Without realizing it, July had arrived.
This was the month when the Chūnin Exams, held twice a year, would take place.
It was impossible for Sunagakure and the Sound to march straight into the Land of Fire all at once.
Thus, the method decided by Kenya and Orochimaru was to dispatch their forces in small squads, infiltrating the border regions of the Land of Fire every three months.
This way, they could remain hidden at locations closest to Konoha, silently waiting for the signal. And when the order came, they would strike all at once.
Kenya didn't know exactly how many shinobi Sunagakure and the Sound sent in the original timeline. But the number was not large. Even now, the forces sent under his and Orochimaru's plan were not many.
In total, there were barely eight hundred.
It couldn't be helped. If thousands were to enter the Land of Fire at once, they would surely be discovered.
And this was already with Aizen's help. Back then, in the original course of events, Sunagakure and the Sound probably sent less than five hundred.
At Sunagakure's gate, Aizen, who had been waiting for some time, turned his head at the sound of footsteps approaching from behind.
"You've arrived."
"Sorry, Aizen, preparations took longer than expected."
Temari—normally so strong-willed—suddenly seemed reserved in front of him.
"I don't blame you. It's right to spend more time preparing. After all, this is an S-rank mission."
His tone grew heavier in the second half, and even Gaara's gaze sharpened slightly.
"If we succeed… at the very least, we'll claim the Land of Rivers, right?" Kankurō guessed aloud.
"War is the most unpredictable thing," Aizen said with a faint smile. "All you need to do is complete your assigned tasks."
With that, he led the three siblings as they set off toward Konoha in the Land of Fire.
"Teacher…" On the road, Temari finally asked, puzzled. "Why Sarutobi? Is there something special about him?"
Aizen pretended to ponder for a moment, then replied, "I don't know. It was an order from the Kazekage himself. Perhaps because he is related to the current Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen."
Meanwhile, in Konoha.
Kakashi had just handed Naruto and his teammates the Chūnin Exam registration forms.
Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement, and Sasuke beside him wore the same eager look. For Sasuke, this was another step toward the revenge he sought.
Sakura, on the other hand, had been sneaking glances at Sasuke. She didn't particularly care about the exams themselves—so long as Sasuke was participating, she would too.
"Whether you join or not, I'll respect your decision," Kakashi said.
But after months of training them, he already knew their personalities well enough. Their answers were obvious.
"I'm in! Definitely!" Naruto shouted.
"Was there ever any doubt?" Sasuke smirked faintly.
"Me too!" Sakura quickly added.
Behind his mask, Kakashi's lips curved into a smile. "Good. I look forward to seeing your performance."
Four days later, at Konoha's gates.
Aizen arrived with the Kazekage's children.
Looking at Konoha's prosperity—so unpretentious yet so much richer than Sunagakure—he couldn't help but compare. In the Land of Fire, everywhere you turned there were rivers, fertile soil, lush greenery, and wild animals. To the people of the Wind Country, these were treasures beyond measure.
"I can see why my father was willing to go so far…" Kankurō muttered under his breath.
"Kankurō! We're at Konoha—watch your words." Temari shot him a sharp glance.
Realizing his slip, Kankurō quickly fell silent.
At the gate stood the usual pair of guards—Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki.
"It's been a while," Aizen said lightly.
"Mr. Aizen, long time no see. This year too, you've come with students for the exams?" Kotetsu asked with a smile.
The two sides were familiar. As Sunagakure's representative, Aizen had been coming to Konoha for food tribute for four years—this year being the last. Each visit, he'd passed through this very gate, meeting the same two men.
Temari, Kankurō, and Gaara stepped forward to sign the registration book.
When Kotetsu and Izumo saw the names, their expressions froze.
The children of the Kazekage himself…
That could only mean one thing—Sunagakure was taking this exam very seriously. Perhaps even to show Konoha up.
After the formalities, Aizen turned to his students.
"Head to the inn arranged for you. Explore Konoha if you like, but don't cause trouble. I must report to the Hokage first."
"Yes, Mr. Aizen," the three replied in unison. Temari's voice was the most enthusiastic of them.
Two hours later.
Another squad arrived at the gate, cloaked in gloom. Their head, a long-haired ninja, presented their papers.
Kotetsu examined them, finding nothing amiss. "Candidates from Kusagakure, huh? Everything checks out. Take your passes—and be mindful inside Konoha."
"Much obliged."
The Kusagakure leader accepted the pass, then turned away. As he did, his lips curled into a strange, unsettling smile.