A few days later, in the Land of Fire, within the walls of the Hokage's office in Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the Hokage's chair, while Minato Namikaze, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado sat on the sofa beside him.

Shiranui Genma placed a scroll on Hiruzen's desk. "Lord Hokage," he reported, "Madara-gakure has accepted our invitation. They have informed us that they will be sending a team of Genin to participate in the Chunin Exams. This is the list of participants."

"Hmm," Hiruzen mumbled around the stem of his pipe. "Thank you for your hard work, Genma. Did you discover anything of note on your journey to their village?"

"I apologize, Lord Hokage," Genma said, shaking his head apologetically. "I was unable to enter the village itself. The shinobi guarding the gate stopped me. They were dressed in dark robes, their faces obscured. They took the invitation from me and were extremely wary. I was not given an opportunity to gather any intelligence."

"I see. That is to be expected. You may step back, Genma. You have done well."

"Then I will take my leave, Lord Hokage."

After Shiranui Genma had gone, Koharu Utatane spoke, her voice laced with venom. "Those Uchiha traitors… they are so cunning."

Homura Mitokado pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose ."They believe they are well hidden, but they do not realize that our intelligence network has already discovered them." He then turned his gaze to Hiruzen. "Sarutobi, do not hide things from us. You have consistently refused to take action against the Uchiha clan. What is your purpose in inviting them here now? And what of Orochimaru's Sound Village?"

Hiruzen exhaled a slow puff of smoke, his eyes opening slightly as he looked down at the list in his hand. "Do not overthink things, Homura. I did not invite them to settle old scores. At least, not yet. My intentions are sincere."

"If I had to state a purpose," he continued, "it is simply to allow the Genin of our village to exchange techniques and experience with Genin from across the land. It will be beneficial for their growth."

"Hehe… the Uchiha clan must have realized we've discovered them. The names on this list are not concealed in the slightest. The ones taking the exam are Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Izumi, and… Uchiha Shiro? Except for this last child, I have held the others in my arms. I do miss them."

Hearing the familiar names, Koharu's eyes lit up with a predatory gleam. "Sarutobi, you must see this! This is the perfect opportunity! I am shocked the Uchiha even agreed to come. As long as we capture the young ones they send, with their clan's unity, they will surely come in full force. Then, we can simply annihilate them all"

Before she could finish, Minato Namikaze stood up, his voice firm. "Lord Koharu, the Daimyo and leaders from many other countries will be visiting during these exams. For their safety, and for the image of Konoha, we cannot use this opportunity to deal with our own internal matters! Once a fight breaks out, the consequences will be disastrous!"

Homura Mitokado immediately shot back, his voice sharp with anger. "I have heard this reason countless times! You always say we must not use force, that we should use negotiation instead. But you know better than anyone what that has gotten us!"

"Minato, do not forget! You are no longer the Hokage. Know your place!"