"These children are only eleven or twelve. Outside this world, they'd still be naïve kids, yet they already have solid foundations in ninjutsu and steady nerves in combat."
"Their talent, temperament, and fighting strength all far surpass those of their peers. Given time, they'll undoubtedly become the pillars supporting the entire Shinobi World."
Lucci was generous with his praise, looking thoroughly impressed with Konoha.
"Hahaha, here's hoping you're right!" Naruto laughed heartily, brimming with pride.
Sasuke, who had silently observed the entire time from beside him, watched with sharp, perceptive eyes. Rather than losing himself in delight at the younger generation's outstanding performance, he had picked up on the unusual recent shift in the Celestial Dragons' attitude.
Sasuke tilted his head slightly and spoke slowly, his tone calm but probing.
"You Celestial Dragons have been far more agreeable lately."
"As far as I'm concerned, that's hardly normal."
"Did your Main Headquarters receive some special information that made you change your original plans?"
Naruto immediately reined in his smile. He turned toward Lucci with a faint, knowing smirk, his gaze full of scrutiny.
Both of them had long since noticed the Celestial Dragons' strange behavior.
Previously, the Celestial Dragons had been haughty, arrogant, and overbearing, treating ninja as inferior beings and constantly showing signs of preparing to invade.
Yet recently, they had taken the initiative to ease tensions and even visit Konoha. It was far too strange.
Under their combined scrutiny, Lucci's composure vanished completely. His expression instantly grew grave, and he nodded solemnly without concealing anything.
"That's right."
"I won't hide it from you. Our Main Headquarters had already finalized a plan to assemble a great army, invade the Shinobi World in force, and reap this world's resources."
"Even if we think little of this world, it still has to