- He could get in a lot of trouble," I muttered, casting an appraising glance at my opponent.
Without mentioning the experience of the masked shinobi, even his reserve was just a little short of the White Fang's, hinting at the difficulty of the upcoming fight.
- That's a problem," Shenesu frowned at my comment, "but we expected it, so go, let Sarutobi speak to the crowd, give him a few trump cards if the situation calls for it, and get the jonin vest.
He didn't even doubt my ability to pass the exam, if not beat the Anbu's in the allotted time, which was a great confidence booster.
Nodding to Shenesu, I jumped over the balcony and landed on the sand of the arena, approaching the two shinobi standing in the center.
- Sakumo-san, Sowa-san," I nodded hello to both of them.
- Hello, Ryo-kun," the head Hatake smiled, and his neighbor simply bowed his head.
- When do we start? - Asked him, glancing at his watch. - There were only a few minutes left until the appointed time.
- Sarutobi-dono is already here," White Fang looked back at the Hokage's box, "and as soon as he gives his speech to the assembled audience, we can begin.
- As if we were here for the audience and not for a good fight," I muttered to myself, eliciting an approving snicker from the masked man, but I turned around with a couple of the older shinobi.
Seeing that the attention of the participants was focused on him, Sarutobi rose from his throne and looked around from under his triangular hat.
- Citizens and defenders of Konoha, we are gathered here today to...," his well-pitched, chakra-enhanced voice echoed through the stadium.
I was already doing my best to ignore him, only outwardly paying attention to the village ruler while I looked around at the stands and couldn't help but whistle in surprise. The stadium looked almost empty compared to the number of people that had been present during the jonin exams, but at least four thousand people had shown up to watch the jonin battle, and there were quite a few in clan robes.
Naturally, the most fans came from the Triple Alliance - as in, not half the total number of Nara, Yamanaka, and Akamichi. Saya and Linley and her daughter, who were sitting among them, were actively waving at me.
Here and there, familiar faces of friends and acquaintances could be seen. Who would have thought that I would be so popular?
- Sarutobi concluded, "Sakumo Hatake has agreed to be the referee for the bout.
- I'll continue, Sarutobi-dono," the shinobi nodded to Hiruzen and turned to me, "do you know the rules?
- Of course, no consumables like scrolls and seals, use only standard shinobi kit," I patted the pouches with throwing projectiles on my hip and belt, "everything else is allowed, except for killing blows.
- That's right, and don't hold back on the strikes-you need to last five minutes against Sowa-san or even win," Sakumo nodded seriously. "In case of dangerous injuries, there are six iryonins on duty in the stands, two of them second-degree, so they'll pump you up.
- I can sort of do it myself," I grinned back at him.
- Then get a hundred paces apart and get ready," he commanded.
Sakumo raised his hand, waiting until we were within the specified distance and bowed as a sign of respect to his opponent.
- Show a worthy fight," he said, then lowered his hand sharply, "Hajime!
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