The negotiations, which concerned the relationship between the two major ninja villages and even the entire Shinobi World, did not last very long.
At least in Qi's view, such an important negotiation should last for several hours, right?
In reality, the negotiation lasted only a short time. When the door to that room was pushed open again, only half an hour had passed since Qi and the other two left.
When he saw his master Ao leading the Third Hokage out of that room, Kei, who was standing some distance away, showed a slight look of astonishment.
"Hehe, you don't need to send any more gifts. As for tonight's events, report them to your Mizukage as I previously instructed. Please believe in Konoha's sincerity; Konoha has always been committed to maintaining order in the Shinobi World!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Ao with a smile and spoke softly.
"Yes, Lord Hokage, I will certainly convey your words to Mizukage!"
Qing replied softly, still with a respectful expression.
"Yes, I believe your village and Mizukage will make the right judgment."
After saying this meaningful sentence, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around and strode towards the main entrance of the inn.
And as they passed by Qi and the other two.
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at the three bowing figures, seemingly unintentionally, a faint, strange light flickering in the depths of his eyes.
However, Qi, who was bowing with his head down, could not notice this at that moment.
Only after the Third Hokage's footsteps gradually receded and finally disappeared from sight did the three of them raise their heads again. After taking a deep look at the direction where Hiruzen Sarutobi left, Kei turned around and quickly walked towards the location of his teacher, Ao.
Mei Terumi and Kisame followed closely behind.
Just as he reached Ao, Ao Jonin discussing some matters with Goro and Otokaze, two Jonin who had also stepped out. After watching the two Jonin from his village leave, he Jonin depart.
Qi asked directly, "Teacher Qing, what's the current situation?"
"Well, at least we can rest assured for now. It's not like what we guessed before. The Lord Hokage himself said it was all a misunderstanding, including your actions. I hope you can continue to participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams and advance to the third round!"
After taking a deep breath, Qing spoke succinctly.
Kei, Mei Terumi, Kisame were all taken aback when they heard their teacher Ao's words.
What do you mean by 'it was all just a misunderstanding'?
Was the death of their comrade in the Mist Ninja squad a misunderstanding? Was the killing of those Root by the three of them also a misunderstanding?
Is this even possible?!
Qi admitted that his brain might be a little overloaded.
Mei Terumi and Kisame, who were positioned beside her, also had similar expressions.
However, Kei was a little better off, since he was very clear about the relationship between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō.
The series of bizarre and supernatural actions performed by the two in the original work are hard to accept, but Qi can understand the current situation quite well.
Isn't this just a blatant copy of certain plot points from the original work?
But the other two...
"So, you're just going to pretend nothing happened, Ms. Qing?"
After a brief silence, Mei Terumi asked in a very uncertain tone.
"So, are we really going to stay and participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams? Or is this just another conspiracy by Konoha, Ao-sensei?!"
Kisame also frowned, speaking in a highly skeptical tone.
After the previous battle, Kisame had absolutely no trust in Konohagakure. In his eyes, this was a blatant conspiracy by Konoha, and a conspiracy with multiple layers upon layers!
The current situation is definitely Konoha deliberately created, and it's the situation they most wanted to see.
A misunderstanding!?
If everything in this world could be explained away as a misunderstanding, how could so many wars have broken out?!
"There will definitely be ulterior motives, but don't forget what our initial goal was in coming to Konoha. The three of you can focus on Chunin Ninja Exams. Don't worry, at least for the rest of this Chunin Ninja Exams, there won't be any more problems, unless that Third Hokage really wants Konoha to fight the entire Shinobi World alone!"
Qing gently shook her head, pausing slightly as she spoke.
Saying things like "100%" is definitely not allowed.
For ninjas, risk is commonplace. Their primary concern is always whether the mission is completed; all other issues must take a backseat.
"I understand, Ao-sensei. But can our team still participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams? When we left the exam hall, we told the Konoha Ninja who were proctoring that we were giving up the exam. Is it really appropriate for us to participate in the later exams now?"
Qi Wei stepped forward slightly, and before Mei Terumi and Kisame could say anything more, he spoke first.
The two men were taken aback when they heard Qi's words, and then fell silent again.
When Qing saw this scene, a hint of admiration appeared in his eyes. From the very beginning of leading the team, Qing had greatly appreciated Qi. Now, Qi's every performance and growth was in line with Qing's expectations. This was the kind of magnanimity and potential that he believed the future pillar of the village should have.
"You don't need to worry about that. The Lord Hokage already knows a bit about what happened in the examination hall. You've already been listed as the first team to pass the assessment, so you can just participate in the third round of assessment as normal!"
Qing continued.
Although it appears to be a closed second round of assessment.
But this is Konohagakure, and the three of them weren't on a purely covert mission. As the Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi could easily find out some things!
In terms of the process, Qi and his two teammates had absolutely no problem passing the second round of assessments!
Not to mention.
This can be considered a special form of appeasement, or perhaps a more accurate description of a test.
Kei can grasp a small part of it, Mei Terumi and Kisame are still somewhat confused.
This is not Mei Terumi's or Kisame's fault.
Qi Ben should know more and be more perceptive than the two of them.
After all, he's a time traveler!
"Yes, I understand, Teacher Qing!"
Qi nodded emphatically in reply.
Then he turned around, gestured to Kisame and Mei Terumi, and together they left the spot and headed back to their room.