At the gates of Iwagakure.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Ōnoki wore a stern expression as he instructed his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara, who were about to depart. "Be careful on the road. I'll head to Konoha myself later!"
Kurotsuchi waved her hand. "I'm not a child anymore. I'll be careful!"
After glaring at Kurotsuchi, Ōnoki turned to Deidara and warned, "Don't you dare sneak off during these Chunin Exams! You must sweep aside every contestant from the other villages and bring honor to Iwagakure!"
Deidara muttered, "What a pain."
Ōnoki continued on his own, "Konoha isn't anything to worry about, but Kumogakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure definitely won't obediently send their real Genin. So you mustn't let your guard down!"
Because of the previous Five Kage Summit, the Kage had stayed in Konoha for nearly half a year.
On top of that, they had become involved in the Uchiha Clan's rebellion during that time. They had long since thoroughly investigated what experts and Genin Konoha had, so they were not worried that Konoha would play any tricks in these Chunin Exams.
On the contrary, the true opponents in these Chunin Exams were the other major shinobi villages besides Konoha.
Almost at the same time, the teams from Kumogakure and Sunagakure also set out from their respective villages for Konoha...
In an uninhabited forest within Konoha.
Hyuga Kagami removed the gourd artifact from his waist and casually tossed it to Itachi. "I'll have to trouble you during this time."
"Please rest assured, sir. I definitely won't let anyone spot any flaws!"
After steadily catching the gourd artifact Hyuga Kagami had thrown him, Itachi hurriedly gave his assurance.
Hyuga Kagami was now the Hokage. Not only was his position immensely important, but he was also watched by many parties.