"Cough, cough..."
The entire plaza was silent. The only sound was Shingo Gekko's occasional coughing.
"The third exam is very simple. The contestants will be decided by drawing number tags. Those with matching numbers will be paired together, and the numbers on the tags determine the order of the matches. The winners will advance to Chunin."
He took a set of number tags from his hand and spoke softly.
"These number tags have all been specially made to prevent any cheating. Come on! Step forward and draw your opponent!"
The people on the high platform began discussing among themselves.
"Isn't this just leaving things to fate? Isn't that a little ridiculous?"
"Oh no! What if Sosuke draws a strong opponent? Isn't that unfair?"
"Don't worry. We have to have a little faith in Sosuke. He'll definitely be able to beat his opponent!"
The examinees below stepped forward one after another and each drew a number tag.
Sosuke returned to his place holding his tag, opened his palm, and glanced at it.
Number one!
"Cough, cough... Now that everyone has drawn a number tag, those who drew number one, please enter the center of the arena. The other examinees will wait in the examinee area."
Shingo Gekko cleared his throat.
"Tap!" "Tap!" ...
Sosuke walked toward the arena at an unhurried pace!
The high platform erupted into an uproar!
"Oh my god! It's that boy, Sosuke! Look! Look! Sosuke's going out there!"
"It's that boy, Sosuke! Let's cheer him on!"
"I wonder who Sosuke's opponent will be! Please don't let the child's opponent be too strong!"
Even the Feudal Lords were surprised that Sosuke could cause such an uproar among the commoners. They all looked toward his figure in the arena with curious eyes.
Beside the Feudal Lords, a noble-looking