To ensure Sasuke could participate in the Chūnin Exam in good condition, Kakashi had to find a medical ninja to treat him.
Sasuke didn't want to explain how he got injured, and Kakashi didn't press him.
However, after hearing Sasuke say that he would take first place in this Chūnin Exam no matter the cost, Kakashi thought for several days before deciding to teach Sasuke that move once his injuries healed.
Meanwhile, although a few days late, the Sand Hidden Village's representative team finally arrived safely in Konoha.
The leader was none other than the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa!
Shinji, who was mixed in with the Mist Hidden team, subtly shifted his expression upon seeing the people Rasa had brought.
The three siblings, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro, went without saying.
However, the others carried the scent of curse spirits to varying degrees, which piqued his interest.
He didn't believe Sand Hidden would collude with curse spirits at this point; unless they were crazy.
But it was not impossible for curse spirits to be mixed within the Sand Hidden team.
Moreover, with the Kazekage's ambiguous attitude, it was truly difficult to discern their true purpose for coming to Konoha.
Of course, besides him, no one probably dared to imagine that Sand Hidden would dare to make a move against Konoha during the Chūnin Exam.
In addition, Shinji had been trying to track down Orochimaru's whereabouts.
For this joint Chūnin Exam, teams from the Land of Rice Fields' Sound Village, the Land of Grass's Grass Ninja Village, the Land of Rain's Rain Ninja Village, and the Land of Water's Water Ninja Village had also sent teams.
The total number of participants in the Chūnin Exam reached 170 people.
If Orochimaru was indeed alive and had come, it would be very difficult to find the person disguised as Orochimaru among so many people.
After completing the superficial formalities, the Sand Hidden people were arranged in a residential area east of Mist Hidden.
After inspecting the surroundings, Baki returned to report, "Lord Kazekage, the area has been inspected. There are no surveillance personnel around."
Rasa nodded, not surprised. Their presence in Konoha as representatives of Sand Hidden already conveyed immense 'goodwill' and 'sincerity.' If the Hokage dared to send people to monitor them, it would be tantamount to provocation.
And all of this was within their expectations.
"What about Mist Hidden?"
"No activity. They should still be wholeheartedly preparing for the upcoming joint Chūnin Exam."
Rasa took off his hat and chuckled dismissively. "The Mist Hidden Village has long since declined. Those who died have died, those who fled have fled. Not long ago, they were almost wiped out by a group of curse spirits. They are truly a disgrace to humanity. I think they should be removed from the Five Great Ninja Villages from now on."
Baki advised, "The current Mist Hidden is no threat. However, to prevent them from interfering, perhaps we could try to win them over first. After completely defeating Konoha, annexing Mist Hidden would be as easy as turning our hands over."
Rasa frowned. "Is that really necessary? As you saw today, the once-great Mist Hidden Village only brought 12 brats to participate in the Chūnin Exam this time, fewer than even the small countries like Rain and Grass. The only one worth paying attention to is that woman, Mei Terumi. If she knows what's good for her, we can let her live a little longer. Otherwise, after we get rid of that old man Hokage, she'll be next!"
"Although Mist Hidden has declined, a starving camel is still bigger than a horse. If Mist Hidden chooses to side with Konoha, it will undoubtedly add variables and be detrimental to our plan. According to our intelligence, the Fifth Mizukage possesses two different kekkei genkai: Lava Style and Boil Style. Her strength should not be underestimated. Furthermore, her bodyguard is the rumored super genius Hōzuki Mangetsu, who can skillfully use the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. This is also a point of concern."
Baki accurately analyzed the pros and cons for Rasa based on intelligence. However, there was one point he overlooked.
That was the seemingly harmless consultant by the Mizukage's side.
As for Hidan and Tobi, they were staying in the house and not going out, so he didn't see them. He only knew of their existence from intelligence but didn't take them seriously at all, just as he and Rasa hadn't mentioned the 12 Genin who came to participate in the Chūnin Exam.
Why mention someone who posed no threat?
Rasa thought about it and felt it didn't matter. However, since Baki had suggested it and it had some reasoning, he agreed.
"Since you think Mist Hidden can be swayed, then go ahead and do it boldly. However, be careful. Until the Mizukage clearly sides with us, never reveal our true objective. Otherwise, once Konoha is on guard, it will be another big problem."
Baki nodded. Even if Rasa hadn't said it, he knew in his heart that he would handle it meticulously, leaving no loose ends and arousing no suspicion from Konoha.
"By the way, when will that Orochimaru show up?"
"Orochimaru is likely hidden among these Genin participating in the Chūnin Exam. However, according to the plan, he will send someone to contact us when the time is right."
"Boring and distasteful, but let him be."
Rasa waved his hand. "I don't trust people like Orochimaru. Be ready to use the contingency plan at all times. If you find anything unusual about Orochimaru, kill him immediately."
Unlike the original timeline, even without cooperating with Orochimaru, Rasa was confident this time that he could severely damage Konoha, or even crush it directly.
Therefore, he was wary and vigilant of Orochimaru, who had actively sought him out from the beginning.
"Speaking of which, Orochimaru's talent in research is indeed top-notch in the entire ninja world. The several technologies he has given us this time are enough to change the landscape of the entire ninja world, but it's a shame they cannot be used by me."
Upon hearing this, Baki immediately offered a suggestion. "If this plan goes smoothly, perhaps we can directly 'invite' Orochimaru back."
"You're right. Orochimaru is a smart person. He'll know how to choose then."
After discussing some more details, Baki took his leave and then went alone to the area where Mist Hidden was located.
Although this action would definitely be known to Konoha.
But as long as Konoha didn't know what they had discussed, there would be no problem.
Moreover, Baki believed that even for the sake of the greater good, the Mizukage would not blabber about today's conversation. This was his confidence.
Of course, before he was sure of the Mizukage's stance, he would definitely not reveal their entire plan. At most, he would hint at it slightly.
Soon, Baki met Mei Terumi, and there was another person in the room.
It wasn't Hōzuki Mangetsu, but that so-called external consultant. This somewhat surprised Baki, who then began to re-evaluate the other person's identity and importance.
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