"Whoa, whoa, whoa!"
Cheers instantly erupted throughout the arena. Naruto Uzumaki stood on the field, basking in everyone's respect and applause. At last, he no longer had to listen to their mockery.
Watching this from the main viewing stand, the Daimyo smiled and asked,
"Is this the village's jinchuriki?"
"Yes, Naruto is our village's jinchuriki."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded gently, continuing his commentary as he explained Naruto Uzumaki's circumstances.
"He's young and talented, with a kind heart. He's also together with little Tsunade's apprentice, so his loyalty is absolutely beyond question."
"Mm, excellent."
The Daimyo nodded as well, thoroughly satisfied. His trip to the chunin ninja exams had not been in vain.
Seeing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't stop the corners of his mouth from rising. Had his announcement that he would step down and let Tsunade take over made the Daimyo view everything more favorably?
Whatever the reason, as long as the funding came through, there was no problem.
After a few more brief pleasantries, the Judge announced the next match.
"Sasuke Uchiha of Konoha versus Gaara of Sunagakure."
"Both contestants, please prepare."
The second-to-last match was about to begin.
Luo Mang glanced at Sasuke Uchiha, who was also looking toward the arena.
"Good luck. Your opponent doesn't look easy to deal with, so be careful."
"Of course."
Karin, standing nearby, looked rather nervous.
"Sasuke-kun, don't let your guard down. Do you need to replenish your energy?"
"Replenish it? How?"
Ino Yamanaka came over on her own initiative and grinned as she questioned Karin, who had temporarily joined their village.
"Do you mean taking a Soldier Pill?"
Ino Yamanaka had been standing quite far away, partly to avoid arousing suspicion after getting a little too intimate with Luo Mang earlier. Now that she heard what they were discussing, her curiosity was