The Hokage Building was packed with Konoha's active Jonin.
Everyone spoke in low voices, exchanging the information they knew. The topic inevitably circled back to the Sarutobi Clan massacre two days ago.
The side door was pushed open.
Hiruzen Sarutobi hunched over as he shuffled out from behind it. His steps were much slower than usual. In just two days, his face had collapsed beyond recognition.
"Everyone present has probably heard the news."
He walked to the front, his voice sounding as though it had been scraped by sandpaper. "The night before last, another clan massacre occurred in Konoha. The culprit was once again Itachi Uchiha, the criminal responsible for grave offenses. Of the entire Sarutobi Clan, only Konohamaru survived."
The Jonin below exchanged looks, and the meaning in their eyes was far from simple.
Quite a few people had been present that night. Anyone who was not deaf had heard what Asuma shouted.
Yet Third mentioned only Itachi Uchiha, without even touching upon Asuma's name. It was obvious he had no intention of issuing a wanted notice.
"I have decided to suspend the Chunin Ninja Exams for the time being."
Hiruzen Sarutobi kept his voice low, but it carried an unquestionable force. "From this moment on, all of Konoha's strength will be devoted to tracking down Itachi Uchiha and the Akatsuki behind him. Konoha will not yield on this matter."
The Jonin below erupted into an uproar.
No one had expected the Third Hokage, who always kept "peace" on his lips, to bare his fangs this time.
Before anyone could voice their fervent support, a voice cut everyone off.
"Wait."
Naruto strode inside. Hyuga Hiashi followed behind him, with the heads of several other ninja clans behind them.
"I disagree with your decision to suspend the Chunin Ninja Exams."