The next day, a blazing red sun rose from the peak of Mount Unrai, draping the mountain mist in a golden cloak of dawn.
"The sunrise in the mountains really is completely different from one over the sea!"
Yagura's group, having risen early, walked through the streets of Kumogakure under Dodai's guidance toward the Raikage Office.
Knock, knock. "Lord Raikage, the envoys from Kirigakure have arrived."
"Come in!"
The Raikage's office had a layout similar to the Mizukage's office, with a floor-to-ceiling glass window behind him. The scenery outside was much clearer here than at the Mizukage's place, naturally, since no thick fog blocked the view.
The Third Raikage was a burly middle-aged man with brown skin, pale blond hair, and an imposing presence. Simply sitting there, he resembled a mighty lion.
Judging by presence alone, Araki felt that he was far stronger than the Third Mizukage.
Of course, a ninja's strength could not be judged by that alone.
Yagura stepped forward two paces and said neither humbly nor arrogantly,
"Greetings, Lord Raikage!"
"Tell me, what did that old Mizukage send you here for?"
The Third Raikage spoke bluntly. Of course, as one of the five strongest and most powerful people in the world, he had no need to be polite to anyone.
"Lord Mizukage said that the Lands of Lightning and Water have enjoyed generations of friendship and deep ties. This time, we have come bearing Kirigakure's friendship in hopes of improving relations and strengthening exchanges with Kumogakure. In the spirit of equality, mutual benefit, and win-win partnership, we sincerely invite Kumogakure to jointly hold a Chunin promotion exam."
After Yagura finished that long speech with a smile, the Third Raikage was utterly baffled.
The Third Raikage, A, and Dodai stared wide-eyed at one another for a long while.