The Five Kage sat in their elevated seats, chatting as they watched the arena gradually grow noisier.
"There are more participants this time than there were on the list submitted earlier."
"The extra group consists of samurai from the Land of Iron."
Jiraiya set down his teacup and explained to the other four Kage.
"The Land of Iron approached us and asked to attend the final round as observers. I had no reason to refuse."
"These samurai could actually take part in the Chunin Ninja Exams too."
"They might not want to."
"Who knows? Samurai need fresh blood too, after all."
In the stands, the seating area for the Daimyo and nobles presented a different scene.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire sat in the very center, surrounded by a ring of attendants and guards.
The pampered middle-aged man was fanning himself in utter boredom, occasionally striking up a conversation with the Daimyo of the Land of Wind beside him.
"Oh my, the Kazekage looks quite spirited today." The Daimyo of the Land of Fire lifted his chin toward Gaara on the platform.
Seated among the Five Kage, the red-haired young man's figure looked particularly youthful from behind.
"He's young, after all." The Daimyo of the Land of Wind spoke with his eyelids half lowered.
"He can't compare to Lord Hokage."
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire smiled and did not pursue the topic.
He approved of Shihōin Naraku as Hokage, but Naraku was a little too domineering, which was not good either.
The nobles of the Land of Fire were somewhat dissatisfied with Naraku.
But they did not dare resist and could only complain to the Daimyo in private.
The Daimyo could only soothe them.
Aside from that small nuisance, however, the Daimyo of the Land of