"An alliance? I wonder if Your Hokage can guarantee that neither of us harbors any disloyalty?"
Kitsuchi chuckled and said, "After all, Kumogakure and Kirigakure had previously allied with Konoha, but in the end, they were just each pursuing their own agendas."
The meaning is clear: if Konoha can unite, Kumogakure?
Rescued by Kitsuchi Tu's mockery, Raikage A slammed his fist on the table. "Hmph! Is this how Ōnoki chooses his successor?"
"Raikage, there's no need for this. Joint defense? Do you expect me to fight alongside your Kumogakure?"
"I dare, but do you Kumogakure dare?"
Kitsuchi didn't care about Ai's attitude at all, and once again retorted sarcastically.
Mei Terumi closed the scroll; the information on it was more detailed than before, but still somewhat reserved.
However, joint defense is what Kirigakure needs, and at this moment, they cannot allow Kumogakure and Iwagakure to start arguing.
"Building trust takes time, but the threat from 'Akatsuki' is imminent."
"I agree with the Hokage's proposal, and I hope that Kumogakure and Iwagakure will give it serious consideration."
Although Kirigakure no longer has Tailed Beasts, the hatred that has lasted for over a decade is enough to make Kirigakure want to eliminate the Akatsuki the most.
Kirigakure was the first to agree, which made Rasa, who was standing to the side, take a few more glances.
Snort--
Raikage A snorted coldly. Now, Kumogakure only has the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki left, as Dodai had said before they set off.
This alliance is for the sake of joining forces with Konoha, even though Kumogakure did break its agreement before.
However, alliances between major powers are based on interests, so a single breach of contract is insignificant.
With the pointless bickering between Raikage A and Kitsuchi ending, the talks finally began to get on track.
To Hagoromo's surprise, Rasa unconditionally agreed to all of Konoha's proposals.
It's as if the Land of Wind wasn't the one that declared war on Konoha before.
Late at night, as the people dispersed, the hall returned to silence.
Hagoromo went to the window and looked at Konoha under the moonlight, then turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi and said, "Master, I don't think the subsequent encirclement will be so easy."
The main purpose of tonight's discussion was to determine a solution to the Akatsuki.
After all, half of the Tailed Beasts have already been captured, and if they don't act soon, they might really be cornered at the doorstep.
However, how could someone who has never truly faced Xiao be sincere? Who knows, they might secretly sabotage him later.
"Yes, the leader of Akatsuki..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe. "Itachi already sent back intelligence; it seems the Akatsuki are about to begin their operation."
"Konoha must take the lead in this operation; otherwise, we will never feel secure leaving our fate in the hands of others."
"This Chunin Ninja Exams must make the entire Shinobi World aware of Konoha's strength, so that we can use it to mobilize other countries after the exam."
Hagoromo nodded; in the Shinobi World, strength speaks for itself.
This is also why he was able to join tonight's meeting, and even Raikage A and Kitsuchi had no objections.
"By the way, I've confirmed Kitsuchi; it really is him."
Hagoromo then said that he had been observing the situation for a long time during the meeting.
The Chakra on Kitsuchi's body was indeed his own, but it also had a somewhat indescribable quality.
"Hmm, I guess Iwagakure has its own secret techniques."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, confirming that it was Kitsuchi, but as for how he was saved back then...
In all the years that have passed in the Shinobi World, which family hasn't had some Forbidden Jutsu?
It's not uncommon for people to be brought back to life or for flesh and blood to be restored to health; it just comes at a price.
--
Two days later, on the morning.
The Chunin Ninja Exams have officially begun.
Naruto called Hinata and Sasuke early in the morning and they went together to the location of the first test.
Konoha Ninja Academy
"Hehe, even though it's only been a short time since I last came here, it feels like a long time has passed." Naruto scratched his head, looking at the gate of the Ninja Academy in front of him.
Sasuke, arms crossed, scoffed and said, "Don't get too cocky. If you fail the test, I won't let you off the hook."
"Don't worry, I've been preparing for this Chunin Ninja Exams for a long time."
Naruto, completely unconcerned by Sasuke's attitude, waved his hand dismissively.
"Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun, Shikamaru and the others are here too." Hinata said to Naruto and Sasuke when she saw Shikamaru in the crowd.
"Hey, Shikamaru, you guys are so late?"
Naruto waved at Shikamaru and asked with some curiosity.
They were at the assembly point for Konoha examinees, Genin by genin who were older than them.
The fact that everyone is a competitor implies that no one is willing to chat with them.
They all looked at Naruto with great curiosity, after all, they were too young.
"The exam time is fixed, so coming too early won't help." Shikamaru still had a lazy expression.
He wasn't particularly interested in any of the Chunin Ninja Exams.
"Hinata, you guys have to do your best today!" Ino said, putting her arm around Hinata's shoulder and facing the crowd.
"Thank you Ino." Hinata nodded in thanks.
"It's Naruto and Sasuke? I didn't expect you two to be participating in the Chunin Ninja Exams too."
A gentle voice rang out, Kabuto Yakushi greeted Naruto with a smile.
Naruto immediately began communicating with Kabuto Yakushi in a very familiar manner, while Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"Sasuke, who is this person?"
Shikamaru approached Sasuke and asked in a low voice.
Although the guy in front of him looked very gentle, Shikamaru felt that it was fake, and it wasn't just his smile.
Even when he speaks, it's intentional or unintentional to try and win Naruto's favor.
This kind of thing... it's strange that it happened to a ninja so much bigger than them.
"Kabuto Yakushi is kind of our senior," Sasuke thought for a moment and replied, "But we need to be careful."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. So Sasuke had already noticed?
"I'm not as stupid as Naruto. Although I didn't realize it at first, it's been a bit strange that they've been interacting with us ever since."
Sasuke naturally understood the meaning behind Shikamaru's gaze.
However, he shouldn't try to be too pretentious in front of Shikamaru's intellect, or he might get teased by Shikamaru.
"Alright, Naruto, I'll take my leave now."
After finishing his Kabuto Yakushi bid farewell to everyone with a kind expression.
"Okay, Kabuto-senpai, do your best too!" Naruto shouted, waving his hands.
Turning around, I saw my friends staring at me with strange looks, and I couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"
"It's alright, just stay close to Sasuke and Hinata for the upcoming exams."
Shikamaru rubbed his nose helplessly, trying to tell Naruto that it was impossible for Kabuto Yakushi to be a bad guy.
If Hagoromo had said that, Naruto would have believed him completely.
However, Shikamaru had already learned that Hagoromo- sensei knew that Kabuto Yakushi was approaching them.
However, the teacher made no move, Shikamaru, who was familiar with Hagoromo, naturally guessed what Hagoromo might want to do.
All I could do was instruct Naruto to stay close to Sasuke and Hinata, lest they be betrayed later.
"What is it..." Naruto wanted to ask Shikamaru what was going on.
"All candidates, enter the examination room!"