Chapter 19, Arrival

During their trip to Suna, Hikaru thought through all of the information they had been given about this exam. Apparently it wouldn't be just us five allied nations as usual. Suna and Iwa has decided to have one exam each where they also invited some nations from the west.

Hikaru didn't know which nations would be invited to Iwa but in this exam he would be facing people from the lands of the Sun, Jungle, Ice and Void, as well Wind and Water if course. It was interesting but also frightening.

Hikaru could be the first thing these people see that represents the land of fire, and that felt like a heavy burden.

At the same time, he had no idea what kind of jutsu they specialize in over in the west. He'd have to try and get some more info on them when he was at Suna!

It took them quite some time to reach their destination, but that is in part because they wanted to make sure everyone remained well rested and in tip top condition when the genin first made their appearance.

We should not look in poor shape in front of our new potential allies after all.

"Finally! We're here!" Hikaru heard Naruto exclaim before he put down his daughter on the ground, to go talk to the village guards about their arrival.

Soon they entered the gates and Hikaru wasn't sure what he thought of this place. It was a massive village completely surrounded by mountains and desert. The houses had strange round shapes and Hikaru couldn't really appreciate the architecture.

The group from Konoha was led through the town and many onlookers gave them measuring looks. There were, however, also quite a few who reunited with family and friends.

Since the latest peace, many people from Suna and Konoha had married people from other villages, so it wasn't strange to see some getting jumped by relatives they hadn't seen in some time.

The genin were all to stay at a certain hotel by the middle of the village and once they had settled into their rooms, team 2 and 1 went to explore!

"I think we should check out the food first! That way we know what's good for the rest of our time here!" Tsukune said, his first thoughts always arrive at the same place.

"Nah come on! Let's first take a look at what kind of sights they have here! Let's take a look at the Kazekage's building!" Mibuna interjected.

Suddenly they all heard a rumble, it came from Mirai. "I guess I vote for food" they all laughed a little at her, but after hearing a rumble like that, they couldn't deny her some food right now. Hikaru didn't like it when she was hangry.

So they looked around a little, eventually Hikaru asked some locals what was popular and they were shown to a small diner in the middle of the village, fairly close to where they live.

Once they got inside they smelled the spices. 'It appears they like things really spicy over here!' When they got to the menu, they saw the difference in culture. In Suna you seemed to eat camel and goat meat primarily. They seemed to really enjoy their chili and flatbread instead of rice.

It seemed interesting to the gang so they all ordered different dishes to try a little of each. "This might be the tastiest meat I've ever had! We're coming back here!" Tsukune said enthusiastically.

Hikaru couldn't deny that either. It was incredible! The spices weren't just hot, it had real intense flavours he had never experienced before! Who knew he'd be loving a bit of camel meat in goat milk on flatbread? None of those things were food items he had even thought of before.

The gang spent a long time there, maybe too long, but they enjoyed themselves! This was their first time in a different village and they had to experience a bit of the culture.

When they got back to the hotel they were met by Sai and Rock Lee. "We have some information for you. All gather in this room"

This was Hikaru and Tsukune's room. 'Why can't you offer up your own room?' he thought but didn't say as they all waited eagerly.

"Okay so the exam is split into three parts. The first part is in four days. Until then make sure you stay in perfect health and on the day meet us here at 9 am in this room. When you make it through you'll be told where to be three days later"

Hikaru appreciated his use of 'When' and not 'if' and grinned slightly at his sensei before nodding, showing he understood what had been said.

"Good! It seems like you all understand. Now don't cause any trouble around town, we don't want to make new enemies. If you're going to fight someone, do it because the exam tells you to."

When he was sure they all got his message, he and Rock Lee left them to themselves. Hikaru now raised his voice "Okay so we all meet here in four days but for now can you leave?"

Hikaru smiled at them all and explained "It's been a long day, I just want to take a shower and sleep. Tomorrow night we might do something fun to spend the time." They all understood. He'd have enough trouble sleeping with Tsukune there.

Soon they had all left, Hikaru took his shower and went to sleep. 'Four days, then it's time to show them all what we've got!'

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In another room down the hall Inosuke was lying down on his bed 'I'll show them what a real ninja looks like!' he smirked at the thought of beating Hikaru during one of the tests.

"Just you wait Hikaru. Just you wait."