On August 5, the Chunin Exams officially began.
The third exam of the Chunin Exams was held in a massive circular arena.
At the center of the arena was a huge open space, with a large area containing small patches of trees and shallow ponds. All the candidates would fight here.
Beyond the candidates' battleground were tiered spectator stands that rose upward. Many nobles, officials, wealthy clients, local Konoha residents, and ninja filled them.
The Third Hokage did not sit in the ordinary spectator stands. He had his own special seat, one level higher than the audience.
"There are so many spectators." Nohara Rin gazed at the sea of people in the stands and sighed.
Before this, the liveliest events Nohara Rin had attended were festivals, but even those had never had so many people.
"Little Rin, don't be nervous. As long as you show off your strength properly, you'll definitely win." Obito thought Nohara Rin was worried that losing before so many people would be embarrassing, so he comforted her.
Nohara Rin covered her mouth and chuckled. "You're underestimating me, Obito. I won't get nervous just because people are watching."
Nohara Rin was not the kind of shy, timid girl who would become nervous under people's gazes. She might worry about the outcome because of an opponent's strength, but she would not be nervous because someone was watching.
"Hehe, that's good." Obito scratched his head and laughed.
Obito cared even less about the audience. The more people there were, the more excited he became. This was a great opportunity to make a name for himself in Konoha.
"Hurry over. It's about time," Kakashi reminded them.
Obito and Nohara Rin both nodded. The three quickened their pace, passing through the passage specially prepared for candidates and entering the center of