June 15th.
The scent of early summer is already in the air.
Outside a massive arena located on the easternmost side of Konohagakure, crowds had already gathered by dawn. This was the designated venue for the Konohagakure Exams, a giant arena specially constructed under the orders of the Third Hokage after a series of rules and regulations for the Chunin Ninja Exams were finalized. Its vast size allowed dozens of ninjas to fight simultaneously, so no matter how strong the participating Genin or how wide their techniques, this arena could accommodate them all!
The semi-circular seating area surrounding this venue is large enough to accommodate 330,000 to 400,000 spectators. As the most exciting Chunin Ninja Exams Konohagakure this year, and even in recent years, no one in Konohagakure with any savings would want to miss such a grand event!
The official ticket prices were already quite high, and scalpers were rampant, yet even so, all 30,000 to 40,000 tickets sold out instantly. Those Konoha residents who couldn't get tickets could only try to find a slightly higher spot in the surrounding area to see what was happening inside the stadium. Those who couldn't even do that could only stay close to the perimeter of the stadium and at least get a feel for the atmosphere!
This is enough to demonstrate just how much buzz this Chunin Ninja Exams generated!
Wow! There are so many people!
"My goodness, this must be the biggest event our ninja village has had in recent years!"
"Haha, it's so lively! I love scenes like this!"
" Konoha lads, kill them all! You must win to the very end!"
"Hehe, I'm sure I'll make a fortune today!"
"Go Konoha! Go Konoha!"
"Long live Konoha!"
Even though there were still an hour or two before the main competition started, the atmosphere in the arena was already at its peak!
The nobles and dignitaries from various countries, seated in the VIP section, all looked quite pleased, intending to thoroughly enjoy this epic battle of Genin between the major ninja villages!
A dazzling clash of Ninjutsu, a powerful collision of Taijutsu.
There were also unexpected strategic and tactical clashes!
They are the ones who are most eager to see the main event begin.
Meanwhile, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat in the highest position on the podium, watching the bustling scene inside and outside the arena with a smile on his face.
This is the scene that he, the Third Hokage, most wanted to see, and most hoped could continue to be!
Therefore, he will not allow anyone to disrupt the current state of the Shinobi World. No matter how difficult or unlikely it may be, he will do everything in his power to strive for peace!
'This peace and tranquility is something I truly don't want anyone to break!'
Hiruzen Sarutobi's slightly withered hands clenched tightly as he silently pondered something.
The noisy stadium.
The main competition is about to begin.
The sixteen participating teenagers from the four major ninja villages all arrived at the venue within the stipulated time!
This time, the Konoha Ninja in charge of serving as the examiner for the third round, which is the main competition, is a very young Jonin!
This Jonin doesn't have much fame in the current Shinobi World. The Genin from various ninja villages don't recognize this young Konoha Jonin. He only has a little reputation within Konohagakure!
Therefore, the other Genin didn't pay much attention to this young Jonin.
Only when Qi saw this young Jonin with a sunny smile and blond hair in the pre-match rest room did his pupils shrink involuntarily.
' Minato Namikaze!'
A character who was absolutely famous in the original work immediately came to Qi's mind!
'Didn't expect this person to be in charge of proctoring the third round?'
Looking at Minato Namikaze, who was giving a final explanation of the rules of the main tournament and the order of appearance to the sixteen of them, with a gentle Minato Namikaze, Qi couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
This trip to Konohagakure has truly allowed him to encounter quite a few 'celebrities'!
Old people, middle-aged people, young people, and children—it was one after another!
Now, it wouldn't be surprising to see another 'future Fourth Hokage '.
After all, upon further reflection, Minato Namikaze Shinobi World was earned through his exploits in the Third Shinobi World War, especially his single-handedly defeating the elite Stone Ninja forces led by Taiseki, and his one-on-one battle against the future Fourth Raikage A and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, a formidable A–B Combination.
Minato was the one who truly became one of the top Kage Level shinobi in the Shinobi World!
After the Third Shinobi World War, he had the prestige and strength to become the Fourth Hokage (although the Third Hokage's encouragement and Jiraiya's strong support were crucial, if Minato's own strength and prestige were truly lacking, it would have been impossible for him to gain the approval of the majority and become Hokage Position ).
Minato is still just a young man, around 17 years old according to the original story!
He definitely doesn't have Kage Level strength; at most, he's at the level of Elite Jonin to Quasi-Kage.
Even so.
This is enough to demonstrate Minato's talent!
Oh, and that damn gentle smile, it's so warm and comforting.
real.
Even his enemies had to admit that Minato Namikaze's charisma was truly off the charts!
You may dislike someone like Minato Namikaze, but you absolutely cannot belittle him. Because it's impossible to lie with your eyes open, and if you insist on belittling him, it only reflects poorly on your character.
Mei Terumi, standing side by side with Kei, was looking at Minato with sparkling eyes at this moment!
This guy absolutely fits Mei Terumi's definition of a 'good man'!
"These are all the rules and schedule for the main competition. Hopefully, everyone understands now."
Minato, still with a gentle expression, looked at Kei and the other sixteen and spoke softly.
When facing Minato, even the most 'malicious' among the sixteen, such as Kisame, Shingetsu, and Toroi, subconsciously restrained themselves!
As Minato finished speaking.
"Yes!"
They responded loudly in unison.
"Hehe, well, it's about time. Let's all make our appearance together. Today, you are the stars!"
Minato smiled slightly, then led the way, striding towards the passage leading to the arena.
Qi and sixteen others followed closely behind.
A wide passageway, with sixteen people walking side by side.
"Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!"
"Aaaaaaaahhhhh!"
The cheers and shouts that were gradually heard came from there.
Just as that ray of light fully entered everyone's eyes.
The deafening roar emanating from the stands shook the hearts of the sixteen Genin!
The final stage of the Chunin Ninja Exams held in Konoha in the summer of 1941!
And it officially begins at this moment!!