Inside the medical tent,
The sharp smell of disinfectant mingled with the faint, lingering scent of blood. Bandages hanging from the tent poles swayed in the breeze.
A Konoha messenger abruptly lifted the flap and entered,
Dust clung to his black ninja uniform, and he tightly gripped a scroll embossed with gold. The auspicious cloud patterns along its edges gleamed coldly in the lamplight. He bowed, his hurried voice tinged with reverence. "Lady Hyuga Hinata—"
The moment those words left his mouth, everyone in the tent froze.
Kiba raised an eyebrow. Akamaru perked up his ears too, the tip of his tail brushing the ground. "Lady? Is this the privilege of the strong? Even messengers call Boss Hinata that now."
Shino adjusted his sunglasses. The kikaichū inside his sleeves quivered faintly, as though echoing his thoughts. "After all, word of the 'secret technique' that 'split the Forest of Death' has spread throughout the ninja villages. Every major village has its eyes on her. Naturally, our village has to show her due respect."
The messenger did not pause.
He continued reading in a clear voice. "And the members of Team 7 and Team 8, Lord Hokage has issued an order—
The Chunin Ninja Exams will resume immediately! Following negotiations among the Five Great Nations, forty-two additional ninja will be admitted, forming fourteen new teams. Assemble at the Central Arena within four hours.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Show your abilities to the fullest, and do not betray the trust your villages have placed in you!"
Dead silence fell over the tent. Kiba straightened abruptly, his clenched fists cracking. "Resume? Sunagakure and Otogakure were already causing trouble outside the camp. Why would they agree to admit more people? Kirigakure, Cloud Village, and Iwagakure wouldn't give