Morning.
Many carriages slowly entered Konoha, carrying royal ministers and nobles from other countries.
They had traveled thousands of miles to witness this rare Chunin Exams.
The ninja at Konoha's main gate diligently verified the identities of these foreign guests, after which specially assigned ninja guided them to the Chunin Exams venue.
Under Fugaku's command, the Police Force maintained order throughout the village in an organized fashion. Fugaku had the Root members mix with his own clansmen, dispersing throughout the village in teams of two or three.
Inside the Hokage's Office, Kamado brought over the Hokage's robes and hat.
"Lord Shin, everything is nearly ready."
Shin draped the wide robe over himself. By the time he stepped out of the room, he had already taken on Orochimaru's appearance.
Kakashi, standing guard outside, immediately bowed upon seeing this.
"Let's go."
Today was the day the third round of the Chunin Exams would begin, and it would also be the most exciting part of these Chunin Exams.
The exam venue was a massive circular field at the edge of the village, resembling an arena.
When Shin, transformed into Orochimaru, arrived, he could hear the villagers who had taken their seats early cheering for his arrival.
"Lord Hokage." Pakura rose and bowed from not far away.
This woman always carried herself with pride around him, but whenever she faced Orochimaru, she would put that pride away.
In a world where strength ruled supreme, Shin did not care about it.
He merely nodded lightly before taking the Hokage's designated seat.
By the time it was nearly time to begin, the spectator stands were already packed.
Shin rose to deliver his opening remarks. With the aid of a Yamanaka Clan ninja, his voice spread throughout the entire venue.
"Let the third round of the Chunin