"Hey, Kujyo." Sasuke Uchiha leaned against the wall and suddenly spoke, keeping his voice low. "Have you noticed? Those guys... they've been watching us." His sharp gaze flicked toward several Sunagakure ninja nearby.
"Of course." Toru Kujyo let his gaze wander through the crowd before it settled on a red-haired boy carrying an enormous gourd. "And they're not the only ones. There are plenty more."
A cold smile tugged at Sasuke's lips, excitement and fighting spirit flickering in his eyes. "Looks like these Chunin Ninja Exams have brought together quite a few monsters. Especially the one with the gourd. He gives me a bad feeling."
Toru Kujyo smiled noncommittally. Just then, his gaze sharpened slightly, and he looked toward the other end of the corridor. "You might get your wish sooner than you think."
No sooner had he spoken than a figure in a green jumpsuit, with thick eyebrows and a bowl cut, appeared before them like a whirlwind.
"Please wait!" the newcomer called in a powerful voice, his burning gaze fixed on Toru Kujyo. "You're Toru Kujyo, aren't you? My name is Rock Lee! Please fight me!" He struck an odd pose, raised his thumb, and flashed a set of gleaming white teeth. "You're considered the best rookie of this year's class. I want to challenge you and prove my ninja way!"
The sudden, fiery challenge silenced the entire corridor in an instant. Every eye turned toward them.
"Huh? Who's this bowl-cut guy?" Naruto looked stunned. Sakura Haruno frowned in distaste.
Hinata instinctively stepped forward, a hint of worry in her eyes, but said nothing, merely watching Toru Kujyo nervously. Shino Aburame adjusted his sunglasses, his gaze solemn behind the lenses. He could sense astonishing power within this seemingly ridiculous young man.
The Eight Gates Released Formation... interesting. A