Several months later, Leaf Village.
Autumn sunlight spilled over Hokage Rock, gilding the statue of Tsunade, the Fourth Hokage, in warm gold. Colorful flags and banners lined both sides of the streets, each flag bearing the bold words "Chunin Ninja Exams" and snapping in the autumn wind. The eyes of the entire Ninja World were fixed on this ninja village-the Five Kage had gathered, an unprecedented event. Daimyo, nobles, wealthy merchants, and countless ordinary people eager to witness the spectacle poured in from every direction.
Leaf Village's main thoroughfare teemed with people, carriages, and horses. Ninjas from different villages wove through the crowds in their distinctive clothing; vendors pushed carts laden with goods, calling out to attract customers; children chased and tussled with one another, clutching freshly bought sugar figurines as their clear laughter rang out. Squads of Leaf Village patrol ninjas in green vests moved through the crowds, maintaining order and directing foot traffic. They stood at every intersection, and signs marked every corner.
The Sunagakure delegation slowly entered through the village gates.
Rasa led the procession in a dark Kazekage robe, his expression composed and his gaze deep.
His hands hung at his sides, and his legs gleamed metallically in the sunlight. They were puppet prosthetics.
Granny Chiyo walked beside him, white-haired and stooped, though sharp glints occasionally flashed through her clouded eyes.
Baki followed behind them, his expression stern as his vigilant gaze swept their surroundings.
Pakura walked in the middle of the procession, her long brown hair stirring gently in the autumn wind as she surveyed everything around her with curiosity.
Behind them came dozens of young Genin, their forehead protectors tied neatly across their brows.
Some looked around excitedly, some clenched their fists in nervousness, and others conversed in low voices, their eyes full of