When Hozuki Shingetsu heard Kei's obviously perfunctory words, a strong murderous aura appeared between his brows!
The Hozuki Clan is known for its mild temperaments, though they are somewhat more restrained compared to the more violent Kaguya Clan. But just look at the Second Mizukage Gengetsu Hozuki, and you'll know what he's really like—they're practically cut from the same mold.
Of course, such a large ninja clan must have some peaceful individuals, but they would definitely not be the majority, much less the son of the clan leader, Hozuki Shingetsu. Unlike other ninja clans, the Hozuki Clan had produced Mizukage, so in terms of mentality, they would inevitably look down on the other ninja clans in Kirigakure.
Therefore, at this moment, it was clear that Hozuki Shingetsu's expression had instantly turned gloomy.
Even though he was only about ten years old, the cold and murderous aura he exuded would have been Genin to an ordinary person, or even a rookie genin from another Hozuki Shingetsu village who had just graduated from the Hozuki Shingetsu Ninja Academy and had no experience whatsoever!
But Qi can certainly take it calmly.
He had faced even stronger and more dangerous auras before, and had even personally killed a Jonin. Hozuki Shingetsu's aura was child's play to Qi. Only a true Quasi-Kage powerhouse like Orochimaru, who had emerged from mountains of corpses and seas of blood, could capture Qi's mind and instill fear in him with just a glance!
Others!?
Sorry, but Qi is absolutely confident that he can fight back decisively!
"Ki-kun, isn't this a bit inappropriate? We lost a whole team of comrades in this Chunin Exam!"
Hozuki Shingetsu suppressed his anger, staring at Kei with an extremely cold gaze.
He looks mature, but he's actually only ten years old.
Hozuki Shingetsu couldn't possibly be as cunning as those old foxes, unable to show his emotions; he wasn't that shrewd.
He had initially thought that even if Kei didn't directly reveal the truth, he would at least give some hints. But now, Kei was blatantly telling him not to expect to learn anything from him. How could the proud Hozuki Shingetsu accept this!?
"I am from the Hozuki Clan, and you, Kei-kun, are from the Yuki Clan. We..."
"There are only Mist Ninja here, Shingetsu- kun. And don't forget, we're just Genin right now. I don't think anyone needs to remind Shingetsu -kun of our duties, right? Shingetsu- kun, don't forget what our true purpose is in coming to Konoha to participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams. Other ordinary companions might not know, but Shingetsu- kun should have known something before we set off, right? I believe Lord Rin’getsu must have explained it to Shingetsu- kun, right!"
Hozuki Shingetsu hadn't finished speaking.
Qi leaned forward slightly, looking at Hozuki Shingetsu with a deep gaze. His low voice caused Hozuki Shingetsu's expression to change slightly.
As Kei said, Hozuki Shingetsu knew a little about the real inside story of this Chunin Ninja Exams. To put it bluntly, it was the escalating border friction between the Five Great Shinobi Villages and the bloody battles in some missions that led to the arrival of this special Chunin Ninja Exams!
If it weren't for this one!
How could the four great ninja villages possibly participate in a single joint Chunin Ninja Exams?
It is said that Iwagakure also considered sending someone to participate, but for some unknown reason, the Third Tsuchikage chose to decline Konoha's invitation.
This clearly shows how special this Chunin Ninja Exams are. Before setting off, Hozuki Shingetsu had already learned some key information from his clan head father. Normally, given his status, he could have skipped the Chunin Ninja Exams and smoothly carried out his missions, developing his skills to become Chunin within two or three years! However, considering that this Chunin Ninja Exams would be attended by talented Genin from various ninja villages, especially Konoha, Hozuki Shingetsu was very willing to participate. His father, Rin’getsu Hozuki, the Shingetsu head of the Hozuki Clan, also agreed!
There's practically no risk involved, and even if there were, so what?
The training methods for Mist Ninja are always the most bloody, let alone for the Hozuki Clan!
Therefore, Hozuki Shingetsu can well understand the meaning behind Kei's words.
"So, this is related to..."
The words that Hozuki Shingetsu instinctively wanted to say.
"Shh!"
Qi simply raised his index finger to his lips and let out a soft shushing sound.
"You can understand it yourself, Shingetsu- kun. Like I said, we're just Genin, we should just do our jobs. Let Ao-sensei and the others decide the rest!"
"To be dutiful? Ah, indeed, I understand what you mean, and thank you for reminding me, Qijun."
A long silence followed.
It seemed to have been after a long period of deliberation.
Hozuki Shingetsu's eyelids lifted again, a hint of mockery on his face, and a cold glint in their eyes.
Ling Qi's gaze involuntarily sharpened.
But before Qi could say anything more...
Just then, Hozuki Shingetsu casually got up and turned to leave.
"If you can beat me in the main tournament, why not tell you that one thing, Hozuki Shingetsu!"
Kisame, who had been sitting silently on the other side, suddenly spoke up.
"!?"
These are the words spoken.
This immediately attracted Hozuki Shingetsu's attention, causing him to pause in his steps, and Kei, sitting to the side, frowned deeply at that moment.
"You said this? Kisame- kun!?"
Hozuki Shingetsu's gaze suddenly shifted, staring intently at Kisame, her voice rising slightly as she asked.
"Ah, so this is what I was talking about, Shingetsu Moon!"
Meeting Hozuki Shingetsu's somewhat aggressive gaze, Kisame sneered and met her gaze without flinching, speaking in a cold voice.
"Alright, very good! See you in the main competition, Kisame- kun!"
Hozuki Shingetsu raised an eyebrow, a cold smile appearing on his face. The next moment, he opened the door and strode away.
Qi, who had just raised his right hand, had to lower it. He frowned and looked at Kisame beside him, asking, " Kisame, aren't you being a little too casual?"
Kei truly hadn't expected Kisame to say such a thing.
Will it be decided in a single battle?
This is a crucial event that relates to the changing relationship between the two great ninja villages.
Although Kei didn't think Hozuki Shingetsu would be the kind of person who would be reckless and go around shouting about the truth after learning it, it was still best if fewer people knew!