Aside from Kirigakure and Sunagakure, the two other co-hosts, several smaller ninja villages that had received invitations also sent genin teams to Konoha.
After all, this was a Chunin Exam jointly hosted by three major ninja villages. Setting aside whether they needed to show the three villages respect—
some smaller ninja villages also wanted to build closer ties with the larger ones.
Thus, smaller villages such as Amegakure, Kusagakure, Takigakure, and Otogakure also sent some genin to Konoha to participate in the Chunin Exams.
In addition, the Snow Ninja Village of the Land of Snow had also received an invitation.
Soji's father-in-law, Kazahana Sōsetsu, had even written to ask Soji for his opinion on the matter.
After giving it some thought, Soji agreed.
As a result, the Snow Ninja Village had now dispatched three genin teams toward Konoha.
Land of Sound, where Otogakure was located.
"Orochimaru-sama, everything is ready. Our people can depart at any time!"
Yamato from the original story, Ohm in this life, respectfully reported to the figure in the shadows.
"Tap, tap, tap~"
Then, a set of footsteps slowly emerged from the shadows.
"Then let's depart!"
After stepping out of the darkness, Orochimaru paused and gave the order.
"Yes!"
Then, led by Orochimaru, a group of Sound ninja set out.
"Konoha... It's been so many years since I last returned. I never expected present-day Konoha to become even stronger. It seems there's no chance to destroy it anymore. What a pity!"
Orochimaru sighed regretfully.
Beside him, Ohm remained expressionless at Orochimaru's words.
Yes, this expression of Ohm's had frightened Naruto quite a few times in the original story.
However, Ohm was actually rather surprised by Orochimaru's words.
Mainly because he had not expected Orochimaru to be so obsessed with Konoha.
How should he put it? It was