"Everyone, welcome to the final round of the Joint Chunin Ninja Exams!"
From the pavilion's raised platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi amplified his voice with chakra to address everyone in the arena.
"After the grueling tests a month ago, the finest genin from every village distinguished themselves and made it to this final round.
Everyone who has persevered this far is the elite of the elite.
However, to earn promotion to chunin, you must still fight one final battle.
I won't waste any more words. I now declare the final round of the Joint Chunin Ninja Exams officially underway.
Ninja, show us your full strength and amaze us all!"
As Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, several ceremonial fireworks shot into the sky and burst overhead.
Gekko Hayate, serving as referee, also stepped into the center of the arena and began reading the rules to the contestants.
Tetsuya was a little surprised to see Gekko Hayate.
Wait, shouldn't Gekko Hayate have bitten the dust by now? How was he still alive?
Had all that drinking with Orochimaru lately addled his genius brain? Had he actually abandoned the Konoha Crush Plan?
With that thought, he looked across the arena.
On the pavilion opposite him, Tetsuya immediately spotted the Kazekage, dressed in his official robes with a conical hat concealing his face.
Judging by those piercing eyes, that guy was definitely not Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage.
Orochimaru, disguised as the Kazekage, sensed Tetsuya's gaze and nodded to him.
"Hmm, looks like he hasn't abandoned his plan."
Still, Gekko Hayate was only a minor figure. Whether he lived or died would have no effect on what was about to happen.
"First match: Naruto Uzumaki of Konoha versus Neji Hyuga of Konoha. Both contestants, prepare yourselves."
Having finished reading the rules, Gekko Hayate signaled for the first pair