Naruto's attempts to use shadow clones to get info was faltered due to his own confusion to ascertain the clones' direction.
Sasuke gave up the idea since he's unreliable.
Meanwhile on the opposite side.
"Leader, the recon sent info Uzumaki Naruto is on the East side".
"... I heard this guy is a genius of their batch, capable of shadow clones jutsu and training under the sannin Jiraiya… and his teammates include Sasuke Uchiha, also another genius."
He quickly takes a pen and writes down on a scroll, asking for reinforcements on their side.
In a matter of tens of minutes, Shikamaru, the appointed head of the Command Division read the scroll. In fact, Shikamaru, despite being 11, is approved to be there because his dad is the proctor… so the older genins cannot complain. It's definitely nepotism if Tsuyu saw this.
"What a drag… reinforcing won't help…"
Shikamaru had personally seen their performances back in those academy days, and it's been months since then and surely those two are even more monstrous.
Ino, the deputy head gives her own suggestion.
"We can send Neji's squad to reinforce the East side. What do you think? Neji is really strong and can fight with those guys. Lee is not to be underestimated either."
"I rather not use those guys to merely defend. Our objective is still to capture the enemy base. In fact, the fact that those two strong guys are assigned to this position to flank means their leader didn't have too much trust in their strength. Our advantage is I trust Neji's squad as our trump card and I can make the decisions and placements. While the Heaven side doesn't."
"They wouldn't dare to make large actions on the first few days, because they don't know their own allies' strength. So we will do the opposite. We will do it large. Straight to their base."
"Shikamaru… isn't that risky…? What if the East side decides to go full on assault… our side and rear could get breached."
"Who says I am abandoning East camp? We will delay them, not engage directly with those two freaks. I still think they won't make such a bold move from the get go though… still…"
Shikamaru lazily picks stacks of paper containing names and abilities of every single person on Earth's side. Shikamaru being Shikamaru asks everyone to list their abilities and specialties and send them to him prior.
He turned around to face one of the appointed Command Officers and placed the stack of paper in front of him.
"I need people skilled in distractions. Trap specialist. Genjutsu user. Anyone with shadow clones I guess. Anyone with Water Release and Fire Release. Anyone that knows Hiding Like A Mole technique. I will write the details later just skim through these."
"Yes leader!" The young male quickly skimmed through them, taking out a suitable candidate one after another. Meanwhile, Shikamaru takes his pen to write the strategies they had to use to trap those two, already considering the abilities of shadow clones and the weakness of Sharingan in his head. Using mist, forest fire, deep underground traps, genjutsu is to defeat the strong with the weak. Also… considering Naruto's brash personality.
At the same time, Shikamaru wrote to the Assault Division to especially intercept information going to Heaven's East side. As long as they manage to delay information from being sent to them - those guys won't be able to move Naruto's squad to reinforce the main front. As for the second instruction, Shikamaru had the strong combatant ready to engage the main front with Neji's squad as the lead. Despite being young, it's the order of the Head of Command. What do the older genins have to say?
Ino suddenly feels a signal coming from a fellow Yamanaka. She made a hand sign, bringing both her hands together into a triangle and closing her eyes to receive the message.
"Shikamaru, urgent report. There's a problem with the river. It stops flowing."
"... Huh? This…" Shikamaru is taken aback. Is this simulation that serious? They even block their water source? The river is upstream from their side… that makes sense.
"What a drag…"
"We won't have water if it keeps going for days. Should we send people to remove their blockade?"
"... They would anticipate that. In fact, they may put more resources into the site. Instead of walking into a trap zone… I would rather find an alternative and avoid engaging with their trap and gain nothing…"
Shikamaru takes his pen once more to send for all the Division. Frugality, find nearby water sources and even ground sources. Had anyone with techniques that could help find a water source one way or another form a team quickly. The exam is only 14 days, not a whole month. They can afford to struggle a little.
"This is more difficult than I anticipated…" Shikamaru sighed. He suspects they would play a long game. Though, after he knew Naruto and Sasuke were placed at the flank he already decided to play it fast and preventing them from reinforcing the main front had been the 'key' to winning in his head.
