However, the fact that all four major ninja villages can participate together makes this joint Chunin Ninja Exams unprecedented in scale. After all, in Chunin Ninja Exams, usually only two or three major ninja villages participated!
This is a record-breaking achievement!
Of course, this is also because the current situation is quite special!
Without mentioning the preparations of other ninja villages.
The teams confirmed for the competition in Kirigakure are seven squads. Five of them are veteran Genin squads, and the other two are newly graduated squads this year. One is Team 7, to which Kei belongs, and the other is the squad to which Hozuki Shingetsu, the Hozuki Clan known as the most talented person of his generation, belongs!
On the day of departure, as the members of the seven teams gradually gathered at the main gate of their respective ninja villages, they saw each other.
Whether it was the three of them, or even Hozuki Shingetsu, they all showed varying degrees of surprise.
"Hehe, when I first heard about the Chunin Ninja Exams, I was wondering if the three of you, Qi-kun, would also be participating. It seems my prediction was correct!"
The son of the current head of the Hozuki Clan also approached, his wide-open mouth revealing sharp, shark-like teeth. He smiled at the three of them with a friendly expression.
However, upon seeing this young master of the Hozuki Clan...
A strange feeling of unease inexplicably arose in Qi's heart, while Kisame Hoshigaki, on the other side, narrowed his eyes slightly at that moment, a faint glint of cold light flashing in his pupils.
"Hehe, I mentioned to Qi before that we'd likely run into Shingetsu- kun in this assessment!"
Neither of them responded.
Mei Terumi stepped forward, a smile on her face, and spoke first.
After a brief moment of thought, Qi smiled and said, "We've long admired your name, Shingetsu- kun!"
Phrases that have absolutely no value or meaning.
This sounds like typical social conversation.
However, when the three looked at each other, beneath their seemingly calm and gentle exteriors, their opinions of each other were elevated even further!
"Qi Jun, you're really too kind."
Hozuki Shingetsu raised an eyebrow, and her tone seemed to soften at that moment.
"Hehe, I'll need your guidance in the future, Shingetsu!"
Qi remained calm and replied softly.
"Ah, I'll also need your guidance, Mr. Qi!"
Shingetsu gave Kei a deep look, and also glanced at Kisame on the other side, but didn't seem to care too much. At this stage, from the perspective of outsiders, the most noteworthy Team 7 are Kei and Mei Terumi. One is from the Yuki Clan, and the other is born with two Kekkei Genkai. Moreover, Hozuki Shingetsu, who comes from a large family, can know a little about Genji Mei Terumi's connection with the master in her village.
It is built on this foundation.
Kisame's presence will definitely be much weaker.
And it was during the 'small talk' that the group started exchanging pleasantries.
Several figures flashed over from a distance, their powerful auras gleaming brightly, each one Jonin expert.
The leader was none other than Ao, the Jonin was in charge of their team.
Upon seeing these people, the group, who had been standing somewhat slouching, instinctively straightened up and gathered together. After a polite nod and smile, Shingetsu immediately returned to her companion's side.
Is everyone here?
As Qing arrived, he clearly glanced at the spot where Qi, the other two, and Shingetsu had been, but only for a moment before focusing his gaze on everyone and speaking in a slightly low voice.
"Yes!"
All seven teams, comprising 21 Genin, responded in unison. A Mist Ninja standing to Ao's right glanced at them, then turned and nodded slightly to Ao.
"Very good. You should all know what the mission is this time. You are all handpicked by the village. This time, when you go to Konoha, you must show the spirit of the Mist Ninja. Do you understand?!"
Qing stood on the main seat, his eyes revealing a sharp glint as he looked at the 21 lower -Genin voice.
Because of the special nature of this Chunin Ninja Exams, each team was personally selected by Yagura, who was the Mizukage. They were either teams of geniuses or teams of experienced individuals. This was a test, but also a stage to showcase one's own strength!
Yagura needs this kind of achievement to boost his prestige!
Don't think that the Joint Chunin Ninja Exams are unimportant. If Kirigakure can win first place, Yagura, as the Mizukage, will also gain a lot of points!
"Yes!"
The 21 Genin below had clearly been given special instructions before setting off, and at this moment, they all responded with firm and dignified expressions.
"Very good, then, let's go!"
Qing nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly swung his right hand.
Each of them leaped into the air, closely following Qing, and flew out of the village, heading west!
The Kirigakure team departed for Konohagakure in the Land of Fire on May 25th, and teams from other ninja villages also departed around the same time.
And it was at this very moment that teams from various countries set off one after another.
The Konohagakure in the Land of Fire also received the lists of participating teams and their leaders from various countries a little later.
Upon receiving the relevant information, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, summoned his high-ranking friends to discuss the matter.
"This is the list of all participants for this Chunin Ninja Exams. Iwagakure ultimately refused to participate. Let's discuss what stance we should take in this Chunin Exams."
Konohagakure in Konohagakure (Hokage Leaf Village).
Wearing the Hokage's robes, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat upright in the main seat, looking at his four close friends —Shimura Danzō, Torifu Akimichi— on either side of him, and asked in a deep voice.
The four people below were also calmly flipping through the list of participants from various ninja villages.
They knew all too well what the true purpose of this Chunin Exam was: to address the escalating tensions in the Shinobi World!
The Konohagakure was starting to get a little uneasy!
They wanted to test the attitudes and bottom lines of various countries. If possible, Konoha truly did not want to see war break out!
Oh, there's one exception: our ever-present gloomy Shimura Danzō, the biggest hawk in Konohagakure!
Although Danzo did not oppose the Chunin Ninja Exams initiative, his intentions were completely different from those of Hiruzen Sarutobi!