Kumogakure was placed under martial law for three days afterward, yet they still failed to catch any other spies. Yakushi Nonō had long since vanished without a trace.
With Konoha's assist this time, Kirigakure gained the upper hand in the following negotiations, securing several examination rules favorable to them in succession.
These included, but were not limited to, changing the format of the intelligence-gathering test and adding a deserted island setting to the team battle royale. By the end, Dodai's face had turned green, standing in stark contrast to Karatachi Yagura's refreshed expression.
There was only one condition Kumogakure refused to yield on no matter what: the date of the exams.
Logically speaking, with a ninja's mobility, one month was more than enough to set up the venue and gather the necessary personnel. Yet Dodai stubbornly insisted on delaying it until three months later.
This had been the Third Raikage's strongest demand, and his purpose was obvious.
Having already gained a considerable advantage, Karatachi Yagura did not force the issue and embarrass the Raikage. To him, one month or three months made little difference. Did they really think three months of special training could turn fate around?
Besides, what Kirigakure cared about most was not the outcome of the competition, but the implied alliance represented by the two villages jointly holding the Chunin Exams.
Oh, you said there was also Iwagakure? They were merely participants, not hosts. At most, they counted as specially invited guests.
Kirigakure could therefore borrow the Cloud-Mist Alliance's momentum and confront Konoha head-on.
Thus, after a brief rest, the group set sail for the Land of Water, filled with the joy of having completed their mission.
Except—
"Hey, that female ninja... she's the one Araki knocked unconscious that day, right?"
Kaguya Black Bone nudged Zabuza in