Quite a few Konoha ninja remained at the village's southern gate, beginning repairs on the damaged walls and gate, while Tsunade headed straight for the Hokage Building.
After such a mess, a whole new pile of documents had suddenly appeared for her to deal with.
Meanwhile, Senya brought the remaining Four Kage and the examinees to Konoha's training ground, holding reports of each team's results.
"The rules have already been explained, so I won't repeat them. I will now announce the twenty-six ninja advancing to the next round."
"First place: Uchiha Hikari."
"Second place: Kisame Hoshigaki."
"Third place: Gaara."
"Fourth place: Fuu."
"Fifth place: Utakata."
"Sixth place: Yugimaru."
"Seventh place: Maruboshi Kosuke."
"Eighth place: Second Pillar."
"Ninth place: Hyuga Hinata."
"Tenth place: Hozuki Suigetsu."
"Eleventh place: Kurotsuchi."
"Twelfth place: Naruto Uzumaki."
"Twelfth place: Shiro."
"Thirteenth place: Hyuga Neji."
"Fourteenth place: Rock Lee."
"Fourteenth place: Shino Aburame."
"Fifteenth place: Omoi."
"Sixteenth place: Samui."
"Seventeenth place: Ajisai."
"Eighteenth place: Karui."
"Nineteenth place: Temari."
"Twentieth place: Kankuro."
"Twenty-first place: Qian."
"Twenty-second place: Shikamaru Nara."
"Twenty-third place: Choji Akimichi."
"Twenty-fourth place: Tenten."
"Twenty-fifth place: Kano."
"Twenty-sixth place: Yome."
"Congratulations. You have successfully advanced to the final match."
"After the matches conclude, we will judge whether you advance based on everyone's overall performance."
"Any other questions?"
At that moment, Maruboshi Kosuke slowly stepped out from the crowd.
"Lord Senya, I withdraw."
"I'm already an old man. I won't be taking part in those fierce struggles ahead. It's about time for me to retire and enjoy my old age."
As he spoke, Maruboshi Kosuke's already aged body seemed to hunch over even further.
Senya looked at the old man who had devoted nearly his entire life to Konoha and nodded.
"Granted. Your pension will be paid at the jonin rate."
Maruboshi Kosuke smiled and waved his