The chief examiner, Umino Ikkaku, explained the rules for the second round.
A fresh wave of commotion surged through the stands as the spectators excitedly discussed every match they had just witnessed—Pakura's ruthlessness, Minato's speed, Sasori's elegance, and... the terrifying horror known as Sawada Hiroki.
Yet amid all the clamor, two figures rose in silent understanding, their heavy presence utterly at odds with the crowd, and headed in the same direction.
Roshi of Iwagakure and Rasa of Sunagakure.
Without a word, they made their way through the packed crowd and entered the damp public restroom on one side of the venue, where a faint smell of urine lingered.
The second round's rules were being explained, so hardly any spectators would come this way.
It was the most inconspicuous corner of the entire venue—and the perfect place for a private conversation.
Roshi went first, stopping at a row of urinals and undoing his pants.
Rasa didn't go near him. He left one urinal between them and silently did the same.
Both men were waiting for the other to speak first. This was a battle for control of the Konoha Crush Plan!
The atmosphere grew a little awkward...
For a moment, the only sound in the restroom was the two streams of water splashing against porcelain.
In the midst of that eerie silence, Rasa's eyelids lifted slightly.
He gave himself a shake and pulled up his pants first.
Damn...
This guy was... strong!
"Sand..."
A thin layer of golden grains rose silently from the ground, almost invisible. Like frosted glass, it covered the entrance to their section, shutting out all the noise and prying eyes beyond.
The clamor outside faded at once, leaving only the sound of their breathing, close at hand.
"Is that all the skill Sunagakure's ninja have?" Roshi spoke