Half an hour later, the Anbu reported the conflict between Gaara, Sasuke, and the others to the Hokage Building.
After listening to the Anbu's report, the Elder Council Duo in charge of organizing the Chunin Exams frowned and looked up at Jiraiya before them, their eyes filled with concern.
Conflicts between Genin candidates were no big deal, but Sunagakure had actually sent a Jinchuriki to participate in the Chunin Exams.
A Jinchuriki combined with the Kazekage was practically all of Sunagakure's current fighting strength. If they intended to do anything in Konoha, then even if Konoha suppressed them, it would suffer unacceptable losses.
And that was only the power floating above the surface. Who knew how many schemers lurked in the shadows?
They kept their eyes on Konoha at all times, ready to stir up trouble during this grand event.
Canceling the Chunin Exams now was undoubtedly the most appropriate choice, but to Konoha, the Chunin Exams were not merely an arms race. They were also an opportunity for Konoha to exert influence over the surrounding minor ninja villages.
Only by displaying sufficient strength could they win over the rulers of those small nations and form a defensive alliance centered on the Land of Fire, with numerous small countries joining it.
That way, once war broke out, the battlefield would be in those smaller countries rather than spreading to the Land of Fire itself.
However, since they had already retired, neither of them was in a position to say much. Hiruzen Sarutobi might remember their friendship forged in battle, but Jiraiya and Tsunade, who had risen to power through a coup, would not.
In the end, they no longer possessed the drive or strength of their youth. They only wished to quietly enjoy their retirement.
After reporting on the preparations