All the Genin nodded.
Aside from a handful of them, the others felt little grief.
They had barely known Gekko Hayate.
Hinata, Kiba, and Shino all wore solemn expressions.
Their team leader was Uzuki Yugao.
They had occasionally seen Gekko Hayate through her.
They had gotten along well with him, too.
So they grieved more than any of the other Genin.
They were also the most eager to learn who the killer was.
Zhou Cheng snapped out of his self-reproach and looked to his side.
Ino had called him back to his senses, and she was watching him with a worried expression.
Zhou Cheng shook his head to show that he was fine, then began searching for Uzuki Yugao.
He scanned the area but failed to find her. Instead, he spotted Baki standing behind the Kazekage.
Fierce killing intent flared in Zhou Cheng's eyes.
He had barely known Gekko Hayate, but he was on good terms with Uzuki Yugao.
Naturally, the murder of his friend's lover angered him.
For now, though, the exam took priority.
Without the exam underway, Orochimaru would not dare launch his attack.
His gaze shifted to the other four people behind the Kazekage, and he recognized them as the Sound Four.
Then another group arrived at the venue.
It was Gaara's team.
Gaara looked at Zhou Cheng as though he were already dead.
In his eyes, Zhou Cheng was already a corpse.
He had wanted to kill Zhou Cheng ever since their first encounter on Konoha's streets.
Long deprived of restful sleep, he had been tormented by Shukaku into madness and a volatile temper.
Beside Gaara, Temari and Kankuro both looked at Zhou Cheng with pity.
It was his misfortune to face Gaara.
Hadn't Rock Lee lost in the end, even after opening the Eight Gates