***
Second Day Chunin Exam
Hours passed, it's already afternoon. The Assault Team field leader of East camp looks at the updated map and receives instructions.
"Okay! Everyone we have received instruction! This is the latest map of Forest of Death. One of the enemy's supply routes is along this road. Our side had blocked the river and made a dam, blocking their access to water. We will further deplete their resources. Squad 12, you will camp here to confirm and intercept their supply and break their supply chain here. Hold your ground after it's captured. Squad 10 and 11, engage with their flank directly but only put pressure on them. Delay, use hit and run tactics, put constant pressure so they have to remain on guard in their camp - but don't fully engage. If they put more force to regain their supply route, Squad 10 would reinforce. We are playing the long game to deplete them little by little."
Naruto frowned. He felt like they could just crush their flank straight, and take over their East camp entirely in one fell swoop. This is also what Sasuke thinks honestly. Their strength is enough to do that.
"Ano! Why don't we just go capture the enemy base there. My squad can do it!" Naruto pointed to his chest with pride.
The field leader looks at Naruto in dissatisfaction.
"Look. We already have our advantage here. Our strategy is to drain them. That's that. Don't speak out of turn brat."
"I am not a brat! My squad is strong enough-ttebayo!!" Naruto's tone doesn't hide his discontentment at all. Sasuke may agree with Naruto, but he won't outright disobey. Besides, the current strategy of draining the Earth side from their resources and biding their time is just as viable.
"Brat! I am the leader here! You have no say in the matter!" The older genin looked at Naruto with frowned eyebrows.
"Naruto, just listen okay…?" Sakura grabs Naruto's shoulder, wanting to calm him down.
"... Tch. What a waste of time…" Naruto grumbled silently.
Despite having the trump card of Naruto and Sasuke, like Shikamaru's prediction, they weren't utilised properly because of a lack of trust and ego of older genins since Naruto and Sasuke are just 11.
Tanya also noticed the situation but didn't give comments. She only observes, looking forward to how they would react. If the Earth side cannot solve their water issues they would lose with time anyways.
But of course, she hopes that they don't put a single strategy in one basket. Because there's always other water sources, and playing this long game would force the opponent to try to win quickly and they make a move right towards the main front out of desperation.
If it's up to her, she would have turned the river into a small slow stream - still enough as a water supply but stagnant enough to be poisoned with rotten animal corpses and shit. Just dunk tied corpses into it like it's tea and there's no need to guard that much either. Once they noticed there's something wrong with the water it would be too late and some would have already gotten sick, and taking care of useless members consumes more of their resources for nothing. It's better if they are dead. Tsuyu snickered inwardly.
Though this exam wasn't hers it's for them so she didn't say it.
***
"Squad 10 leader, Maseki. This is Ayano, and the other is Aizawa." Squad 10 introduce themselves to Sasuke's squad. Ayano smiled sweetly to everyone, bowing respectfully.
"Let's work together!"
"We all can do it!" Naruto blushed slightly, seeing how the girl with brown hair in a ponytail just slightly older than him is pretty cute.
Squad 10 and 11 are assigned to put pressure onto the enemy's East camp. On Sasuke's command, Naruto sends shadow clones to surround the East Camp, figure out the patrol, see their weakest side, and also having the shadow clones trigger traps if it's already there.
Squad 10 looked in awe seeing Naruto could create so many shadow clones. Him knowing Shadow Clone, a grade B ninjutsu is already amazing for a genin. Most genin from civilian born can at most get C rank ninjutsu after countless D rank missions. But most genins know a couple of D rank ninjutsu at least. Though relatively, Naruto is in fact very lucky.
"The place is really full of traps." Naruto muttered as the memory of two clones getting caught was sent back to him.
"Let's focus on one side, that way their traps would be consumed on a front." Maseki suggested. Sasuke nods in agreement.
