"Lord Hokage just said that many important guests will be watching the third trial, so we can't drag things out. There will be time limits as well, so anyone who is unwell... cough! Cough, cough, cough!"
After openly expressing his distaste at the excessive number of participants, Gekko Hayate did not give the examinees a chance to speak this time. He went straight into announcing the details of the preliminary round, only to suddenly break into coughing again just as he got to the important part, forcing him to stop.
Is he okay...?
It looks like Teacher is the one in poor health.
In an instant, Ino Yamanaka and Hyuga Hinata, two of Konoha's rookies, voiced the same complaint inwardly.
"Sorry. After hearing the explanation, does anyone wish to withdraw? Speak up now. The preliminary round will begin immediately."
Fortunately, the coughing soon passed. After steadying his breathing, Gekko Hayate raised his head, swept his gaze around, and asked.
"Immediately?"
The moment those words fell, an unhappy voice rang out. From Konoha's Team 8, the impulsive and straightforward Kiba Inuzuka immediately started shouting in confusion and dissatisfaction.
"We only just passed the second trial..."
At the same time, Ino Yamanaka of Konoha's Team 10 could not help speaking up as well, exhaustion written across her face.
"This is getting even more troublesome!"
Then Shikamaru Nara, standing behind her, complained weakly. Beyond his tired expression was a hint of bitterness.
"Huh? What about lunch?"
Behind Shikamaru Nara, Akimichi Choji was instead worried about lunch. If things were starting right away, there was no way they would make it in time for lunch.
To Akimichi Choji, the Chunin Exams were not a big deal at all. The only reason he had joined was for Teacher Asuma's barbecue. Whether he passed or not