Genma Shiranui stood in the center of the field, glanced at the roster in his hand, then looked up at the pitch-black competitors' entrance.
The sun climbed higher, its heat making the spectators in the stands restless.
"Next match, Sasuke Uchiha versus Gaara of the Sand."
Genma's voice carried across the entire stadium through the loudspeakers.
Yet the only response was the rustle of wind through the leaves.
One minute passed.
Two minutes passed.
There was still no sign of the Uchiha orphan everyone had been waiting for.
The whispers in the stands gradually turned into loud complaints.
"What the hell? Why hasn't that Uchiha brat come out yet?"
"We paid good money for these tickets! We didn't come to stare at empty air!"
"If he's scared of dying, just forfeit! Stop wasting everyone's time!"
Someone started it, though no one knew who. An empty drink bottle flew down from the stands and landed on the field with a clatter.
Then it was as though a switch had been flipped.
Rotten banana peels, crumpled paper, and unfinished popcorn rained down onto the field.
The boos of tens of thousands of people merged into a roar that made everyone's eardrums ache.
In the main stand.
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, holding his pipe without any inclination to smoke.
According to the rules of the Chunin Ninja Exams, arriving late counted as forfeiting.
But before he could speak, the "Fourth Kazekage" beside him spoke first.
"Lord Hokage, canceling such an exciting match merely because someone is late would be far too disappointing."
Orochimaru's voice was low and hoarse, with a tone that brooked no argument.
"That Uchiha brat is the main attraction of these exams. Isn't that what the spectators came all this way to see?"
The Third Hokage fell silent for