"Hey! Let's try to take over their camp. How about that? Trust me we are strong! They won't expect it to come and we can win faster!" Naruto brought his idea again to the team. Hoping that they would agree and prove those old guys wrong after all.
"But the order states we only have to pressure them…" Maseki doesn't want to just do whatever…
"Naruto, don't be an idiot. You want your little sister to beat you up?" Sasuke frowned.
"I know you agree with me! Come on Sasuke…"
"... What I learn from Kakashi is to not be arrogant. We both may surpass other genin, but I had a feeling they already considered us being here. It won't be as easy as you think, dobe."
"What, since when you are so cautious! Tch, fine… let's be boring then." Naruto sulked.
"As long as we pressure them long enough we will win, Naruto-kun." Ayano said with a smile.
Naruto sheepishly rubs the back of his neck, agreeing with her as if he didn't just disagree before.
Naruto sends his shadow clones to clear a front clear of traps, coupled with Sasuke using Sharingan to see further. It's really cheating for them both honestly. Sakura and Ayano plant their own traps around the temporary camp, also securing escape in case they suddenly bring reinforcement to engage them full on. They need to apply constant pressure, not letting them leave nor rest.
Seeing it's evening, and preparations are done, Maseki gives his words.
"Let's engage now. Naruto, let a shadow clone lead in front. Sakura and Ayano would care for our sides. The rest including me will engage. Only harass them. Retreat if they come out fully."
Flash. Each of them gets into position.
The scout of East camp noticed their movements and quickly alerted the camp.
Naruto looked at the high wooden wall, the watchtower inside had a member constantly watching over.
Sasuke had no nonsense and flashed tens of meters in front of the side walls of the fortification.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
One side of the wall is burned, the explosion crumbles the side. The enemy quickly mobilised, bells alarmed. If they just let him do whatever, their tents would be burned eventually so they had to respond.
Sasuke signals to Naruto to retreat backward and engage them little by little. But out of Sasuke's frustration, the idiot stayed where he was seemingly excited to battle them head on.
"Idiot! MOVE!"
"Come on! Let's beat them now and they cannot defend anymore!"
A squad of genin appeared. But instead of engaging directly like Naruto wanted, they seemed to have received the order on what to do - that they cannot defeat Naruto and Sasuke.
They didn't follow nor engage, but instead guarding the perimeter keeping safe distance.
Seeing they don't dare to fight him, he felt frustrated. Sasuke also noticed the movement, realising they are wary of them and also refuse to engage. And just as they wanted to fight a protracted battle, they too wanted it. But isn't that disadvantageous for the Earth side overall?
Naruto with Sasuke can only do minor harassment tactics. Either sending a shadow clone to engage, using projectiles to attack at range. Sasuke realised a problem though. They don't have infinite shuriken and kunai to keep attacking at range. The enemy somehow had so much of it as if they were fully prepared instead. Whoever planned this had it all figured out. Still, he used what he could at the moment.
The enemy is forced on guard for hours without rest. Neither side received a heavy blow.
A whole day passed without much difference. Naruto returned to his tent sulking. It's tiring enough to play hide and seek, send shadow clones just to attack them, and Sasuke made him use his shadow clones to retrieve their thrown weapons.
Miseki thought they were doing very well. The enemy did try to make a move on the side when Naruto and Sasuke were engaging, but thanks to Sakura's carefully placed traps they were deterred. One of them even got lightly injured. Still, the situation at the enemy camp had not changed.
The next day comes, early in the morning, once more they do the same tactic to clear out traps and everything, choosing a side to engage on. Hours passed in Naruto's frustration. This time, however…
"Naruto! What are you doing!"
Naruto flashed to the front, sending shadow clones to rush madly towards the 6 genins hiding behind the trees as covers. The opponent quickly retreated fast, letting the clones fall into newly placed traps. The shadow clones are killed one by one by traps placed deep in their camp territory.
The real Naruto arrives at one of the slower genin that failed to retreat fast enough. Sasuke already felt something was off.
"Take this!"
The genin tried to block his punches, but Naruto is far more skilled in taijutsu and delivers a punch!
Poof!
