章節 192: 192.The Plan

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Konoha Shinobi Village is hosting a joint Chūnin exam and has extended invitations to the outside world, including Sunagakure.

"Just after the war with Akatsuki, they've started organizing such a large-scale event. What exactly is Konoha trying to achieve?" Ebizō asked, puzzled.

"Konoha's invitation to the Five Great Ninja Villages for the joint Chūnin exam is likely an attempt to showcase their combat capabilities to the world," Chiyo analyzed pointedly.

The villages will send their outstanding Genin to the exam, thereby gauging the future combat potential of each village. This could be seen as a form of arms race.

"Huh! I anticipated Konoha would make such a move, so I've been focusing on developing a group of overqualified Genin!" a glint appeared in Rasa's eyes.

These so-called overqualified Genin possess the strength of Chūnin or even Jōnin but have deliberately not been promoted, maintaining their Genin status. In essence, it's like having college students take exams meant for junior high students.

"Yes! Especially the son of the Kazekage, he's undoubtedly the greatest genius in our village's history!" Baki boasted.

"Of course! Gaara is a fusion of my sand manipulation and the Third Kazekage's iron sand, creating the perfect Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai!" Rasa said triumphantly, casting a subtle glance at the quiet Gaara.

The mention of Gaara caused Karura's brows to twitch. The current Gaara is not the "future" Gaara everyone expects, his destiny altered by Uchiha Yuki's unique dojutsu technique. This resulted in Karura refusing to marry Rasa, causing unrest in Sunagakure.

Rasa, while angered, was indifferent to Karura's rejection, viewing their marriage as a political arrangement. The opportunity arose when a member of the Shatie clan approached him. Since the Third Kazekage's disappearance, their clan lost its influence. To restore their status, they allied with Rasa, leading to a marriage that solidified his political position. Rasa and the Third Kazekage's daughter had a son named Gaara, despite Karura's protests against the name, which Rasa dismissed as unreasonable.

"I heard that after retiring, Uchiha Yuki worked as a teacher in Konoha. The ninjas trained by him are probably not to be underestimated,"

"Huh, that Uchiha Yuki? A person who's lost his Chakra is worthless. What's there to fear?" Rasa scoffed, underestimating the impact of someone considered powerless in the ninja world.

"Is he really worthless?"

Karura narrowed her eyes slightly, recalling the man with glasses and his meaningful smile. It seemed to say: "Since when did you start believing I am useless?"

"I think it should be considered carefully," Karura said solemnly. However, her opinion held little weight now, stripped of her high-level status.

"I have decided!" Rasa declared firmly, making the decision without further discussion.

In the Cloud Shinobi Village, the Fourth Raikage expressed his disbelief: "What? Konoha dares to hold a joint Chūnin exam?"

"This move by Konoha is undoubtedly a test for the other countries," Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage, analyzed.

"Then shall we refuse to participate?" A asked.

"Chūnin exam, an interesting activity~ To reject~ would appear cowardly~" Killer B interjected with his habitual rap.

"Master B is right! This is an excellent opportunity to gauge Konoha's strength," Darui added, supporting the idea.

"Okay! That's it," the Fourth Raikage decided.

In Iwagakure, the Third Tsuchikage mused, "Huh~ Konoha's strategy is quite clever."

"In recent years, we haven't developed any particularly outstanding Genin," an aide mentioned, worried about exposing their level by participating.

"No, we are going!" the Third Tsuchikage said, a cold determination in his eyes. "Akatsuki has sent word they'll be participating. We can use this as an opportunity to act covertly."

In Kirigakure, concerns were raised: "Master Mizukage, please reconsider! Given our current situation, participating in any Chūnin exam is unwise!"

"Needless to say, my decision stands," Mei Terumī, the Fourth Mizukage, responded firmly.

"Why?" a council member asked.

"This is an order from your Mizukage! Just follow it," she commanded, her authority unmistakable. The decision bypassed the usual high-level discussions, an unusual move given Kirigakure's recent internal strife and the longstanding "Blood Mist" isolation policy. Why the sudden change?

Unknown to many, the real manipulator was Uchiha Obito. Years ago, he infiltrated Kirigakure, attacking the Fourth Mizukage using Kamui and controlling him through techniques passed down from Uchiha Madara. His goal was to align with Akatsuki's "Infinite Tsukyomi."