"Welcome?" Shui Mu was also at a loss whether to laugh or cry. This way of welcoming was too scary. "You came over here aggressively. How would I know what you do?"

"Oh? It seems to be my fault then?" The innocent green-haired female ninja said cheerfully, "These are all trivial matters! You said you are a Konoha ninja, are you here to pick me up to take part in the Chunin Exam?"

"Are you Fu who applied for the exam?"

"Yes, now that you are here, take me away quickly. I can't wait any longer."

Fu was eager to try and couldn't wait to leave this boring village and see the world outside.

"Fu, wait!" A ninja who looked like a leader hurriedly stopped him and said, "You can't leave now. You need the village chief's consent."

"Tsk, it's always so troublesome."

Shuimu also said at the right time: "I have something to discuss with the head of your village."

…

Mizuki, who came to Takigakure for the first time, was somewhat surprised to see the deserted village. The blizzard had blocked the roads, so not many people were coming and going in Takigakure. The whole village was not very popular either. Not many shops on the street were open for business. On a good day, they should not be closed. It seems that life in a small country ninja village is really difficult. Even Takigakure is like this, and other ninja villages are even more difficult.

"It's really strange that Mizuki Jonin comes to Takigakure at this time. Everyone is preparing for the New Year, and few people go out!"

"As a ninja, you can never be free!"

I had forgotten that in addition to the weather, there is also the influence of the New Year holidays. It seems that I have overestimated the world to be a little too dangerous.

After a while, Shuimu, led by the guide, arrived at a simple little attic in the center of the village.

"I'm sorry to make you laugh. We in Taki-nin are not as wealthy as Konoha. The residence and office space of the village leader are also very simple."

Mizuki replied, "Ninjas don't value these external things. Strength and practice are the foundation of our lives. Taki Ninja is indeed admirable."

In Mizuki's perception, the chakra reaction and the sense of threat brought by the ninja in front of him are similar to those of special jonin such as Yamashiro Aoba and Mitarashi Anko. It can be seen that his strength is definitely not weak and he should be a leading figure in Takigakure.

The Taki ninjas who were escorting him also felt particularly touched by Mizuki's compliments and nodded in agreement.

"We're here! Please come in, the leader is waiting."

"Yeah." Shuimu knocked on the door, then pushed it open and walked in.

"Mizuki Jonin? I've heard a lot about you!" A calm voice sounded.

"It's our first meeting. Please advise me."

Mizuki greeted them, then looked up at the leader of the Takinin Village who was sitting in the main seat.

He looked a little too young, younger than Iruka, about twenty years old, with a slightly elegant demeanor, which was different from the slightly dignified demeanor of the Hokage and Mizukage that Mizuki had seen before. He had an indescribable affinity. He looked like a prestigious leader, not necessarily someone who was so powerful that he could defeat many other heroes to become the village chief. But Mizuki was not sure. The inheritance of the village chief of a small ninja village usually had some unimaginable ninja tools or secret techniques, and even if he exerted his full power, he might not be much worse than an elite jonin.

"I wonder what the purpose of Mizuki Jonin's visit to our village is this time?" Feimo, the leader of the Takinin Village, asked directly.

Mizuki answered simply, "The Chunin Exam."

"I see!" Feimo seemed to have expected this. "We received an invitation from your village to participate in the Chunin Exam last month. Thank you for your regard for Takigakure."

The relationship between Takigakure and Konoha is not too bad. Due to the geographical location and its own strength, when the war broke out between the five major ninja villages, the battlefields mostly hit the Rain Country and the Grass Country. Takigakure was much less affected, so no matter facing the Earth Country, the Lightning Country or the Fire Country, it mostly maintained a neutral attitude. Half a year ago, Takigakure sent two teams of Genin to participate in the Chunin Exam held by Konoha, but unfortunately their strength was too mediocre and none of them could pass the second round of the test.

"It's still a long time before the scheduled Chuunin Exams. Why are you discussing this so early?"

"Taki-nin already has a Genin who has applied for the exam, but the Chunin exam requires a team of three. So, we need to verify what's going on with the Genin 'Fu' who applied for the exam at Taki-nin and why there is only one name!"

"Fu?" When it comes to this, Fei Mo seemed a little embarrassed and answered: "In fact, Fu's application was submitted privately. Although our Takigakure has decided to participate in this Chunin Exam, the list has not yet been finalized!"

"Oh?" Although he already knew the reason for this, Shuimu had to ask perfunctorily, "Is that so? Is the list finalized? If it is, we in Konoha still need to arrange the exam details based on the list and information!"

Fei Mo smiled and said, "If it is convenient for Mizuki Jonin, I wonder if you can stay for two days. We need to study the specific list."

"Sorry for disturbing you so much."

Two or three days is still worth wasting.

…

It was already dark, and the village chief was still working in the small room. Fei Mo was sitting cross-legged in the main seat, and several senior ninjas from the Takigakure were sitting below him, arguing fiercely.

"In the final analysis, Fu's behavior was too rash. We could have had some room for maneuver, but now Konoha has come to inquire. It seems that we can't just brush it off without a formal reply!"

In fact, Takigakure was not very enthusiastic about Konoha's invitation this time. This Chunin Exam was obviously different from the last time. The fighting spirit of the five major ninja villages was too strong. The other ninja villages were just going through the motions. It was difficult for them to compete with the five serious ninja villages in terms of Genin foundation.

"That's right. Originally, I could just wait until after the New Year to get rejected, but now it's a bit troublesome!"

Many people began to whisper that they were not optimistic about Takigakure's participation in this Chunin Exam. After all, Takigakure has been in a situation of lack of successors in recent years, and there are no outstanding talents. Half a year ago, two teams of Genin were sent to participate in the Chunin Exam, but they were all eliminated and did not even qualify for the third round. This humiliating defeat has greatly frustrated Takigakure's confidence in the future. Therefore, no one is optimistic about the Chunin Exam, which only lasts for half a year.

Feimo looked at the noise below with a headache, and was a little hesitant. This Chunin Exam was too special. It was difficult for the Takigakure Genin to gain an advantage. The biggest goal of showing the village's strength could not be achieved. It was no wonder that his subordinates were not very enthusiastic about this Chunin Exam.