A gently blowing autumn breeze brought a touch of chill to Konoha.
The Five Kage Summit taking place in the Hokage Building was drawing to a close.
"Now then..."
Shikaku cleared his throat, his gaze slowly sweeping over the Four Kage present. "Since the framework for joint defense and communication in an emergency involving the Ōtsutsuki Clan has largely been finalized, I have another proposal, conceived by Lord Hokage himself, that requires final discussion at this summit."
He paused, seemingly weighing his words, or perhaps giving the Four Kage a moment to prepare themselves.
A proposal conceived by Shihōin Naraku himself?!
Mei Terumi glanced at Naraku without betraying anything, wondering what important matter warranted discussion at the final stage of the Five Kage Summit.
Gaara, Kurotsuchi, and Burūi could not help sitting up straighter as well.
"This proposal concerns... resuming and holding the first 'Five-Nation Joint Chunin Selection Trials' in the history of the Shinobi World, or what we generally call the Chunin Ninja Exams."
"But this time, the scale will far exceed anything before."
"Konoha proposes that invitations no longer be limited to the Five Great Shinobi Villages."
"Instead, they will extend to every registered Shinobi Clan and faction throughout the Shinobi World, large or small, as well as those with an established lineage."
His words fell.
The meeting room fell silent.
Gaara, Kurotsuchi, and Burūi all frowned.
The expression on Mei Terumi's languidly alluring face froze.
"What?"
Only after several seconds did Burūi exclaim.
"Joint Chunin Selection Trials!!!"
Shikaku repeated it, his voice unhurried. "We intend to invite every Shinobi Clan and Independent Ninja Organization that answered the call during the Fourth Shinobi World War or maintains diplomatic contact with the Five Great Nations."
"Our preliminary estimate puts the number of participants at more than ten times that