The expressions of everyone present turned grave at those words.
Among the Five Great Nations of the shinobi world, the Land of Wind's overall national strength was practically at the bottom.
After the Second Shinobi World War, the Land of Rain, led by Hanzo, had risen powerfully. The Land of Wind even showed faint signs of being replaced.
Now, with war imminent and the sudden disappearance of the Third Kazekage, the situation for Sunagakure of the Land of Wind could almost be called perilous.
Once news of the Third Kazekage's disappearance leaked, Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and even Amegakure would likely be unable to hold themselves back.
Ebizo's concerns were not unfounded. Chiyo naturally understood that, but she understood even more clearly that the more critical the moment, the more they had to remain composed!
"The joint Chunin Exams will proceed as planned!"
"Send Pakura!"
Ebizo frowned slightly.
"Pakura?!"
"That child is already preparing for the Jonin Exams. Having her participate in the Chunin Exams at a time like this..."
As he spoke, Ebizo caught sight of the strange look in Chiyo's eyes and immediately understood.
"Sister, are you saying Konoha never intended to follow the rules in the first place?!"
"What else would it be?!"
Chiyo shot back before continuing, "We've been old rivals for so many years. Who doesn't understand the others by now?!"
"At a time like this, even that rigid old fool Sarutobi Hiruzen won't stick stubbornly to the rules. Kirigakure and Kumogakure will be even less likely to."
"Why are you still being so single-minded at a time like this?!"
The hand Ebizo held his fishing rod with trembled slightly.
The goldfish that had taken the hook immediately broke free. With a gentle flick of its tail, it vanished into the pond.
Seeing this, Ebizo slowly reeled