The day of the Ninja Academy's combat test had finally arrived.
The villagers of Konoha were just as excited about the day as the Academy students. Before the test had even begun, many had already gotten the details and hurried to the Forest of Death.
Ninjas from the other four villages had also arrived at the Forest of Death.
To the surprise of many Konoha villagers, four extra three-person squads had joined the ranks of the Academy students.
There was no doubt about it.
These four additional squads had been sent by the other four villages.
Iwagakure had sent Kurotsuchi and two Iwagakure Ninja around her age.
Kirigakure had sent Chojuro, Suigetsu, and another Kirigakure Ninja wrapped in bandages from head to toe.
Sunagakure had naturally sent Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari.
Kumogakure had sent Darui, Omoi, and another Kumogakure Ninja.
Though they looked about the same age as the Konoha Academy students, many were already full-fledged ninjas. Some had even become Chunin who had completed numerous missions.
Having them take part in a mere combat test at the Konoha Ninja Academy was rather like using grown-ups to bully children.
The other four villages understood that. But if they wanted to find out what the wielder of Wood Release, Kurama Yakumo, was really capable of, there was no easier or more direct way than a real fight.
So the other four villages tacitly agreed and shamelessly put pressure on Konoha together.
And so, the geniuses accompanying the four villages joined the students taking part in today's combat test.
Looking at the crowds of Konoha villagers gathered to watch, the Jonin leading the Kumogakure team scoffed. "It's just a combat test between Academy brats. Is all this really necessary?"
The Jonin leading the Iwagakure team tucked his hands into his sleeves and