"Seriously? 'The strongest genin'? That blond brat? He doesn't look all that strong."
"Well, this is the first time Konoha has officially released news like this. The Third Hokage has sat in that position for decades, so he must have some basis for it. If not for this gimmick, and hearing that the Uchiha descendant hadn't advanced, I originally wouldn't have bothered making a special trip to Konoha."
"Hurry up and start! I want to see blood flow! Get out there! Let me see for myself just how capable the person the Hokage praised so highly really is?!"
In the stands, ninjas, merchants, and nobles from various countries discussed animatedly. The noisy waves of voices were mixed with undisguised anticipation, curiosity, and doubt.
Meanwhile, most of Konoha's Jonin and some Chunin in the viewing stands stood with their arms folded, looking perfectly composed.
However, the atmosphere in the section reserved for ordinary Konoha villagers on the other side was especially heavy. As they watched the golden figure in the arena, there was neither anticipation nor doubt on their faces. In their place was an indescribable awkwardness and unease.
That unease stemmed from their past attitudes of indifference, rejection, and even hatred.
A secluded stairway passage above the stands connected the lower and upper seating areas. Though the entire venue was nearly packed, it was basically empty during the matches.
The arena below could be seen from here, but the view and viewing experience were clearly much worse.
Satsuki stood here alone. She cared a little about the fact that, on such an important day when Naruto had advanced to the final exams, she was the only one from home who had come to watch.
But there was nothing to be done about it. Today, her father, Fugaku Uchiha—or rather, most