Illumination – A Nar 186. To Each Their Own [3]

As the ever fleeting days passed, the world easily proved none were exempt in enacting ticulous preparation for the upcoming Chunin Exams. Being delayed for almost two years, both the desire and need for the event had reached unforeseen heights throughout the continent

Villages spent their resources supporting Genin set to participate, as such, missions t a sudden downtrend. Each leader convening with their respective council mbers, engaging in talks. rchants and businessn alike increased their activity, earning as much revenue as possible in hopes of gaining a spot at the event

The wealthiest and most powerful would be present to witness this contest, the first multi-country exam in years. For the "worker bees" seeking profit, these patrons were no different than honey. Only those who stood at the peak could seize this rare chance to spread their influence for future profits

Within the shinobi village currently standing as the strongest, Konohagakure1Hidden Leaf Village, a secret eting was being held in an empty room with a wooden floor. Major talks were taking place among the top brass inside...

"...Are there no more who wish recomnd any Genin for the Chunin exams?"

MURMUR...

The leader of the village, the 3rd Hokage2Fire Shadow, Hiruzen Sarutobi, addressed a group of Konoha Jonin inside the private room. The man in question sat behind a desk, all three mbers of his council seated next to him

Two of said mbers were teammates from his forr squad, "Team Tobirama". The na derived from the now deceased 2nd Hokage, Tobirama Senju, they wore robes of similar design to Hiruzen's

To his left sat Homura Mitokado, a bearded man with green glasses and grey hair exemplifying his old age. To his right, Koharu Utatane, her hair pulled back in a twin bun tied a hair pin with two dangling pearls attached to its end

And sitting farthest to the right, next to Koharu, was the leader of the ANBU subdivision known as "ROOT". Dressed in a black robe, the right arm hidden by the robe, the right side of his face covered in bandages, an "x-shaped" scar on his chin, and short black hair

The one known as "Shinobi no Yami3The Darkness of the Shinobi