Nebula's Echo (a Naruto Fanfic)

Chapter 43

Third person POV

It barely took a day for all the possible teams to pass. All the proctors, especially Anko, were shocked beyond reason. Anko was completely out of it after hearing the result. Her tests had never been this easily or quickly completed before...

So when the depressed jonin heard that most of the teams that passed had heaven scrolls and that there was a pile of earth scrolls at the base of the tower for them to pick from, she exploded and went on a mad witch hunt for the damned person that completely ruined her exam!

Are they telling me getting all those scrolls was so easy they could just leave a bunch of them lying around cuz they didn't even need them?!?!?! The nerve!!!!!!

Anko was seething while glaring at every genin in the big room, looking for the tiniest signs of guilt. Ibiki who stood next to her just sighed and pretended to see nothing.

The genin that passed had all been gathered in a big room with inner balconies, kind of? The room wasn't well decorated or anything, but it had a lot of space. The genin were standing in straight rows, actually looking kind of profesional. Needless to say, all the rookie 12 (cuz we include Lee's team) made it. So did the sound ninja team. And Kabuto's. And, of course, Gaara's.

Some genin were standing at their spot solemnly, while others were avidly discussing with others. Most were still tired or injured from the exam they had just passed.

In a shadowy corner, hidden out of the genin's view, the Hokage was silently observing. Looking through the injured genin with steady yet sharp eyes, he didn't look like he normally did. He didn't look like a kind, helpless old man. He looked like a true ninja, ever cautious, powerful and experienced. His stance was discreet yet powerful, his gaze unobtrusive yet cutting.

Like the most powerful ninja of the village was supposed to be.

The sharp gaze soon landed on a certain frowning black haired youth. Or more specifically, on the slightly pulsating black mark on that youth's neck. The Hokage's eyes narrowed as he quirked his chin up ever so slightly.

And as on command, Anko, Ibiki and Genma (the third exams proctor) all appeared at the Hokage's side. The three didn't look at their leader, only gazing straight forward, awaiting to be confronted first.

The Hokage's sharp gaze slid towards Anko.

"...your mark was hurting again?"

The kunoichi stilled just a bit before reaching up her hand to grab the area just by ner neck, a slight tremble visible in her movement.

"...yes, Hokage-sama."

One could tell she had questions as to why he asked, but the jonin kept those to herself, respectfully waiting for the Hokage to speak. But the Hokage didn't say anything, he simply turned his gaze back to the black haired boy.