Over the next few days, Konoha grew noticeably livelier. Ninjas wearing forehead protectors from different villages were everywhere on the streets-Sunagakure, Takigakure, Kusagakure... even some smaller ninja villages. Some moved in groups of three or five, while others wandered alone, speaking in varied accents as they curiously surveyed this village renowned throughout the Shinobi World.
The villagers were long accustomed to it. Every Chunin Ninja Exams brought this kind of spectacle to Konoha. Excitement and anticipation filled the air, and business at the taverns and dango shops was especially brisk.
Toru Kujyo stood by the window, calmly watching the unfamiliar faces on the street. To him, these Genin from various villages were merely tender seedlings, though perhaps a few promising seeds lay hidden among them.
July 1, 2:50 p.m.
The members of Team 8 gathered beneath a large tree not far from the Ninja Academy.
Kiba Inuzuka was as energetic as ever, while Akamaru yawned atop his head. Shino Aburame adjusted his sunglasses and silently observed their surroundings. Hinata Hyuga looked a little nervous, her pale fingers unconsciously twisting together.
"There sure are a lot of people," Kiba Inuzuka remarked, clicking his tongue. "Looks like we'll have plenty of opponents this time."
Shino Aburame spoke up. "As the host, Konoha is naturally at a disadvantage when it comes to gathering intelligence for the first exam. The ninjas from other villages are bound to have studied us specifically."
Toru Kujyo smiled faintly. "Intelligence is always changing. Besides, I believe in the progress you've made lately." His gaze passed over Hinata and Shino, carrying a hint of encouragement.
Feeling his gaze on her, Hinata took a deep breath, and her nerves eased a little.
"All right, it's almost time. Let's go in." Toru Kujyo took the lead.
At three o'clock sharp, Team