The Ninja Academy's Incredible Legends (14) The Path of the Ninja is Always Full of Mysteries

Konoha's festival-like Chunin Exams came to a close amid the clamor, and before long, more than half the visitors who had come in search of excitement had departed.

Most laypeople were only there for the spectacle. They simply could not tell who was stronger or who had greater potential.

Flashy moves and ninjutsu with dazzling visual and sound effects were more likely to catch their eyes. Even a mediocre and dull gathering of young ninjas was enough to send them home reasonably satisfied.

Even so, a small number of tourists from elsewhere lingered on. Konoha's distinctive charms, unlike those of other places, were enough to keep them entertained.

Several years of peace in the Shinobi World had greatly reduced commissioned missions. Ninja strength had no choice but to become more involved in village construction. In less than five years, the once neatly scattered little wooden houses had turned into high-rises rising from the ground. Aside from a few buildings of commemorative significance, most of the village had changed beyond recognition.

Amid the gaps between those towering buildings, a modest wooden pavilion stood out with an abrupt sense of presence.

The owner of the pavilion apparently lacked the determination of a stubborn holdout. Its lived-in second-floor balcony was filled with beautiful flowers, their buds gradually opening in the late spring season. Beneath a white patterned parasol, two rows of wooden lounge chairs were spotless, clearly bearing signs of frequent use. Not far away, a striped little blanket lay draped over an unmade reclining chair. Judging by its wrinkles, its lazy owner had likely left only recently.

The sign reading "Four Seasons Flower Shop" had hung above the street-facing entrance on the first floor for years. Konoha's residents had long grown used to this little flower shop occupying prime real estate, selling