On the day of the Chunin Ninja Exams.
Sunagakure's exam venue was a circular building set half underground.
Several skylights pierced the dome. Sunlight spilled through them, casting shafts of light across the center of the arena, with dust drifting slowly in the beams.
The spectator stands were packed with Sunagakure officials, Jonin leading teams from other villages, and representatives of several nations' Daimyo who had arrived early to observe.
Konoha's seats were in the front row. Hashirama sat in the middle with his arms folded, his expression stern and his gaze profound-the very image of the God of Shinobi, commanding respect without a hint of anger.
If one ignored the flask of liquor tucked against his chest beneath his outer robe.
Genya stood at the edge of the arena, hands in his pockets, surveying the candidates preparing for the exam.
The small fry from the Five Great Nations were checking their ninja tools nervously, discussing tactics in hushed voices, or resting with their eyes closed.
He turned and walked toward Baki.
Baki was briefing several Sunagakure examiners on what to watch for. The moment he saw Genya approach, he stopped speaking.
He had seen Genya during the Konoha Crush Plan: the Rinnegan, the Susanoo, that single slash that shattered the Four Violet Flames Formation. Even now, remembering that overwhelming pressure brought cold sweat to his back.
So when Genya stopped in front of him, he merely gave a slight nod and kept his voice as steady as he could.
"Lord Genya, what are your orders?"
Genya glanced at him, his gaze calm and his tone casual.
"I need Naruto and Sasuke to stay Genin."
He paused, then added.
"Just tell me whether you can do it. I only care about the results. Injuries and the like don't matter."
Baki