"Clap, clap, clap..."
Amid applause that rang through the sky, Konohagakure's Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, appeared alongside Sunagakure's Fourth Kazekage, Rasa. After exchanging pleasantries, they settled into their elevated seats.
Cheers erupted at once, and the examinees entered one after another!
The matches were about to begin!
Compared with the lively atmosphere at the exam venue, the outskirts of Konoha seemed unusually quiet.
On a rooftop, Shihōin Naraku and Shikaku Nara gazed toward the distant exam venue, where the noise was coming from.
"With all that noise, it looks like the exam has started!"
"Yes. Too bad we can't watch the matches. Shikamaru is one of the examinees too, isn't he? Aren't you worried?"
Shikaku Nara touched the scars on his face and gave a wry chuckle. "Shikamaru, huh... I hope he doesn't forfeit. He's not exactly full of drive."
"Hahaha... Shikamaru really takes after you, Shikaku."
Shihōin Naraku couldn't help laughing, but he soon put away his smile. "I've finished making arrangements on my end. If the enemy really does show up, we should have no trouble holding them at the outskirts."
Shikaku Nara also spoke with a solemn expression. "If war breaks out, Konoha's jonin will immediately head to the front lines to intercept them. Designated personnel will guide the village's civilians into the evacuation facilities, and the chunin will help too. Once the civilians are inside, aside from those needed to protect them, some of the remaining ninja will reinforce the front lines, while others will go to protect Lord Hokage."
"Yes, the ANBU have already dispatched personnel to protect the village's key facilities." Shihōin Naraku looked toward the quiet forest outside Konoha. "The ANBU will hold off the first wave. Let's hope the jonin reinforcements arrive quickly. There are too many key areas to protect. Now