- The standards of Konoha's training must have fallen off if such a lowlife can make it to the finals, Hokage-dono," Raikage said as he watched the scene in the arena, and it was obvious that he wasn't trying to hurt his colleague, but was saying exactly what he thought, - The dark-bearded man shook his head doubtfully, "This was not even in post-war Suna, which hosted the first exam, and in five years' time the title of the strongest will belong to another village.
- Luck is also part of a shinobi's talent," Sarutobi said calmly, not showing his displeasure, "and as for the strongest, we'll see in five years.
- Yes, yes, I heard that you successfully eliminated two of your genin in the qualifiers, one of whom was clearly better than this wretch," the big man chuckled, glancing at his neighbor.
On the other hand, Kazekage couldn't help but snicker, and Hiruzen had to summon all his willpower to keep his expression the same without reacting to the painful stiletto. That what had happened had been the result of an accident, neither kage believed, knowing full well that this was how they were supposed to get rid of inconvenient members of other villages.
Now it was clear that it was also possible to remove unwanted members of one's own, showing internal contradictions. Sarutobi's recent words about unity and the Will of Fire looked like hypocrisy against this background.
The Konoha jonins below, who had heard the kage's conversation, clenched their fists to the point of white knuckles, but were in no hurry to express their discontent, realizing the difference in position and power. But there was no doubt that the Third Hokage, who had given his rivals such a good reason to ridicule him, would be remembered for it.
- They were unlucky," the Hokage said dryly, "I'm sure our genin will surprise you again, Raikage-dono.
- Like this one? Well, well, well," the dark blond grinned as he watched the referee declare victory for the kunoichi Suna, who had finally had enough of bullying a weak opponent, and then gave the already badly beaten boy a ramming wave of air from a fan, ending the fight.
***
- Disgraceful," Shenesu sighed, and I nodded in agreement, 'Jiraiya-san could have gotten his student a little better before the exam so we wouldn't have to watch this,' he said with a wave of his hand toward the arena.
- Well, strictly speaking, he's not that bad for a genin," Setsura argued from the other side, "but his opponent is on a completely different level and can give half of our chunin a head start.
- And the next person to fight her is Hoshi-chan," Ma remarked.
- She has an advantage in element and taijutsu as good as that kunoichi," I shrugged, not the least bit concerned.
While we were talking, Namikaze and Uchiha came down to the arena, and the referee announced the third fight.
- Minato Namikaze of Konohagakure no Sato against Tagari Uchiha of Konohagakure no Sato. Hajime!
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