A month flew by, and Konoha was already packed with people. Large numbers of celebrities and high-ranking officials from other countries entered the village, with the Third Kazekage of their allied nation receiving the most attention.
Inside a huge circular Duel Arena, the group of winners already stood before the audience. The raised stands were packed with people, and cheers rang out everywhere they looked.
Naruto, who arrived last, asked in confusion, "Where's Sasuke?"
Shikamaru replied, "It's not just Sasuke. The Genin from Otogakure are missing too."
The examiner, Genma, said, "All right, stop chatting. Stand tall and face the audience. Today, you're the stars."
Beneath a plaque that read "Number one under heaven," the Third Kazekage arrived late, wearing his Kazekage robes and a mask. Hiruzen Sarutobi welcomed him enthusiastically. "What a rare guest. You must be tired after the long journey."
The Kazekage made no attempt at courtesy. "Not particularly. Fortunately, the venue is in Konoha. If you had to travel all the way to Sunagakure for the event, you would certainly find it tiring. I think you should decide on a successor soon."
Sarutobi laughed. "Don't treat me like an old man. I intend to keep at it for another five years."
"Well then, shall we begin?"
Anyo watched the two men chatting merrily above through his soul, filled with emotion. Sarutobi had been Hokage since Anyo first arrived in this world and had held the position all these years. Today, the time had come for his final curtain.
Back then, you watched my teacher die with cold indifference. Today, I'll do the same. Dying at the hands of your favorite student should be the best end for you. It could even count as fulfilling that Will of Fire you speak of.
Immersed in his memories, Anyo's