Hyuga Hiashi stepped out of the line.
The Hyuga Clan Leader, head of the Byakugan wielders, drew a tally mark beneath Uchiha Itachi's name.
After making his mark, he turned back toward the line. As he passed Uchiha Fugaku, they exchanged a glance and nodded to each other.
The alliance between the Hyuga and the Uchiha needed no words.
Uchiha Fugaku stood farther back in the line. When his turn came, he walked up to the platform and drew a tally mark beneath Uchiha Itachi's name.
A young female Jonin stepped forward.
She was married, and she held a baby in her arms, one of a pair of twins. Her husband stood behind her, holding the other.
Holding her child with one arm, she picked up the pen with her free hand and drew a tally mark beneath Naruto Uzumaki's name.
Then she turned away with the child in her arms, her husband following with their other baby.
The baby babbled as though cheering its mother on.
Neji stepped out of the crowd.
He was the Hyuga Clan's prodigy Jonin, the pride of the Byakugan.
He walked up to the platform and picked up the pen. It hovered above the two names for a moment, then he drew a tally mark beneath Naruto Uzumaki's name.
Tenten watched his back from the line, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.
As Neji passed her, he spoke softly.
"He needs this opportunity."
Tenten nodded without saying a word.
Sasuke stood in the middle of the line.
His face was expressionless, his hands in his pockets as he watched the people ahead step forward one by one.
When his turn came, Sakura gently squeezed his hand, then let go.
Sasuke walked up to the platform and picked up the pen.
The entire square