Konoha Village Gate.
The Fourth Hokage, Akimichi Tsume, stood there with his large belly, projecting a strong leader's air, warmly receiving the leader from Iwagakure—Rōshi.
Rōshi was the Four-Tails Jinchūriki of Iwagakure, and one of Iwagakure's Kage-level powerhouses.
Although he did not get along well with the stubborn Ōnoki, he still felt a strong sense of belonging to Iwagakure.
This time, he led a contingent of Iwagakure ninja to Konoha to participate in the joint Chunin Exam hosted by Konoha.
"Rōshi of the Lava Release, I've heard great things about you!"
Akimichi Tsume's chubby hand vigorously shook Rōshi's hands, warmly welcoming his arrival.
Rōshi was slightly uncomfortable with Akimichi Tsume's enthusiasm. After a few pleasantries, he led the Iwagakure ninja into Konoha, where they were guided by Konoha Anbu to their quarters.
After Rōshi left, Akimichi Tsume looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi beside him with confusion: "Hiruzen, the method you suggested doesn't seem to be working! I was so enthusiastic, but Rōshi didn't seem to react much!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile: "Rōshi's personality is as stubborn as Ōnoki's. It's not surprising that he showed such an expression."
"However, we must maintain the proper attitude. We need to welcome our allies from other villages with the utmost enthusiasm."
"After all, we didn't give them any explanation for the Tsunade incident. If we're not enthusiastic, the negotiations will become deadlocked."
"Since even you, the Hokage, personally came to welcome them, they should know when to stop."
Akimichi Tsume nodded: "That's fine too! There's no loss anyway, so let's stick with this plan!"
Soon after, Ebizō from Sunagakure and Bī from Kumogakure also arrived with their people and were warmly received by Akimichi Tsume.
"The people from the three Great Hidden Villages have arrived. Next is discussing cooperation and the joint exam..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi began to speak with a smile, but his words got stuck halfway.
Because a figure he would never forget appeared on the road not far away.
Yagyu, leading his six pseudo-Jinchūriki subordinates, slowly walked towards Konoha Village.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Akimichi Tsume exchanged glances, both wearing grave expressions.
"I heard that Konoha is hosting a joint Chunin Exam. Our Kirigakure would also like to participate."
"As one of the Five Great Hidden Villages, I don't think Konoha Village would refuse us, would they?"
"After all, the other three Great Hidden Villages have all come! If Konoha refuses us, that would be considered targeting us."
Yagyu spoke casually, looking at the two before him with a relaxed expression.
"If Kirigakure wishes to participate in the joint Chunin Exam, we certainly welcome it."
"Please, we've arranged rooms for you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, saying with a smile.
...
Inside Konoha Village.
Yagyu was settled into the guesthouse arranged by Konoha, which was surrounded by Konoha Anbu used for surveillance.
Yagyu paid no attention to these Konoha Anbu, tacitly allowing their presence.
After settling down, Yagyu and Mei Terumī went out for a stroll.
Walking on the familiar yet strange streets of Konoha, Yagyu felt a sense of how much things had changed.
Yagyu lamented: "It doesn't feel like much time has passed, so why has Konoha changed so much?"
A cold female voice came from behind Yagyu: "Who do you think we have to thank for that, if not a certain bastard? The once-beautiful Konoha was razed to ruins."
Yagyu turned his head. Tsunade, with her blonde hair, stood with her arms crossed, looking at Yagyu with a cold sneer.
"Princess Tsunade, long time no see!"
Yagyu greeted Tsunade lazily, his expression casual.
Tsunade stared at Yagyu, saying gravely: "What exactly is your purpose for coming to Konoha this time?"
Yagyu said dismissively: "That's a bit much to ask, isn't it? It sounds like an interrogation!"
"I've already told you my purpose for being here. I'm here to participate in the Chunin Exam!"
Tsunade coldly snorted: "Do you even believe what you're saying?"
Yagyu asked lazily: "Why wouldn't I? There's no more reasonable explanation. Aren't the others here to participate in the Chunin Exam?"
Tsunade said no more, snorting and turning to leave.
Yagyu smiled and followed her, saying casually: "You said Konoha's change is thanks to me. Are there other places that are thanks to me? Take me to see them."
Tsunade huffed: "The damage you caused to this village isn't just the changes to the village itself, but also the changes to the people in the village."
A woman with red hair appeared in Yagyu's line of sight; it was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Kushina Uzumaki.
Kushina Uzumaki looked depressed and generally uninterested in her surroundings, and the surrounding Konoha villagers looked at her with disgust.
"The Konoha higher-ups have taken action?"
Yagyu thought with interest, walking towards Kushina Uzumaki.
"Hmm?"
Kushina Uzumaki sensed something amiss. She looked up and saw Yagyu standing in front of her, a complicated expression in her eyes.
"Long time no see!"
"It seems you aren't doing very well in Konoha these days."
"Need any help?"
Yagyu said with a smile.
Kushina Uzumaki took a deep breath, speaking in a low voice: "The way I am now is all thanks to a certain person!"
Yagyu spoke carelessly: "Don't say that. I merely let you discover the cruelty of reality ahead of time."
"If it weren't for me, you might still be living in a beautiful but false dream! So, you should thank me."
Kushina Uzumaki's expression was complicated. She snorted and walked away immediately.
"Boring!"
Yagyu shrugged. With a shift in his gaze, he looked towards the distance, where a few kids were secretly hiding and peering at him.
A flash of golden light, and Yagyu instantly appeared next to these kids.
Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, Kurenai Yūhi... the future celebrities of Konoha were basically all here.
"Little ones, you've been secretly watching me. Is there something you need?"
Yagyu bent down, casting a shadow that enveloped Kakashi Hatake and the others, speaking casually.
At this moment, Yagyu was wearing a yellow-striped suit and a "Justice" coat. The indifferent eyes behind his tinted sunglasses made Kakashi Hatake and the others feel completely flustered.
"Don't scare the children!"
Tsunade walked over, saying to Yagyu with dissatisfaction.
"I was just bored!"
"The living conditions at Konoha's guesthouse are too poor. Can I stay at your place?"
"When you were in Kirigakure, you stayed at my house for quite a while!"
"Now that I'm in Konoha Village, shouldn't it be your turn to host me?"
Yagyu thought for a moment, saying to Tsunade with a smile.
"What?"
Mei Terumī immediately became agitated, saying resentfully:
"If you're going to stay at that cow's house, then I'm going too!"
Yagyu rubbed his chin, hesitating: "Wouldn't that be too fast? I wanted to give you two some time to get used to each other!"