Roshi felt that the team's trip to Kumo had been thoroughly worthwhile—particularly the discovery of the abandoned Orochimaru laboratory. While there were no tangible items to take back, the information alone made it a meaningful haul.
Interestingly enough, Kumogakure shared a similar sense of satisfaction.
Inside the Raikage's office, Samui was delivering her report.
"As of now, direct revenue from ticket sales—along with surrounding hotels, catering services, and licensed merchandise—has already exceeded our initial projections."
She continued calmly, "Total attendance is approaching eight thousand. Public attention remains high, and discussions surrounding the exams haven't died down. There's widespread anticipation for future events of this kind."
Mabui followed up with a more measured tone.
"That said, the sudden influx of spectators placed considerable strain on both the Village and nearby settlements. Food supplies and accommodations experienced intermittent shortages."
"Additionally, because personnel were spread out to manage crowd control, routine surveillance in some peripheral areas was temporarily weakened."
A listened in silence. Numbers and logistics weren't his passion, but as a Kage, understanding them was unavoidable.
The conclusions drawn by his two secretaries were unmistakable.
Hosting the joint Chunin Exams had produced enormous direct economic gains—and due to insufficient preparation, Kumogakure hadn't even managed to fully capitalize on its potential.
The indirect benefits were just as impressive: increased prestige, stronger internal unity, and heightened influence across the region.
"As for Konoha," A said at last, turning his gaze toward Mabui, "what's their stance on the next joint Chunin Exams?"
"According to our intelligence," Mabui replied, "Konoha is planning to hold their internal Chunin selection exams as usual in September."
A thought for a moment before nodding.
"Samui. Ask Konoha whether they'd be interested in inviting us to participate in September's exams."
"While you're at it, confirm their thoughts on future joint exams between our villages."
The financial returns alone made the idea appealing—and the long-term strategic value couldn't be ignored.
Roshi's earlier comments about maintaining cooperation were encouraging, but they were informal at best. Without something official, nothing was guaranteed.
If this model could be formalized and sustained, Kumogakure stood to gain a steady and reliable source of growth for years to come.
"Yes," Samui replied simply.
Roshi wasn't surprised when Kumogakure conveyed a request for an informal meeting.
After witnessing the overwhelming crowds and the surge of commercial activity during the exams, he'd expected Kumo to make another move.
In this era of the ninja world, large-scale inter-village public competitions were rare. For civilians and merchants alike, such events were irresistible—and their economic impact was undeniable.
Even in the world of his memories, overflowing with entertainment options, top-tier sporting events had always held immense commercial value.
The meeting was arranged by Samui in a modest reception room within the Raikage Building.
After brief formalities, she got straight to the point.
"So far, this joint Chunin Exams has yielded satisfactory results for both Kumo and Konoha."
She studied him carefully. "I'm curious—what's your personal view on this kind of exchange, Roshi?"
"For the Genin," Roshi replied, "having the chance to directly observe the combat styles of other villages is an invaluable learning experience."
Samui nodded, then shifted the topic casually.
"We've heard Konoha is preparing to hold its Chunin exams in September."
Roshi wasn't surprised. The information wasn't classified. Sunagakure had already been notified, and several smaller villages were informed as a matter of course.
After all, one of the exams' key purposes was to reinforce the Konoha–Sunagakure alliance through continued, low-intensity ninja exchanges.
That goal wouldn't be achieved without other Villages acting as participants.
"Kumogakure is willing to fulfill its role as an ally," Samui said. "We intend to send genin to participate in Konoha's upcoming exams."
She paused briefly before continuing, her tone sharpening.
"More importantly, we'd like to take this opportunity to discuss whether this joint exam model can be formalized between our two Villages."
"To determine a mutually agreeable frequency—and establish it as a long-term exchange between Kumogakure and Konoha."
—
After being urgently recalled once, Enjin couldn't help but suspect that the Village had uncovered something.
That fear followed him when he departed again. This time, he adhered strictly to his reported mission plan, methodically investigating the eastern region of the Land of Fire without displaying the slightest hint of abnormal behavior.
The masked man—who called himself Uchiha Madara—had given him a clear directive: gather those clansmen who still possessed backbone, those unwilling to meekly accept the current state of affairs.
Enjin knew exactly who they were.
Like-minded individuals had always found one another. They'd exchanged ideas, grievances, and quiet resentment for years.
Aside from comrades who had already fallen, the Uchiha stationed in the Fire Capital were his closest remaining allies.
But there was a problem.
Shisui was there.
Ever since that incident at the eastern camp—when Shisui had followed that man's orders and subdued him with the Sharingan—Enjin had understood something clearly.
Shisui might still be a pillar of the clan, but his loyalty tilted decisively toward the village.
Just like the current clan head.
They were all content with the narrow space Konoha allotted them, pacified by a false peace and a handful of superficial concessions.
Even the Uchiha's long-term plan to infiltrate ANBU had backfired. Rather than strengthening the clan's influence, it had become a conduit for Konoha's higher-ups to seep into—and subtly steer the Police Force.
If the status quo were to be broken, relying solely on the clan's existing power was nothing more than wishful thinking.
The only true variable left was that so-called Madara.
If he truly possessed absolute ocular power—enough to overwhelm the clan head—then perhaps the Uchiha could be unified once more. Perhaps Konoha itself could be seized.
After several careful counter-tracking checks, Enjin quietly altered his route and headed for the Fire Capital.
Days of patient observation followed. Drawing on his intimate knowledge of Uchiha patrol rotations, Enjin finally found a narrow opening to make contact with a trusted clansman recently transferred there—
Uchiha Mohka.
In a secluded corner, Mohka scanned the surroundings one last time before speaking in a hushed voice.
"Enjin? What are you doing here?"
"Aren't you assigned under Itachi, stationed at the Hokage Building?"
"Temporary mission," Enjin replied curtly. Then, without preamble, he asked, "Where's Shisui?"
Mohka hesitated. "He was assigned a temporary mission by the Daimyō a few days ago. Left the Fire Capital already. No set return date."
'…Shisui isn't here?'
Enjin's thoughts immediately accelerated.
This was his chance—to bypass Shisui entirely and speak directly with the Uchiha stationed in the Capital.
They were responsible for guarding the Daimyō himself. And if that role could be leveraged—if subtle genjutsu could influence the Daimyō into requesting a change in his guards—
Then the Uchiha could return to Konoha openly, as a unit. No suspicion. No quiet exile.
A legitimate recall.
"Mohka," Enjin said softly, lowering his voice even further, "gather the others."
His Sharingan flickered faintly beneath his gaze.
"We need to talk—about the true future of our clan."
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