The new challenge format piqued everyone else's interest.
"Third Hokage, what do you mean?"
The Daimyo was curious too. After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi's explanation had been rather vague. He would have to hear the details before he could make sense of it, but it certainly had aroused his curiosity.
Still, he had picked up on one key point and had his own thoughts.
If there was one extra participant in the exams, why not give someone a bye? What else was there to it? Whether someone got a bye would depend entirely on luck.
That should have been the most reasonable arrangement.
Yet they insisted on introducing a new challenge format, insisted on introducing a new challenge format. He had no idea what they were trying to pull.
Hiruzen Sarutobi merely gave him a deliberately inscrutable look before answering those around him.
"Hehe, I'm sure you've all heard that the Byakugan of Hinata Hyuga, the little princess of our village's foremost clan, the Hyuga Clan, has evolved."
This time, before the Daimyo could speak, a noble beside him chimed in.
"Yes, yes, I've heard! They say it's incredibly powerful and lets her fight opponents above her level. I came here hoping to see the power of those new eyes for myself."
The nobles who could sit here all held high status, only slightly below the Daimyo and the Hokage at most.
The Hokage had no reason to object. After all, the man was interested and had offered him a helpful lead-in. He was quite pleased.
The Daimyo beside him nodded too. "Indeed, I also came because I heard about this."
Everyone else nodded in agreement. Watching from beside them, Hyuga Hiashi was grinning practically from ear to ear. He had really gotten a chance to show off.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was