Just as Zhong Chen, with a mischievous streak, assigned Nisi to the three-person squad, Kurome also set off for Konoha with her Rainbow Shadow guards.
"Kurome, is Lord Zhong Chen really planning to cause trouble during this joint Chunin Exam?"
Mine, with Romantic Pumpkin on her back, walked along, asking with a puzzled expression.
"Yes, Lord Zhong Chen plans to start the Fourth Shinobi World War."
"The Fourth Shinobi World War? Another war?"
Sheele, wearing glasses, tilted her head with a naturally dazed look.
"Hmph, they're all just insignificant ants. If it weren't for Lord Zhong Chen wanting to play slowly, the entire world would already belong to our Monster Country Federation."
When Mine heard Kurome's words, her face was filled with pride. She absolutely adored the Monster Country Federation.
Although there were still people who committed crimes in this country, it was all understandable.
After all, now that the Monster Country Federation had taken over the A Certain Magical Index World, its total population had reached a terrifying ten billion.
With so many people, there would always be those who were dissatisfied with their current situation and tried to cause trouble.
However, they would usually be arrested and sentenced as soon as they started. Impel Down still had plenty of space waiting for new occupants.
That lecherous Pharaoh was hoping every day that someone would be sent there.
"That's right, no one can stop Lord Zhong Chen's vision. My older sister has already started assembling troops to prepare."
"The large teleportation array has also been completed. We are just waiting for Lord Zhong Chen's command."
Kurome completely agreed with Mine's words. She didn't put any other ninja villages in her eyes at all; they were all just Lord Zhong Chen's toys.
"How about it? Among the ninjas you've overseen, are there any genin you recommend for this exam?"
"Formally, any genin who has completed eight or more missions can be recommended to take the exam according to your wishes."
"Although it usually requires double the missions to have enough experience to participate, let's start with Kakashi."
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, said, looking at Kakashi, who stood in the front row.
"Kakashi's Team Seven: Sasuke Uchiha, Uzumaki Naruto, and Haruno Sakura. I, Hatake Kakashi, recommend these three to participate in the Chunin Selection Exam."
"Kurenai's Team Eight..."
"Asuma's Team Ten..."
The three still recommended their respective team members to participate in the Chunin Exam, just as in the original story.
And Iruka also came out to object, just as in the original story.
In the end, he personally intervened and only relented after confirming that the few of them had the strength to participate in the Chunin Exam.
A few days later, on the eve of the Chunin Exam, Zhong Chen, along with Kimimaro and the other two, finally arrived in Konoha before the exam after a leisurely journey of sightseeing.
"Is this Konoha? It feels worlds apart from Rainbow Ninja Village."
As soon as they arrived at the main gate of Konoha, Karin complained with a disappointed expression.
Nisi, meanwhile, scurried on her short legs to Zhong Chen's side, tugged at Chen Gege's sleeve with her small hand, and said in a soft, sweet voice with a hint of shyness:
"Chen Gege, that... I... I don't have money for this place. Could you lend Nisi some? I'll have my brother pay you back..."
"Ahem... What's with paying back? Take it and spend it. Don't be polite with me!"
Hearing the Little girl's words, Zhong Chen flipped his right hand, and a large stack of banknotes appeared in his palm, his face showing a 'I'm rich, spend as you please' expression.
In his heart, he secretly noted down how much this money would be in lime coins, so he could go demand repayment from Sakazuki later.
"Wow, Chen Gege, you're so rich!"
Looking at the Little girl's adoring gaze, Zhong Chen's face grew even more smug, his chin practically pointing at the sky.
"Lord Zhong Chen, that's enough. If we stay any longer, it'll be dark. We should hurry and find Lord Rainbow Shadow."
Karin covered her forehead, looking helplessly at Zhong Chen, who was standing still and gazing at the sky.
"Hmph, Karin, is that how you talk to a rich person? Be careful, I'll complain about you to your Rainbow Shadow."
"Aren't you the Rainbow Shadow...?"
"Sorry, not anymore!"
"Alright, you win."
"A Little girl still wants to fight with me. She's far from it."
After saying that, Zhong Chen, with a smug look, led Nisi towards Konoha's main gate.
Karin and Kimimaro also quickly followed suit.
Swoosh... "Hokage-sama, the Hong Ninja Village's squad leader jonin and the genin participating in the exam have just arrived and are currently heading to the Rainbow Shadow's residence."
A Hidden Anbu wearing an animal mask suddenly appeared before the Third Hokage, kneeling on one knee to report.
"Squad leader jonin? Have you found out who it is?"
"It's currently unclear. The Hong Ninja Village did not submit information about the squad leader jonin, only providing photos and names of three genin."
Hearing the Anbu's reply, the Third Hokage took a deep drag from his pipe, gently waved his right hand, and said faintly:
"Alright, I understand. You may leave for now."
"Yes! Hokage-sama."
With a whoosh, the Anbu's figure instantly vanished, leaving only the Third Hokage continuously puffing on his pipe.
"Hong Ninja Village, what exactly are your plans? And Sunagakure... Alas... It's a troubled time."
At this moment, Zhong Chen, who had just arrived at Kurome's residence, looked at Kurome, who was continuously sweeping the snacks off the table, with a face full of black lines.
What, did Rainbow Ninja Village mistreat you? The dignified Second Rainbow Shadow acting like this? If Konoha saw it, they'd think their Hong Ninja Village couldn't afford to feed her.
Thinking this, Zhong Chen immediately questioned Kurome loudly and righteously:
"Kurome, as the Second Rainbow Shadow, is this how you behave when you're out? Isn't this an embarrassment to the Hong Ninja Village?"
However, upon hearing Zhong Chen's words, Kurome merely raised her head, glanced at Zhong Chen, then lowered her head and continued to devour the snacks.
Just as Zhong Chen was about to use his 'fist of love' on Kurome, Kurome uttered three words while chewing.
"It's free..."
"Damn it! Why didn't you say so earlier! Karin, Nisi, quick, come and eat together! This is free, it's a waste not to eat it!"
"Mine, go out and have Konoha send more over. How is this little bit enough for anyone to eat? If Sunagakure next door sees this, they'll think Konoha can't afford it."
"Bring two more catties, two catties for each person!"
"Lord Zhong Chen, didn't you say that would be an embarrassment to the Hong Ninja Village? Don't you care about your face?"
Mine asked cautiously after hearing Zhong Chen's words.
"Tch, how much is face per catty? If it's expensive, I'd even sell it to them! Nisi, try this, it's quite tasty."
"Chew, chew, chew... Mm... Chen Gege, this is indeed very tasty."
The others present, looking at the three who were eating like hungry ghosts, couldn't help but feel immense concern for the future of the Hong Ninja Village... no... the Monster Country Federation.
Time passed as the few of them ate and drank for free, until the Chunin Exam officially began...