Seeing Nagi now grown into a handsome young man, women across the Shinobi World cried out in admiration.
[Ōnoki: First six months passed… and now nearly two more years?]
[Hiruzen Sarutobi: The pace is faster than in the other world.]
[ShikaShiranui Kū Nara: Not necessarily. Perhaps this period in our world hasn't concluded yet.]
[Tobirama Senju: That's reasonable.]
After returning home from Orochimaru's base, Nagi found an ANBU operative waiting respectfully at his door.
"Lord Nagi, the Hokage requests your presence."
"Understood. You may go."
"Yes, sir."
The ANBU vanished instantly.
Nagi then headed toward the Hokage Tower.
Hokage's Office
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
"Excuse me."
Nagi entered, and Tsunade got straight to the point.
"Nagi, KonohagaShiranui Kūre and SunagaShiranui Kūre are preparing to jointly host a new Chūnin Exams."
She explained the reasons clearly.
First, to resume the Chūnin Exams that had previously been interrupted.
Second, to gauge how the Five Great Nations and their hidden villages—currently feigning calm—would respond.
Third, to lure the Akatsuki into action. Tsunade believed it was better to draw them out than wait for another surprise attack.
However, the Kazekage, Gaara, had requested that SunagaShiranui Kūre serve as the host this time.
He intended to use the opportunity to draw out the faction within SunagaShiranui Kūre that opposed his rule as Kazekage.
[Rasa: What?! Gaara became Kazekage?!]
[Ōnoki: Isn't he far too young?]
[A (Fourth Raikage): Hmph. What else? SunagaShiranui Kūre must've had no one left.]
[Rasa: …]
[Mei Terumi: …]
…We in KirigaShiranui Kūre aren't exactly overflowing with candidates either.
[Gaara: Kazekage…]
[Naruto Uzumaki: That's awesome! Gaara kept his promise to me and Nagi! Congrats, Gaara!]
[Rasa: Hey! I'm not dead yet!]
As for why Tsunade had summoned Nagi—
"I heard from the old man that when you and OtogaShiranui Kūre manipulated SunagaShiranui Kūre back then, part of your goal was to help the new Kazekage deal with those elders."
She fixed him with a look.
"So I'm asking—should we agree to let SunagaShiranui Kūre host?"
"Of course," Nagi replied without hesitation.
"Good. I'll notify Gaara immediately."
Not long after, Gaara and Temari arrived at the Hokage Tower. Tsunade formally agreed to SunagaShiranui Kūre's request.
"By the way, Kazekage," Tsunade added, "Nagi asked me to tell you he's waiting at home."
"I understand."
Gaara and Temari left the Hokage Tower. Suddenly, Gaara grabbed Temari's hand and hurried toward Nagi's residence.
At the door, Gaara knocked politely.
"Excuse me. Nagi, are you home?"
"Coming."
Nagi opened the door with a smile.
"Gaara. Long time no see."
"Long time no see… my friend."
They clasped hands in greeting.
Nagi then noticed Temari standing behind Gaara, looking completely bewildered.
"You must be Gaara's older sister, Temari. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Oh—uh—nice to meet you."
She still had no idea what was happening. When she glanced at Gaara, he gave her an oddly pointed look—
As if to say: Why are you still here?
You're the one who dragged me along!
"Ahem. I have other matters to attend to. You two talk," Temari said quickly before retreating.
Living Room
Nagi poured Gaara a cup of tea. Gaara took a small sip.
"…It's good."
"I'm glad you like it. First of all—congratulations on becoming Kazekage."
Gaara shook his head lightly.
"It's thanks to you, Nagi. You made me realize there are people in this world who love me.
You and Naruto helped me understand there are also people I must love and protect—
My sister, KanShiranui Kūrō, and the villagers who depend on me.
That is my responsibility as Kazekage."
(KanShiranui Kūrō: Why does Temari get 'sister,' but I just get my name?)
"Well done, Gaara. You've truly grown."
Gaara smiled happily at the praise.
[Mei Terumi: Why do I feel like something's off?]
[Temari: Same here.]
[Ōnoki: Wait. He said 'those in the village who need protecting.' So there are ones who don't?]
[Ao: …That does sound suspicious.]
Gaara and Nagi talked about the past two and a half years, Nagi listening with a faint smile.
Then—
"Gaara," Nagi asked calmly, "what about those in the village who don't require your protection?"
Gaara's expression cooled.
"If they heed my advice, all is well. If they insist on opposing me… then of course—"
"—we eliminate them."
For a brief moment, Gaara's demeanor resembled the cold, detached boy who first came to KonohagaShiranui Kūre.
"Good," Nagi nodded. "So you still remember what I told you back then."
Gaara's expression softened again.
"Yes. You said:
Those who support us are our own people—we treat them with kindness.
Those who oppose us are outsiders—we defeat them directly.
Those who neither support nor oppose us are the ones we must win over."
"Exactly," Nagi replied approvingly.
"I'll assist you during this Chūnin Exams. I'll personally go to SunagaShiranui Kūre.
We'll act with courtesy first—attempt persuasion. If that fails…"
"…then we act," Gaara finished.
"Thank you, Nagi," Gaara said, his cheeks faintly red.
[A (Fourth Raikage): Hold on. Why does this feel wrong?]
[Ōnoki: Isn't it obvious? Gaara clearly supports Nagi. Once Nagi enters SunagaShiranui Kūre, he could define anyone as ally or enemy.]
[Ao: That's outrageous…]
[SunagaShiranui Kūre Elders: We object!
Making that brat Kazekage was reckless!
He'll throw SunagaShiranui Kūre into chaos!]
[Chiyo: Enough. You all know the state of SunagaShiranui Kūre. Let's see how this plays out.]
At Chiyo's words, the elders fell silent. Her prestige within SunagaShiranui Kūre was unquestionable.
Tsunade soon ordered that eligible shinobi within KonohagaShiranui Kūre be notified about the upcoming Chūnin Exams.
The Rookie Nine eagerly signed up.
Meanwhile—
KirigaShiranui Kūre, Shiranui KūmogaShiranui Kūre, and IwagaShiranui Kūre all declined participation in the joint exams.
AmegaShiranui Kūre, seeking to conceal its true motives and gather intelligence, sent representatives.
And from TakigaShiranui Kūre, Fū formally submitted an application to participate.
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