Konoha.
The sky was clear and the air crisp, with sunlight shining brightly as a group walked through the Konoha Gate.
"Is this Konoha? It looks so much bigger than our village."
Karin adjusted her glasses and looked around.
"Karin, look. Those people over there seem to be from Amegakure."
Beside Karin, a girl pointed in one direction.
Karin followed her gaze and saw four boys wearing Amegakure forehead protectors standing outside a shop.
"Huh! I never expected Amegakure to take part in Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams.
The Land of Rain has closed itself off in recent years. Lord Gintoki sent several letters requesting a meeting with its leader, but they all got turned down."
Karin looked surprised as she spoke.
"Karin! Ryūshū!"
An excited shout came from behind them.
Karin turned around, then broke into a cheerful smile and waved. "Fū! You came too!"
A girl with short, pale green hair came running toward Karin with a delighted smile.
Behind her followed a group of ninja wearing Takigakure forehead protectors.
Over the past few years, Kusagakure had steadily strengthened its ties with the surrounding small countries. It had now formed alliances with several of them, including the Land of Waterfalls.
It was through those ties that Karin and Fū had met and become friends.
"I begged the village for ages before they finally agreed to let me come to Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams."
Fū spoke with a smile.
"Given who you are, coming here really isn't a good idea. A lot of ninja villages are taking part in these exams. If your identity gets out, you'll be in serious danger."
Karin lowered her voice, scanning their surroundings warily.
"Oh, staying in the village all the time is so boring! Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams are bound to be exciting, and