The Hokage Building.
Shihōin Naraku and Hiruzen Sarutobi soon made their decision.
No one knew what they had discussed in the room or what they had decided.
In the time that followed, Shihōin Naraku began adjusting the ANBU members' assignments, urging those who had completed their missions to return to the village immediately and temporarily suspending assignments that required leaving the village.
Meanwhile, Shikaku Nara, who had received the notification, also got busy, making adjustments in places out of sight.
Soon, the injured Mitaraishi Anko brought definite news back from the Forest of Death.
"Orochimaru is back!"
As Orochimaru's student, Mitaraishi Anko naturally would not have mistaken him for someone else. Besides, the two had exchanged blows, further confirming his identity.
As one of the renowned Sannin of the Shinobi World, Orochimaru had no small reputation among Konoha's ninja.
For a time, some ninja even began to panic.
"Should we close the gates and seal off the village now, then find Orochimaru first?"
"That's right! Let's find the rogue ninja Orochimaru first!"
"Orochimaru appeared in the Forest of Death, where Genin from all the villages are taking their test. What about the Chunin Ninja Exams? Should we suspend them first?"
"But Orochimaru told Anko we weren't allowed to stop the Chunin Ninja Exams!"
"What a joke. Why should Konoha listen to a rogue ninja?"
"The Chunin Ninja Exams absolutely cannot stop! The Daimyo and nobles of every nation will attend the third exam. Canceling the Chunin Ninja Exams would make us a complete laughingstock in the Shinobi World."
"Even if Orochimaru once rendered great service to Konoha, he's a rogue ninja now. Since he dared to come back, we must capture him this time."
The many ninja argued noisily, filling the meeting room with a clamor.
Fortunately, their basic discipline