In the topmost VIP viewing area, the Five Kage were not packed into a crowd like the nobles below.
They had an entire private viewing floor to themselves. Huge, floor-to-ceiling blast-resistant windows faced the Forest of Death, giving them a live view of the entire exam grounds.
Below them were the bustling buffet restaurant and betting hall, while their own floor was quiet and secluded, yet fraught with undercurrents.
The hall downstairs buzzed with voices as nobles and wealthy merchants from across the Land of Fire gathered in small groups alongside representatives from the major ninja villages.
Some held wineglasses, others carried plates, but all of them kept glancing at the giant screens on the walls.
Several enormous odds boards stood in the center of the hall, displaying the numbers, names, and live odds of each Genin squad. The red figures constantly shifted, tugging at every bettor's nerves.
"Uchiha Itachi from the Leaf Village, one point five to one! Are you betting on him?"
"Of course I am! He's Hyuga Tianyi's student. How could he be bad?"
"I've got my eye on that handsome blond boy from the Hidden Sand Village. His odds are pretty good too, three to one."
"You're just betting on him because he's handsome, aren't you?"
"Hahaha, you caught me."
Laughter rose throughout the crowd. Some people held forth, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each squad.
Others spoke quietly, exchanging information and guesses, while still others simply watched the screens in silence, tapping their fingers lightly against the rims of their glasses.
The buffet tables were laden with all kinds of food-grilled meat, sushi, tempura, rice balls, miso soup, and unlimited sake and fruit juice.
Servers threaded through the crowd with trays, refilling drinks and replenishing dishes.
The concept alone was novel enough. Combining a