A pitcher plant silently emerged from the ground at this time.
The pitcher plant opened, revealing the half-black half-white Zetsu.
"Stop arguing, something big is about to happen."
Black Zetsu handed an invitation to Pain, saying: "It came from Konoha. It seems to be about a Joint Chunin Exam."
"Huh?" Pain opened the invitation and read it, then looked up at everyone, "What does Konoha mean by this? They're actually inviting people from the Land of Rain to participate?"
"What else could it mean? They just want to showcase their own strength and level." Perhaps because he had lived long enough, Kakuzu was quite clear about such matters.
"Then should we send a couple of teams of cannon fodder, or send our elites?" Pain looked at everyone, hoping to get some constructive suggestions.
"This is a good opportunity." Konan said seriously: "Since it's a Joint Chunin Exam convened by Konoha, the exam location will definitely be in Konoha."
"This is a perfect chance to observe Takumi up close."
To be honest, ever since returning from the Land of Waves last time, Konan had developed a special feeling towards Takumi.
Amazed by his strength, yet also anticipating.
'If it's Takumi, perhaps he could become the silver bullet that shatters our organization...'
Hearing Konan's words, Pain felt somewhat surprised.
"Didn't you just observe him? Why go again?"
Konan's gaze slightly evaded, and replied in roundabout manner: "It's precisely because we didn't ascertain his true strength that we need to continue observing."
"..."
Pain felt that the Akatsuki seemed to have changed somewhat.
They've become weaker!
'Wasn't our organization entirely composed of powerful Missing-nin from the Great Shinobi Villages?'
'How did it become a scouting unit!'
"Fine then, who will go?"
Although he felt a bit uncomfortable, since Konan proposed it, he had to allow it.
"Let Deidara and I go."
Pain nodded, then turned and said: "Just right, didn't you want to see Takumi's heroic figure? This time you can see your fill."
"No problem!" Deidara immediately agreed excitedly, completely losing his previous sulky demeanor.
"However, it's not just about watching. Take this opportunity to be sure to figure out all his abilities, understood?"
…
Land of Water, Kirigakure.
The Yondaime Mizukage, Yagura, was still under Obito's control.
Under Obito's control, he generally didn't handle too many matters.
Apart from strictly adhering to the Bloody Mist Policy, plunging the entire Kirigakure into dark rule, he didn't handle other matters.
Just like this time.
The invitation from Konoha regarding the Joint Chunin Exam never reached Yagura.
Instead, it was delivered to the several advisors.
"Konoha is holding a Joint Chunin Exam?"
"It seems they want to display their power."
"Do we have suitable Genin Teams?"
"Hmm... No."
"Then let's skip it this time. Going would just be sending them to their deaths, and it would make people think our Kirigakure has become weak."
After the group's discussion, they decided not to participate in this Joint Chunin Exam.
…
Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.
Bam!
"What did you say? An invitation from Konoha?" The Yondaime Raikage, A, angrily punched the table.
Kumogakure had always been competing with Konoha for the position of leader in the Shinobi World.
How could they possibly participate in a Joint Chunin Exam led by Konoha now?
"Raikage-sama, what should we do?" A's assistant, Mabui, asked calmly beside him.
"Hmph, of course, refuse! How could I send people to participate in that old man's Joint Chunin Exam?!"
"Who knows if that old fart has some scheming tricks! Maybe he wants to gather the elite Genin from all villages in one place, then use the exam as a pretext to kill them all!" A said with a gloomy expression.
"Alright, I will send the letter of refusal." Mabui nodded.
But the Raikage immediately reached out to stop her: "Wait!"
"What is it, Raikage-sama."
Yondaime Raikage showed a smile: "Heh, although we can't go openly, secretly... you know what I mean?"
…
Land of Wind, Sunagakure.
"A Joint Chunin Exam?" The Yondaime Kazekage, Rasa, looked at the invitation in his hand, feeling a headache.
Sunagakure was similar to Kirigakure.
There weren't many outstanding talents among this generation's Genin.
There are only his three children.
But if he sent Gaara, the not-so-controllable Jinchuriki, to Konoha…
If Gaara lost control, it would definitely have a severe impact on the alliance between Sunagakure and Konoha.
But refusing outright wouldn't be easy to explain either.
"Then just send a few random teams." Rasa sighed and made a decision.
…
Land of Earth, Iwagakure.
"Hmph, that old fool Hiruzen, actually organizing a joint Chunin Exams, and even dares to invite our Land of Earth? Has he lost his mind?" Sandaime Tsuchikage, Onoki, couldn't help but sneer, "In that case, I'll let him see something that will open his eyes properly."
Onoki showed a sinister smile.
He planned to send numerous Genin.
One special aspect of Earth Release is that when multiple people perform a single Ninjutsu together, it can greatly amplify the Ninjutsu's power.
He had already made up his mind.
During the survival phase, have the Iwagakure's Shinobi join forces to bury all the Genin from the other villages!
"Hehehe..." Thinking of this brilliant idea, Onoki couldn't help but let out a creepy laugh.
Crack!
Suddenly, his back twitched, and his whole body stiffened instantly.
"My back..." Onoki said in pain, "Kurotsuchi! What are you doing!"
Kurotsuchi retracted her leg, looking seriously at Onoki.
"How can you do such a thing? Since they invited us, we should go openly and aboveboard!"
"I'll participate!"
After saying that, Kurotsuchi's face immediately turned red.
'Finally, finally I can go see my husband!'
'Hehehehe...'
…
Land of Rice Fields, now Land of Sound, Otogakure.
"Oh? I didn't expect Sensei to have the courage to invite the entire Shinobi World to a Joint Chunin Exams." Orochimaru looked at the invitation in his hand, his snake-like pupils showing great interest.
"Orochimaru-sama, should we change our plans now?" Kimimaro behind Orochimaru asked softly.
"No, no need." Orochimaru said with a hint of a smile, "Proceed according to the original plan. This time, I want to give Sensei a nice surprise."
"Kimimaro, you come with me. We'll make some preliminary preparations for the upcoming surprise." Orochimaru turned to look at Kimimaro, his eyes showing both appreciation and regret.
If Kimimaro's body were healthy, he would be a perfect vessel.
Now he could only search for a new vessel to replace this soon-to-decay body.
"Yes." Kimimaro replied in a low voice.
He obeyed every one of Orochimaru's commands absolutely, never offering any resistance.
And his powerful strength always allowed him to complete every command Orochimaru gave.
"Very good, I look forward to your performance, Kimimaro." Orochimaru showed a satisfied smile.