At first, the Third Hokage had thought Noah was merely a newcomer with a little talent. But as he realized that Noah's talent seemed extraordinarily high—and that he was Shisui's disciple—Hiruzen Sarutobi gradually became increasingly interested in the young man.
Because of Shisui, the Third Hokage had placed Noah on Kakashi's team with the intention of nurturing him properly. Yet Kakashi's reports had made him increasingly aware that this young man was anything but simple.
First, he had used the Body Flicker Technique to snatch a bell from Kakashi, along with displaying unbelievable sensory abilities. Then, he had defeated and persuaded Zabuza and the others. Finally, they seemed to have discovered that the boy might very well be a descendant of the Senju clan.
How could the Third Hokage not be interested in the boy's abilities? Especially after what the boy had displayed just now—that had not been the Body Flicker Technique at all!
It was not just the Third Hokage. The Genin and Jonin present were all looking forward to this match.
Shikamaru had already seen through Noah's concealed strength after the second test—he had returned to the tower first, completely unscathed. How could he possibly be weak?
He was very curious about just how strong Noah really was.
Neji Hyuga wanted to see what level this genius, whom Might Guy had specifically praised, had reached. The other Genin felt much the same, though Naruto and Sasuke did not have as many thoughts about it.
They had always been with Noah, so they naturally knew how terrifying his abilities were. Instead, the two of them felt a little sympathy for that thick-browed guy.
The other Jonin also wanted to see whether this genius of ordinary origins truly possessed the ability the Third Hokage had mentioned—the ability to defeat Zabuza.