Everyone moved to the reception room, where the atmosphere was somewhat more relaxed than in the office.
The two sides sat across from each other at a long table. Ao and Gonbei stood behind Genji like shadows, their gazes sharp as hawks'.
Neji sat beside Hiashi with the Great Sun Calamity Cutter in his arms. The power of his Byakugan was quietly gathering, ready to detect even the slightest unusual fluctuation in chakra.
Tenten and Rock Lee sat on either side of Guy. It was their first time attending such a formal diplomatic meeting, and they instinctively straightened their backs.
Hyuga Hiashi sat opposite Genji, with Tokuma and Kamon standing slightly behind him on either side like two silent stone guardians.
Without wasting time on pleasantries, Hiashi gently slid the Third's handwritten letter and the detailed rules for the Joint Chunin Ninja Exams across the smooth tabletop toward Genji.
"Elder Genji, these are Lord Hokage's formal invitation and the rules for this year's Chunin Ninja Exams. Konoha sincerely invites Kirigakure to send its outstanding Genin to participate, fostering communication and understanding among the Five Great Shinobi Villages and strengthening our hard-won peace."
Hiashi's voice was steady and firm.
Genji's wrinkled hands did not immediately reach for the documents.
His thin fingers slowly rubbed the cold carving atop his Snake-Head Cane. His cloudy eyes searched Hiashi's face, as though weighing the true intentions behind this "invitation."
Genji furrowed his brow deeply, carving still deeper grooves into his forehead.
After a brief silence, he finally spoke, his voice carrying deliberate confusion and a hint of evasion:
"The Joint Chunin Ninja Exams? Didn't Kirigakure... already make it clear that we would not be participating?"
Yet Hyuga Hiashi showed neither surprise nor irritation. Inviting them to the Chunin Ninja Exams had only been a