Fugaku Uchiha said calmly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression froze before he said helplessly, "Lord Rain Shadow!"
He knew all too well that the other man harbored considerable resentment and dissatisfaction over that night many years ago.
"As for why I came, someone as astute as you, Lord Hokage, must have guessed by now?"
Fugaku spoke again.
"You're here for Sasuke, aren't you?"
With a soft sigh, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, his expression conflicted.
"He can no longer stay in Konoha."
Fugaku said.
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent.
After a long pause, he nodded gently.
"We will still need to ask him what he wants."
At that, Fugaku gave a faint smile. "As long as you agree, Lord Hokage. That will spare us some trouble."
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, his gaze sweeping over the people behind Fugaku.
One of them was Shisui Uchiha, who had made a name for himself in the previous war. The others were powerful members of the Kaguya clan.
None of them were mediocre, and there was also Itachi, who had led the team here, along with Xia Le, who had been in Konoha for who knew how long.
The Hidden Rain Village's intentions this time could hardly have been clearer. Continuing to feign ignorance now would mean failing to recognize when to yield.
"Then let them begin!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.
He turned his head slightly toward Fourth Kazekage Rasa.
The latter nodded calmly, raising no objections.
Soon, a Jōnin relayed the order and announced the start of the exam.
Unlike the first two exams, the third consisted of one-on-one battles, with the winners advancing.
Whether a winner became a Chunin would depend on their individual performance, while the losers would be disqualified.
In the spectator stands, Xia Le appeared at a leisurely pace with Hikaku