It wasn't just Makoto… the other Jonin on site were also in an uproar.
Kirigakure, the Ninja Village across the sea from Konoha, had been in isolation for decades.
No one knew exactly what had happened in that village.
But the infamous reputation of the [Village of the Bloody Mist] was known throughout the entire Ninja World.
No one understood what the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, was thinking… did he just enjoy tormenting his own people so much?
Although the Konoha's elders also quite enjoyed tormenting their own people, at least they did it secretly and subtly.
Unlike Yagura, who did it out in the open.
Kakashi also furrowed his brow tightly. Not long ago, he had led Team 7 in battle against Momochi Zabuza, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
He knew better than anyone that the current Kirigakure was still in its [Village of the Bloody Mist] state.
'What did these people want, suddenly coming to participate in Konoha's Chunin Exams?'
Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe, slowly exhaling the smoke: "According to Kirigakure's explanation, they say they hope to strengthen exchanges and contact with neighboring countries."
Hearing this, the assembled Jonin furrowed their brows.
Not even a fool would believe that excuse.
The Land of Water had a very special geographical location, separated from the other countries of the Ninja Continent by vast oceans. At most, it had some commercial dealings with small maritime countries like the Land of Waves.
Strengthening exchanges? Exchanging with whom? Was there any need?
Kurenai tentatively speculated: "Hokage-sama, could it be that the Fourth Mizukage wants to end Kirigakure's isolationist state, and is using this method to test the attitude of our Land of Fire?"
Hiruzen took two more puffs of his pipe and mused, "That possibility can't be ruled out. But only they themselves know what they're really thinking."
He looked around at everyone present: "What do you all think?"
The conference room immediately became lively.
Some felt they should agree… this would be a good opportunity to see the current strength of Kirigakure.
Others were firmly opposed… who knew what that madman Yagura was planning?
The incident nine years ago, when a delegation from Kumogakure came to sign a ceasefire agreement but secretly tried to kidnap Hyuga Hinata, was still fresh in everyone's minds.
The two factions were deadlocked, unable to convince each other.
Just then, Makoto suddenly spoke: "Agree to it."
As soon as the Hokage's beloved disciple spoke, he instantly drew everyone's attention.
Hiruzen also looked at him with interest: "Oh? Makoto, give me your reasoning."
"If we refuse, it'll make Sensei look like he's afraid of them." Makoto's face was full of righteousness, his words confident and bold.
"Isn't the risk too high?"
Hyuga Hoheto, a Jonin of the Hyuga Clan, couldn't help but object, "What if they have some conspiracy? Remember nine years ago with Kumogakure..."
He suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
The kidnapping attempt on Hyuga Hinata, and the Hyuga Clan being forced to hand over the branch clan's family head Hyuga Hizashi… this was the biggest black mark in the Hyuga Clan's history.
Bringing it up in front of so many people was really undignified.
"It doesn't matter."
Makoto's tone was calm as his gaze swept over those present.
"I will take action."
At these words, Hoheto was stunned on the spot.
The other Jonin were also momentarily speechless.
"...What a confident kid." Asuma took a deep drag from his cigarette and couldn't help but complain.
"It's not that bad."
Kurenai chuckled softly, "When you were little, you were even more arrogant, and you didn't have his skills."
Asuma rolled his eyes, turned his head away, and said nothing more.
After hearing Makoto's reasoning, Hiruzen also found it quite reasonable.
Yes, he, Hiruzen, the so-called strongest Hokage of all generations, how could he appear so timid?
He immediately made the decision: "It's settled!"
Watching Hiruzen's heroic demeanor, the two old fogies Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, who had been sitting by watching coldly, exchanged speechless glances.
Having a top-tier workhorse to shield them certainly made talking different.
"But indeed, we should also guard against Kirigakure having ulterior motives—"
Makoto suddenly spoke again. He took two kunai from his ninja tool pouch and respectfully handed them to Koharu and Homura: "Honored advisors, why don't you keep these Flying Thunder God kunai with you. If you encounter danger, I can come to reinforce you immediately."
Koharu and Homura heard this and immediately showed gratified smiles.
'See? This was emotional intelligence!'
If Sakumo, Shisui, and those people had been this perceptive back in the day, would they have had to be so ruthless?
Seeing the two accept with smiles, Makoto secretly smiled to himself. He then took out another kunai and presented it with both hands to Hiruzen: "Although Sensei is unmatched in strength and surely nothing unexpected will happen… just in case, please accept this small token from your student."
"Hehe~ Since Makoto says so, I suppose I'll accept it."
Hiruzen hadn't expected Makoto to find an opportunity to flatter him even with this, and he smiled so wide his mouth wouldn't close.
"Suck-up."
Watching his own father looking so delighted, Asuma muttered harshly.
"Whose fault is it that you always went against Hokage-sama when you were little?" Kurenai beside him shrugged.
Makoto was also very happy.
'Sorry, esteemed members of the advisory council—'
'If you don't die, I can't sleep.'
Although Hiruzen had indeed treated him well, the moment Makoto decided to steal the eyes on the Night of the Massacre, they were destined to stand on opposite sides.
The only regret was that Danzo [the Blame Kage] couldn't be taken out together.
With that old schemer's paranoid nature, he definitely wouldn't accept his kunai… after all, Makoto had already thoroughly offended him over the years.
But it didn't matter. The monk might run, but the temple couldn't.
The meeting moved on to the next agenda item.
Makoto, Kakashi, Kurenai, and other Jonin successively recommended their students to participate in this Chunin Exam.
As in the original work, Guy and Iruka objected, arguing that it was too soon for fresh graduates to take the Chunin Exam, and that they should wait at least a year like Guy's team to gain experience.
But Kakashi lightly dismissed them… he said he had confidence in his subordinates.
Makoto listened silently from the side, mentally complaining like crazy: 'If Sakura didn't still only know the Three Basic Techniques, I might have actually believed your nonsense.'
To be honest, every time he remembered that Sakura still only knew the Three Basic Techniques when she participated in the Chunin Exam in the original work, he found it ridiculous.
What the hell was Kakashi thinking? Did he really want to send Sakura to her death?
…
The meeting ended, and the Jonin dispersed.
Makoto arrived at the dessert shop run by Mrs. Yukinoshita… this had become a regular meeting spot for him and his students.
After telling the three girls the news about the Chunin Exams in one month, he asked, "So? Do you want to give it a try?"
The three girls exchanged glances and then nodded one after another.
Makoto smiled at the sight: "Good. Ran will stay for a moment. Megumi and Utaha, just follow the training plan I gave you as usual."