I'm Coming Too

Deep in the Land of Wind, where yellow sand filled the sky, the atmosphere inside the Kazekage Building was heavy as iron.

The Third Kazekage sat at the head of the room, staring at the intelligence report on his desk, lost in thought.

"Let's hear it, Elders." Coming back to himself, he tapped the desk with his right hand. His voice was low and hoarse.

Konoha had originally invited only Sunagakure and several nearby Small Shinobi Villages to the Chunin Ninja Exams. Though two great nations were involved, the event was still limited in scale.

But now Cloud, Stone, and Mist had forced their way in. This was no longer a contest between the younger generation. It had become a test of strength among the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

The Sunagakure Elders wore different expressions, and soon split into two camps.

One Elder frowned and spoke first. "Lord Kazekage, the situation is getting out of hand. Of the Five Great Nations, Sunagakure has always had fewer resources because we're based in the desert. I fear our best may not be enough against the elites of the other four nations!"

Another Elder immediately objected. "No! It's precisely because Sunagakure is weaker that we must not withdraw!"

He paused, then looked firmly at the Third Kazekage. "We've already accepted Konoha's invitation. If we back out now, we'll be admitting our weakness before everyone. In the struggles between villages over the coming years, Sunagakure will lose the initiative and fall further behind at every turn!"

"So no matter how great the risks of these exams, Sunagakure must take part!"

The Elders argued back and forth in the office, each holding firm. None could persuade the others.

The Third Kazekage listened in silence for a long while. By the time they finished, he had