The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, is only in his fifties now, and his thin face doesn't look as aged as it did later in his life.
He stood on the high platform, a pipe in his hand, his sharp eyes sweeping over the ninjas below.
He noticed that most of them wore Konoha Forehead Protector and nodded slightly.
As a top-tier hidden village, this is the source of Konoha's confidence.
He narrowed his eyes only when he saw three Uchiha clansmen standing alone, looking out of place among the other Konoha Ninja.
As his gaze swept across the area, he naturally spotted the two teams wearing Sand Ninja Forehead Protector.
The Genin sent by Sunagakure this time seem to be quite elite!
Does the Sunagakure also have designs on the Konoha?
This ally doesn't seem to be as docile as one might imagine.
However, it is believed that when the time comes for the actual battle, the difference in strength will make them realize the reality.
He kept this worry to himself, coughed a few times to clear his throat, and said:
First of all, congratulations to you young ninjas!
The Third Hokage's voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly throughout the entire venue, possessing the inspiring power of a speaker.
Mukai his elbow, mischievously reminding him to pay attention in class.
This is a rare opportunity to hear a speech from the master of the Will of Fire.
Mukai, Hiruzen Sarutobi began his eloquent and rhythmic speech:
"You relied on your wisdom, strength, and perseverance,"
Relying on the bonds between comrades, they overcame the threat of death and stood here.
These facts are sufficient proof that you possess the potential to become excellent ninjas.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was quite pleased to see the admiring gaze on the face of a Konoha Ninja in the lobby who had adjusted his goggles to his head.
"In the forest, you experienced battles and made choices,"
Some teams may forge friendships during competition, while others may sow the seeds of rivalry.
That's good, because competition and communication are precisely the driving forces that propel us forward.
As he spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi the subject, his tone becoming somewhat heavy:
"However, I also hope you remember that bonds and a spirit of sacrifice are the qualities that make you an excellent ninja."
As you may already know, not long ago, our Konoha, and indeed the entire Shinobi World, lost a great ninja.
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi did not directly mention Hatake Sakumo's name,
But his gaze had already fallen on the white-haired figure wearing a raccoon mask who was guarding the side.
Kakashi, you need to get out of this situation as soon as possible! The village needs the strength of an excellent ninja like you.
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around, his voice gradually rising:
He possessed radiant power, yet was ultimately consumed by shadow.
This reminds us that the path of a ninja is not just about pursuing great power, but also about having the spirit to sacrifice for the village.
Where leaves dance in the air, the fire burns eternally.
The Kakkō will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout.
This is the Will of Fire of Konoha!
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, his voice grew louder and louder:
What is the Will of Fire?
It's not about how many powerful Ninjutsu you've mastered.
It doesn't matter how powerful your Kekkei Genkai.
It's not even about how many enemies you defeat.
Hiruzen Sarutobi adjusted his Hokage hat, his voice booming and infectious:
It lies in the belief of protection!
Protect your companions, protect your family, protect your village, protect the hope and future in the hearts of the people of this land!
This desire to protect is the driving force that makes us Konoha Ninja stronger and enables us to use this power correctly.
It is more powerful than any forbidden technique, and more precious than any bloodline limit!
This is also why other ninja villages respect Konoha!
This is the most precious Will of Fire flowing through Konoha and among Konoha allies!
"Long live the Will of Fire! Long live the Lord Hokage!"
Led by the Obito Uchiha, a round of applause rang out in the hall.
Mukai touched the scorpion's disdainful face and clapped his hands symbolically twice.
Listening to the Will of Fire's sermon in person was truly exhilarating!
But Hiruzen Sarutobi, don't you contradict yourself?
The mudslinging against Hatake Sakumo is precisely to blame him for abandoning the mission instead of saving his teammates!
Regardless of whether the mission mentioned in this rumor is true or false, the contradictory and off-topic narrative will not earn it many points in an essay!
Mukai Scorpion beside him with a face full of mockery.
Hiruzen Sarutobi on the second floor was naturally unaware of all this.
He paused for a moment, then watched with satisfaction as the unusual Uchiha boy clapped enthusiastically.
If only other Uchiha members could be like this kid named Obito.
That Uchiha clan member with the mirror, named Shisui, was also a good practitioner of the Will of Fire; they were both quite good!
He waited until the applause subsided before continuing:
The final exam will be divided into two parts.
The first step is the preliminary round, where you will each draw your opponents and engage in a one-on-one elimination tournament.
The victors, who will then be determined, will engage in a final showdown under the watchful eyes of daimyo and nobles from various countries.
That will be your stage to showcase your talents and bring glory to your village.
May you all ignite your own flame and become the light illuminating the path to the future.
Now, go and prepare. Let me, let the entire Shinobi World, witness the glory of your new era!
Where leaves dance in the air, the fire burns ever brighter!
Hiruzen Sarutobi's speech ignited the fighting spirit of most of the Konoha Ninja.
Amidst thunderous applause, he said to Minato Namikaze with satisfaction:
"The rest is up to you, Minato."
There's no need for Hiruzen Sarutobi to stay and watch the upcoming selection matches.
Danzo, who was standing next to him, glanced at the Sand Danzo ninja without showing any emotion. He already knew that he had arranged for the three people to disappear.
However, Root is currently being attacked by Hiruzen Sarutobi, and he is still waiting for an opportunity.
No rush, his arrangements have already been made, we just need to wait for the results.
Only when the water is murky can he catch fish more easily.
As he walked behind, watching Hiruzen Sarutobi far away, he suddenly asked Orochimaru beside him:
Orochimaru, have you thought this through?
No one but me can supply your research.
Even Hiruzen couldn't mobilize that much Chakra Metal for you to squander!
Orochimaru said in a deep, hoarse voice:
"Heh heh, let's just forget about it, Danzo."
Mind your own business first.
My dear teacher, you're being watched right now!
Danzo was initially full of confidence, but to his surprise, he didn't get Orochimaru to submit.
He actually heard Orochimaru mocking him!
Before he could get angry, Orochimaru stopped in his tracks, leaned on the second-floor railing, and said:
" Elder Danzo, since you have other matters to attend to, please go ahead and take care of them."
I suddenly felt interested in watching the performance of the young shoots that have inherited the Will of Fire.
Perhaps it will be quite interesting, hehe...
Danzo suppressed his anger and quickly left with a few Root subordinates.
If he stays any longer, Orochimaru will drive him crazy!
Very well, Orochimaru, you've come to have your own ideas now?
Wasn't the lesson learned from Sakumo profound enough?
Just then, Minato Namikaze flashed and appeared directly in the center of the arena:
"Thank you all for your hard work. I am the chief examiner Minato Namikaze."
Compared to Hiruzen Sarutobi's deliberate emotional manipulation, Minato Namikaze's voice is warm and infectious.
He truly lives up to his nickname, "Little Sun"!
Mukai looked at the young Minato Namikaze with great interest. According to the timeline, he had already mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique by now.
They will soon Kamui in the Third Shinobi World War.
Minato Namikaze was unaware that someone in the crowd was observing him.
He, with his full head of blond hair, spoke:
"Therefore, I hereby declare the one-on-one qualifiers officially open!"