Shadow clone?! Someone else knew shadow clone?! Even Sasuke is surprised, his sharingan didn't see it either. But he realised something is definitely wrong. Naruto is too deep! That shadow clone only pretended to be slow and intentionally led Naruto deeper.
Szzt…
Naruto heard a familiar sound. Before he could find where it's from, the ground beneath Naruto caved in from the explosion beneath. Naruto lost his footing and fell into a huge deep pit that was tens of meters wide and tens of meters deep. A pit dug through Hiding Like A Mole technique since yesterday, deep enough that Sharingan couldn't see.
4 people from the opposing side re-engage. 2 of them quickly weave hand seals.
Water Release: Water Wave!
Earth Release: Crumbling Earth!
One shoots water right into the pit, the other follows after to crumble it. Creating heavy earth burying Naruto as if they want to kill him.
Miseki and Aizawa saw the situation and foolishly moved to save Naruto and were forced to fight with others. Sasuke seeing this also had to move forward reluctantly, his sharingan flared.
Just then, smoke and heat rises around them. Flames flashed across the forest surrounding them, wind release blew the smoke further reducing visibility. Along with it, mist also filled the surrounding. Sasuke felt shocked that it happened so fast. Shikamaru had made a plan clearly for this side and it's executed flawlessly at the moment due to clear details on what to do with the specific composition of the squad he personally assigned.
Sasuke's sharingan had its visibility reduced from the chakra inside the mist along with debris and dust. The opponent uses ranged attacks and avoids taijutsu battle with Sasuke, while Sasuke is reluctant to go closer knowing deeper there's traps underground most likely. His sharingan couldn't see through deep.
Just then, out of the buried pit where Naruto was, the earth shakes. Naruto uses Rasengan rotation to dig up outward and get himself out.
Naruto takes a deep breath once he's finally out. He is about to engage with frustration and anger but Sasuke quickly pulls him back.
"Idiot! Look!" Between smoke and mist, the two figures are held with kunai on their throats.
Miseki and Ayato were already captured and held as hostages, with cuts and bruises on their bodies. They weren't Naruto nor Sasuke level to stand on their own ground. By right, in real war, one can already consider them dead people.
"Damn it! Let them go!"
"Come any closer, and we will 'kill' them."
The proctor nearby is watching the situation, overseeing and constantly judging. The right decision is to consider those two dead. Whether they retreat or engage it won't change it. But to engage means to walk into the trap buried underground. The right choice should be to regroup. It's clear the East Camp of Earth side had made preparations to play on the defensive, also to hold their ground against these two specifically.
"You…!" Naruto gritted his teeth in frustration.
"They are already 'dead'. Idiot." Sasuke scowled.
"What you mean, come on, we have to save them!"
Sasuke's sharingan flared, looking at Naruto with irritation.
"Kunai on their throats aside, it's clear there's more traps behind them! Use your brain for once! Those two are already 'dead' because of you. We will regroup!"
Sasuke forcefully pulled Naruto's arm, dragging him to retreat.
Naruto can only watch behind him, seeing Miseki and Aizawa declared 'dead' and withdrawn from the exam. In the proctor's view, saving their teammate is fine. But only if you have the ability. Sasuke engages as well, but he is still careful and never overextends beyond high risk and within scope of his ability.
The proctor shook his head over Naruto's brashness, writing his report over the performances of them. He's quite surprised on the Earth side though. The execution of their trap is almost too good. It seemed they were given specific instructions, and the one who gave the order knew Sasuke and Naruto well enough. Since no one can fight them directly, a trap specialist tailored for Naruto and Sasuke specifically is deployed on the side, playing defensive against them.
Though… the proctor thought even if the East Camp cannot be captured, the Earth side still has problems with their resources. They cannot retake their supply route regardless. Of course, they cannot let East Camp fall because Sasuke and Naruto do have strong skill and power. If a full assault with proper formation is deployed from East Camp here they could breach into the important structures deeper inside with those two leading the charge.
***
"How did they fall?" The field leader had his eyes from stress.
