Meanwhile, in a secluded corner somewhere in Konoha...
"Summoning Technique!"
As the smoke cleared, Hinata appeared on the spot holding the messenger frog. She instinctively looked at the person before her. "Lord Jiraiya, Naruto has something special to... Hm? Why are you..."
"Shh. Ahem, what happened to Naruto?"
A little while later.
Konoha, the Third Exam Arena of the Chunin Ninja Exams.
"Hinata! You're finally here! I've been waiting forever!"
Karin, who had arrived practically before dawn and waited by the entrance for a glimpse of Sasuke, finally spotted Hinata and waved excitedly.
"Sorry, am I late?"
Hinata jogged over with an apologetic expression. "It hasn't started yet, has it?"
"No, no. Sasuke still hasn't arrived, but it's almost time to start."
Karin looked a little worried.
Hinata glanced at Neji, who already had his eyes closed as he conserved his energy, and the other contestants, who were all in place. Only Sasuke was missing. She smiled. "He's probably with Kakashi-sensei..."
"Nope. Look, Kakashi's over there."
Karin pointed toward the main viewing platform.
Though it was some distance away, Hinata's Byakugan clearly picked out the white-haired, masked teacher standing beside the Third Hokage on the main viewing platform, waving at her.
"Sasuke Uchiha still hasn't arrived?"
The Third Hokage turned to ask Kakashi beside him.
"Well, he'll make it in time. Probably."
Kakashi scratched his cheek, looking utterly unconcerned, then glanced around Hinata and across the spectator stands. "...And it's not just him. Naruto doesn't seem to have made it back either."
"..."
The Third looked troubled, as though he knew nothing at all.
Just then, footsteps sounded.
The Third turned and immediately smiled. "Lord Kazekage, thank you for making the long journey. Please, have a seat."
Orochimaru, disguised as the "Fourth Kazekage" with a Kazekage hat and a cloth