After giving the departing figure of the Konoha Jonin a cold glance, Ao took a deep breath to calm himself before turning to his team and saying calmly, "Let's go in!"
Then, he led the way into the residence specially arranged by Konoha.
Although Qi and the others were unaware of the issues involved, after overhearing the conversation Jonin Ao and that Konoha, they could sense something fishy going on.
Each of them frowned, and their faces showed varying degrees of contemplation.
Qi also took a deep look at the departing Konoha Jonin's back, a faint, strange light appearing in his pupils.
'This has gone straight into combat mode from the very beginning? There's no time to relax.'
He pondered this silently in his heart.
Because he still had some doubts, after entering his residence, arriving at his assigned room, and putting away his luggage, Qi planned to go directly to find his supervising Jonin.
When Kei arrived, Aota stood in front of his room window, gazing at Hokage Konohagakure Building in the distance, as if deep in thought.
And it was also at the moment when they realized that Qi was coming.
Ao then turned around, looking at Kei with a calm expression, and said, "You're curious about Konoha's arrangements, aren't you?"
"Yes, Teacher Qing, I always feel that Konoha has revealed its intentions a little too obviously. Aren't they afraid of causing a backlash? Or is Konoha's intention this time completely different from what we expected?"
Qi wasn't surprised that his teacher could see through his intentions. After nodding, he asked directly with an obvious look of confusion on his face.
"Because we are still in the probing stage, Kei, no one has made up their mind yet. Whether it's war, peace, or the choice after the war begins, it's all still unknown, and this includes our Kirigakure."
Because he didn't treat Qi like a child, Qing didn't just give him a perfunctory answer. Instead, he answered Qi very seriously, and he believed that Qi could easily understand the deeper meaning in his words.
Qi indeed lived up to Qing's expectations.
Upon hearing Qing's explanation, Qi suddenly realized something. This was because he had previously believed that his village was determined to fight, and the only difference was the choice of target and timing.
Now it seems that even their Fourth Mizukage is still undecided. Thinking about it this way, everything becomes clear. And this is indeed a very normal development. The button for war is not so easy to press!
If the Third Kazekage hadn't suddenly disappeared (died) in the original story, the Third Shinobi World War might not have broken out so early or in that form!
Although some plot changes have occurred in this life, such as the confrontation between the Mist Ninja and the Cloud Ninja, and the joint Chunin Ninja Exams that did not exist in the original work, the subsequent developments may change or may follow the original trajectory!
All of this is still an unknown!
If this is the case in Kirigakure, then Konoha is even more so.
"Then this kind of zoning arrangement is understandable. However, Professor Qing, is there anything special about the area where we are staying now? You seem quite interested in it."
After nodding, Qi continued to ask questions.
"Of course I care! Just a little further back, across two streets, is the Hyuga Clan's territory. How could I not care?"
"Huh? The Hyuga Clan?"
Qi also showed a look of surprise.
In the Shinobi World, there are many bloodline clans, but few can achieve fame throughout the entire Shinobi World. The Hyuga Clan is one of them, and their Byakugan is known as one of the three great Dōjutsu.
Although the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan is more famous.
However, from the perspective of the higher-ups in the other four major ninja villages, if they were presented with a choice between a pair of Sharingan and a pair of Byakugan, they would undoubtedly choose the latter, because the Byakugan's role in war far surpasses that of the Sharingan!
The Byakugan's detection abilities are truly terrifying.
At least in the current Shinobi World, any ninja who enters the Byakugan's effective detection range cannot escape Byakugan lock. This is why, in many past wars, Konohagakure's ninja forces rarely found themselves ambushed and surrounded by other ninja villages. As long as there is a Hyuga Clan Jonin them, it is always Konoha that surrounds others, not the other way Konoha!
Now, the group from Kirigakure has been placed near the Kirigakure Hyuga Clan's territory, so that Konoha can easily detect any unusual activity.
It's so quiet that not even a mosquito can move.
" Konoha really thinks highly of us, arranging for us near the Hyuga Clan's headquarters. And if I'm not mistaken, there was an Uchiha Clan -run security post on the street just before we passed. That's quite a generous move!"
Qi sneered.
"This is a perfectly normal arrangement. When the Sand Ninja and Cloud Ninja arrive later, there will be corresponding arrangements. In Konohagakure, besides the Hyuga Clan, there are also the Aburame Clan, skilled in insect control, and the Inuzuka Clan, who raise Ninja Dog dogs. In addition, there are the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans. Whenever multiple ninja delegations come to Konoha, Konoha usually arranges for us outsiders to be stationed near the garrisons of these ninja clans. This is a standard practice!"
As a Jonin Kirigakure, Ao was already used to this kind of thing. On the contrary, it should be said that it would be strange and alarming if Konoha didn't do this!
Don't underestimate the small number of people from just one ninja village. This time, there are delegations from seven or eight ninja villages coming together, so it's only natural to take extra precautions.
"That's true. So, is there anything else we need to do next?"
After a moment of reflection, Qi Xiang asked another question.
This time, however, Qing didn't answer directly. Instead, she looked at Qi with a very strange expression until Qi felt a little uneasy and wanted to speak again.
"Smack!"
Ao raised his right hand and gave Qi's head a light tap, then said irritably, "What happens after that isn't your concern. Have you forgotten what I told you before we left? Focus on preparing for your Chunin Ninja Exams; that's the most important thing!"
"Pain.."
He instinctively touched his head.
After hearing Qing's subsequent words, he shrank back and replied, "Yes, Teacher Qing..."
"Hmph, you understand, so hurry back. Behave yourself for the next few days. This isn't Kirigakure, it's Konoha. When you get back, tell those kids that we're not afraid of trouble, but we absolutely mustn't cause trouble, especially during this special time, understand?"
Qing gave a light snort.
"Yes!"
Qi's body shuddered, and he quickly straightened up and responded loudly.
Then, Qi bowed slightly to Qing, turned around and left, heading back to his room.