"Morning."
"Mm."
"Good luck in today's match!"
Before Luo Mang and the others had finished chatting, the Hokage began his announcement.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice reached their ears.
"Heh heh, I warmly welcome all our friends who have traveled so far to attend the Chunin Ninja Exams here in Konoha, in the Land of Fire."
Looking up, they saw that Sarutobi had risen from his seat and was addressing the people below.
The empty seats beside him had filled as well. One held an old man dressed in white, with cloth wrapped around his face.
Several guards carrying samurai swords stood beside him.
"Is that the Daimyo?"
"Yeah, the Pervy Sage told me about him. The Daimyo who provides aid to Konoha has come to watch our matches, so we need to put on a good show."
"Right, he should be one of the nobles."
Even Sasuke, beside them, gave a rare nod of agreement.
They all had the same mindset: put their abilities on display and secure funding.
Luo Mang merely glanced over before looking away. People with no fighting ability occupying the highest positions-such a situation could not last.
At least, that was his understanding. Of course, Luo Mang did not care how things changed, as long as it did not affect the people around him or those he valued.
On the platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi continued his opening speech.
"I'm sure you've all come to see the budding stars of the future, and Konoha certainly won't disappoint you."
"..."
After a round of lavish flattery, along with a subtle reminder to the Daimyo about their shortage of funds, he finally announced,
"All right, time is short. Let's watch the matches. We've specially prepared exhibition matches so you can enjoy yourselves to the fullest."
With that, Hiruzen Sarutobi lowered his