At Konoha's entrance, the barrier pulsed several times more frequently than usual. Each ripple of energy was like a stone tossed into a lake, sending faint yet tense tremors through the air.
"During the Chunin Ninja Exams, huge numbers of people from factions across the Ninja World will be coming and going. Stay alert, register everyone carefully, and don't let anyone suspicious slip through... Report anything unusual immediately!" the Guard Captain instructed gravely, sweeping his gaze over his companions standing ready beside him.
"Yes!" the ninja answered in unison, their backs straight as pines and their eyes sharp as they scrutinized every outsider—the Chunin Ninja Exams were fast approaching.
Elite teams from each village were arriving one after another. An invisible contest had already begun whenever their gazes met, adding an undercurrent of tension to the grand event.
"Another group is coming. Everyone, stay ready... Don't let outsiders look down on Konoha!"
"Yes!"
The Iwagakure contingent was the first to break the calm.
Thud, thud... Thud, thud...
Heavy footsteps approached from the distance, carrying the steady force of rocks striking together. Unlike the handful of small teams sent by other villages, Iwagakure had dispatched five teams at once.
Dozens of ninja marched in a neat formation, their earth-yellow forehead protectors forming an unbroken band beneath the sunlight. Their presence was conspicuously imposing, like a small mountain moving toward Konoha's entrance.
"Straighten those backs!" the Jonin leading them barked. He was built like a boulder, and beneath his distinctive Iwagakure forehead protector was a weathered, sharply defined face. He was Kitsuchi, the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki's son and Kurotsuchi's father.
His voice carried the weight characteristic of Earth Release ninjutsu, like a hammer striking a stone slab. "Once you step onto Konoha's territory, every step reflects on Iwagakure! Don't make them think