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Although the formal proposal wasn't ready yet, preliminary discussions with the major clans were necessary—at least to give everyone a general idea.
Building a new commercial district was an attractive opportunity, and no eligible clan would refuse to participate.
The village's finances were tight, but many clans in Konoha had the means to invest.
As long as the returns were substantial, few clans would turn down such a beneficial deal.
"Shizune, send someone to summon the old man. Oh, and the advisory elders too."
Previously, the Third Hokage and Homura Mitokado had suspected that Koharu Utatane's death might have involved other factors.
They had subtly hinted their concerns to Tsunade, who understood their implication—distrust toward Kazuki.
"Understood, Hokage-sama."
Shizune quickly left the office to have an ANBU operative notify the Third Hokage and Homura.
Upon receiving the summons, the two soon arrived at the Hokage's office.
"Take a seat first."
Tsunade finished reviewing a document, stamped it, and set it aside before addressing them.
"The exam hosted by Kumogakure was forcibly terminated. Kazuki returned early with the team, and several incidents occurred during the process."
She briefly summarized the events.
"It seems Kumogakure harbors hostility toward us."
If Kazuki had provoked the situation, that would be one thing.
But the targeting had started the moment they arrived in Kumo—Raikage A made his animosity blatantly obvious.
"He handled it well."
After a moment of silence, Homura spoke.
"If Kumogakure is openly hostile, we have no reason to grovel for their approval. Besides, Kazuki was right—the moment they excluded Konoha and ended the exam prematurely, the joint chūnin exam lost all meaning."
It was a clear sign of disrespect.
Did they really think Kumogakure couldn't have at least notified Konoha?
Yet, without consulting Konoha, the four villages made the decision themselves.
In that case, why should Konoha bother playing along?
Let them do whatever they wanted—Konoha wouldn't waste time on them.
"I agree."
Tsunade nodded.
"The exam was Kumogakure's initiative, unrelated to Konoha. If there were issues, that's their problem. As for deaths during the exam… since when was there a rule against fatalities?"
The Five Great Nations had hosted joint exams many times before.
Konoha had even organized some.
The difference was, those had been chūnin exams.
Kumo, overestimating its influence, had pushed for a jōnin-level exam, excluding smaller villages as mere spectators.
Casualties were expected in every exam.
This time, only two deaths occurred—a relatively low number.
"Additionally, we've shared all available intel on the Akatsuki. The proceeds from selling the Sage's Eye information have also been deposited, easing some of the village's financial strain."
Then, after a brief pause, Tsunade took a deep breath and addressed the two elders.
"I know Koharu's death is hard for you to accept. Though we didn't get along, even I, too, feel the loss. I specifically questioned Kazuki about it. Koharu's death was purely accidental—no external factors were involved. I don't want to see unnecessary conflicts arise over this."
Unless they had concrete proof that Kazuki deliberately caused Koharu's death, the matter should end here.
"I'd like to speak with Kakashi."
After some consideration, the Third Hokage decided to hear Kakashi's firsthand account.
"Fine."
Tsunade agreed without hesitation.
If she refused, the Third would've approached Kakashi privately anyway. Better to have it done openly.
---
Kakashi, who had just returned home, bathed, and changed clothes, was soon visited by an ANBU operative.
Summoned by the Hokage, he arrived at the office as quickly as possible.
Upon entering and seeing the Third Hokage and Homura, he immediately understood why he'd been called.
"Hokage-sama, Lord Third, Elder Homura."
He bowed slightly in greeting.
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, signaling for the Third to proceed.
The Third approached Kakashi and patted his shoulder with a sigh.
"I apologize for disturbing your rest, but there's an important matter we need verified."
"Ask freely, Lord Third."
Lighting his pipe, the Third took a deep inhale before speaking.
"Recount everything that happened from the moment your team left the village—in detail."
"Understood."
Kakashi complied respectfully.
"After receiving orders from the Hokage's office, I assembled at the village gates at the designated time. Shisui Uchiha and Elder Koharu arrived shortly after, followed by Advisor Kazuki. There were no conflicts or disputes between Advisor Kazuki and the elder during the entire journey. As we neared the Land of Iron's border, we encountered a four-man Akatsuki squad. Elder Koharu exchanged words with them, which escalated into combat."
In short, Koharu had tried to assert her authority as a Konoha elder—but picked the wrong audience.
Her attitude provoked the Akatsuki, leading to the fight.
"The Akatsuki members were formidable—all S-rank missing-nin from various villages. The one who killed Elder Koharu was Kakuzu, a rogue ninja from Takigakure. His strength overwhelmed her before reinforcements could arrive."
All of them were S-rank threats. Kazuki had killed Juzo and rushed to assist, but Koharu didn't hold out long enough.
Though intel scrolls had been submitted, the Third and Homura distrusted Kazuki's account—hence this interrogation.
It seemed Kazuki truly wasn't involved. Koharu's death was simply the result of bad luck and her own arrogance.
"You're dismissed. Rest well."
With no evidence against Kazuki, the Third and Homura had no grounds to press further—especially after Tsunade's warning.
"Understood."
Kakashi left promptly.
Now alone with Tsunade, the Third extinguished his pipe and spoke gravely.
"I believe Konoha should take action against the Akatsuki."
"I agree."
"We will."
The Akatsuki's actions had thoroughly enraged Konoha—not just the elders, but even Tsunade had lost patience.
If they wanted to court death, Konoha would oblige.
But first, let the other villages test the waters.
The bait about the Rinnegan had already been cast—no way would the other villages resist.