The Third Raikage's reason for seeking him out was something Araki could roughly guess.
Since this Chunin Exams was being jointly hosted by Kumogakure and Kirigakure, Karatachi Yagura had originally been responsible for negotiating every detail with Kumogakure—exam content, proctors, venues, and so on—with both villages contributing their share.
But plans could not keep up with change. No one had expected the conflict between Kirigakure and Konoha to erupt so swiftly and fiercely. At present, Kirigakure had little manpower left to spare for organizing the Chunin Exams.
Kirigakure had already sent Kumogakure a letter explaining the situation and asking them to adjust the examination arrangements as they saw fit.
This was probably to brief him on the revised arrangements.
"What a pity. I was originally planning to set up some fun tests out at sea..."
Araki sighed inwardly.
It could not be helped. This world did not bend to any single person's will. You had your plans, and others had theirs. Once they collided and affected one another, neither side could simply get everything they wanted.
"But no matter how the Chunin Exams changes, its core assessment will remain the same. Intelligence gathering, teamwork, and individual combat strength—those are the three eternal themes of ninja examinations. As long as I'm strong enough, let it change however it wants. It'll be nothing more than a breeze brushing the hills, a bright moon shining over the river."
Checking the time, Araki saw that the sun was nearly at its zenith. After settling his luggage, he looked at everyone and loudly suggested, "Come on, I'll treat you all to whole roast beef!"
He even winked specifically at Mei Terumi and the other three girls. "You four didn't come last time, but let me tell you—Kumogakure's roast beef is absolutely incredible! If you come