The border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind.
The Luxury Camel Caravan that had emerged from the desert was now stopped by Konoha Ninja.
The Sand Shinobi stood guard in front of the caravan as well, eyeing Konoha's border personnel with hostility.
The ones blocking their path were not the usual Konoha Ninja stationed at the border, but elite jonin led by Hyuga Hiashi.
They stood in orderly ranks, though they showed no aggression.
"Sorry to trouble you, but is this the Lord Kazekage's party?"
Hiashi stepped forward and asked courteously, "Lord Hokage sent me here to await your arrival."
"Is this how Konoha treats its guests?"
The Sunagakure jonin standing in front of the Kazekage's carriage looked displeased.
"Please forgive us for causing any offense, but our hands are tied." Hiashi offered a humble apology. "This is also the wish of Kirigakure's Lord Mizukage.
"So many important figures from the Land of Water are attending these Three-Village Joint Chunin Exams, but they are wary of both Konoha and Sunagakure. They don't want to see too many of our armed forces present..."
"Lord Hokage is in a difficult position as well, so he specifically sent me to discuss this with Lord Kazekage..."
"So what if he's the Mizukage? Does whatever he says go?"
The Sunagakure jonin was about to press further, but behind him, the masked Fourth Kazekage slowly stepped out of the camel caravan.
Looking at the group before him, which included quite a few of Konoha's finest under Hyuga Hiashi's command, Orochimaru, disguised as the Kazekage, smiled faintly. "No matter. Since Lord Mizukage has agreed as well, Sunagakure naturally has no reason to refuse."
"Your understanding is admirable, Lord Kazekage." Hyuga Hiashi bowed respectfully. "Please select those who will accompany you to Konoha. Rest