With the Chunin Exams approaching, Rikusei's team had stopped taking commissions.
Thanks to the Shinobi Alliance's extensive intelligence network, analyzing information on the genin of each village had become their most crucial task.
Mao spun the pen in her hand as she copied down details about the ninja tools and genin of each village from a large scroll, then remarked, "Now I understand why Teacher Hashirama is our instructor."
"A team suited to being left to fend for itself is indeed perfect for a busy Hokage."
Rikusei's jab made Naori pause her writing and shoot him an annoyed sidelong glance.
With a soft laugh, Mao stared at the section of the scroll containing Kumogakure's intelligence and mused, "Will Yotsuki Yamanari borrow the Six Paths ninja tools from Kinkaku and Ginkaku?"
Rikusei stopped what he was doing. Theoretically, it was indeed possible.
The Chunin Exams did not prohibit genin from bringing ninja tools into the assessment.
Remembering the amount of chakra he had observed Yamanari possessing during their last battle, he shook his head and denied it. "Using Six Paths ninja tools consumes an enormous amount of chakra. Yamanari probably won't use them."
"A Jinchuriki's vast chakra reserves can make up for that weakness."
Mao extended a finger and tapped the scroll, pointing at the increased number of Jinchuriki in Kumogakure. Her voice was certain.
Naori recalled the intelligence she had learned from Teacher Kaku. Drawing on the experience she had gained handling clan affairs, she agreed, "The Raikage should know that their generation is completely overshadowed by Konoha. He'll certainly devote himself to cultivating the next generation's strength and have them seize leadership of the Alliance."
Rikusei's expression turned grave as he took out the roster for this year's Chunin Exams.
His gaze swept rapidly over it. Familiar names flashed