Underestimated

This study trip was undoubtedly Minato Namikaze's doing.

He had helped Minato out with a village mission before.

And Minato had said he would return the favor.

Now... this favor was the study trip.

While it was called a study trip, it was essentially an exchange and social gathering between young ninjas from two villages.

Given the nature of ninjas, sparring would surely be unavoidable.

The three of them followed Shishiro back to the village. Upon hearing the news, Ryuga and Yoshitaka appeared particularly nervous.

After all, neither of them had ever been to Konoha, and even among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Konoha's strength was unmatched.

This was no exaggeration.

Although some time had passed since the end of the Second Shinobi World War, Konoha had not been at peace due to the volatile situation.

Based on the intelligence and data obtained by Grass Village, Konoha had been engaged in small-scale conflicts with Stone Village, Sand Village, and Mist Village. During the Second Shinobi World War, Sand Village was also one of the villages that fought most fiercely with Konoha. Even though things had calmed down a bit, they still harbored animosity towards Konoha and were constantly making small moves.

As for Cloud Village... the current Third Raikage was domineering, and it was the most restless force in the ninja world, showing signs of losing control. Cloud Village was also very active.

It was almost as if they wanted to expand militarily.

Looking at the current momentum of Cloud Village, on the surface, it even seemed to be subtly overshadowing Konoha.

Cloud Village had not yet truly "drawn swords" against Konoha, but they were definitely not Konoha's friends. Instead, they were like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity.

Especially considering past history, they posed the greatest potential threat to Konoha.

Therefore, in addition to dealing with Stone Village, Sand Village, and Mist Village, Konoha also had to guard against Cloud Village's actions, effectively facing enemies on four fronts.

It was almost like fighting one against four. Even so, despite Konoha's current shortage of personnel and somewhat "hollow" combat strength, they could still guarantee the safety of their country and village, which showed their deep foundation.

It was normal for Stone Village and Konoha to fight fiercely. Sand Village's issues stemmed from the aftermath of the Second Shinobi World War. The reason Mist Village was involved was simply because their village's current modus operandi was quite "aggressive," seeming to stir up trouble and not minding chaos.

Once the Third Shinobi World War fully erupted, Mist Village would cease its involvement, at least in the early stages, they would "sit on the sidelines and watch the tigers fight," only to emerge later to pick up the spoils.

When war broke out, it was a total strategic engagement for any village, not a singular operation.

Even during the Second Shinobi World War, Konoha not only had to keep an eye on the battlefield in the Land of Rain but also had to consider the Land of Wind... Sand Village was simultaneously fighting Hanzo of the Salamander and dealing with Konoha. These all referred to the main battlefields, not the less significant conflict zones during the war.

At that time, other major and minor forces in the ninja world would also participate. In short, the severity of the situation was quite tricky for any village, and it would descend into chaos.

Therefore, Konoha currently had no allies, and it was not easy to establish connections with other villages.

Ultimately, the study trip fell to Grass Village.

Although the Land of Grass was adjacent to the Land of Fire and Grass Village had an "innocuous" image, Yue felt that Grass Village did not possess the qualifications to "communicate" with Konoha.

The reason an invitation was sent was most likely due to his involvement, something Yue did not deny.

Because his strength, at his age, was at least outstanding among ninjas.

But as for Minato Namikaze's true intentions, that was hard to say.

Perhaps he saw Yue as a whetstone, to inspire Konoha's new generation... or perhaps it was to train the village's future combat power?

If it was purely to establish "friendship," Yue did not believe it.

Because Grass Village could not help Konoha in any significant way, and simply based on the face of a Genin like himself, there was no reason for it.

Regardless of the intention, Yue was also looking forward to this trip to Konoha.

For no other reason... he simply wanted to meet those characters from the story.

Previously, regarding the border incident, Yue hadn't even met the village elders. This time, Konoha's invitation actually led the three young boys to meet the true power holders of their village after returning... Yue found this truly speechless.

The elders' intentions were also very simple.

Their sole request was not to disgrace the village's name. They specifically instructed Yue to use all his abilities to deal with Konoha's brats, and even if he lost, to lose "beautifully."

"Yes."

Yue replied calmly.

Internally, he chuckled, "So, just one move from Konoha could make Grass Village take it so seriously."

What was even more comical was that his current strength was primarily due to himself.

The village... especially the elders present, had not cultivated him before.

In fact, one of the elders had even wanted to eliminate him.

Heh... now, with this study trip, they suddenly started to value him, treating him as the village's hope.

At this thought, Yue found it utterly ridiculous.

Human nature was just like that.

Subsequently, the three of them began preparing for their trip to Konoha.

During this period, any requests they made were met by the village as much as possible.

His father, Fuma Ryoma, and Tianxiang also felt this opportunity was very rare. It was just a study trip, not a mission, so there would be no danger if nothing unexpected happened.

It would be good to go out and broaden their horizons.

However, among all those who bid them farewell and offered congratulations, apart from Ryuga's Father having confidence in Yue, the village higher-ups including the elders, and even Ryuga's Father himself, did not believe the three of them would make a name for themselves in Konoha. If they were to truly spar with Konoha's younger generation, even among their own people, they believed Yue's team was bound to lose, with no hope of winning.

When Yue went to find Ryuga, he even heard Ryuga's Father say to them directly, "Don't be nervous, losing is normal... Just make sure you're safe. After all, this is Konoha. Although I don't want to admit it, the gap between our two villages is too great."

"At least this trip will be incredibly beneficial for both of you... After returning from your studies, you will be different from ordinary students of the same batch. The village will definitely focus on cultivating you in the future... Your future promotion path and speed will also be much faster than others."

After saying this, Ryuga, who was always competitive, actually nodded obediently.

He seemed to think his father's words made sense.

Only Yue's eyes flickered, and he remained silent.

No one was optimistic about them... Yue didn't care.

But he... believed in himself!

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Konoha, Land of Fire.

Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Minato Namikaze.

The two were also discussing the study abroad matter.

"Grass Village..."

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who still had brown hair and had not yet shown signs of aging, held a cup of tea, took a sip, and murmured.

Under normal circumstances, for Konoha to engage in 'newcomer exchanges' with small villages like Grass Village would be of no value or significance.

This was because Konoha's youth would not gain any growth or enlightenment.

But Minato said that this 'exchange' would definitely allow the village's youths to gain something.

"Is it because of that Fuma Yue?"

The Third Hokage looked at the junior in front of him with a smile.

"Yes... it's him."

"Oh?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was amused. "So certain? I'm starting to get a little interested in this young man..."

"I believe that once you meet him, Lord Third, you will understand."