- Ryo-kun, this way," the aforementioned culprit waved at me, standing at one of the side entrances along with several shinobi I easily recognized as members of the jonin council who were also required to attend the exam.
Responding to greetings and nodding to familiar faces, I hurried over to him.
- Shenesu-ji-san," I greeted him and bowed in greeting to the others who were looking at me curiously.
I'd never encountered five jonins in person before, but they were impressive, about two-thirds of Sakumo. It was clear that they had earned their places, not as elders who had long since lost their former form.
- Ryo Nara," the clan leader proudly introduced me, and then each of the five in turn.
- It's clear he's a celebrity," he grinned into his thick facial hair at the taller man standing closest to me, a powerful man in a uniform taller than me named Kanzaki Senri, "there's talk of a rising Nara star in every bar these days.
- I hope the power matches the glory and we see a good fight tonight," his white-haired neighbor, barely a shoulder's length away from the giant, nodded seriously.
- I'll do my best," I shrugged at that and turned to my uncle, "Do you know who the examiner will be?
- Yes, as I expected, it will be Anbu with the owl mask," the head of Nara shook his head.
- Fine," I rolled my head, "but we don't know who is under the mask and what to expect in terms of abilities.
- Alas," the relative waved his hands.
- It's just like in life, - nodded the big man and looked at the sun, turned to him, - the appointed time is approaching, Shenesu-san, let's not delay the young man.
- The Hokage should have arrived with the examiner by now.
After saying goodbye to the jonins, who had gone to the entrances, which were reserved for distinguished guests and led to separate boxes, not to the podium like most spectators, Nara led me through the familiar corridors of the stadium, which had recently been used by the candidates for chunin. As I stepped out onto the balcony and looked around the tidy arena, I raised my eyebrows in surprise, noticing a familiar figure besides the owl-masked Anbu fighter.
- What's Sakumo-san doing here? - I turned to Shenesu, who looked extremely pleased with himself.
- I managed to get Hatake-san to be a judge for this exam," he grinned, patting me on the shoulder encouragingly, "especially since only someone of his caliber would be able to intervene if necessary.
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