"Immediately check whether there are any Oborogakure ninja among the candidates in this examination!"
As Minato's grave voice rang through the office, a black shadow suddenly flashed past the window.
Although Minato remembered that no ninja from Oborogakure had registered for this examination, it still needed to be confirmed.
Still, the possibility was very small.
Since the other party had not taken the identity information from the corpse, it proved they had not intended to infiltrate the exams by assuming the identity of an Oborogakure candidate.
Perhaps it was merely the effect of some jutsu, or perhaps it was meant to mislead Konoha's investigation...
It might even have simply been intended to create negative pressure for Konoha...
But without a doubt, with everything about the enemy still unknown, Konoha—the host of this Chunin Exams—was at a tremendous disadvantage in this matter.
After Minato gave his orders, Nawaki also raised his head to glance at him and said calmly, "Since Lord Hokage has already made arrangements, I shall take my leave as well."
Upon hearing this, Minato rose slightly and saw Nawaki out.
However, as he watched Nawaki prepare to leave at the doorway, he hesitated before finally speaking.
"Senior Nawaki, no matter what happens in the future, we all want this village to develop for the better..."
"So... I'll be relying on you from now on..."
Hearing Minato's words, Nawaki's departing steps paused slightly. He seemed to nod faintly, then continued slowly away.
After Nawaki left, Minato stood by the doorway for a long time before finally letting out a soft sigh.
Meanwhile, deep underground in Konoha.
Amid the darkness of countless passageways branching in every direction, there was a very ordinary room.
Dim candlelight cast a faint glow throughout the room.
"Cough... cough cough..."
With a hoarse, muddled cough,