Ten days later, Konoha's "exam delegation" successfully arrived in Sunagakure.
News of their arrival was delivered to Sunagakure's upper ranks at once.
Inside the Kazekage Building, Rasa looked at the Genin before him. Though Baki was still a fresh-faced youth, his features carried a weathered air. "Baki, we are hosting these Joint Chunin Exams. As the hosts, we must display Sunagakure's strength. Do you understand?"
Baki nodded heavily.
Rasa continued, "Konoha's people have arrived. Are you confident you can defeat them?"
Baki answered with complete confidence, "I am ninety, perhaps even one hundred percent certain."
Rasa gave a slight nod. "Confidence is a good thing, but do not underestimate your enemies. Among Konoha's registered Genin is the Third Hokage's son."
Baki said gravely, "I know him. Asuma Sarutobi, Konoha's genius ninja. He is indeed a formidable opponent, but I am two years older than him. A gap of two years' experience is not so easily bridged."
Rasa added, "Aside from Asuma Sarutobi, there is another Konoha Genin worth watching. He supposedly defeated Asuma Sarutobi a year ago."
Baki looked puzzled. "Supposedly?"
Rasa nodded. "The information from Konoha says Asuma Sarutobi suffered a narrow defeat. Perhaps the Third Hokage did not want too many people knowing that his son had lost, so it can only be called a possibility. Still, keep an eye on that Genin named Chiaki Setsuna. He is a year older than you."
When he heard that the other party was a year older than himself, the gravity on Baki's face quickly faded. He had deliberately chosen not to advance to Chunin.
The other party was a year older than him and still had not become a Chunin at fourteen. He could not exactly be called worthless, but he certainly had nothing to do with being a genius.