Drawing lots and the Hidden Mist Technique

Compared with the other shinobi villages, Sunagakure had a dismal economy and poor transportation because of its desert location, so it relied heavily on financial support from the daimyo and the nobility.

The Daimyo of the Land of Wind had already spoken. No matter how reluctant the Kazekage and Rasa were, they could only accept the two men's proposal.

Once the discussion was over, Rasa, the Kazekage, and the others gathered both teams to announce the decision.

"Ahem."

Rasa cleared his throat twice and spoke through a megaphone. "I have two announcements to make.

"First, the individual rounds of this year's Chunin Ninja Exams will adopt the Daimyo of the Land of Wind's proposal: the draw will prevent teammates from facing each other.

"In other words, unless there is absolutely no one else to draw, two shinobi from the same village will never be paired together. This will make the individual rounds more competitive and exciting.

"Second, the guest drawing the lots will be the Daimyo of the Land of Wind himself.

"The daimyo will first draw the three matchups that will narrow the six contestants down to three. Once the top three have been decided, he will draw the matchup to narrow them down to two, with one contestant receiving a bye.

"The top three will be decided here in the Stone Tower. The semifinal and the championship match will take place five days from now at the Sunagakure Arena.

"Your lordship, please."

"Mm."

The aged daimyo nodded slightly and shuffled a step forward, his eyes lowered.

Several Sand shinobi immediately carried over a table. Two clear glass containers stood on it, one on either side, each holding three small balls.

"The balls on the left represent Kirigakure. The ones on the right represent the Konoha Ninja," Rasa reminded