Although Sunagakure and Konoha were allies in name, Sunagakure was restricted by Konoha Village at every turn.
It had no authority to declare war on other nations independently. Even the Daimyo of the Land of Wind had sided with Konoha and had been steadily cutting Sunagakure's budget.
If not for the Fourth Kazekage, a Human Gold Mine, Sunagakure would have long since fallen into the ranks of a Second-rate Ninja Village after years of hardship.
After enduring years of difficult living, the Fourth Kazekage finally decided to make a desperate gamble. Under the pretext of participating in the Chunin Exams, he joined forces with the leader of Otogakure to launch the Konoha Crush Plan and break free of Konoha's control.
Pulling her scattered thoughts back, Temari looked at Naruto and the others in the distance, quietly worrying about the Kazekage's plan.
Uzushio Village had only been established in recent years, yet it had countless ties to Konoha. Its leader was even believed to possess strength comparable to the Five Kage, making both Kirigakure and Cloud deeply wary.
Now that Uzushio Village had sent so many genin with Jonin-level strength, would they affect Father's plan?
Neither Temari nor Kankuro had an answer to that question. They could only wait for the Chunin Exams to report the situation to Baki Jonin and Father.
After the Sunagakure team retreated, the ninjas of Team 3 gathered before Naruto and the others.
Looking at Hinata nestled beside Naruto, Neji's expression was somewhat strange, and his gaze grew evasive. He did not dare look directly at Hinata, the heir of the Main Family.
Ever since Hinata had defied the Main Family Elder for Hanabi's sake and declared that once she became the head of the Main Family, she would have everyone branded with the Caged