Konoha Notes

Chapter 195 Gathering
"Miss Samui should have already known the answer to our inclination when she saw the stadium under construction outside the village."

"Currently, there are only three issues that need to be resolved: how to arrange the venue, how to distribute the revenue, and how to define the specific scope of participants."

In response to Samui's question, Shuji only said these two sentences, and then did not delve into any further topic, thus smoothly changing the subject.

"Let's leave the negotiations for the formal occasion. The scenery in Konoha is quite different from that in Kumogakure; the views this season are quite interesting."

As the female ninja from Kumogakure followed Shuji toward the forest, she analyzed the three points he had just raised in her mind.

Regarding the venue, it's clear that Konoha doesn't want future exchange activities to be held only in the venue outside Kumogakure.

The issue of profit sharing means that there is huge room for negotiation regarding the profits generated from each event, especially since Kumogakure already has mature venues and initial operational experience. Konoha will inevitably demand a proportion commensurate with its investment and status.

Both of these issues actually point to the same core issue—interests. This is also the most difficult point to resolve, and the one that neither side is most likely to concede easily.

As for the participants... Samui's gaze fell on Xiu Si's back in front of him, and he spoke again.

"Mr. Shuji, does Konoha have any more specific considerations regarding the definition of participants?"

This is a relatively fundamental issue, and the one most likely to be agreed upon first.

Shuji didn't stop walking. "Chunin."

He tilted his head slightly and added, "Chunin should be the upper limit for participants."

This answer was exactly what Samui had expected.

Jonin are the elite fighting force of a village, candidates for Kage, and their information cannot be easily leaked. They are also not suitable to perform for others in places like gladiatorial arenas.

For a while afterward, the two only chatted occasionally about the scenery along the way or the daily life in Konoha. The atmosphere was relaxed, and neither of them brought up anything related to the negotiations.

When Shuji escorted Samui back to the vicinity of the inn and passed the alleyway selling handicrafts again, he paused, said "Please wait a moment" to Samui, and then turned and walked into the mask shop where they had stopped before.

A moment later, he came out holding the fox mask that Sam had examined carefully earlier.

"This is just a small token of Konoha's appreciation." Shuji handed over the mask.

Anyway, these kinds of entertainment expenses can be reimbursed according to regulations, and I did receive Raikage's protein powder, so it can be considered a return gift.

He specifically pointed to the latter: "Last time in Kumogakure, I also received a gift from Lord Raikage, consider this a return gift."

Samui's gaze lingered on the fox's face for a moment before he reached out and took it.

"Thank you. I will keep it safe."

"No need to be so polite." Xiu Si nodded. "Then, I will be there on time tomorrow morning to accompany your group on the next part of the visit."

Mission accomplished, time to go home and continue planting trees.

Watching Shuuji's figure disappear around the street corner, Samui raised the white fox mask in her hand: "Looks pretty cool."

While Kumogakure and Konoha were negotiating a new tournament, Sunagakure gave up waiting.

Seeing that Konoha and Kumogakure were getting closer and closer, Sunagakure finally took the initiative to send an envoy.

This time, it wasn't Elder Chiyo who came, but Maki. Even more noteworthy than the arrival of the Sunagakure envoy was the group from Kirigakure who arrived in Konoha almost simultaneously.

"Momochi Zabuza... Kirigakure's 'Demon' has arrived too." Mitokado Homura looked at the report, his tone tinged with emotion. "Now, there are four major ninja villages that have explicitly stated their intention to participate in this joint Chunin Exams."

At this moment, the advisory group, along with the retired Hiruzen Sarutobi, were all gathered in Tsunade's office.

The sudden arrival of the Mist Envoy has complicated the situation even further.

"How's the integration of Root going with Kakashi?" Koharu Utatane asked. "Even though the main venue for the Chunin Exams in September is outside the village, a large number of outside ninjas, especially those from the other three major ninja villages, are pouring in. The village's regular security and guard forces must be strengthened accordingly to prevent any oversights."

Her implication was that if Kakashi lacked manpower or progress fell short of expectations, perhaps they could consider having Shimura Danzo, who was currently retired, temporarily take charge of some security work, given his many years of experience in managing Root.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a drag of his cigarette and said in a deep voice, "With Kakashi's help and the Anbu's support, ensuring the village's safety is not a problem."

“When necessary, I will also patrol with the secret service.”

Tsunade stood by the window with her arms crossed, gazing at the prosperous Konoha village outside, without speaking immediately.

In terms of scale, last year they successfully held the Chunin Exams, which were a joint event of three ninja villages. This year they are just adding Kirigakure (Hidden Mist Village) to the mix. Logically, they should have more experience and be better prepared.

...That's what I told myself.

However, this means that the five great ninja villages of the ninja world are almost all gathered in Konoha.

Such a display of power was so great that even Tsunade felt somewhat uneasy.

"Notify Jiraiya to come back as soon as possible. He shouldn't be wandering around outside anymore."
-
Originally, Shuji was only responsible for receiving the Cloud Village delegation, but due to the successive arrivals of the Sunagakure and Kirigakure delegations, his workload suddenly increased significantly.

After all, since the incident with the Cloud Village Messenger two years ago, Shuji has been in charge of the main diplomatic relations with the Sand Village.

The Hidden Mist Village is similar.

To cope with the pressure of diplomatic receptions, Tsunade transferred Izumo Kamizuki and Tetsuo Kotetsu to him again, along with Anko, who had just returned from vacation, forming a small team to deal with the various delegations.

Formal negotiations and talks with Tsuchida and others were still primarily handled by advisors Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado. However, he would obtain the relevant records and minutes immediately after each formal meeting.

For the most critical issues, he then provided written analysis or suggestions to Tsunade and the advisors based on his own understanding and plans.

At the same time, he would also use informal occasions to convey Konoha's demands or test the other party's bottom line through private communication with Samui.

Having met the youth version of Zabuza before he acquired the Executioner's Blade, and after a preliminary courtesy meeting, Shuuji appropriately deferred his specific tasks, such as daily interactions with the Kirigakure delegation and accompanying them on visits.

He entrusted it to Izumo Shinzuki and Kotetsu Ko.

The Hidden Mist Village's request to visit the new venue, which is not yet fully completed, and to gain a deeper understanding of the specific procedures and rules of the Chunin Exams, is something that Izuki Kamizuki and Tetsuo Koko, who participated in the Chunin Exams last year, are capable of fulfilling.

The remaining red beans can be used to help him with some chores.

After making these arrangements, Shuji finally had some relatively uninterrupted time to focus on dealing with Maki, the envoy from Sunagakure.

　I tried to make a picture.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)