"Then we must suspend the Chunin Exam. It's far too dangerous to let all these ninja enter Konoha!"
The Third Hokage said, "We cannot suspend it now. Many Daimyo have already gathered in the village. If we suspend the Chunin Exam merely on suspicion, what will those countries think of Konoha? If we cannot even handle a group of ninja, how can we call ourselves the foremost ninja nation? Damage to the village's prestige will affect its development."
"The Anbu sent to gather intelligence from the various countries have already set out. If we make any rash moves now, it will also be dangerous," Utatane Koharu said. The Anbu were a major force of Konoha as well. With their members gone, if outsiders learned of it, there was no telling what they might do to Konoha.
But Chen Fan knew that Danzou, the leader of Root within the Anbu, had known all along that Orochimaru would attack Konoha. He had deliberately sent Konoha's Anbu members out to gather intelligence, leaving Konoha's interior somewhat undermanned. After all, Danzou had contributed greatly when Orochimaru was conducting his research.
"Still... I have faith in everyone. Until the very end, even if I must mobilize all of Konoha's strength, I will not hesitate to fight them to the death!" the Third Hokage said solemnly.
While Chen Fan and the others were holding their meeting, an uninvited guest arrived in the forest outside Kurenai's home.
Haku and Hinata were still practicing the Six Powers Chen Fan had taught them. The more they practiced, the more they felt that these techniques were endlessly useful. The two sparred with each other so that Hinata could win the tournament.
The conflict between the Hyuga Clan's main family and branch family had not begun just yesterday. Neji Hyuga was