Konoha.
After leaving the Hokage Building.
The heads of the various clans did not return home.
In less than half an hour.
They arrived at a luxurious restaurant.
It was a Nara Clan property.
The soundproof barrier was activated.
The Aburame Clan's Kikaichū covered every blind spot around them.
Seated on both sides of the long table were some of Konoha's most powerful figures.
Fugaku Uchiha, Hyuga Hiashi, Akimichi Choza, and Yamanaka Inoichi.
Even Aburame Shibi, Inuzuka Tsume, and several civilian Jonin were among them.
No one spoke.
Only the bubbling sound of boiling tea could be heard.
"What are you all holding back for?"
"The Joint Chunin Exams are inviting the four major ninja villages, along with every smaller village."
"Not even when the First Generation was alive did anyone pull off something this grand."
After a moment.
Akimichi Choza grabbed a handful of chips and stuffed them into his mouth, crunching loudly.
"Too arrogant."
"Kumogakure paid sixty billion before. The Raikage probably dreamed of biting us to death."
"Iwagakure and Kirigakure have remained still, while Sunagakure may be an ally, but they have long been wary of us in secret."
"And now we're inviting them all to Konoha."
"Isn't that practically telling the entire Ninja World that we're flexing our muscles on our own turf?"
Yamanaka Inoichi pressed a hand to his forehead.
A helpless expression appeared on his face.
"So what if we are?"
"Lord Chiba's strength is enough to crush them."
"I'm only afraid they won't dare come!"
Fugaku Uchiha clasped his hands beneath his chin.
A faint crimson gleam rose in his eyes as the Three Tomoe slowly turned.
"They'll definitely come."
"How could they pass up such a perfect chance to learn Konoha's true strength?"
"When the time comes, the Kage of each village