Arriving One After Another

The Five Great Nations stirred. Cloud, Stone, and Mist sent out their finest, setting off for Konoha one after another. As the last of the great powers, Sunagakure finally made its preparations and departed the next day, heading for the Land of Fire.

The Land of Wind, Sunagakure.

Yellow sand swept across the desert. The whole country was vast and barren, its landscape defined by wind and dust. Compared with the other four great nations, Sunagakure always seemed steeped in desolation.

Inside the Kazekage Building, the Third Kazekage sat in the seat of honor. Deep-blue hair fell to his shoulders, and his stern face and steady gaze betrayed nothing.

As the village had agreed, Chiyo would lead the team competing in the exams. The Third Kazekage's disciple Rasa would serve as her deputy and coordinate the journey.

Looking over the team lined up before him, the Third Kazekage set the tone for the exams.

"This journey will take you to Konoha for the Joint Chunin Exams. Remember Sunagakure's current position. Do not draw attention to yourselves."

"Your most important task is not to chase glory, but to gather intelligence. Learn everything you can about the rising generation of the Four Great Ninja Villages, and bring that information back to Sunagakure."

"Compared with the other great nations, we lack a strong foundation. If we reveal our strength too soon, we'll only make ourselves a target. Watch quietly, keep your heads down, and build your strength."

As the strongest Kazekage in history, he understood Sunagakure's plight better than anyone. The country was weak, resources were scarce, and talented people were few. If the exams had remained regional, Sunagakure might have stood a chance of competing. But with all five great nations gathered, they could not afford to be reckless.

Sunagakure's team was