This was the first test between the Five Great Shinobi Villages, the first time their attitudes were revealed. Just as Ao had said to Kei, even the Fourth Mizukage of his own village had not yet made up his mind, let alone the others.
In reality, Kirigakure's desire for Konoha is far less intense than that of other ninja villages.
The main reason is that the Land of Water is an island nation, Kirigakure is located far from the mainland.
The competition for interests is different from the direct and obvious competition between Cloud Ninja, Sand Ninja, Stone Ninja, and Konoha.
Especially with the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools and the near extinction of the entire Uzumaki Clan, the biggest conflict between Kirigakure and Konohagakure disappeared. Without other driving forces, the probability of a full-scale war breaking out between Kirigakure and Konoha was really not very high. In the original story, it wasn't until the end of the Third Shinobi World War that Kirigakure and Konoha actually clashed.
The scale and intensity were far less exaggerated and intense than the clashes with other ninja villages. Even the implantation of the Three-Tails into Rin Nohara's body was only achieved through the manipulation of Madara Uchiha!
Currently, it is still Konoha Year 41, and there is still about a year before the Third Shinobi World War breaks out. Everything is still unknown.
Ao was ordered by Karatachi Yagura to lead a team to Konoha this time in order to further verify certain conjectures and make it easier for his own ninja village to make the next judgment.
This depends on both Konohagakure's response and the attitudes of the other ninja villages!
Hopefully, there will be some positive feedback...
As Qing gazed into the distance at the Hokage Rock, the iconic landmark of Konohagakure, his eyes grew incredibly profound.
While Ao was still pondering the possible tests and encounters that might come next, after receiving definite feedback from Ao once again, Kei completely relaxed and prepared to fully immerse himself in the upcoming Chunin Ninja Exams.
Thinking back on his previous concerns, Qi Du realized he was worrying unnecessarily. Not to mention that his Mizukage hadn't even made up his mind yet, even if he did have a plan, it wasn't something he could get involved in right now.
Just focus on doing your job well.
This time, all he needs to do is showcase the prowess of the Mist Ninja in the Chunin Ninja Exams.
This is for myself, and for the village.
'Then let's go to Konohagakure tomorrow. It's the village of the main characters in the original story, after all; who knows, we might run into some interesting people.'
Qi smiled softly, his mind also flashing through the images of famous figures from Konohagakure in the original work.
The next day.
Having made up his mind the day before, Qi got up early that morning. After washing up and reporting to Ao, Qi left his residence in his ninja village. However, just as he stepped out the door...
A soft voice suddenly rang out from around the corner.
"Leaving home so early in the morning, it seems you're really interested in Konoha, Qi?"
The next second, Mei Terumi's beautiful figure in a light blue dress came into Kei's view.
"After all, it's the number one ninja village in the Shinobi World. Isn't it normal for them to be interested? Mei Terumi, you're up so early too. Looks like you have the same idea as me?"
Kei was already used to Mei Terumi's elusive nature, and without even blinking, he replied directly.
"Hehe, well, I don't deny that either. I'm also very interested in seeing just how prosperous and powerful Konoha, known as the strongest Shinobi World, really is. How about it? You don't mind traveling together, do you, Kei?"
Mei Terumi smiled, her beautiful eyes sparkling, and looked at Kei as she spoke softly.
"No, how could I mind? It's my honor!"
Qi shook his head slightly and smiled.
Following this, the two set off together, starting from the central avenue, the closest route, planning to explore the entire Konohagakure. In any case, the Hidden Konoha Village did not prohibit outsiders like them from moving freely, as long as they did not go to any important areas. Kei and Mei Terumi were not worried about this. In fact, they had no such intention at all; they simply wanted to stroll around the Konohagakure. The Uchiha Clan's security force, which covered most of the Konohagakure, would not allow outsiders to enter certain prohibited areas.
Kei and Mei Terumi toured the most famous areas of Konoha Konohagakure from beginning to end, just like any other tourists visiting the village. They treated Konoha like a tourist destination.
This includes, but is not limited to, Hokage Rock, the Grand Theater, the Yamanaka Flower Shop, Konoha Ninja Academy, the Hot Spring Town, Ichiraku Ramen, and so on.
It's fair to say that there's quite a difference between this experience and reading the original work on a screen in my previous life. Ichiraku Ramen wasn't as delicious as I imagined, and the Hokage Rock was just so-so. Other attractions like the Grand Theater and the hot spring town, however, had their own unique charm.
To be fair, in Konohagakure, Qi did find a bit of the feeling of his previous life, though only in the town where he grew up. After all, the technology in this world was really out of step, giving Qi a strange sense of unease. If he had to describe it in one word, it would be semi-modern!
If the opportunity arises in the future.
He is determined to correct this 'unhealthy trend'!
Technology must continue to develop, as it is the most important asset for humanity to usher in a 'second evolution'!
Of course, there is an important prerequisite: he must survive to the end, and he must also have the corresponding ability and status!
Finally, after much wandering, Kei Mei Terumi arrived at the location of the Konohagakure's Ninja Academy. This area wasn't considered a restricted zone, so you could go inside to visit, as long as you registered properly.
However, Kei and Mei Terumi, mindful of their status, would not easily enter the Konohagakure's Ninja Academy.
At most, we'll just take a look from the outside.
"Although it looks about the same size as our village, the internal differences are still quite significant!"
Mei Terumi gazed at the Ninja Academy building bathed in the glow of the setting sun, a hint of emotion flickering in her eyes, and murmured softly.
"A ninja village jointly established by the Senju and Uchiha has such a strong foundation! Otherwise, why would it attract so much attention!"
Qi smiled slightly, deliberately emphasizing the last sentence. After all, this was Konohagakure, and he needed to be careful with his words, not being too blunt.
"Hehe, that's true, and that's precisely why we need to work even harder!"
Unlike any other moment before.
At this moment Mei Terumi's face revealed an extremely serious expression as she spoke softly. The firmness in her words caused Kei, who was standing to the side, to pause slightly in surprise.