27 Chunin Exam News
Two months had passed since the meeting of the elders and the Hokage, where a plan was devised for the Chunin Exams. The news regarding the exams had not been released, but that was about to change. This particular Chunin Exam was not like the others; it would be the most surprising one yet, as word was soon to spread about the invitation sent to the Sand Village and the Shigaraki Village.
Within the Hokage Tower in Konoha, a meeting took place. The gathering consisted of the Elders, Clan Heads, Jonin ninja, and the civilian council, all patiently waiting for the Hokage to arrive. Small groups engaged in conversations while they waited.
Suddenly, the room's entrance swung open to reveal the Third Hokage, accompanied by two Anbu guards. The Hokage made his way to the center of the room, where the meeting would be conducted. Seated behind the desk, he surveyed the attendees, taking note of specific clan heads, the elders, and the civilian council.
Sensing the Hokage's gaze upon them, the room gradually descended into a hushed silence, as the previous conversations tapered off. Seizing the moment, the Hokage began to speak.
"Thank you all for attending this important meeting regarding the upcoming Chunin Exam in two months," he declared in a firm tone. The assembled individuals sensed the gravity of the situation, knowing that the exams were generally held every six months and were already familiar with them.
Thus, the mention of the exams being of greater significance piqued their interest. However, no one dared to speak up, preferring to wait for confirmation before voicing their thoughts.
"As some of you may be unaware, Konoha will serve as the host for the upcoming Chunin Exam," announced the Hokage with a resigned sigh, anticipating the ensuing commotion.
Without pausing, he continued, "We will be extending invitations to both the Sand Village and the newly established Shigaraki Village." This was meant to provoke discussion.
One of the civilian council ninjas, who had fought on the Sand Village front during the Third Ninja War, voiced his concerns, "Lord Hokage, how can you allow the Sand Village into our village after the countless Konoha ninja who lost their lives to Sand Ninja?" His tone carried a hint of anger towards the Sand Village.
Adding to this, a Leaf Jonin expressed his frustration, "Furthermore, how can you invite Orochimaru's village here, when they are taking away some of our missions?" He too was filled with anger, stemming from the decrease in personal funds due to the lack of missions.
These two comments triggered a flurry of questions and discussions. Seeing that the meeting was quickly spiraling out of control, the Hokage slammed his hand on the desk to regain the attendees' attention.
"I understand your concerns about inviting the Sand and Shigaraki villages," the Third Hokage began, his voice calm and composed. "However, it is important to note that we signed a treaty with the Sand over ten years ago."
He worked to pacify the room, continuing, "Furthermore, since then, we have not had any conflicts with them. Let us not forget we won the war so we killed sand ninja too. I am extending the invitation with the intention of forging an alliance for peace."
The Hokage reclaimed control over the meeting as the attendees contemplated his words. Addressing the invitation extended to Orochimaru's village, he remarked, "Regarding the invitation to Orochimaru's village, it is an opportunity to ascertain his intentions and gain a closer understanding of these new Shigaraki ninja."
With that statement, he finally allowed for a pause. Shikaku Nara, a 31-year-old Jonin ninja and the clan head of the Nara clan, known for their intellect, spoke up.
"Lord Hokage, if I may assume that your aim is to establish an alliance with the Sand as a deterrent to Orochimaru, while also providing us with earlier notice of the upcoming exam so we can prepare for any unforeseen circumstances," Shikaku posed, tactfully redirecting the conversation away from irrelevant matters.
The Third Hokage acknowledged Shikaku's understanding and inquired, "As expected from you, Shikaku. Considering you have already deduced my intentions, what is your opinion on the matter?" A glimmer of trust and respect shone through the Hokage's words towards one of his most trusted ninjas.
Shikaku pondered for a moment, considering the feasibility of the Third Hokage's plan. He took into account the history between Konoha and the Sand Village, the potential risks involved in inviting Orochimaru's village, and the advantages of forming an alliance.
After carefully weighing the options, Shikaku replied, "Lord Hokage, while your plan presents certain risks and challenges, I believe it is a strategic move that could yield significant benefits. Establishing an alliance with the Sand Village not only strengthens our forces, but also serves as a deterrent against Orochimaru's potential ambitions. Additionally, gaining insight into the new Shigaraki ninja through Orochimaru's village could prove invaluable in understanding their capabilities and intentions. However, it is crucial that we maintain constant vigilance and establish stringent security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Konoha. Also I'm curious what we will offer the Sand Village to join our alliance?"
Shikaku's response reflected both his trust in the Hokage's vision and his pragmatic approach to safeguarding their village's interests. Shikaku's inquisitive look did not waver as he responded and posed his question to the Third Hokage, curious about the offerings that would entice the Sand Village to join the alliance.
The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the Hokage, awaiting his response. Understanding that his offer may not be well-received, the Third Hokage prepared himself to deliver the difficult news, knowing it was necessary for the village's best interests.
With a deep breath, he replied, "Indeed, I am aware that the Sand Village won't agree to an alliance unless there are benefits involved. Therefore, I propose offering them six months' worth of food, and money totaling 50 million Ryo, while promising Konoha's aid in times of emergency." As the words left his lips, the subtle changes in the room's atmosphere did not go unnoticed by the Third Hokage.
