Outside Konoha.
Training Ground 6.
On the arena.
Naruto was still striking all sorts of flashy poses.
Several minutes passed, yet no one dared to step onto the stage to challenge him.
Who would joke about wanting to die?
Chiba sat on the high platform, watching Naruto fool around below, and could not help but chuckle.
He cleared his throat, and his voice, amplified by Chakra, spread throughout the entire examination grounds.
"Since no one wishes to challenge him."
"Then the first place in this Joint Chunin Assessment goes to Uzumaki Naruto of Konoha!"
The moment his words fell.
Cheers instantly erupted from the entire audience.
Countless Konoha villagers rose to their feet and shouted Naruto's name.
"Great job, Naruto!"
"As expected of Konoha's hero!"
"He's so strong! The Nine-Tails is so cool!"
Hearing those cheers.
Naruto's eyes reddened with excitement.
There had once been a time.
When he walked through the streets, all he received were the villagers' hateful stares.
Everyone called him a fox demon, called him a monster.
And all of that had changed because of the man on the high platform.
The Fifth Hokage, Senju Qianye!
He had revealed the Jinchuriki's identity to the public and changed the villagers' prejudice against the Tailed Beasts.
Naruto wiped the corners of his eyes, bowed toward Qianye, then turned and jumped down from the arena.
Seeing this.
Qianye formed a hand seal with one hand.
Amid a thunderous rumble.
The arena, which had been blasted into ruins by the Tailed Beast Bomb, was instantly filled and leveled by countless pieces of wood.
In the blink of an eye.
A brand-new, enormous arena appeared before everyone once more.
"First place has been decided."
"Next is the battle for second place."
Qianye's voice rang out again, calm yet carrying unquestionable authority.