"Lord Hokage, do you really want to let Kaguya participate in the Chunin Exams?" Iruka asked, addressing the Third Hokage sitting at the desk. "You know she's all alone. What if something happens?"
"Iruka," the Third Hokage took a puff of his pipe and glanced at Iruka, "that child isn't so fragile."
"She has strong abilities, but her experience isn't enough for her to act alone," Iruka said with concern.
"Different people require different training methods," the Third Hokage replied. "The Chunin Exams are the best training for her. Don't worry, Iruka. I'll be keeping an eye on her."
Only then did Iruka relax a bit.
At this time, Kaguya was unaware of the conversation between Iruka and the Third Hokage. She had arrived at the registration classroom.
As she opened the door, she was greeted by a sea of people. They were ninjas from various villages, identifiable by their headbands—Sand, Stone, Waterfall, and others. Their clothing varied widely.
The only commonality was the murderous intent on their faces. It seemed many of them had already killed, and their killing intent was palpable in the air. The sound of the door drew their attention, and they turned to look at Kaguya with unfriendly eyes.
Kaguya regarded these small fry with disdain. Most of them were merely cannon fodder, and she didn't pay them any mind as she walked further into the classroom.
"This masked guy seems quite arrogant."
"He actually ignored us."
"Heh."
The murmurs made Kaguya frown, but she ignored them and continued into the classroom.
"Kaguya-chan."
A familiar voice called out, making Kaguya's eyelids twitch. Could it be...
She turned and saw Naruto waving enthusiastically at her, smiling broadly.
Pretending not to see him, Kaguya decisively turned her head back. She didn't want to interact with Naruto; he was too clingy.
In the distance, Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino were also present, talking to Naruto and his group. After a while, Hinata, Shino, and Kiba arrived too.
Kaguya quietly walked over and suddenly hugged Hinata from behind, nuzzling against her.
"Little Hinata, it's been so long. I missed you," she cooed, relishing the feel of the adorable young girl.
"Kaguya Nee-chan, don't, don't do that," Hinata stammered, startled and struggling, but she was no match for Kaguya.
"Kaguya," Kiba walked up and said.
"Yes?" Kaguya finally released Hinata from her embrace and glanced at Kiba with her cool eyes. "What is it?"
"Nothing much," Kiba chuckled. "I heard there's a bounty of a 100 million on you."
As soon as Kiba said this, there was a sudden silence around them. All eyes in the classroom focused on Kaguya.
"What? This is the woman worth a 100 million?"
"The one with the mask?"
"Can't be."
"Too bad we can't see her face."
"She's rumored to be incredibly beautiful."
"A 100 million, huh."
"Should we do something during the exam? Heh heh."
The eyes of the ninjas in the classroom began to change, their gazes turning predatory, staring at Kaguya like hungry wolves eyeing prey.
"You idiot, how could you say that here?" Shikamaru growled, pulling Kiba aside.
"Yeah, sorry," Kiba scratched his head, realizing his mistake, and apologized profusely.
"It's nothing," Kaguya said softly, a slight smile beneath her mask. "They're just a bunch of rabble."
Kaguya's casual remark was like a bomb, instantly igniting the anger of the ninjas who were watching her. The noise level in the classroom rose dramatically.
"Arrogant."
"Conceited little girl."
"She needs to be taught a lesson."
"Yes, let's show her what we're made of."
"Heh heh."
At that moment, a white-haired boy with glasses walked over.
"Hey, you lot, you better quiet down. Aren't you the nine newcomers, no, ten newcomers who just graduated from the ninja academy?"
"Yes," Kaguya turned her head, curiously examining him. "What's up?"
"Such a noisy bunch," the white-haired boy adjusted his glasses. "This isn't a field trip, you know."
"Who do you think you are, acting so high and mighty?" Ino scoffed.
"I'm Kabuto Yakushi," the white-haired boy said. "And by the way, take a look around you."
Kaguya pretended to look around and noticed that the surrounding ninjas were all glaring at them, their eyes full of killing intent, as if they wanted to devour her. She paid them no mind and focused on Kabuto, who was one of the most outstanding spies in the Naruto series.
Looks like the show is about to start, Kaguya thought, a faint smile on her lips.
"These ninjas from various countries are not very patient. Don't provoke them," Kabuto adjusted his glasses again and smiled. "It's understandable, you are all newcomers. As your senior, let me give you some information."
He took out a deck of cards from his pocket and said, "These are the information I've collected over the past four years. They're called Ninja Info Cards. They contain detailed information on the participants in this exam. Tell me who you want to know about, and I can give you information on them."
"Gaara from the Hidden Sand, and Rock Lee from the Hidden Leaf," Sasuke stepped forward, arms crossed. It seemed he had already met Gaara.
"Well, you even know their names," Kabuto chuckled. "That makes it easier."
Kabuto drew two cards from the deck.
"These two."
He placed the cards on the ground, then touched them with his index finger, slowly spinning it while forming hand signs.
With a puff of smoke, the cards revealed the portraits and details of Rock Lee and Gaara.
"Let's start with Rock Lee," Kabuto said. "He's a year older than you, has completed 20 D-rank missions and 11 C-rank missions. His mentor is Guy. Though his Taijutsu has made significant progress this year, he's lacking in other areas."
"Next is Gaara. He's completed 8 C-rank missions and 1 B-rank mission. Impressive, for a Genin to complete a B-rank mission. Because he's from another village and is a newcomer, there's not much more information available. However, he's returned from all his missions unscathed."
"A Genin completing a B-rank mission and returning unscathed?" Shikamaru's expression grew serious.
"Any other information you'd like to know?" Kabuto asked, adjusting his glasses.
"Kaguya, tell us about Kaguya," Naruto shouted loudly.
"Move aside," Kaguya remained calm, kicking Naruto away.
"But I," Naruto scratched his head, looking aggrieved.
Seeing his expression made Kaguya shiver, goosebumps rising on her skin.