Naruto: Chronicles of A Fire Ninja

"I am grateful that you are thinking about the well-being of Konoha shinobi, but there is no need for that. When it comes to providing security to someone like Lord Daimyo, we are always ready. As for a guarantee of safety from your side? Of course, we completely believe in that. We're just here for any unforeseen accidents that may happen, so don't mind us," Jiraiya said. Being Hiruzen's disciple, he was also well-versed in politics.

"As you say, Master Jiraiya," the minister replied, and then resumed talking with the Daimyo. After some time, the minister left along with the other guards.

"Jiraiya, I want to have a private talk with you," the Daimyo said, and all others left the area, heading toward their respective lodgings, while the ninja and guards took their positions in front of the gate, stopping anyone from entering.

"Jiraiya, for the last four years, Konoha has performed mediocre in these exams. I'm losing quite a bit of my reputation here. I know you guys are planning something different this time. Unless it leads to war, I don't have any problem, even if blood is shed. Make sure the Land of Fire wins this time," the Daimyo said, a glint passing through his eyes.

"Yes, Lord Daimyo, there is not a single doubt in my mind that we will win this time," Jiraiya assured him.

"Good. You may take your leave now," the Daimyo said.

With a final bow, Jiraiya left the guest house. "Alright, the four Jonin will remain here. Kaida, Itachi, Kabuto, you're with me. We'll head to our quarters and prepare for the exams. Shisui and the other four, since you guys are free, take a room with us as well and do regular shifts with the guards here."

As the group split up, the young shinobi followed Jiraiya toward the living area of the village. The closer they got to the center of Kumogakure, the more they could see the bustling activity of the village. Despite its militaristic atmosphere, there was a sense of order and discipline that was unmistakable. Shinobi moved about with purpose, and the villagers, though fewer in number compared to Konoha, seemed well accustomed to the presence of ninjas everywhere.

Kaida couldn't help but notice how different Kumogakure felt compared to Konoha. The air was cooler, a little humid due to the high altitude, and the village's design was much more vertical, with bridges connecting buildings high in the mountains.

"It's amazing how they've built an entire village into the mountains like this," Kaida said, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

"It's certainly impressive," Kabuto added, adjusting his glasses as he observed the passing shinobi. "They've turned the natural landscape into an impenetrable fortress. No wonder Kumogakure is known for its defensive strength."

Itachi remained quiet, but his eyes were also analyzing the layout of the village. As this was his first time in an enemy village, he noticed how, unlike Konoha, this village truly showed how a ninja village is different from others. Building such a village was almost impossible for normal people; only ninjas, with their inhuman physique, could achieve something like this.

As they reached the living area, Jiraiya booked a small hotel with 12 rooms for them. Being a bit away from the hustle and bustle made it difficult for people to spy.

After assigning rooms, Jiraiya turned to face his team. "Get some rest. The exams start in two days, and I want you all to be in top condition. Even though I'm sure about your strength, the other competitors are no pushovers."

The three genin nodded. They had all been training hard for this, and now it was finally time to prove themselves on a much larger stage.

As they settled into their new surroundings, Kaida's mind briefly drifted back to the poverty they had witnessed in the villages. Even here in Kumogakure, with its military might on full display, the disparity between the rich and poor was evident. But for now, he set those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the task ahead—the Chunin Exams. It was time to show the world just how strong Konoha's new generation had become.

The dawn brought with it a crisp mountain breeze as the teams from various villages began arriving in Kumogakure, all here for the Chunin Exams. The usual mix of excitement and tension filled the air as more and more shinobi entered the village gates, each team displaying the pride and skill of their respective villages.

Jiraiya had gathered Kaida, Itachi, and Kabuto early that morning after their rest. As they stepped out of their lodging, the streets of Kumogakure were already bustling with activity.

"Remember, we're not just here to win the exams," Jiraiya reminded them. "This is the time you can observe your opponents before the exam. Use this opportunity wisely." Kaida, Itachi, and Kabuto nodded in acknowledgment.

As they walked through the marketplace, Kaida spotted a group of shinobi wearing the traditional Iwagakure headbands. They were led by a serious-looking boy with short, spiky hair who, despite his youthful appearance, already carried himself with the demeanor of someone used to being feared.

'That's Deidara, right?' Kaida thought, looking at the infamous member of Akatsuki in real life. However, he was still young, likely around 11-12 years old, the same age as Itachi.

"A young genius from Iwagakure. He's known for his explosive techniques, even though he's still young. Don't underestimate him," Jiraiya, the spymaster of Konoha, said, not mentioning Deidara's potential as a Tsuchikage candidate.

Just as they passed, another team caught their attention. This one was from Kirigakure. At the front stood Ao, an older Jonin with a Byakugan in one eye, leading a team of three young ninja. As expected from the Blood Mist Village, unlike the more cheerful appearances of other teams, this team maintained a serious and stern expression.

'The civil war is still ongoing. So Ao is still part of the Mizukage faction. Even during such a time, he could come here? Is the Mizukage faction winning now, or are they doing this to maintain their image?' Kaida wondered. Unlike Jiraiya, who had to rely on spies for information, Kaida had a treasure trove of knowledge and could make better conclusions.

There was also a team from Sunagakure, led by an elite Jonin whom Kaida didn't recognize. However, the ninja following him looked quite formidable—most likely elite—but it was difficult to guess just from appearances.

Many other teams from small ninja villages were also arriving one by one. Most of them were definitely the top talent of their villages, but in front of major villages, they didn't stand a chance.

That's why no one actually paid much attention to them, though some were still interesting to Kaida. Some of the characters who briefly appeared in filler arcs could be seen here.

'This is going to be one heck of an exam.'

---

Meanwhile, in the Raikage's Office…

Raikage A, the towering and intimidating figure of Kumogakure, stood with his arms crossed, peering out over the village from his high vantage point. His ministers gathered around him, discussing the latest developments.

One of the ministers, a lean man with sharp eyes, stepped forward. "Lord Raikage, from the reports, Konoha's delegation seems unusually strong this time. Jiraiya of the Sannin, along with Shisui of the Body Flicker—two extremely capable commander-ranked ninjas—are accompanying the Fire Daimyo. That level of security is... unusual."

Raikage grunted, his stern face betraying little emotion. "Konoha doesn't need to send guards like them unless they have a reason. They're not here just to keep the Daimyo safe. Something's up."

Another minister, older and wiser, added, "It seems Konoha may be attempting to make a political statement with their strength. They've been on the decline in the recent Chunin Exams. Perhaps they intend to reassert their dominance."