Although the appearance of the Star Renained Village (Hoshigakure) would undoubtedly draw the attention of the other Great Nations, the days of remaining low-key were over. The village's development had reached a point where concealment was no longer possible. Chenxing had long anticipated this outcome — and had made his preparations.
---
(At the Konoha Perimeter Checkpoint)
Under the guidance of two Konohagakure shinobi on patrol, Chenxing and his companions arrived at a temporary reception station near the outer wall of the village.
Allowing shinobi from another hidden village to enter Konoha was no trivial matter — especially with the upcoming Chūnin Exams, when security was at its peak. After a careful inspection of their identification papers and mission scrolls, the patrol ninjas began a series of standard verification procedures. After all, for shinobi, falsifying identities or travel documents was hardly difficult.
The reception site consisted of a large tent, a few wooden tables placed under its shade, and several Konoha-nin seated and recording visitor details. Judging from their uniforms — a mix of light and dark green flak jackets — this was not a simple outpost. Even three jōnin-level shinobi were stationed here.
Clearly, their duties extended beyond registration. They were also responsible for guarding the perimeter and preventing infiltration by missing-nin or spies.
> "Captain Muun, their identities have been verified. They're shinobi from the Star Renained Village — here to participate in the Chūnin Exams,"
reported one of the patrolmen to the jōnin in charge.
"Star Renained Village?"
Captain Muun raised an eyebrow, flipping through the registration forms. His gaze swept over the group, pausing slightly before continuing in a curious tone.
"If I recall correctly, this is the first time shinobi from Star Village are participating in the Chūnin Exams?"
"That's right," another Konoha-nin replied. "I heard the Star Village's growth has been surprisingly fast lately. That's why the Hokage's office extended an official invitation."
As Muun continued reading, he murmured the registered names:
"Chenxing, Iron Star, Red Star… and—White?"
He looked up, startled.
"Wait… White? You mean—the Peacock King?!"
"Eh? What did you say?"
The other guards turned sharply. Even the jōnin on duty straightened with alarm. All eyes locked onto Chenxing.
Though skeptical, none of them doubted Captain Muun's judgment. He was not one to make careless statements.
Instantly, the air in the reception tent grew tense. Hands hovered near weapon pouches, chakra subtly flaring.
> "Heh… Chenxing, you're quite the celebrity now,"
Red Star said teasingly, a smirk on her lips.
"Didn't expect you'd be recognized this fast."
Chenxing sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I should've seen this coming. It's fine being recognized once or twice, but this is getting troublesome."
His casual attitude only made the Konoha shinobi more wary. After all, a man who had gained underground fame as the Peacock King within a single year — defeating several renowned jōnin in battle — was not someone to be underestimated.
"Don't be so tense," Chenxing said with a wry smile. "I'm only here to participate in the Chūnin Exams."
Captain Muun frowned, unconvinced.
"With your reputation, do you really need to take the Chūnin Exam? What's your true purpose in Konoha?"
Chenxing's tone remained calm.
"Every small village seeks recognition. The Star Renained Village wants to grow — and the Chūnin Exams are the best stage for that. Nobles, merchants, daimyō — all eyes will be on the participants. Fame brings opportunity."
The Konoha-nin exchanged glances. His reasoning was sound.
Muun exhaled slowly. "Even so, your presence will attract attention. The Hokage will need to be informed. You'll have to wait."
"No problem," Chenxing replied easily, sitting back down beside White. "We're not in a hurry."
---
(At the Hokage's Office)
Inside the Hokage Tower, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was reviewing documents when a messenger hawk tapped on his window. He untied the scroll from its leg and read its contents.
> "The Peacock King… from the Star Renained Village… is here for the Chūnin Exams?"
Hiruzen exhaled a long plume of pipe smoke, his expression complicated.
"So that's why Hoshigakure has been growing so quickly," he murmured. "With someone of his caliber leading them, it's no mystery."
Though the Chūnin Exams were meant to strengthen alliances between villages, having a figure like Chenxing — a shinobi with an infamous reputation in the underground — could easily cause unrest. Yet forbidding his participation would damage Konoha's diplomatic standing.
After a moment of contemplation, Hiruzen wrote a brief reply and tied it to the hawk's leg.
---
(Back at the Reception Site)
Before long, the hawk returned with the Hokage's seal. Captain Muun read the message and turned toward Chenxing's group.
> "The Hokage has approved your entry. I'll escort you personally to the village."
"Appreciate it," Chenxing said politely, rising to follow.
---
(Inside Konohagakure)
Passing through the great wooden gates of Konoha, Chenxing couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia and awe. The gates stood over six meters tall, the symbol of the most powerful hidden village in the shinobi world.
The streets inside were bustling — merchants, travelers, and shinobi from various nations all preparing for the upcoming exams. Chenxing even spotted genin from Sunagakure and Kirigakure mingling with locals.
Following the escort, Chenxing and his companions made their way to the Hokage Building, the tall, red-bricked structure at the heart of the village. Inside, they were soon ushered into the Third Hokage's office.
The old man behind the desk looked kindly, almost fragile — but Chenxing could sense the immense chakra beneath that calm exterior. Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Professor, a man who had weathered three wars and still carried the weight of the village.
"The Star Renained Village truly breeds remarkable shinobi," Hiruzen said after a long pause, his eyes lingering on Chenxing.
"Thank you for your words, Hokage-sama," Chenxing replied with a courteous smile.
After a brief exchange of formalities, Hiruzen nodded to his aides to escort the group to the guest lodging prepared for foreign shinobi.
As Chenxing turned to leave, his senses caught a faint fluctuation in chakra — a familiar, almost watchful presence concealed behind the wall. ANBU, he realized.
It seemed Konoha was not taking any chances.