"Kumogakure is truly generous."
Shinji chuckled when Hiruzen mentioned that Kumogakure would cover all Chunin examinees' travel expenses to the Land of Lightning.
Hearing Shinji's words, Hiruzen nodded with a smile.
Although ninjas could arrive early for the Chunin Exams, it didn't mean all expenses were waived. And while this money wasn't much, it added up.
Moreover, the biggest chunk came from the representatives sent by the various Daimyo and nobles, which was even more significant.
"Ever since the last incident, Kumogakure has been trying to wash away the perception the Ninja World has of them."
"But with little success, they might be hoping to use these Chunin Exams to inform some ninja villages that Kumogakure is still the same Kumogakure."
After Hiruzen finished speaking, he took a deep puff, and the light on his pipe flickered.
Shinji nodded.
This tactic was similar to what the Gold and Silver Brothers did. Only one used public opinion, while now they were trying to show off their strength.
During the Chunin Exams, they wanted to let the major nations see Kumogakure's new generation of ninjas, their rising stars, thereby silencing some people and forces in the Ninja World.
It's likely that Kumogakure has already prepared some talented Genin to take these Chunin Exams. Perhaps even some genius clan members from the Yotsuki clan would be dispatched.
However—
Shinji looked at Hiruzen with some uncertainty.
"Sensei, what are your thoughts?"
After all, Hiruzen wasn't someone who would casually mention something. If he brought it up, it meant these Chunin Exams involved him.
"Kakashi and you will be the Jonin leading the team this time." Hiruzen said faintly, a slight smile on his lips.
Uh— It was indeed as expected.
"Sensei, can I refuse?" Shinji had a helpless expression.
He really didn't want to get involved in this commotion. After all, Kumogakure had a notorious track record, didn't Tobirama die precisely because he went to sign a treaty?
Hiruzen said with a slight smile, "No, I will also be attending, and I've also invited the Fourth Kazekage to come along. Kumogakure has also agreed."
Fourth Kazekage Rasa?
Shinji thought of that pervert who oppressed his own son.
"But what about the village then?" Shinji asked curiously.
Hiruzen would be leaving the village, but now Konoha no longer had a Konoha Council.
Hiruzen said with a meaningful tone, "Jiraiya will return then, and we are not weak now."
Shinji came to his senses.
Indeed. Konoha now had not lost the Uchiha, who were known as the strongest clan. Coupled with Shisui, the strongest genjutsu user who firmly stood with the Hokage, there was no need to worry too much.
Shinji shrugged, saying helplessly, "Alright, you make the arrangements then. I'll just follow along to see the world."
Hiruzen playfully poked Shinji with his finger, finding it amusing, this disciple was getting lazier and lazier.
After their casual chat, Shinji excused himself and left. As for the Chunin Exams, they hadn't arrived yet. It wouldn't be too late to think about it when the time truly came. Perhaps his Fuinjutsu would have greatly improved by then?
—
On the Training Ground, Shinji casually tossed the purification potion to Sasuke.
"Sasuke, drink this, it'll be good for you."
Sasuke took it without asking further, unscrewing the cap and chugging it down.
His teacher always had many strange things, even the medicinal bath they needed to soak in after training was provided by Shinji's formula.
Just a bottle of potion, nothing to make a fuss about.
Naruto, standing nearby, watched curiously and sidled up to Sasuke.
Sasuke, who had just drunk it, felt a breath next to him and, with a look of disgust, pushed Naruto away.
He said coldly, "Loser, don't get so close, it's disgusting."
Naruto, pushed away, ignored Sasuke and instead looked at Shinji.
"Sensei! Why don't I get one?"
Naruto was simply annoyed that Sasuke had one and he didn't.
Slap—
Shinji tapped Naruto's forehead with two fingers, annoyed, and said, "This is useless for you."
"Oh." Naruto, wincing and clutching his forehead, responded meekly.
Sasuke turned his head with a slight smile.
This loser really loved to cling to Shinji-sensei.
"Alright, if there was something you could drink, wouldn't I give it to you?"
Shinji ruffled Naruto's hair, half-laughing, half-crying. This kid was really starting to not treat him as a teacher anymore.
"Alright." Naruto pouted, annoyed by Sasuke's smug expression.
Shinji said to Sasuke with a smile, "Alright, Sasuke, if you experience any changes in the coming period, remember to tell me."
"No problem." Sasuke nodded coolly.
He seemed to have some guesses, but he'd see then.
He just couldn't tell his brother about this. He felt a bit guilty—no, brother hadn't been home much lately, so he wouldn't tell him.
Thinking this, Sasuke's mood brightened considerably.
Neji, standing beside Shinji, looked at Sasuke with a slightly understanding expression, probably thinking it was similar to what he had experienced. Only, this time it was a potion.
"Oh, right! Sensei!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly, as if remembering something.
"I can use Earth Release now!"
"Oh?" Shinji was surprised.
After all, Naruto had only said he was almost there yesterday, and today he could do it?
Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole Technique!
Naruto quickly formed hand signs, and the ground beneath his feet turned fluid as his entire body slowly submerged.
Immediately, Naruto began to move quickly through the soil underground. He would occasionally taunt the people standing on the training ground, especially Sasuke, who received special attention from him.
Shinji helplessly covered his forehead, and when Naruto passed by him again, he grabbed at the ground, pulling Naruto up.
Naruto was still in a strange posture, wriggling continuously. It took him a while to react, and he struggled to jump down. He stood beside Shinji with an embarrassed expression.
"Your execution is fluid, but your posture?"
Shinji looked at Naruto with a strange expression. This kid was truly mischievous, even his Ninjutsu execution was so peculiar.
"Hehe, I just feel it's easier to move like this." Naruto scratched the back of his head, saying sheepishly.
Shikamaru and the others beside him all smiled, as Naruto's posture just now was very strange.
"Alright, but remember that Ninjutsu is not a game, especially when facing enemies in the future." Shinji didn't say too much, only offering a slight admonition.
After all, this was no laughing matter, a slight oversight could lead to a stumble.
"Yes! I understand, sensei!" Naruto quickly patted his chest, guaranteeing.