Fugaku took the scroll and read it carefully. It outlined the main challenges for this year's Chunin Ninja Exams.
Nothing was overly complicated. The greatest test would still be their strength.
He handed the scroll back to Orochimaru. "You've thought this through thoroughly. I don't see anything that needs changing.
"Have the senior officials from the Great Ninja Villages all arrived?"
Orochimaru nodded. "They're all in Konoha now. But only Pakura, the Kazekage of Sunagakure, came in person. The other Great Ninja Villages sent elders.
"The Raikage has lost to you so many times that he probably couldn't bear to show his face. As for Kirigakure and Iwagakure, the old-timers are still serving as acting Mizukage and Tsuchikage."
Fugaku nodded. Many of Kirigakure's and Iwagakure's younger generation had died at his hands. They had few capable ninjas left to inherit the title of Kage.
After leaving the Hokage's Office, Fugaku went home to see Itachi and Mikoto, then headed to the Security Force.
He called Kenichi into his office.
"Clan Head."
Fugaku nodded. "Is the Planetary Devastation seal still holding?"
"It's solid. Black Zetsu hasn't made a move since he was sealed. He seems to have accepted his fate."
"Heh. Black Zetsu is no simple opponent. He's survived for over a thousand years, plotting in the shadows without ever exposing himself.
"If I hadn't stumbled upon his secret, Akatsuki would probably still think he was just a Scout Ninja. Even Madara Uchiha was fooled into helping him carry out his plan to free Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.
"With someone that devious, you can never be too careful."
Kenichi nodded. "You're right, Clan Head."
"From now on, pull me into Kamui Space every three months so I can reinforce the Planetary Devastation seal. We can't give him any chance to escape."
Kenichi nodded,