At noon, Konohagakure grew livelier than ever.
Ninjas from all kinds of small and mid-sized nations poured in. Compared to the five great villages, their Genin were visibly more timid—some even trembling as they passed through the gates.
Inside the Hokage Meeting Room, the real power-holders of the four great villages had gathered, along with envoys from smaller nations.
But the host of the meeting—Drake, the Fourth Hokage—was nowhere to be seen.
The Waiting Game
Chiyo sighed impatiently.
"Odd. He summoned us, but the Hokage himself hasn't shown up."
Yagura Karatachi shrugged.
"Maybe something delayed him."
A (Fourth Raikage) muttered, half-joking, "Maybe he's planning to trap us all here."
Ōnoki shook his head.
"Impossible. Killing us here serves no purpose."
Drake Arrives… with a Zipper Problem
Footsteps echoed down the corridor. Drake pushed the door open and stepped in.
He scanned the room—and spotted Kenjirō giving him a meaningful look.
"Hey… your fly," Kenjirō whispered.
His whisper was not quiet enough.
The entire room went silent, and every pair of eyes dropped downward.
"…Just went to the bathroom," Drake said calmly, pulling up the zipper and taking his seat as if nothing had happened.
Then he announced the structure of the Chūnin Exams:
The written exam begins in the afternoon at the Ninja Academy.The survival test follows in the evening, lasting three days, held in the Forest of Death.Survivors proceed to combat trials.
"This exam will be fair and impartial," Drake said, tapping the table.
"Konoha believes in peace. I hope everyone shares that ideal."
Kenjirō applauded immediately. Others followed out of habit.
Drake stood and left without acknowledging the applause.
Business in the Shadows
The moment Drake left, Chiyo approached Kenjirō.
"You seem close to the Hokage."
"We have… arrangements," Kenjirō smiled.
"Care to share?"
"Only a little intelligence exchange."
Chiyo leaned in.
"Do you have intel on Sasori?"
Kenjirō blinked.
"…Your own grandson?"
"I want updated intelligence."
"For a price."
"I can pay."
Soon, a scroll was passed. Money exchanged hands.
That opened the floodgates.
"Do you have intel on strong Genin from Konoha?" asked the Raikage.
Kenjirō grinned and pulled out scrolls—each labeled with a name.
Obito UchihaShisui UchihaAnd finally… a much larger scroll with the name Drake emblazoned on it.
Gasps filled the room.
Selling intel on the Hokage?
"You're brave," the Raikage muttered.
"I've sold his intel before," Kenjirō replied casually.
"You have a tough life," the Raikage said.
Drake's Perspective
Drake knew Kenjirō sold his intel. He simply didn't care.
Information flowed both ways, and as long as he benefited, he let the business continue.
He headed toward the Ninja Academy—only to be stopped by a figure rising from the ground.
Not just any figure. It was Orochimaru, now inhabiting a White Zetsu body.
"Lord Drake," Orochimaru said, voice hissing, "the White Zetsu underground have captured a summoning creature."
"A summoning beast?"
"A venomous salamander. Likely belonging to Hanzō."
Drake's eyes narrowed.
"Where's Hanzō?"
"He escaped. But we have Zetsu tailing him."
Drake folded his arms.
"Bring Minato here."
Orochimaru vanished into the earth.
Something Is Wrong
Drake stood still, thinking.
Hanzō was cautious by nature. He wouldn't enter Konoha lightly.
So why would he risk bringing his salamander beneath the village?
Had he lost his mind—or did he have backup?
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus (KH)Chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus (KH)Chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 60 (KH)Chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/SwipeSage