"The students have worked hard for so long. They're sure to succeed. Though there are a few who are merely making up the numbers, the rest of these children have struggled for an entire year just for a chance."
Torikaze nodded. "Yes, it truly hasn't been easy for them."
Of the two groups Torikaze thought most highly of, aside from Akeibi, all of them came from prominent clans. Such students placed great importance on honor. They believed they had come to study in order to bring glory to Kirigakure.
Now that it was time to test the results, they must have been terribly nervous as well.
"All we can do is pray. I truly hope someone among these children succeeds. Even if they aren't from Kirigakure, I'll accept it."
Success meant this path was viable, and there would still be opportunities in the future.
At worst, they could make more careful selections next time and send more gifted children here to study.
A year was still worth waiting for.
Of course, it would be best if they succeeded in one go and did not have to waste any more time.
"If we succeed this year, I plan to open enrollment to other villages next year, allowing the Land of Sand and the Land of Earth to participate as well."
"As for the Land of Iron, I asked Mifune. They don't support this approach, so they won't be sending anyone to participate."
Karatachi Yagura was not particularly surprised by Torikaze's words, because he had anticipated this long ago.
Being chosen to cooperate with the Land of Water from the very beginning had already been an enormous opportunity. He had never expected to keep monopolizing those slots forever.
And now, the Land of Water's slots remained, though two more countries had been