Because Kaede did not know much about ninja ranks, and she herself was still a Genin, with Chunin standing between Genin and Jonin.
So in Kaede's eyes, Jonin were incredibly powerful and formidable.
Of course, the Jonin of every village really were formidable, and all possessed great strength.
But the chief of Takigakure was only a Jonin as well, so Kaede felt that a Jonin was equivalent to her village chief.
Yet Neji had actually killed ninja on the same level as their village chief—and more than one at that.
Just how powerful did that make him?
"Then he's way too amazing. As expected of a major ninja village."
Kaede's two teammates nodded. "That guy really is strong, so it's best not to provoke him."
It was unclear whether Sunagakure had done it deliberately, but they had assigned Chiba and Neji as examiners together.
And both of them had rather aloof personalities.
Aside from necessary work, the two barely spoke to each other at all.
The second exam began.
At the entrance leading to the Training Ground, atop a massive slab of sandstone.
Gaara stood there with his arms folded, with Kakashi and Baki beside him.
Gaara said, "It seems the ninja from your village aren't very accustomed to Sunagakure's terrain."
Kakashi nodded. "They're indeed not very accustomed to it."
"If their final performance isn't very good, wouldn't this Chunin Exams be quite a failure?"
"Not necessarily."
"The Chunin Exams are meant to select ninja suited to becoming Chunin. There's no need to forcibly promote those who aren't suited for it."
Kakashi spoke quite calmly.
It seemed he did not care whether any Konoha ninja passed the Chunin Exams.
Gaara was somewhat surprised and glanced at Kakashi.
But Kakashi showed no expression at all.
"Doesn't your Hokage have any objections?"