Third Kazekage: What is Konoha trying to do?

"Tsunade, as Akiyama Shun's teacher and the lead instructor for him and Kakashi during these Chunin Exams, it is only natural for you to go. But what is going on with you, Jiraiya?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Jiraiya with an unreadable expression before sweeping a glance toward Namikaze Minato.

"Lord Hokage, I am merely here to see Lord Jiraiya off."

Namikaze Minato responded politely.

"Hahaha, my teacher is going to attend the Chunin Exams, so of course I have to go and take a look as well!"

After Jiraiya finished speaking with an air of entitlement, he took Akiyama Shun aside, appearing to whisper something to him.

"Tea... Teacher?"

Upon hearing Jiraiya's form of address, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt his brain struggling to keep up.

No, he had been too busy with village affairs lately to keep an eye on Akiyama Shun's situation. How could the entire world have changed in the short time since they last met?

What on earth had happened during this period?

Why did a five-year-old, who was originally his grand-disciple, suddenly seem to be on equal footing with him, the Third Hokage?

Is this even right?

Seeing the expression on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face, Tsunade clutched her forehead, feeling rather awkward.

She didn't even know how to explain this; should she say that Akiyama Shun was also incredibly talented at writing erotica?

After carefully organizing her thoughts, Tsunade finally spoke: "Well... Jiraiya wants to write a book, and it just so happens that Akiyama Shun is very skilled in this area. Jiraiya is currently learning how to write from him."

After hearing Tsunade's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lit up.

This was a good thing!

It wasn't as if he didn't know about the book Jiraiya was writing: Tales of a Gutsy Ninja!

He had personally read it; it was a well-written, passionate novel about a young ninja who pursued his dreams with persistence and never gave up.

If Akiyama Shun could help Jiraiya with this book, it meant that Akiyama Shun himself was a passionate and sunny person, just like the protagonist in the story!

Good lad! He really hadn't misjudged him!

"Writing a book? That's not bad at all. Actually, I also think Akiyama Shun has great talent in writing. I never expected even Jiraiya would be willing to take him as a master. It seems I have underestimated this kid~"

When Sarutobi Hiruzen said this, his tone carried a hint of gratification.

"Heh~"

Tsunade didn't know how to respond to that.

She could only say that Sarutobi Hiruzen had indeed underestimated Akiyama Shun—though, of course, she had as well.

"Since it's about learning to write, then that's fine, it's a good thing. If Jiraiya wants to tag along, let him come. Now, let's set off!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand, and the surrounding team prepared to depart. However, before they left, Jiraiya suddenly looked at Minato and said: "Minato, since you're already here, why don't you come along and take a look with us?"

Upon hearing this suggestion, Namikaze Minato felt a bit tempted. He didn't have any missions lately, and it had been a long time since he'd seen the Chunin Exams; he was feeling a bit nostalgic.

Seeing the look on Namikaze Minato's face, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew exactly what he was thinking and chuckled lightly: "If you want to come, Minato, then come along."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage!"

Namikaze Minato immediately wore a joyful expression.

Once the entire party was confirmed, the teams heading to the Chunin Exams grew excited.

There was no helping it; this lineup was simply too luxurious.

The Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, two of the Sannin—Tsunade and Jiraiya—and Jiraiya's disciple, Namikaze Minato, who was already making a name for himself in Konoha.

In truth, Sarutobi Hiruzen had his own private considerations for bringing this team along.

Hosting the Chunin Exams wasn't just about selecting Chunin; another important reason was to display strength to their allies.

The average villager might not feel it, but as the Hokage of Konoha, he had long sensed that a storm was brewing.

The current Ninja World was not at peace.

It just so happened that Tsunade was willing to participate within the village, and Jiraiya wasn't out traveling; this was the perfect time to flex their muscles to the other hidden villages!

As for Namikaze Minato, who had mastered the Flying Thunder God, there was no need for further explanation.

Then there were Akiyama Shun and Kakashi, the geniuses of the new generation.

This lineup not only perfectly demonstrated that Konoha's high-end combat power was secure, but it also proved that there was no gap in the succession of Konoha's strength!

Before leaving, Akiyama Shun turned to look at the village and suddenly thought of a question.

With all of them leaving, wouldn't that just leave Orochimaru as the village gatekeeper?

The team set off in a grand procession.

At this moment, Sunagakure had no idea what kind of monsters were heading their way.

Along the journey, Akiyama Shun's daily life was very disciplined.

That was, training.

In order to stack buffs crazily as he imagined in the future, having a strong body and sufficient chakra was essential!

Otherwise, even if he managed to acquire a buff mode like the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, the moment he tried to stack them, his chakra would evaporate entirely before Akiyama Shun could even do anything.

Aside from training his chakra, Akiyama Shun would occasionally handle matters concerning Jiraiya and Tsunade.

Working just as hard as Akiyama Shun was Kakashi; whenever he had a moment of leisure, Kakashi would immediately begin his training.

The actions of these two even influenced the other teams, the genin who were originally preparing to participate in the Chunin Exams.

The names of Akiyama Shun and Kakashi had long since spread throughout the village.

If geniuses like them were working this hard, what excuse did everyone else have to slack off?

For a time, the entire group was swept up in an atmosphere of "diligence."

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched with great gratification; these were the future of their Konoha, and seeing them work so hard naturally made him, as the Hokage, very happy.

A few days later.

Endless yellow sand had now completely surrounded the Konoha team, and before everyone's eyes stood a village nestled within a valley.

Completely different from the lush greenery of Konoha, Sunagakure possessed only boundless yellow sand and earthen walls mottled and eroded by the wind.

Sunagakure.

We've arrived!

Kakashi had already furrowed his brows; it was fortunate he always wore a mask, otherwise, the yellow sand would have poured right into his mouth.

This was his first time in such a desolate place, and he found himself somewhat unaccustomed to it.

However, the Third Kazekage clearly did not care about such things, walking toward Sunagakure without any change in his expression.

Since the Third Hokage of Konoha had come in person, the Third Kazekage of Sunagakure, as the host, naturally had to come out to greet him.

However, as the Konoha team fully entered the village, the smile that had been on the Third Kazekage's face suddenly stiffened.

The Third Kazekage thought he might have misread the situation, so he took a closer look at the people in the Konoha ranks.

After confirming he hadn't been mistaken, the look in the Third Kazekage's eyes as he turned back to Sarutobi Hiruzen changed significantly.

No.

What exactly is your Konoha village trying to do?

Did Konoha really come here just to participate in the Chunin Exams?

Why didn't you just bring Orochimaru along while you were at it?