"Your Konoha hasn't changed much over the years. It's more or less the same as when I last visited."
Wearing a simple disguise, Xihuo sat in a guest chair in the Hokage's Office. He picked up the teacup in front of him, then set it down again as he spoke leisurely.
"After all, our predecessors already established Konoha's overall framework. All we need to do is refine the details."
Hiruzen Sarutobi explained from the Hokage Assistant's seat, his expression friendly and warm.
This was a private visit, so there was no need to stand too much on rank or ceremony. Tsunade wasn't familiar with the Shadow Organization Leader, either, so she left Hiruzen Sarutobi to receive him while she sat off to the side, bored.
"What brings you here, Xihuo?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Tsunade, who had lowered her head and let her mind wander, then asked Xihuo directly.
He knew the man before him well. There was no need to waste each other's time with diplomatic pleasantries, so he went straight to one of Konoha High Command's chief concerns.
Konoha had previously warned the Shadow Organization that the visitors from the Lands of Wind, Earth, and Water had ill intentions for these Chunin Ninja Exams. Yet the Shadow Organization had agreed without the slightest hesitation and sent out invitations.
Along with that invitation had come a written request for this private visit. Konoha High Command was genuinely curious about Xihuo's purpose.
"Ah, my purpose is simple. The Shadow Organization wants to form an alliance with Konoha."
"An alliance?!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was startled.
He had originally thought Xihuo had come to select someone to inherit the Shadow Organization. After all, the man beneath that exterior was Uchiha Kagami, who couldn't have been more familiar with Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had already