Naruto turned his eyes downward. Clenching his fist in guilt. Sasuke chewed him with tens of words on their way back to camp.
It's my fault… He looks at Ayano, the remaining girl from Miseki's squad. She looked down after her teammates 'died', while Sakura seemed to try to make her feel better.
"It's…me."
Despite how heavy it is, it is his responsibility. Naruto raises his head, even if it's hard to admit but it is his accountability.
"Tell me what happened." Their team leader is still reasonable and wants to know what's going on.
"... it's heavily trapped you say… and it's catered for you two. Okay, it's not your fault. It seems you two do have a reputation to have the East Camp prepared for you two."
Suddenly, the sound of crunching leaves move step by step towards their tent.
The flap of the tent pushed aside, revealing Tsuyu's stature. Her eyes locked coldly to Naruto, looking at him like a failure. The moment she reads the report by the fellow proctor overseeing Sasuke's squad, she felt like breaking someone's bone.
"Uzumaki Naruto. Meet me outside."
Tsuyu went out of the tent after speaking such cold words. Naruto felt his body shaking slightly, understanding Tsuyu is disappointed with him. But he is not afraid, and he takes a step forward, ready to face any punishment.
"You killed two people because of your idiocy. Do you understand the gravity of your actions?"
"... Yes. I understand…" Naruto looked at the ground, his fist clenched. His eyes turned to Tsuyu once more.
"Good. At least your brain is still working to see that. Now, what do I do with you? What are the consequences of insubordination?" Her eyes squinted, glaring sharp at him.
"I deserve punishment. Tsu- Vice General." Naruto called her by her title. His stature is stiff, but upright. The guilt in his heart woke him up to realise how he stupid he was.
A little light of surprise flashed in Tsuyu's eyes, seeing Naruto understand what he had done. He woke up finally.
"... 500 pushups, 50 rounds around the camp site. Now."
"Yes! Vice General!"
Naruto quickly went down, and started doing pushups. If it's real war and he had killed someone for real, Tsuyu would have broken his leg for sure. He's fortunate it's an exam, and it's still a learning experience.
"Field Team Leader! Make sure this brainless fool finishes his punishment!"
"Ah, yes! Vice General!" The team leader felt a little nervous when he's called out. He thought she wanted to punish him…
Tsuyu cast a last glance at Naruto that's mindlessly pushing up, before leaving. She wonders if she's being too lenient. If it's anyone else she would have disqualified them entirely. But then again, what's the difference between failing them after and during the exam? It's a chance to learn so maybe not.
Though...
Who gave such a specific strategy just to defend East Camp against those two? She asks the other proctor to see if he knows.
"Shikamaru Nara? How come he's the Head of Command Division? No one refuses?"
"I guess his father placed him there?" The proctor just guessed.
Tch. Isn't that cheating?
But then again, she can see Shikaku didn't give any words for Shikamaru and whatever he decides is entirely his own ideas and decisions. So Shikaku didn't do anything wrong and she couldn't complain. If he places a random 11 year old as Head of Command Division it would mean he's destroying the Earth side. But this 11 year he chose wasn't just anyone.
This Shikamaru has a good head and isn't afraid to control and order people even if he's so young. Confidence in their own strategy and their eyesight. A rare talent.
Though, it's an information advantage. Naruto and Sasuke are too well known for their tactics and skills, and they do practice almost daily on a public training field.
It's not that difficult to create countermeasures if you really go for it. Perhaps he also considered Naruto making a mistake or two. Shikamaru has confidence that those two are the key figures that play the heaviest role in Heaven side based on their strength and invest just the right resources to defend East Camp from the two with his own detailed plans.
There's no big response at the site of the dam, as if they just gave up on it… it means he must be going for a direct strike soon, ending it fast. If it's me, I would have moved the two immediately to the main front. But, if I am Shikamaru I would have made measures to prevent reinforcement into the main front when the time comes.
Tsuyu looks forward to what Shikamaru had in mind. If her guess is correct, Neji's squad will make a move and lead the main front soon.