As Yechen appeared, the venue erupted. Countless shinobi and civilians rose to their feet and cheered, while some women excitedly called his name, desperate to catch his attention.
Quite a few women even charged toward the raised platform.
"I knew this would happen."
Kakashi slapped his forehead, then ordered the Order-Keeping Shinobi to stop the frenzied women.
But the women were so wild that even the Order-Keeping Shinobi struggled to hold them back.
"All of you, shut up!"
With a thunderous roar, Tsunade leaped out and stunned every woman into silence.
More important figures arrived one after another: nobles and clan leaders from various nations, along with envoys sent by the Daimyo. Only after their arrival did the venue settle down.
Kaguya Otsutsuki also took a seat beside Yechen. They exchanged few words, but Kaguya's gaze was filled with complicated emotions as she looked at him.
Boom, boom, boom...!
As the war drums sounded, the Inner Disciples participating in the Fourth-Round Exam entered the arena.
Among them were Naruto, Hinata Hyuga, Neji Hyuga, Gaara, Haku, Rock Lee, Shikamaru Nara, and others, who walked into the center of the venue one after another.
Their arrival signaled that the ultimate showdown among the younger generation was about to begin.
The twenty contestants were divided into ten pairs. The matches included Shikamaru Nara against Neji Hyuga, Haku against Rock Lee, and others, with Naruto against Hinata Hyuga scheduled last.
"She has to face the Fourth's son in her very first match?"
Hyuga Hiashi, his brother, and Hanabi Hyuga sat in the back row of the stands. After glancing at the match list, Hyuga Hiashi murmured under his breath.
Then he said to Hanabi Hyuga beside him,
"Hanabi, watch closely and see how far your sister has come under Lady Kaguya's guidance."
Hanabi Hyuga