Seizing the opportunity to challenge the Hokage's proposal, Danzo spoke out disrespectfully, directly addressing him by name. "Hiruzen," he began, his tone laced with disapproval. "How can you give away Konoha's food and money, even for an alliance? Where do you plan to acquire such resources, the villagers?" He attempted to sway the meeting against the Hokage.
However, the Third Hokage remained unperturbed by Danzo's remarks, responding with unwavering confidence, "My clan has been gathering both food and funds over the past month using our own resources. Given that Orochimaru was my student, and it is his village that necessitates this alliance, I believe it is my responsibility to provide for the expenses incurred." He spoke without even glancing in Danzo's direction, emphasizing that he would not be swayed by the challenging voice.
As Shikaku's suggestion resonated with the Third Hokage, the room remained quiet, acknowledging the validity of the plan. Shikaku expressed his gratitude for the clarification and proposed halving the initial offering to allow for negotiation flexibility.
With a sense of satisfaction, the Hokage responded, his face showing contentment, "Your belief in the plan strengthens my confidence, and I will definitely heed your suggestion during the negotiations. I was truly looking forward to your input, and I thank you for it." The Third Hokage's gaze rested upon Shikaku, appreciative of his valued perspective.
Shikaku lazily replied, "Thank you, Lord Hokage," reverting to his non-analytical demeanor. Following this exchange, the discussions continued, focusing on issues such as team selection, the inclusion of other villages, and the implementation of new security measures.
Once these matters had been adequately addressed, the Hokage concluded the meeting and retreated to his office to prepare the letters for the different villages. Two special letters were carefully crafted—an alliance proposal and offer for the Sand Village, as well as an invitation to Orochimaru's Shigaraki Village, expressing Konoha's willingness to move past previous conflicts due to Daimyo of Shigaraki recognizing Orochimaru as leader of the village.
Summoning his elite Anbu operatives, he entrusted them with the task of delivering the letters, assigning three Anbu members to each village. With the invitations and alliance offer dispatched, the Hokage found himself alone in his office, contemplating the uncertain future of the village, smoke curling in the air as he speculated on what lay ahead.
A week had passed since Konoha sent out the invitation letters, and news of the Chunin Exams hosted by Konoha had spread throughout the ninja world. However, what made this particular announcement noteworthy was the inclusion of not just the Sand Village, but also the newly established Shigaraki Village.
In the Hidden Sand Village, a high-level meeting was taking place in response to this news. The main topic of discussion revolved around the alliance, as the Sand Village, being located in a desert, constantly faced challenges in terms of food and finances, especially since their missions were often sent to Konoha and the Shigaraki Village by their own Wind Daimyo. Rasa, the Kazekage, informed the twin elders, Chiyo and Ebizo, about the contents of the letter received from the Konoha Anbu team.
"They are offering us twenty-five million Ryo, three months' worth of food, and assistance in times of need," Rasa stated, allowing the elders to contemplate the proposal. Chiyo, an experienced medical ninja and puppeteer at the age of sixty-three, spoke out first.
"It is no secret that Konoha has invited the Shigaraki Village. This alliance is likely a way for them to present a strong front against Orochimaru. However, it puts us in a peculiar situation," Chiyo stated, looking towards her brother, Ebizo. "Indeed, sister, you make a valid point. If we choose the alliance with Konoha, we would receive direct benefits. However, if we were able to collaborate with Orochimaru and his village, we could potentially gain even greater advantages. Both options have their benefits, but also carry varying degrees of risks," Ebizo responded to Chiyo's observation.
Chiyo then turned her attention to Rasa and asked, "Rasa, have you been able to establish any contact with Orochimaru regarding a potential alliance?" Her tone carried curiosity and intrigue.
Frustrated with Chiyo addressing him by name but accustomed to her blunt demeanor, Rasa responded, "No, Elder Chiyo. We have been attempting to form an alliance with Orochimaru for the past six months, but we have not received any reply despite delivering multiple letters."
Hearing Rasa's response, Chiyo and Ebizo exchanged glances. Chiyo then expressed her opinion, "Rasa, I believe it is in our best interest to accept Konoha's alliance. We can negotiate for more resources, and we will receive them directly instead of uncertain gains after a potential war. Remember, as the Kazekage, you must prioritize what is best for the village." With a stern tone, Chiyo emphasized her point.
Witnessing the growing frustration on Rasa's face, Ebizo decided to interject and propose a middle ground. "Kazekage, I agree with my sister. We should follow her suggestion. Additionally, once the finals of the Chunin Exam approach, all the village leaders will be present, providing an opportunity for you to personally speak with Orochimaru about an alliance. Given the presence and power of the new Shigaraki ninja, it is almost certain that Orochimaru's team will make it to the finals," Ebizo calmly suggested.
Releasing a frustrated sigh, Rasa reluctantly accepted Ebizo's version of the plan. "Elder Chiyo and Elder Ebizo, I understand. I will write back to the Hokage, demanding that they double their initial offering. I will also reach out to Orochimaru during the finals," Rasa stated with a hint of frustration in his voice.
With that, the meeting concluded, and Rasa prepared a response to be sent to the Hokage, stating that the Sand Village would only join the alliance if Konoha doubled their offer, as a measure of sincerity. Summoning a team of Sand Anbu, Rasa entrusted them with delivering the response to Konoha.
Little did they know, this letter would mark the beginning of a change that would reshape the ninja world, as it would be the first true alliance between two major villages. The exact consequences of this alliance remained unpredictable, but one thing was certain: This Chunin Exam was going to be extraordinary.
