"I'm heading out."
Naruto waved to Jiraiya and headed toward Konoha Arena with Karin.
"Have a good trip."
Jiraiya watched Naruto's figure recede into the distance, then turned back into the house to tidy up after saying that with a smile. When he came out again, however, his expression had turned serious.
"Lord Jiraiya."
A Root member wearing a fox mask appeared at the door. He was the ultimate workhorse-Tenzo.
"Yes, the Old Man already told me. Take me there."
Tenzo's initial embarrassment vanished instantly. Looking at Jiraiya, who was completely different from his earlier roguish self, even his gaze took on a hint of respect.
"This way. First, we'll..."
As his words fell, the two vanished, leaving only the open door behind.
About two or three minutes later, a toad's head poked out through the doorway.
"Ribbit, honestly, Lord Jiraiya forgot to close the door again, ribbit."
Gamachu pulled the door shut and took over Jiraiya's daily housework.
Outside Konoha Arena.
"Big brother, I spotted Hinata and Sasuke." Karin jumped up, craning her head to look around. With her extraordinary eyesight (actually her sensory abilities), she found Sasuke and Hinata.
"Good morning, Naruto-kun." A figure with a high ponytail threaded through the crowd and came over.
Quite a few people had come to watch. Since the exam had yet to begin, they were all packed into a dense crowd outside the arena's entrance.
"Naruto." Through sheer presence, Sasuke forced the crowd to clear a path for him and walked over at a measured pace.
"That's the young master of the Uchiha Clan, isn't it?"
"Yes. Those kids seem to have played together since they were little. I hear they're all really strong now."
"Hey, I've got information on the ninja in this exam. Want to buy a copy for