A few days later, Teacher Ibuki walked into the classroom and tapped the blackboard.
"Quiet down. I have an important announcement."
The classroom gradually fell silent, and the children all looked up at him.
Teacher Ibuki cleared his throat. "In two weeks, Konoha will be holding the Chunin Exams."
The moment he finished speaking, the room erupted.
"Chunin Exams?"
"My brother took them before!"
"Will people from other villages come?"
Teacher Ibuki tapped the blackboard again.
"Quiet. Let me finish."
The children reluctantly quieted down, though their eyes sparkled.
"During the Chunin Exams, many ninja from other villages will enter Konoha." Teacher Ibuki paused. "Be careful when going to and from school. Don't run around, don't go off with strangers, and if anything happens, immediately find a teacher or a patrolling ninja."
Shin-chan raised his hand.
"Teacher, will Pretty Big Sisters from other villages come too?"
The classroom went silent for a second.
Then someone failed to hold back a laugh.
Teacher Ibuki's mouth twitched. "That... is possible."
Shin-chan's eyes lit up.
"Then I'm going to watch the Chunin Exams!"
"What are you going there for?"
"To see Pretty Big Sisters."
Teacher Ibuki took a deep breath.
"Sit down."
Shin-chan obediently sat down, but his face was full of anticipation.
After the children had finished making a fuss, Teacher Ibuki tapped the blackboard again.
"There's one more thing."
The room fell quiet.
"Since high-ranking officials from the Land of Fire will be coming to observe during the Chunin Exams," Teacher Ibuki said, "the Ninja Academy needs to present a new look as well."
He paused. "Today's task is a school-wide cleanup."
There was a second of silence.
Then cheers exploded.
"No classes!"
"Awesome!"
"Long live the big cleanup!"
Shin-chan cheered twice as well, then suddenly remembered something and poked Uchiha