can be educated—even scolded or disciplined. But being bullied for no reason? That's a direct slap to the parent's face.
Aburame Shigeo didn't like slapping others' faces, nor did he want his own face slapped. So, he decided to prepare in advance to prevent any surprises.
In the storyline, Orochimaru's most formidable weapon at this stage was the **Edo Tensei**, allowing him to summon the deceased First and Second Hokage to fight for him.
However, due to the limitations of the sacrifices, the summoned individuals were far weaker than in their prime—barely able to display half of their original strength.
Additionally, to ensure they didn't rebel against him, Orochimaru would erase most of their consciousness, further weakening their power.
If it were the First and Second Hokage at full strength, Shigeo might have been cautious. But these "knock-offs"? He wasn't worried.
It wasn't about underestimating Orochimaru—rather, their levels were simply worlds apart now.
If one **Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence** couldn't solve the problem, then two would.
"Orochimaru better know his place," Shigeo mused. "If not, he'll leave here humiliated."
With this mindset, Shigeo arrived early the next day at the venue for the second exam—the Forest of Death.
Shortly after his arrival, the participating genin teams began to gather as well.
Once everyone had assembled, he explained the rules of the exam.
This round would test survival skills and the ability to secure scrolls.
The exam lasted five days. During this period, candidates in the Forest of Death couldn't expect any supplies and had to fend for themselves.
Before entering, each team would randomly receive either a **Heaven** or **Earth** scroll.
Teams would enter the forest, engage in combat with other teams, and seize their scrolls.
To pass, a team had to collect both the **Heaven** and **Earth** scrolls and deliver them together to a tower located ten kilometers from the starting point, deep within the forest.
Failure to reach the tower with all three team members and both scrolls, incapacitation, or peeking at the scroll contents resulted in disqualification.
Unlike the first exam, this round posed significant danger. Candidates had to sign a **death waiver**, accepting full responsibility for their lives.
As a participant, Naruto also had to sign the death waiver.
Shigeo personally handed the waiver to Naruto and smiled warmly.
"Naruto, be careful in there. Think before you act and don't be reckless."
"Got it, Dad Shigeo!" Naruto grinned, puffing out his chest confidently.
"I'm going to be Hokage someday, so this exam is a piece of cake. Just wait for my good news!"
"You..."
Shigeo chuckled, ruffling Naruto's hair. Silently, he tucked a red parasitic insect into Naruto's hair.
After completing this subtle move, Shigeo turned his attention to Sasuke, who was staring blankly at his clothing.
Shigeo's eyes flickered as he remembered Sasuke's father, Uchiha Fugaku—the former police force captain and clan head.
"Looks like the kid is lost in thought. Poor guy's got a rough life."
With that thought, Shigeo patted Sasuke on the shoulder.
"So, you're Sasuke? Never thought Fugaku the Stern would have such a handsome son. Not bad!"
"Uh…" Sasuke blinked, startled. "You knew my father?"
"Of course! We've known each other since we were kids," Shigeo said with a smile, his tone tinged with nostalgia.
"Your father, the Fourth Hokage, and I were classmates. Fugaku was always serious—strict but very professional. A lot of people could learn from his work ethic."
"Father…"
A flicker of sorrow crossed Sasuke's face before being replaced by hatred, his fists clenching tightly.
Shigeo decided not to stir up Sasuke's painful memories and changed the subject.
"Focus on the exam, Sasuke. If you become a Chūnin, you can join the police force. I think you'd be great there—work hard!"
After giving Sasuke's shoulder another encouraging pat, Shigeo walked away.
Watching him leave, Sasuke's expression turned thoughtful.
"Join the police force, avenge my clan, and restore the Uchiha name…"
Determination burned in Sasuke's eyes as various thoughts filled his mind.
Just then, Naruto came over and playfully patted Sasuke's shoulder.
"Hey, Sasuke! Looks like your dad and my dad were classmates, huh? But obviously, my dad was cooler, right?"
Sasuke: "…"
Does this guy even think before he talks?
Sasuke's eye twitched before he retorted, "Yeah, your dad was the Fourth Hokage, your godfather leads the police force, and yet you're still dead last."
"You—!"
Naruto's eyes flared with anger, while Sasuke smirked confidently, their gazes clashing like sparks.
Watching from the sidelines, Sakura felt a wave of helplessness and bitterness.
Now that Naruto's lineage as the Fourth Hokage's son was public knowledge, people's attitudes had shifted drastically.
Meanwhile, Sasuke, with his Uchiha heritage, good looks, and excellent grades, remained the school heartthrob.
And then there was her—a plain girl from an ordinary civilian family. Compared to those two, she felt completely insignificant.
"Even Naruto's out of my league now…in every way."
Sakura sighed, feeling utterly demotivated.
Unaware of the inner turmoil he'd caused, Shigeo scanned the examinees, searching for any sign of Orochimaru.
In the original story, Orochimaru disguised himself as a genin from the Grass Village and had brief contact with Anko.
But this time, there was no sign of him.
All the Grass Village genin seemed normal, and none of the other participants had an unnaturally long tongue.
"Maybe he didn't show up. Or maybe he's avoiding me…" Shigeo mused. "Either way, it doesn't matter."
Checking his watch, Shigeo saw it was time.
"All teams with scrolls, follow your respective proctors to your assigned entrances. The exam begins in 30 minutes," he announced.
Following his instructions, the genin teams moved to their designated entrances around the training ground.
Shigeo, meanwhile, kept a close eye on the surroundings while monitoring his watch.
When the clock hit 2:30 PM, he raised his voice.
"From this moment, the second round of the Chūnin Exams begins!"