453 was the number Tomoki saw.
According to Hiashi's report, Iwagakure's Ninja forces numbered just over 500.
Tomoki inwardly marveled at Obito's methods while silently giving him a thumbs-up.
"Work hard, and I'll come back tomorrow to check on the results."
With so many people, Obito clearly intended to do something big.
Tomoki and Kabuto arrived quietly and left just as quietly, leaving no trace.
While Kabuto was investigating the numbers, Tomoki also scanned the surroundings again and was relieved to find no other key figures, such as Nagato or Pain.
Tomoki still decided to help Obito, even though he didn't know what he was planning.
Iwagakure was so cooperative in cleaning its neck and extending it to the blade; not giving them a good slaughter would be too un-will of fire.
The next day.
Tomoki, who was routinely cultivating his bond with Naruto and Sasuke, received a message from Orochimaru.
Inside the laboratory.
Orochimaru, having understood the history of the Ninja World and obtained data on Naruto and Sasuke, finally had a clear direction and possible theories.
"Tomoki-kun, the data from Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke has been very helpful, but perhaps due to the influence of your stories, I have several theories, all of which perfectly match the existing data."
Seeing Orochimaru's excited expression, Tomoki thought he had already found a result.
"So, this time is…?"
"Currently, we have samples from ordinary people, regular Ninja, Kekkei Ninja, and even reincarnations of the Six Paths Sage's children like Sasuke and Naruto, but there's a missing part in between."
Facing Tomoki's question, Orochimaru directly stated the current situation, as if afraid Tomoki would misunderstand, and then added:
"The part between Kekkei Ninja and Sasuke and Naruto!"
Tomoki's mind raced, and he tentatively spoke.
"Are you referring to Kekkei Tōta, Senior?"
"Precisely. As far as I know, Ōnoki is about to arrive in Konoha."
Tomoki, thinking of the situation outside the village, immediately guaranteed.
"No problem. Just wait a few more days, and Ōnoki's sample will be sent to the laboratory."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's eyes filled with anticipation, but after the excitement, Orochimaru seemed to remember something and quickly said:
"Tomoki-kun, just a little bit of body tissue and Chakra will do. If it causes conflict, it's not strictly necessary. With more time, we can still determine the result."
Evidently, the personal agenda Shisui inserted into Kotoamatsukami made Orochimaru unwilling to cause a big stir.
"I understand, Senior. Don't worry, there will be no bloodshed."
Tomoki nodded, making a promise to Orochimaru.
Leaving the laboratory building, Tomoki looked towards where Iwagakure was stationed.
Before, it was hard to refuse the opportunity to slaughter Iwagakure, but now, not doing it was simply not an option!
Tomoki did not continue to rejoin the three youngsters but returned to his office.
Pondering the orders he had issued overnight, Tomoki now added further instructions.
One by one, Ninja entered the office, received their missions, and left with serious expressions.
Having made the necessary adjustments, Tomoki eagerly awaited the moment Obito would make his move.
The sun rose and set, then rose again; a day passed quickly.
The time had already reached the day before the third stage of the Chunin Exams.
Konoha had also become completely lively.
Many merchants who were not qualified to follow the Daimyō to Konoha rushed to Konoha in the past few days.
The Ninja's competitions could indeed be a spectacle, and they could also be used to determine which Ninja Village to entrust missions to in the future.
But more importantly, Konoha now gathered all the important figures of the Ninja World, which itself was a huge opportunity.
And Tomoki once again led Konoha's leaders.
They successively welcomed Mei Terumī, Darui, Rasa, and Ōnoki, as well as the leaders or representatives of other Ninja Villages.
On the last day before the exams, the Kage of each village finally arrived in Konoha.
Now, Konoha could not only host a Five Kage Summit but also an expanded Ninja Village conference, or even a full Ninja World representative assembly.
With the arrival of each Kage, Tomoki took a commemorative photo with them. This time, he didn't cause trouble like he did with Ōnoki.
Before the flash went off, he would inform the other party in detail, allowing them to prepare.
The efficiency of the Ninja was much faster than that of the Daimyō and nobles; even with the same number of people, it only took half a day to complete all receptions, and they all went to their respective residences.
The so-called reception was just a meeting, a few words, and then it was over.
Banquet meals, especially in the Ninja World and among Ninja Villages, did not exist.
It was obvious that Konoha would not tamper with the food, but the caution ingrained in the Ninja's bloodlines meant that no one would eat food given by others.
If Konoha were to truly host a luncheon, it would only be a group of people sitting around a table of food, chatting idly.
However, it was also not good to completely neglect the guests, so Konoha still provided abundant food for all guests; whether they ate it or not was up to them.
And the other four of the Five Great Ninja Villages, which were also part of Konoha, also welcomed a group of media workers carrying cameras and long-range lenses.
There was no conspiracy; it was just a special interview and promotion for them, out of respect for being part of the Five Great Ninja Villages.
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