1. The Third Hokage Officially Introduces Satoru
Under the soft golden glow of the morning sun, the official meeting between the Hidden Leaf Village and the Hidden Mist Village was taking place at the village gates. The atmosphere was tense, but still cloaked in the formal courtesy expected between two great shinobi nations.
The Third Hokage took a slow puff from his pipe, letting the pale smoke drift calmly through the air before speaking in his steady, commanding voice:
"To ensure smooth coordination for this joint event, I hereby introduce the one who will oversee and facilitate the entire program—Satoru."
At that moment, all eyes from the Mist Village turned toward Satoru.
Kushimaru Kuriarare narrowed his eyes. His gaze, sharp like a blade, scanned Satoru like prey. Amusement—or perhaps disdain—flickered in his expression.
"A white-haired brat?"
Kushimaru smirked, his voice laced with mockery.
Eren, standing beside Satoru, sharpened his gaze. He didn't like people like Kushimaru—the kind who didn't bother hiding their killing intent.
Renji remained silent, but his eyes shifted slightly toward Kushimaru—like the subtle movement of a sword being tested without clashing.
The Third Hokage remained calm and composed, completely unaffected by the provocation.
Satoru?
He simply gave a small smile, showing no reaction.
He knew exactly how Mist swordsmen thought. In their world, "might makes right" was the only law.
But what Kushimaru didn't know…
Was that Satoru was far from weak.
2. The Mist Delegation's Lodging
To keep things under control, Satoru arranged for the Mist delegation to stay at an inn not far from his own residence.
Of course, all expenses were covered by the Leaf Village—but that wasn't the main reason behind his decision.
"Even if this is just an 'exchange event,' I can't let them roam freely.
Keeping them close means I can keep everything in sight."
Once the lodging arrangements were complete, Satoru and Renji gathered the Mist shinobi and announced the upcoming schedule.
"The matches will begin in three days," Satoru said calmly.
"There will be five student duels, and one special match… between the leaders of each group—myself and Kushimaru Kuriarare."
Silence fell over the group.
No one was surprised about the student matches. But a duel between the delegation leaders?
Kushimaru let out a twisted smile. His eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"So I get a chance to discipline you, brat?"
Satoru simply shrugged, tone flat like he'd just heard a corny joke:
"We'll see who's disciplining who."
A soft chuckle came from Eren. Arms crossed, his cold gaze landed on Kushimaru.
"My advice—don't underestimate Satoru."
The Mist shinobi raised their eyebrows, but simply scoffed.
One way or another, the truth would be revealed in combat.
3. Renji's Silence – A Private Meeting with the Hokage
After ensuring the Mist group was settled safely, Satoru and Renji made their way back to the village. Along the way, Renji was unusually silent.
He didn't speak a word, but Satoru could sense the storm of thoughts behind that silence.
"Hey… what are you thinking about?" Satoru asked lightly.
Renji shook his head. His eyes were sharp, but he stayed quiet.
Some things didn't need to be said out loud.
They both understood—
The Mist didn't come here just for a friendly exchange.
4. The Hokage's Insight
Back at the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage sat by the window, lost in thought. Smoke from his pipe drifted upward, dissolving into the sunlight.
Without turning around, he spoke:
"What do you two think is the Mist's true purpose here?"
Renji responded first, calmly:
"I have no comment."
The Hokage nodded, then turned his gaze to Satoru.
"And you?"
Satoru crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing slightly as his voice dropped to a serious tone:
"The Mist is standing on a war-bound chessboard."
"They know conflict is coming—and they're looking for a powerful ally."
"This 'exchange'… is just a test. A measurement of our strength."
The Third Hokage stayed silent, his eyes sharpening.
Satoru continued:
"If they find us weak—they won't hesitate to strike."
"But if we're strong… they might think twice.
Or even consider an alliance."
A small smile formed on the Hokage's lips.
"Very good, Satoru."
The two senior advisors nearby nodded with approval.
Even they hadn't expected this level of insight from someone so young.
But then again…
When you're sharp, composed, smart, and stylish—what's not to like?
5. Evaluating the Odds
The Third Hokage exhaled another puff of smoke, then asked suddenly:
"So… what are your thoughts on our chances?"
Renji remained stone-faced as always.
Satoru let out a short breath, then smiled slightly:
"We'll fight with everything we've got."
"I believe in my students—but I also know the Mist isn't sending amateurs."
The Third Hokage nodded, gaze deep as if reading the threads of fate itself.
Finally, he said only one thing:
"Then… we shall wait and see."
Outside the window, a cold breeze swept through the leaves—
A signal of the battles to come.
The battle of prodigies… had officially begun.
End of Chapter 99.