Pale pink petals drifted down from the cherry trees lining the road. Yet the beautiful scene drew little attention.
At the Ninja Academy gates, all the parents and children focused on a teacher who had just emerged from the school.
"Everyone, today is the Ninja Academy entrance examination. I ask all the candidates' parents to follow me inside."
"This time, we've designated specific viewing areas. You'll be able to inspect and supervise every part of the examination."
"As for the candidates, teachers will come to lead them in shortly."
"Now, parents who wish to watch the examination, please follow me!"
The teacher who had emerged from the Ninja Academy was a man in his twenties, wearing the standard green flak jacket. He was a Chunin, and served both as the teacher in charge of the examination and as the instructor who would soon lead the new students. For the Academy, assigning a Chunin to teach these newcomers was already a considerable investment.
After all, the incoming students were only six or seven years old, little tykes. Even an experienced Genin would have been enough to teach children that age. Sending a Chunin to instruct them showed just how much Konoha valued these children.
"Naruto, I'm going to watch your examination today. Don't disappoint me, okay?"
"Make sure you do your best!"
Kushina glanced toward the Ninja Academy teacher, then crouched beside Naruto and straightened his clothes as she reminded him.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll do my best!"
"I definitely won't disappoint you!"
Naruto's eyes shone as he confidently made his promise. Kushina smiled with satisfaction at his words, patted him on the shoulder, then stood and joined the parents heading into the Academy.
Before long, the once-crowded entrance had quieted down. Most of the parents who had accompanied their children