Arrival (Part Two)

Brazza frowned, still unwilling to let the matter drop. He was about to speak again when Dodai raised a hand and gently held his arm. "Brazza," he said quietly, "there's no need to settle this now. We can talk at the Hokage Building."

Brazza considered it for a moment, then finally reined in his aggression. With a cold snort, he stepped back into the Cloud Hidden delegation.

Kitsuchi, the Iwagakure leader, spoke next in a measured tone. "Iwagakure has few demands. We only hope the exam will follow basic rules and prohibit despicable acts like ambushes and malicious attacks outside the venue. As long as the participants' basic safety is assured, Iwagakure will abide by the consensus on everything else."

Kitsuchi had never been much of a talker, nor did he intend to provoke anyone. After that brief statement, he said no more.

Yagura took half a step forward. His voice was cold and hard, devoid of emotion. He was not as aggressive as Brazza, but there was still a biting edge to his words.

"I care about one thing. If participants clash outside the examination grounds, will Konoha have sole authority to handle it?"

Before Hiruzen Sarutobi could answer, Orochimaru tilted his head slightly behind him. He ran his slender tongue over his lips and spoke with a faint smile, mockery lurking in his voice.

"Lord Yagura seems unusually concerned with order outside the venue. But rather than worrying about who has authority to deal with trouble, wouldn't it be easier to keep your own team in line? Some people do seem accustomed to showing off their killing intent wherever they go, regardless of the occasion."

His words were aimed squarely at the Kirigakure Genin, whose viciousness was plain to see.

Yagura's eyes darkened, killing intent surging around him.