Konoha Notes

Chapter 297 Preparations for Welcoming

The construction site of the Five Shadows Summit venue was submerged in a wave of noise.

The clanging of metal, the pounding of heavy objects, the clattering of wood—all these noises mingled together, creating a hot, humid atmosphere filled with dust.

Yamato crouched in the shadow of the half-finished beam frame, his face covered by an ANBU mask and his hood pulled low. He pressed his hands to the ground, chakra seeping into the wood fibers from his palms.

Although he had some complaints these days, he remained focused, given the tight schedule and heavy workload.

Today, however, he couldn't help but glance at the figure not far away every now and then.

That person was leading the leaders of various villages, inspecting the construction site.

"According to the schedule, the main structure of the venue can be completed within five days, and the subsequent interior partitions and decorations will be carried out simultaneously."

"Starting tomorrow, the teams from each village can participate in patrols and inspections according to their assigned areas."

Maki's gaze fell on Yamato, who was manipulating the wooden beam, his expression quite complex.

The previous times he had encountered Wood Release, it was all used to wreak havoc on the battlefield. Today, he witnessed another use for Wood Release.

"Wood Release techniques can even be used for construction." Mei Terumi's gaze swept over the nearly completed dome. "That's quite surprising, Shuji-kun."

"It's just a standard application, like how Earth Release can create trenches or Water Release can guide water flow," Shuuji replied.

Wenya cautiously inquired, "Will a barrier be set up in the venue area?"

"We will not set up a barrier, considering that the shadows of each village will reach the area. The barrier will not be part of the safety plan."

“Then,” Wenya pressed, “if traces of spells are found during patrols, can that be considered an incident and investigated immediately?”

“Okay.” Xiu Si turned to look at him. “No spells are pre-set in this area. Once discovered, it must be reported and handled at the highest alert level immediately.”

Samui didn't comment on the fact that a user of Wood Release was working as a carpenter, nor did he ask about patrol precautions. His blue-green eyes swept over every part of the construction site.

Occasionally, her gaze would briefly meet Shuuji's as he was explaining, before she would indifferently look away again.

"The joint military exercise will conclude the day after tomorrow." Shuji walked towards the next construction site. "The Konoha Association will begin clearing the area. Tourists, merchants, and all unrelated personnel must be temporarily evacuated."

"Then--"

He stopped and looked at the main building of the venue, which was already taking shape.

"Konoha welcomes all the Kage."
-
Having received the message from Wenya that the time and place for the Five Kage Summit had been set, Onoki wasn't actually too dissatisfied.

The Senju from Konoha was so troublesome that it reminded me somewhat of the Senju I had seen before.

It wasn't Hashirama Senju, but someone else.

Reforming the joint martial arts competition is what Onoki wants, and it's also what Iwagakure needs.

Having chosen to sit at this table, he would naturally prepare a plan for the new situation.

However, the reforms that Konoha and Kumogakure reached a consensus on first were not what he had envisioned.

His original plan was to retain his current hosting of events without seeking the support of Kumogakure or directly challenging Kumogakure's interests for the sake of Iwagakure.

This will only solidify the alliance between Konoha and Kumogakure.

His original plan was to support keeping the main venue in Konoha's stadium area until the change of host cities next year, rather than directly trying to snatch the hosting rights.

The reasons are also quite valid: Konoha has a good location and a large stadium.

In terms of the number of spectators that can be accommodated, Kumogakure has 8,000 seats. Even if they were to expand, Kumogakure would never be as strong as Konoha.

Ticket revenue sharing is the main source of income for all non-host villages, and this proposal would easily win over Sunagakure and Kirigakure. As for Konoha, as the biggest beneficiary, there's no reason for them to object.

First, pry open the gap between Konoha and Kumogakure, then create room for maneuver for Iwagakure.

With such preparations and expectations, yet receiving the desired result before even implementing anything, he was momentarily at a loss as to how to proceed. What could he do now? Since the intention was to hold a Five Kage Summit for talks, he could only proceed with the talks first, see what new proposals emerged, and then make further plans.

As a shadow, one must do one's best to benefit the village; this is what the teacher taught him, and it is what he has always adhered to.

If the other party is willing to openly express their willingness to renegotiate, Onoki won't necessarily make things complicated.

As for those who accompanied him on his journey...

Huang Tu should stay in the village to take charge of the situation; two human jinchūriki are not suitable.

After considering all the options, Akatsuki is too small, Kurokawa is too small, and if we exclude those who are only good for making a show of things, it seems that Deidara is the only one worth bringing along.

Onoki thought that taking the kid to see the world and how people in other villages do things might help him become less impulsive... right?

The office door was pushed open without any politeness.

"Old man! You were looking for me? Yes!"

The blond boy burst in, his ninja tool pouch swaying with his movements. His face was filled with undisguised excitement, and his eyes shone brightly.

Onoki suppressed the throbbing veins on his forehead and said in a deep voice, "Five days from now, come with me to Konoha."

"Oh!" Deidara clenched his fist. "Finally figured it out? Let me show you real art? Hmm! But isn't the martial arts competition almost over? Is it a special closing performance? You've already invited me, haven't you? Hmm!"

"Will we miss our chance if we don't leave today? Hmm! Is the venue in Konoha big enough? Are there enough spectators...?"

The Tsuchikage reminded himself to be patient, but then he thought, that person from Konoha had already successfully appeased Sunagakure at the age of fourteen…

"Shut up!"

Onoki slammed his hand on the table.

"This is the Five Kage Summit! All the Kage from every ninja village will be there! You sew your mouth shut, open your eyes, and perk up your ears!"

"Don't talk nonsense, don't make any rash statements, and most importantly—" he gritted his teeth, each word seemingly squeezed out of stone, "take out your clay!"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, and suddenly clapped his hands again.

Click.

A slight, yet incredibly clear, cracking sound came from my waist.

Onoki froze completely.

The action of slamming the table froze in mid-air, the arm hovering, the body remaining in a forward-leaning posture. Only the gray beard trembled slightly. His face first flushed red, then the color faded, turning pale.

Deidara's excitement froze. He blinked, his gaze slowly moving downwards until it landed on the Tsuchikage's stiff waist.

His lips began to twitch uncontrollably, a mixture of shock and suppressed laughter struggling on his face.

"Old man, what's wrong?"

"Do you understand?" Onoki hissed through gritted teeth, still too afraid to move.

"I heard it..." Deidara's gaze was fixed on that stiff waist, his voice wavering.

Ōnoki maintained his statue-like posture, his faint desire to "show Deidara the world" waging a doomed battle against reality.

This kid...

Is it really possible?
He stared at the ceiling and suddenly realized that perhaps the biggest challenge of this Five Shadows Conference wasn't at the negotiating table.

And beside you.

(End of this chapter)