Time slipped by, and another spring gave way to summer.
Over the past year, the balance of power in the shinobi world had undergone subtle yet profound changes.
The shadow of Las Noches still loomed overhead, like dark clouds that would never disperse.
Yet the legend of the "Pure Soul Court" was like a glimmer of starlight in the darkness.
It began spreading quietly among a handful of informed leaders and clandestine forces, bringing a trace of warped, fragile hope-and still more suspicion and probing.
In the summer of Konoha Year 55, the Chunin Ninja Exams once again became a stage for the Five Great Nations-four, in truth, since Kumogakure now existed in name only-to flex their muscles and engage in covert power struggles.
Only this time, the atmosphere hanging over the exams was heavier and more ominous than at any previous gathering.
The existence of Las Noches stripped the exams of some of their old exuberance, replacing it with unspoken tension and vigilance against unknown dangers.
Konoha committed unprecedented resources to the occasion, reinforcing its barriers.
The Anbu expanded, patrols grew several times more frequent, and several forbidden ninja tools sealed away since the Warring States era were even secretly brought into use.
The Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, appeared frequently at key posts throughout the village. Exhaustion was impossible to hide on his face, but his eyes remained sharp.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had stepped back from the front lines, taking greater responsibility for navigating relations with other powers and analyzing intelligence.
All of Konoha was like a fully drawn bow, its string stretched almost to the breaking point.
Team Seven had changed considerably over the past year.
Under Kakashi's strict guidance and through his own diligent training, Naruto's strength had improved steadily.
Though chakra control remained a