"Ah-choo! Ah-choo!"
Inside Hokage Tower, Konoha Village.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sneezed several times, then turned his gaze toward the Anbu member before him.
"Still no word from Danzo?"
"No... Ever since Lord Danzo left with the people from Root, there hasn't been a trace of him."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's brows furrowed deeply. He believed in Danzo's loyalty to Konoha.
But why hadn't there been even the slightest news?
Could he be plotting an even greater conspiracy?
As for Danzo being dead, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't believe it. That man... how could he die so easily?
He valued his life dearly. Besides, with so many Root members accompanying him, they would have been enough to take down Hidden Sand Village. How could they possibly be unable to deal with Kakashi from a parallel world?
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his long tobacco pipe again and took another puff.
"Lord Third Hokage, please take care of your health! You seemed to have caught a cold just now."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand.
"It's nothing. We can stop worrying about Danzo for now. The Chunin Exams should be nearly ready, right?"
"This time, we've invited people from four ninja villages. Holding the event in Konoha will not only let them see the strength of the new generation of Konoha ninja, but also showcase Konoha's power and prosperity, as well as our desire for peace."
"Make sure you do it properly. Don't embarrass us!"
"Yes, Lord Third Hokage! Then, regarding the matter of the parallel universe... should we—?"
The Anbu captain hesitated.
Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed into the distance with a profound look. After a moment, he shook his head.
"Keep this matter secret for now!"
"Yes!"
Land of Wind, Hidden Sand Village.
With Nagato joining the battlefield, Chiyo was thoroughly convinced.
Ebizo also appeared. He had already been