Xue Ge, Kakashi, Shisui, Muzi, Guy, Asuma, Aburame Ryoma, Aoba Yamashiro, Baki, Karura, Ameno, Ameyuri, Kisame, Han, Gari, Killer B.
Eight from Konoha, three from Sunagakure, two each from Kirigakure and Iwagakure, and one from Kumogakure.
Everyone, Hiruzen included, struggled to keep their composure when they saw the list.
"Hey, hey, wait-" Dodai took a deep breath. "How could Killer B be the only one left from Kumogakure?"
"Well-I really am sorry about that." Hiruzen could only give an awkward smile.
Dodai wanted to say more, but Ao interrupted him. "Enough. You didn't have many people make it in to begin with. Besides, at least all three of your eliminated candidates survived. Two of ours from Kirigakure died."
Ao's expression was rather dark too, but there was little else he could say.
After all, the Chunin Ninja Exams had always had a tacitly accepted death allowance, so casualties were normal. If anything, Konoha had acted faster than he had expected.
Kitsuchi, the representative of Iwagakure, which had similarly few candidates advance, sighed. "Konoha really is impressive. Your candidates account for a full half of those advancing."
"You're too kind, too kind," Hiruzen said hastily.
Pakura stayed silent, making herself inconspicuous. She was very satisfied with having three candidates advance. Sunagakure had not sent many people to begin with.
Still-she really had not paid much attention to those two children, Karura and Ameno, before.
After everyone discussed matters for a while, Hiruzen said, "Well, everyone, let's not delay. It's getting late. Let's go see those children who just escaped death."
As for the snake outbreak in the Forest of Death, Hiruzen had already ordered Danzo, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru to investigate.
The village representatives rose at his words.
Sharp-eyed, Hiruzen noticed someone in the corner standing up along with them. Raising an