As Kimimaro and the others made their way toward Konoha.
Konoha, located in the Land of Fire, had already gathered quite a number of shinobi, all genin from various ninja villages.
Because of the unusual nature of this year's Chunin Exams, even many shinobi who had never participated in the assessment in previous years had specially joined this time.
It could be said that Konoha now seemed to be preparing for a grand feast that would shake the entire Ninja World.
It was nighttime.
Konoha still maintained its bustling nightlife. The streets were brightly lit, and many shop owners called out to passersby.
Shinobi from various villages also wandered Konoha's streets at this moment, taking in the prosperity of its night market.
Just then, a sharp, crisp voice rang out on the street.
"Tch, Konoha really is extravagant..."
On a brightly lit street lined with all sorts of food stalls, a blonde girl frowned as she surveyed the surroundings, speaking with clear displeasure.
As her words fell, a boy dressed in black slowly walked up in front of her.
As he handed her a large bunch of steaming, bright-red grilled squid, he spoke through a mouthful of food.
"This stuff is really delicious. I never had anything this good in Sunagakure... Here, have a skewer too..."
Seeing what he was doing, the blonde girl lowered her head, a dark line appearing across her forehead.
Her shoulders trembled slightly. Then she suddenly raised her head, her beautiful eyes glaring at him as she snapped.
"Kankuro, what exactly are you doing!?"
"We didn't come here to indulge ourselves! Our purpose in coming here is to defeat every one of Konoha's people!"
Hearing her words, Kankuro frowned slightly and helplessly dug at his ear before saying softly.
"I know that, of course. But