Land of Fire, Konoha.
The weather was mild and pleasant, the sunlight bright and beautiful.
Yet beneath such gentle weather, an unusual atmosphere was brewing throughout Konoha.
At this moment, groups of two and three ninja were slowly making their way from every direction through Konoha's streets toward a building tucked away in a corner of the village.
Three figures had gathered at a red wooden bridge.
Standing before them was Kakashi Hatake, his face covered by a mask. Kakashi's eyes narrowed slightly, and he seemed to be smiling as he gave a light wave and said softly with a chuckle.
"Well then... I hope all of you from Team 7 can achieve victory~"
Hearing him, the orange-haired boy among the three broke into a grin, excitedly raising a fist as he shouted.
"Yo! Kakashi-sensei, just wait for our good news!"
Kakashi smiled faintly at that. Looking at the three energetic children before him, each wearing a different expression, he thought to himself.
Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura...
As your teacher... I'm also looking forward to your performances in the exams...
After the three children's backs gradually disappeared beyond the end of the red wooden bridge.
Whoosh!
Accompanied by the sound of rushing wind, a black shadow suddenly shot straight toward Kakashi from the trees to one side.
Kakashi's expression shifted slightly. He slowly pulled a small yellow book from his waist, lowering his gaze.
At the instant that figure was about to reach him.
Whoosh!
He suddenly vanished from where he stood and appeared atop the red wooden bridge.
At his original position stood a man in a green vest, sporting a bowl cut and looking somewhat older than his years, his body brimming with fighting spirit!
The suddenly appearing man in green turned his head to glance at Kakashi above.