Konoha, the Hokage Office.
Konoha's Jonin stood on both sides. One row consisted of the chunin ninja exams' examiners, led by Ibiki Morino, Mitaraishi Anko, Gekko Hayate, Genma Shiranui, and others. The other consisted of the Jonin currently leading Genin teams, including Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, and Asuma Sarutobi.
Naruto had been temporarily placed among the examiners and was watching the doorway expectantly.
Konoha's Ninja stood in straight rows on either side.
In the middle, Jiraiya, the Fifth Hokage, sat upright. Behind him stood Princess Tsunade, one of the Konoha Sannin who had been appointed Konoha's new Advisor, and the retired Third.
A new leader always made a show of shaking things up. The imposing arrangement left everyone a little nervous. They watched Jiraiya, the Fifth Hokage, sweep his piercing gaze over them, unsure what thoughts lay beneath that solemn expression...
Good thing we troubled the First to rebuild this office last night, making it a size bigger than before. Otherwise, we might not have fit everyone in here...
That was what Jiraiya was thinking as he surveyed the space in the Hokage Building's new office.
"Ahem."
The Third, the only person present who realized Jiraiya was probably spacing out, frowned and gave a quiet cough.
"Lord Fifth Hokage, everyone is here. They're waiting outside."
"Oh? Oh, right. Let them all in."
Only then did Jiraiya, who had just been wondering whether there was enough room, snap out of his thoughts. He smiled and nodded to Namiashi Raidō.
Click.
Then Sasuke, Hinata, and Shikamaru entered, along with Neji supporting Rock Lee.
The five stood before everyone, who regarded them with approval and encouragement.
"I imagine you all know why you were called here today."
Jiraiya looked at these young ninja who represented Konoha's future and smiled with satisfaction. "Although this