Konoha.
Inside the Hokage Office, the atmosphere was grave and solemn.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat upright in his seat in the Hokage Office, his gaze resting on the subordinates and two advisers before him, his expression somewhat stern.
"Everything related to holding the ninja exams has been prepared, correct?
"Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was low and powerful, revealing just how seriously he regarded the matter.
Mitokado Homura nodded and replied, "Yes, Lord Hokage. We have made thorough preparations. After all, this is an occasion where we'll be presenting ourselves before the other villages. We absolutely can't afford so many mistakes!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly in approval.
Then he asked, "How are the medical preparations progressing?"
Mitokado Homura promptly answered, "Lord Hokage, we have invited three small ninja villages and one major ninja village to our village for these ninja exams."
"The major ninja village we invited is Kirigakure. The reason we did not invite ninjas from the other major ninja villages was primarily to prevent any accidents."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded thoughtfully, then continued, "And the medical side?"
Utatane Koharu continued the report. "During this period, we have been actively gathering medical equipment and supplies, and have already made considerable progress."
"At present, our medical facilities have been greatly improved. Whether during the exams or under any other circumstances that may arise, we can ensure timely resupply and treatment."
Although Utatane Koharu had put it rather tactfully, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately understood what she meant—there was an ample supply of medicine, enough to handle every possible situation at full capacity.
After all, there were many people here who had risen from civilian backgrounds to become ninjas. Some things might not be easy for them to say outright, or they might not express them clearly enough.
There was, in fact, a reason for holding these