Mizukage's Pokémon Ninja Scroll

The Calculations Behind Chapter 418

That's right, it's not just Konoha that wants to hold a joint Chunin Exam.

Jianchuan Tachibana and Elder Yuanshi had previously planned to hold a joint Chunin Exam, spearheaded by Kirigakure.

However, Kirigakure itself has always adhered to the principle of "secrecy".

Not only is its geographical location inconvenient to access, but the surrounding environment also lacks scenic views.

There isn't even a real, large-scale battlefield that people can visit.

If the joint Chunin Exams were actually held in Kirigakure, who knows how many nobles and wealthy merchants would come to watch?

Even if some of them manage to come, it would probably only reinforce their preconceived notions about Kirigakure.

Therefore, after making this decision, Tachibana Kanagawa and Elder Genji both believed that the Chunin Exams should be held in Sea Mist City.

As a newly emerging city, Sea Fog City was originally positioned as a commercial city.

From the very beginning of the city's development, an innovative and open style was established.

Serving as the venue for the Chunin Exams not only allows visitors to rediscover Kirigakure but also boosts the economy and trade of Sea Mist City.

Compared to other participating small ninja villages, the resistance to taking the exam in Mist Castle would be much weaker than going directly to the Mist Village headquarters.

While demonstrating their strength, Kirigakure also managed to save face for the others.

If you want to invite Konoha.

Their feelings when they came to visit Seafog City might have been a little complicated.

Of course, Tachibana Kenkawa wouldn't take such a trivial matter to heart.

What I didn't expect was...

Before Kirigakure could send an invitation to Konoha, Konoha sent an invitation for the joint Chunin Exams first.

Fortunately, Elder Yuan gave Jianchuan Ju a good answer.

"The island training grounds near Sea Fog City were already completed long ago because they required less modification."

"As for the large arena in Sea Mist City, it was actually completed some time ago."

"However, as you mentioned before, Fourth Generation Lord, once the venue is completed, it can be opened to the public and rented to businesses for exhibitions, or used to host events such as celebrations and concerts to attract tourists."

"My plan is not fully prepared yet, which is why I did not report it to you immediately."

Upon hearing this, Jianchuan Ju nodded, not too surprised.

This was originally his idea, which he had given to Elder Yuanshi.

After all, although the arena was built specifically for the Joint Chunin Exams, such a large-scale exam is only held once or twice a year.

The rest of the time should be used for other purposes.

Organizing large-scale events can not only attract visitors, but also help recoup some of the construction costs.

However, time is a bit tight right now, so it's obviously not appropriate to prioritize these side businesses for the battle arena.

"Let's put the leasing out for now and prioritize the barrier protection and strength checks."

Upon hearing this, Elder Yuan Shi understood what Jian Chuan Ju meant and continued to ask, following up on his words.

"So, Lord Mizukage, how should we respond to Konoha's invitation?"

Jianchuan Ju tapped her fingers lightly on the table a few times, organized her thoughts, and then spoke.

"Let's talk to Konoha first and see if they're interested in holding the exam in Sea Mist City and co-hosting it with us."

"After all, Konoha probably doesn't want to see most of the small countries turn down their invitations and come to our side to take the exam."

"By then, not only will they have failed to achieve most of their purpose in holding this exam, but they will also lose face."

Jianchuan Ju's words were not arrogant.

After all, following the previous great war, the mission quotas of several small countries were allocated to Kirigakure.

Although Konoha is still trying to maintain its status as the number one ninja village, many people can see that it is weak.

If only Konoha hosts this joint Chunin Exams and extends invitations to these smaller countries...

Most of the smaller ninja villages wouldn't dare to offend Konoha.

The nobles of small countries were also happy to participate in the event and take the opportunity to tour the area.

However, if both Kirigakure and Konoha extend invitations at the same time, at least the smaller ninja villages closer to the Land of Water will definitely choose to follow their leader.

The remaining relatively neutral countries, or those small countries backed by the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind, will inevitably reconsider whether to accept Konoha's invitation.

After all, if things get to that point, Kirigakure's past bad reputation could actually serve as a deterrent.

Is it better to offend Kirigakure, known as the "Blood Mist," over such a trivial matter, or Konoha, which is known for its "magnanimity"?

This isn't actually a very difficult choice.

Of course, even so, whether Konoha will agree is still unknown.

Out of caution, Elder Yuan naturally needed to remind Jianchuan Ju to make preparations in advance.

"What if Konoha refuses?"

Without much thought, Jianchuan Ju replied directly.

"If Konoha refuses, tell them that our final exam will be held on the same day as theirs. As long as the Chunin Exams proceed as planned, the only question is how well the subsequent referrals will go."

"Besides, our original target wasn't them; our focus was on Sunagakure. Whether it's an invitation from Konoha or our side, we need to make sure at least one of them accepts."

"In fact, it might have been better for us if that Kazekage had led the team to the Chunin Exams in Konoha."

Elder Yuan thought about that scenario.

Although it deviated slightly from their original plan, it seemed to be quite good nonetheless.

However, out of a sense of prudence, Elder Yuanshi still put forward another suggestion.

"We can negotiate with Konoha first, and have this joint exam held on our side. Next time Konoha holds a joint exam, we will also actively lead a team to participate."

"Then our two families will jointly extend an invitation to Sunagakure, which will also help strengthen the relationship between our allies."

After hearing this, Jianchuan Ju did not reject Elder Yuanshi's proposal.

After all, this was the first time Kirigakure had held a joint Chunin Exam, and it was also one of the more important large-scale external events since he took office as Mizukage.

Making it grander can also lay a good foundation for the future.

On the contrary, Tachibana Kenkawa was completely unconcerned about the fact that inviting Konoha might cause Kirigakure's genin to face strong opponents in the exam and risk failure and embarrassment.

Not to mention that his disciples are quite skilled.

Even if all the genin lose in the end, allowing Konoha to take the lead.

But with him, the youngest Mizukage, there was no force that dared to underestimate the future potential of Kirigakure.

"Okay, let's do it that way."

After saying that, Jianchuan Ju seemed to have thought of something and reminded Elder Yuan Shi again.

"By the way, Naruto can go to Amegakure to accept their invitation."

"After he sends the invitation, let him stay there for a while and not rush back."

"We've dragged this out for so long, so we'll just let him choose the right time and act immediately."

(End of this chapter)