Kumo's investment in this Chunin Exams is truly on another level…
The thought surfaced in Roshi's mind as the massive, perfectly circular stadium carved into the mountainside came fully into view.
Konoha had hosted joint Chunin Exams before, but even at its peak, its venue had never reached this level of scale or audacity.
"Our personnel will guide the participating Genin teams to their designated lodging areas."
Samui spoke calmly as several Kumo ninja stepped forward, positioning themselves to lead Konoha's Genin away in another direction.
The intent was clear—Konoha's teams would not be granted direct access to Kumo itself.
Roshi showed no sign of objection. He merely turned to Hayate and Yūgao, giving them a slight nod. The two met his gaze and responded in kind, silently acknowledging the responsibility to keep watch over the teams.
Samui continued evenly, "Please understand—this is for unified management. All visiting ninja villages are housed in a designated zone outside the village proper. We have already prepared sufficient supplies to meet all daily needs."
"If there are personal requirements, several shops around the venue are open to provide services."
"Within the designated area, movement is unrestricted. There will be no unnecessary supervision."
For Kumogakure's first time hosting a joint Chunin Exams, such caution was entirely reasonable. Roshi found the arrangement acceptable—if anything, preferable. Being kept outside the village meant fewer eyes watching their every move.
Seeing that Konoha's young team leader raised no resistance, Samui led Roshi through the main gate of Kumo.
The contrast was immediate.
Unlike the grand, almost ostentatious competition venue outside, Kumogakure itself was tightly nestled among sheer, rugged mountain ranges. Buildings clung to the cliffs, layered vertically, while narrow, winding paths snaked between them.
Without prior familiarity, losing one's way here would be effortless.
Roshi had visited the Kazekage's Office before. The Hokage Building, especially during last year's relentless overtime, had practically become a second home.
By comparison, the Fourth Raikage's office was the most austere—and the most intimidating—of any Kage's office he had seen.
The room was spacious but bare. Aside from a sturdy desk, a few chairs, and filing cabinets, the only other furnishings were training tools—dumbbells, grip strengtheners, and other equipment tucked into one corner.
This was the office of a man who treated physical strength as policy.
"The Hokage sent you personally, huh?" A said, lounging casually on a sofa. "Last time we met was last year, wasn't it, Roshi?"
"Raikage-sama has an impressive memory," Roshi replied evenly.
"Enough pleasantries." A waved a hand, cutting straight to the point. "There's something we need to make clear to Konoha in advance."
His sharp gaze locked onto Roshi.
"As for this Chunin Exam, Kumogakure's approach differs somewhat from Konoha's previous practices. We have our own standards—and our own methods."
"Written tests and basic assessments are skills any ninja aspiring to Chunin should already possess. Considering individual circumstances, we're willing to retain that portion."
"But the outdoor survival assessment is unnecessary."
A's tone hardened slightly.
"If a ninja lacks even that level of capability and still makes it into the Chunin Exams, then the responsibility lies with the village that sent them."
Roshi listened in silence, not at all surprised by Kumo's intention to alter the exam procedures. In fact, the moment he had seen the massive, resource-intensive stadium built outside the Kumo, he had already anticipated something like this.
Since Kumo was openly selling tickets, increasing the entertainment value of the Chunin Exams was inevitable.
The written exam, while essential, was fast-paced and visually dull. If Kumogakure wished, they could easily adjust its difficulty to allow a large number of candidates to pass, ensuring a sufficient pool of participants for the main tournament.
The outdoor survival assessment, however, was another matter entirely.
It involved too many uncontrollable variables—especially in an era without mature long-range surveillance or image transmission techniques. The process was lengthy, scattered, and nearly impossible to present directly to spectators.
From Kumogakure's perspective, this stage offered little return. It required significant manpower and resources, yet produced no immediate economic benefit.
Worse still, if too many Genin suffered casualties or were eliminated during the survival phase, the main tournament would be left with too few competitors, forcing the carefully planned event schedule to be compressed.
In other words, it would end up like Konoha's—finished in a single day.
"Regarding the decision to cancel the outdoor survival assessment and retain only the written exam," the Raikage continued, his gaze fixed firmly on Roshi, "I have already discussed this matter with the representatives of Yugakure and the Land of Frost. They have both agreed."
"Now, all that remains is Konoha's final response."
Roshi did not immediately state his position. Instead, he raised a key concern.
"Since a major portion of the assessment has been removed," he said calmly, "to ensure the fairness and completeness of the evaluation, will the structure, procedures, and scoring standards of the main tournament be adjusted accordingly?"
At that moment, Mabui—who had been standing quietly beside the Raikage, documents in hand—spoke up.
"Regarding the main tournament," she said evenly, "including its format, rules, procedures, and scoring criteria, Kumogakure will provide a complete written explanation for your review."
Samui stood a short distance behind Roshi. The Raikage and his secretary both turned their attention fully toward him, and an invisible pressure filled the room.
After a brief pause, Roshi replied evenly, "In that case, for the sake of the participating Genin, I request time to thoroughly review the detailed rules before issuing Konoha's formal response."
A stared at him for several seconds.
Finally, he spoke in a deep voice. "Very well. You'll have one day. Bring me Konoha's answer at this time tomorrow."
"Samui, see him back."
—
When Roshi returned to Konoha's designated station area under Samui's escort, he immediately noticed the change in atmosphere.
Numerous Kumo ninja had gathered around the perimeter.
They kept their distance, but their gazes were open and unrestrained—scrutiny mixed with barely concealed provocation.
The Konoha ninja being watched showed clear signs of tension. Some wore guarded expressions; others looked distinctly uneasy.
Yūgao and Hayate blended into the crowd. As long as Kumogakure made no overt move, neither of them would act.
Samui surveyed the scene, her eyes sweeping across the gathered ninja before abruptly locking onto a familiar figure. Her brow furrowed.
She strode over and whispered sharply, "Atsui! What are you doing here?!"
"Big sis!" the blond youth replied loudly. "I just wanted to see the Konoha ninja who beat C-senpai! I heard he's insanely strong—super hot!"
"This isn't the place for that. Go back!" Samui snapped, grabbing his arm.
As she dragged him away, Atsui continued protesting loudly—complaints about "lack of passion" and "just wanting to see for himself"—until she forcibly hauled him more than ten meters away.
Only then did Samui turn back toward Roshi and offer a brief apology.
"I'm sorry about that. I hope it didn't offend you."
Her apology was directed solely at her brother's behavior, completely ignoring the other Kumo ninja who were still watching from nearby.
Roshi said nothing, merely watching the siblings depart before turning and walking into Konoha's station.
"Everyone, come inside," he said, addressing the Konoha ninja who were still standing outside. "I need to explain some important matters regarding the Chunin Exams."
He had no intention of outright rejecting Kumo's proposal.
But before agreeing, he needed to examine the fine print carefully.
From the current situation, Kumo likely did not intend to directly target Konoha. However, they would certainly welcome—and perhaps subtly encourage—any incidents where Konoha's ninja were embarrassed or lost momentum in the matches.
After all, this was their home ground.
------------------
AN: Check out my P@treon For +60 extra chapters.
Thank You For your Support!!
[email protected]/noviceauthor777