The days drifted by one after another.
Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Kakashi and the other Jonin squad leaders to the meeting room inside the Hokage Tower.
"I've gathered you all here for a specific reason," he said. "Look at the people around you—you should already understand."
Of course, the Jonin present immediately understood what Hiruzen meant—the Chūnin Exams.
Asuma Sarutobi asked, "We've already sent word to the other nations, right? You can already spot foreign shinobi wandering around the village from time to time, after all."
Kurenai Yuhi followed up with, "So then…when will it begin?"
Hiruzen announced, "In one week. Starting seven days from today, on July 1st, the Chūnin Selection Exams will officially commence!"
...
"Hmph, Konoha really is thriving."
Sakon curiously scanned the surroundings and let out an impressed sigh.
Chinya's group had already arrived in Konoha, entering under the guise of a participating ninja from Otogakure.
Jirobo also successfully infiltrated Konoha later, using the disguise of a tourist.
Kidomaru and Sa'kon wore cloaks.
After all, Kidomaru's six arms and Sa'kon Ukon's dual heads were quite terrifying.
Wearing cloaks helped them avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Uzumaki Sōnagi looked at familiar Konoha and stretched lazily. "You know what? Coming back here really brings back memories."
Chinya glanced at Uzumaki Sōnagi and reminded him, "Remember, this is supposed to be your first time visiting Konoha. If you don't want our arrangement to fail, stay careful."
Uzumaki Sōnagi felt slightly awkward but replied, "Understood, Master Aranori."
Chinya clapped his hands. "Alright, let's head to the inn Konoha arranged for us first. There are still a few days until the exams start—you can wander around Konoha, but don't cause any trouble, got it?"
"Got it!"
Chinya and Orochimaru led Uzumaki Sōnagi and the others to the inn. After dropping their belongings off in their rooms, Uzumaki Sōnagi quickly left with Kimimaro Kaguya and the rest to stroll through Konoha's streets.
Inside the inn room,
Chinya and Orochimaru leaned against the window, watching the bustling crowd below.
Chinya smiled and asked, "Teacher, how does it feel being back here again? Doesn't it seem like nothing has changed?"
Orochimaru said flatly, "Everything's exactly the same. It only goes to show how little Konoha has advanced over the years—how pathetic. He's always been obsessed with preserving the status quo, yet never realizes that clinging to the current state means fear of change, resistance to the unknown, or just habitual dependence.
But when both internal and external conditions have drastically shifted while the subject sticks stubbornly to old ways, such preservation becomes an obstacle—an impediment to progress, development, and innovation.
He thinks maintaining the status quo is best, without seeing that this village has already reached a dead end. No progress means falling behind. While Konoha stands still, the world outside keeps moving forward."
Chinya looked down the bustling street with a faintly scornful smile. "Hmph, after all, Konoha is one of the Five Great Ninja Villages—the five strongest villages in the Shinobi World. They think there's no need to change. But their pleasant dream is about to be shattered."
Orochimaru glanced at Chinya. "Won't you go see your disciples?"
Chinya replied, "I'll meet them once I get a sense of what's going on around here. Although I've left *snakes* behind to monitor the village, it's been a long time since I last observed Konoha directly. Kakashi is now Naruto's team leader. Perhaps Hiruzen is watching Kakashi closely too. Just to be safe for now, I'll wait. As for Neji, it would be difficult for me to enter the Hyuga Clan Grounds directly."
Orochimaru asked, "So what you're saying is that Neji is about to move soon, right?"
Chinya nodded. "Yes. I've already informed Ruiga and the others. They will soon enter the Land of Fire and remain ready for backup anytime."
A faint smile appeared on Orochimaru's face. "How interesting. After this event, under such shockwaves, what kind of shape will Konoha take afterward?"
Chinya scoffed. "It all depends on Minato Namikaze then. If Minato has the spine, he might reform everything and destroy all of Hiruzen's established structures, building an entirely new system.
"But I don't think Minato has the spine to push through reform—it requires sacrifice, after all. With his indecisive nature, he would never manage real change—at least in my opinion."
Orochimaru chuckled softly. "Maybe he'll change once he learns the truth. I've seen many people undergo drastic changes when lies are torn away and cruel realities come rushing in."
Chinya snorted again. "Perhaps. But it's none of our concern. Minato is Miyuki's husband and Naruto's father. So whatever happens to him should be decided by Miyuki and Naruto. Though I wouldn't mind giving things a little push forward. After all, I've never hated anyone the way I hate him—he's been my least favorite person since we were kids."
Speak of Minato Namikaze and he shall appear.
Minato Namikaze had just finished instructing Naruto Uzumaki and was returning to the Ninja Hospital accompanied by Shikaku Nara.
Suddenly sensing something, Minato raised his head toward a window in a nearby inn where he spotted Chinya and Orochimaru.
Chinya waved at Minato cheerfully and said, "You must be Lord Fourth Hokage! I am Aranori, the Jonin instructor representing Otogakure here for the Exams. I've heard so much about your heroic deeds—you're my idol! It's such a huge honor to meet you in person!"
Minato hesitated briefly, then smiled kindly back at Chinya. "Hello. Welcome to Konoha for the Chunin Exams. I hope all of you enjoy your stay here."
With a devious undertone, Chinya asked, "Lord Fourth, can you give a bit of encouragement to our Otogakure participants?"
Minato replied with a warm smile. "Of course. To all the ninja from Otogakure: best wishes. I hope you achieve excellent results during these Chunin Exams."
Chinya grinned brightly. "Thank you, Lord Hokage! We'll definitely do our best—and thoroughly enjoy ourselves while we're at it!"
"Take care on your way out."
After Minato Namikaze left, Chinya smiled and turned to Orochimaru, "See what I mean? He hasn't changed a bit. From what Teacher said, he still hasn't made any progress at all."
Orochimaru slightly raised his head, gazing toward the distant Konoha buildings, "Let's see if Konoha's windmill can weather this storm without falling apart."
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>