Konoha Notes

Chapter 194 Trends
The personnel changes on Konoha's side, especially the news that Shuji had officially begun to participate in the reception, were not concealed and were quickly learned by the envoy group from Kumogakure.

“If Konoha were willing to agree directly, even if it meant sharing some of the profits, it would still be beneficial to us.” Yurui said with some regret. “Since that person is involved, he has personally witnessed the crowds during the matches and experienced the actual benefits brought by the market. In this regard, the subsequent negotiations will probably not go too smoothly.”

They didn't dwell too much on the specific details of the Chunin Exams this time, showing a cooperative attitude. One of their core objectives was to reach an agreement as soon as possible on the more promising additional clause of "practical exchange".

Samui calmly stated, "Konoha has already begun construction on a new, large-scale dedicated venue outside the village. This in itself demonstrates that their leadership is also clearly aware of the enormous profits and influence involved. It's impossible for them to easily relinquish their hosting rights and control over the distribution of benefits."

Tsuchikage nodded: "Yes. Ever since Iwagakure started trying to follow up and stir up the situation, it has become unnecessary for us to insist on completely binding our business operations to the traditional Chunin Exams. We might even miss out on opportunities."

"Being able to reach a consensus with Konoha and jointly open up a new competition channel will be more beneficial to the future development of Kumogakure and our initiative in the ninja world."

He further analyzed to his two companions: "Konoha has a strong need for a stable external environment."

"Even if they make demands regarding the distribution of tournament profits, as long as cooperation can be achieved and a stable communication mechanism is established, we can still leverage our first-mover advantage and some initiative to secure relatively favorable long-term conditions for Yunyin."

This is precisely why, after receiving an invitation from Konoha, Kumogakure did not choose to take the opportunity to increase the stakes in the exam details, but instead directly put forward a new proposal.

After all, Konoha has proven with facts that they still have outstanding and continuous talent among the new generation.

With war becoming the worst option and maintaining a competitive yet cooperative friendly relationship as a long-term expectation, ensuring that Yunyin can continue to gain practical benefits under this new relationship has become their top priority.

"The next informal contact," Tutai turned his gaze to Samui, "is left to you, Samui."
-
The next day, in Konoha Village, outside the inn where the Cloud Village envoys were staying.

Shuji arrived at the agreed time and saw that only Samui was standing at the door.

“Mr. Shuji.” Samui nodded to him when he saw him.

Shuji shook his head slightly and corrected, "No, this time my identity is not that of a Konoha ninja leader on a mission, but rather an accompanying person responsible for your group's reception during your stay in Konoha. So, there's no need to call me 'sir,' just call me Shuji, Miss Samui."

Samui glanced at the streets of Konoha: "Last time, Mr. Shuji bought some specialties from Kumogakure."

"This time, I'll trouble you to lead the way so I can also see the specialties of Konoha."

What are the specialties of Konoha?
This stumped Shuuji. What was Konoha's specialty again? Guy's bodysuit?
Seeing Shuuji's hesitation, Samui was quite surprised: "Is it because Konoha has such abundant resources that it's difficult to choose the most representative ones in a short time?"

"Ah, no..." Shuji dismissed the strange thought from his mind and regained his usual expression. "Speaking of which, Konoha doesn't really have anything particularly famous for its products."

He thought for a moment and suggested a direction: "However, there are some skilled craftsmen in the village who make fox masks, Noh masks, and other similar masks. Their craftsmanship and style are very distinctive. If Miss Samui doesn't mind, you could go and take a look."

“A mask? Sure.” Samui nodded. “Then please lead the way.”

The two walked side by side through the streets of Konoha, passing through the bustling commercial district and heading towards some relatively quiet alleys. Samui's gaze swept over the various masks hanging or displayed on shelves in front of the shops on both sides of the alley, from solemn-faced demons to smiling gods of fortune, a dazzling array.

Her gaze lingered on them, seemingly showing genuine interest. Finally, the female ninja from Kumogakure stopped in front of a shop, picked up a fox mask with a pure white background and bright, sharp red lines outlining the corners of the eyes, and examined it closely, scrutinizing the details of the brushstrokes and the luster of the lacquer.

But she only looked at it quietly for a moment before gently putting it back in its place.

The two quickly left the alleyway where the handicraft workshops were located and continued walking along a relatively quiet path planted with ginkgo trees, where the number of pedestrians around them gradually decreased.

Samui spoke again when only the rustling of leaves in the wind remained.

Without exchanging pleasantries, she went straight to the topic of their meeting: "Mr. Shuji, what are Konoha's initial thoughts or inclinations regarding the Cloud Village's proposal to establish a regular practical exchange mechanism?"
-
Master Yuan was somewhat unfamiliar with the world he now lived in.

The fact that the previous Mizukage was controlled by genjutsu is hard to accept, but after all, it's the ninja world, and there are all kinds of strong people.

Compared to the power of the First Hokage, this situation is nothing.

It was simply that Kirigakure lost face quite thoroughly during that period.

However, the fact that the Chunin Exams could actually earn so much money was a real shock to Master Yuan, who had experienced many trials and tribulations.

A profit of hundreds of millions of taels? How many high-level missions would that require?
An S-level mission, at the minimum reward, is worth one million taels.

This means that a full one hundred S-level missions would be needed to barely reach this number. Even a sizable local war might not have the direct operational costs of one hundred S-level missions.

The enormous gap between them, and the seemingly far greater profitability of this new model compared to traditional task systems, made it impossible for him to remain indifferent any longer.

We must send someone to investigate and understand how it works. However, the choice of person to go to Konoha needs careful consideration.

Ao, who possesses the Byakugan, cannot go. If Ao cannot go, then Mei Terumi, the first candidate for Mizukage, cannot go either; it's not safe.

"Go and inform Zabuza and Gonbei. Tell them to prepare to go to Konoha on behalf of Kirigakure."

"The mission objective is to formally inquire with Konoha whether Kirigakure can participate in this year's Chunin Exams, which they are jointly organizing with Kumogakure."

"More importantly, let them see for themselves how Konoha prepares for the Chunin Exams."

(End of this chapter)