When Hiruzen Sarutobi learned the results, he could no longer keep his composure. He stared at Konan and the others in shock.
"We didn't do anything special. We just beat every enemy we ran into!" Sara said proudly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's mouth twitched at her answer.
Of course he knew they had to defeat every ninja they encountered. But those ninja hadn't stood still and let themselves be beaten. Sweeping aside a third of the competitors was no small feat.
Only someone whose strength far surpassed the Genin and Chunin levels could have done it.
With that thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze grew more intent as he looked at Konan and the others.
Still, Konoha had taken first place, so there was no need to dwell on anything else. What mattered now was preparing for the second round of the Chunin Ninja Exams in ten days.
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked to the front.
"I will now explain the second round of the Chunin Ninja Exams."
His expression turned solemn.
"The second round will be held in ten days."
"When the time comes, many Daimyo and prominent figures who regularly commission our services will be invited here as guests..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi went on at length about the purpose of the Chunin Ninja Exams and why they were held.
There was a distinctive force to his words, and his speech stirred the crowd.
Even Sara and Konan couldn't help getting excited.
"And now, we'll draw the matchups for the next round."
"Twelve people will take part in the next round."
"They'll fight in pairs, reducing twelve to six and six to three. The final three will then fight each other to decide the winner."
"Of course, if a match ends in a draw, we'll decide what to do based on the circumstances."
"Now, let the