"I am grateful that you are thinking about the well-being of Konoha shinobi, but there is no need for that. When it es to providing security to someone like Lord Daimyo, we are always ready. As fuarantee of safety from your side? Of course, we pletely believe in that. We’re just here for any unforeseen acts that may happen, so don’t mind us," Jiraiya said. Being Hiruzen’s disciple, he was also well-versed in politics.
"As you say, Master Jiraiya," the minister replied, and then resumed talking with the Daimyo. After some time, the minister left along with the uards.
"Jiraiya, I want to have a private talk with you," the Daimyo said, and all others left the area, heading toward their respective lodgings, while the ninja and guards took their positions in front of the gate, stopping anyone from entering.
"Jiraiya, for the st four years, Konoha has performed mediocre in these exams. I’m losing quite a bit of my reputation here. I know you guys are pnning something different this time. Unless it leads to war, I don’t have any problem, even if blood is shed. Make sure the Land of Fire wins this time," the Daimyo said, a glint passing through his eyes.
"Yes, Lord Daimyo, there is not a single doubt in my mind that we will win this time," Jiraiya assured him.
"Good. You may take your leave now," the Daimyo said.
With a final bow, Jiraiya left the guest house. "Alright, the four Jonin will remain here. Kaida, Itachi, Kabuto, you’re with me. We’ll head to our quarters and prepare for the exams. Shisui and the other four, since you guys are free, take a room with us as well and dur shifts with the guards here."
As the group split up, the young shinobi followed Jiraiya toward the living area of the vilge. The closer they got to the ter of Kumogakure, the more they could see the bustling activity of the vilge. Despite its militaristic atmosphere, there was a sense of order and disciplihat was unmistakable. Shinobi moved about with purpose, and the vilgers, though fewer in number pared to Konoha, seemed well aced to the presence of ninjas everywhere.
Kaida couldn’t help but notice how different Kumogakure felt pared to Konoha. The air was cooler, a little humid due to the high altitude, and the vilge’s design was much more vertical, with bridges eg buildings high in the mountains.
"It’s amazing how they’ve built aire vilge into the mountains like this," Kaida said, his eyes sing the surroundings.
"It’s certainly impressive," Kabuto added, adjusting his gsses as he observed the passing shinobi. "They’ve turhe natural ndscape into an imperable fortress. No wonder Kumogakure is known for its deferength."
Itachi remained quiet, but his eyes were also analyzing the yout of the vilge. As this was his first time in an enemy vilge, he noticed how, unlike Konoha, this vilge truly showed how a ninja vilge is different from others. Building such a vilge was almost impossible for normal people; only ninjas, with their inhuman physique, could achieve something like this.
As they reached the living area, Jiraiya booked a small hotel with 12 rooms for them. Being a bit away from the hustle and bustle made it difficult for people to spy.
After assigning rooms, Jiraiya turo face his team. "Get some rest. The exams start in two days, and I want you all to be in top dition. Even though I’m sure about your strength, the other petitors are no pushovers."
The three genin hey had all been training hard for this, and now it was finally time to prove themselves on a much rger stage.
As they settled into their new surroundings, Kaida’s mind briefly drifted back to the poverty they had witnessed in the vilges. Even here in Kumogakure, with its military might on full dispy, the disparity between the rid poor was evident. But for now, he set those thoughts aside, fog instead oask ahead—the in Exams. It was time to show the world just how strong Konoha’s new geion had bee.
The dawn brought with it a crisp mountain breeze as the teams from various vilges began arriving in Kumogakure, all here for the in Exams. The usual mix of excitement and tension filled the air as more and more shinobi ehe vilge gates, each team dispying the pride and skill of their respective vilges.
Jiraiya had gathered Kaida, Itachi, and Kabuto early that m after their rest. As they stepped out of their lodging, the streets of Kumogakure were already bustling with activity.
"Remember, we’re not just here to win the exams," Jiraiya remihem. "This is the time you observe your oppos before the exam. Use this opportunity wisely." Kaida, Itachi, and Kabuto nodded in aowledgment.
As they walked through the marketpce, Kaida spotted a group of shinobi wearing the traditional Iwagakure headbands. They were led by a serious-looking boy with short, spiky hair who, despite his youthful appearance, already carried himself with the demeanor of someone used to being feared.
‘That’s Deidara, right?’ Kaida thought, looking at the infamous member of Akatsuki in real life. However, he was still young, likely around 11-12 years old, the same age as Itachi.
"A young genius from Iwagakure. He’s known for his explosive teiques, even though he’s still young. Don’t uimate him," Jiraiya, the spymaster of Konoha, said, not mentioning Deidara’s potential as a Tsuchikage didate.
Just as they passed, aeam caught their attention. This one was from Kirigakure. At the front stood Ao, an older Jonin with a Byakugan in one eye, leading a team of three young ninja. As expected from the Blood Mist Vilge, uhe more cheerful appearances of other teams, this team maintained a serious and stern expression.
‘The civil war is still ongoing. So Ao is still part of the Mizukage fa. Even during such a time, he could e here? Is the Mizukage fa winning now, or are they doing this to maintain their image?’ Kaida wondered. Unlike Jiraiya, who had to rely on spies for information, Kaida had a treasure trove of knowledge and could make better clusions.
There was also a team from Sunagakure, led by ae Jonin whom Kaida didn’t reize. However, the ninja following him looked quite formidable—most likely elite—but it was difficult to guess just from appearances.
Many other teams from small ninja vilges were also arriving one by one. Most of them were defihe top talent of their vilges, but in front of major vilges, they didn’t stand a ce.
That’s why no oually paid much attention to them, though some were still iing to Kaida. Some of the characters who briefly appeared in filler arcs could be seen here.
‘This is going to be one heck of an exam.’
---
Meanwhile, in the Raikage’s Office…
Raikage A, the t and intimidating figure of Kumogakure, stood with his arms crossed, peering out over the vilge from his high vantage point. His ministers gathered around him, discussing the test developments.
One of the ministers, a lean man with sharp eyes, stepped forward. "Lord Raikage, from the reports, Konoha’s delegation seems unusually strong this time. Jiraiya of the Sannin, along with Shisui of the Body Flicker—two extremely capable ander-ranked ninjas—are apanying the Fire Daimyo. That level of security is... unusual."
Raikage grunted, his stern face betraying little emotion. "Konoha doesn’t o send guards like them uhey have a reason. They’re not here just to keep the Daimyo safe. Something’s up."
Another minister, older and wiser, added, "It seems Konoha may be attempting to make a political statement with their strength. They’ve been on the dee in the ret in Exams. Perhaps they io reassert their dominance."
