Konoha's examinee area.
Sosuke returned here, smiling as he always did.
Though he was smiling, all the examinees looked at him with fear!
Everyone had seen Uchiha Tokino's terrifying strength during the exam just now!
No one would have thought Uchiha Tokino was weak. After all, being able to use an A-rank ninjutsu of that caliber at his age was enough to make him a rare genius!
But!
That powerful guy had been effortlessly defeated by the handsome young man before them, who wore a gentle smile!
Just how strong was this guy!?
When Jiraiya, Dai, and the others saw Sosuke return, they immediately went up to him, all looking pleased.
Jiraiya grinned, showing his white teeth, and lightly punched Sosuke in the chest as he laughed.
"Nice work, Sosuke!"
Sosuke merely smiled at him.
"Bam!"
A sudden, heavy punch landed on Jiraiya's head!
Beside him, Tsunade instantly transformed into a terrifying tyrannosaurus! A black vein bulged on her forehead as she snapped,
"You idiot! Sosuke just finished fighting! Do you think everyone's as thick-skinned as you!?"
Clutching the lump on his head, Jiraiya crouched in a dark corner, tears in his eyes and his heart bleeding.
"Waaah... This is so unfair! You treat Sosuke like that, but me like this!"
Everyone watched the two bicker with smiles. Their friendship was truly enviable.
Well... maybe it was enviable...
"You're up next, idiot! Don't get beaten! If you do, don't come near us again!"
Tsunade yelled at Jiraiya, exasperated.
At her words, Jiraiya instantly perked up, standing ramrod straight!
He grinned broadly.
"Don't worry! I've got a secret weapon! I'll be fine!"
Just then,
Shingo Gekko called from the center of the arena,
"Next, Contestant Number Two, enter the arena!"
"Well, I'm up! Just watch from here and enjoy Jiraiya-sama's showtime!"