The day of the exam came quickly and unnoticed. It would seem that not so long ago I had been strategizing with my students on possible winners they would have to face in the next matches, honing my mastery of the necessary techniques and gradually making small improvements to the keirakukei, like slightly stronger and wider channels to the tenketsu on the hands and feet (I had already gained enough experience to perform such operations without risk with the appropriate practice), saving at least half a year to a year of hard training to develop them to this level or two or three - natural growth. Then getting used to the new possibilities, time flowed away like sand through fingers.
On the big day, the whole clan was buzzing with excitement, the women were shouting in command, pushing their fathers, husbands, sons and other lazy men who would have been happy to stay at home, but who had no chance to avoid the trip - almost everyone wanted to evaluate the built stadium, and the presence of Daimyo and his entourage on the third stage did not allow them to make a mess from the clan's point of view. So, everyone dressed up and put on makeup to look their best.
The same fate did not pass my house - women were running in soap, dressed up, a little makeup and generally created noise and noise, from which I safely got away, having dissuaded the need to accompany the students to the opening ceremony, having agreed to return to the clan sector of the stands, where the Nara were to take seats, after the start of the fights.
Of course, I could have taken my time, but Setsura was going to show up soon, and I thought it best to quickly tidy up my hair, put on my formal clan robes and kamon, and disappear quickly. No disguises except for my glasses - the sun was shining brightly and they would be just right.
All the finalists had to arrive before ten in the morning, when the tournament opened, and the girls and I agreed to meet at half past ten on the building, opposite the main entrance - given the likely crowds, it was more convenient than trying to see each other in the streams of people.
Jumping across the rooftops, already a couple of blocks away from the target, the streets were literally packed with people, both locals and newcomers, rushing to the stadium. The shinobi of Konoha were not about to miss the spectacle, and even the worst section of the stadium was a ticket that only the genin, and not all of them, could afford.
Considering the prices of the more expensive seats, not to mention the VIPs, which were almost entirely occupied by clans and jonins, the village's treasury would cover all the construction costs and make a nice profit the first time it was used. I never doubted Sarutobi's ability to calculate a business plan and make a profit.
- Sensei," Hoshi waved her hand, attracting my attention as I approached among the dozens of shinobi who had chosen the upper paths.
Yeah, my scarlet hair, developing with every jump, was hard to miss. Approaching the pair of kunoichi in full uniform, I smiled.
- How's the mood, ready to kick some ass?
As we discussed possible opponents and made plans, the only opponent the students were guaranteed to be unable to defeat was Kushina, and the rest were well within their capabilities. Not to mention, if only the elite jonins could handle a well-trained jinchuriki, even a young one, especially one with as many advantages as Uzumaki had. But the girls share my optimism, and we can fight for second or third place.
- Ryo-sensei, we're ready! - Hoshi-chan vigorously slammed her fist into Hoshi-chan's palm, literally burning with enthusiasm.
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