Konoha, July 1. Clear skies.
At the Ninja Academy entrance on the day of the Chunin Exams.
A crowd had gathered outside the academy, all Genin from various regions who had come to take the Chunin Ninja Exams. Some were waiting for their teammates, while others were already leaving the building without a word.
Those leaving either clutched their forehead protectors with indignant expressions, looked utterly dejected, or muttered to themselves.
Whatever their reaction, they seemed to have given up before the exams inside the academy had even begun.
"Looks like there's some trick to this?"
Sasuke, who was waiting for his teammates to arrive, took in the scene with some interest.
The rules stated that once they entered the Ninja Academy, they could not leave unless they forfeited. But it wasn't time for the exams to begin yet, so why did these people seem to have already been eliminated?
Still, most of those leaving had their heads hung low. Anyone who wore that sort of expression probably wasn't much good anyway. After observing them for a while, Sasuke stopped paying them much attention.
Looking at the building he hadn't seen in so long, Sasuke grew a little lost in thought.
Seeing the familiar Ninja Academy a year after graduation almost felt like returning after a lifetime away.
After all, so much had happened over that year.
Thanks to Naruto and his other companions, Sasuke's school days had been fairly pleasant, and his classmates had treated him with warmth.
His school days remained fond memories—
Though, toward the end, he had spent most of that time sending a Shadow Clone to class.
Not that any of the teachers in the entire academy had been able to see through it.
"Sorry, sorry! Sasuke-kun, we're late!"
Before long, Karin's voice rang out,