Uchiha Hikaru's serious expression immediately caught the attention of Mito Uzumaki, making her sense that something was amiss.
It also involuntarily caused Mito Uzumaki to feel a trace of tension.
She knew well Hikaru's personality—he was not someone to joke about important matters like this.
His behavior undoubtedly indicated that he had perceived something abnormal.
Moreover, this situation involved her hometown—the Land of Whirlpools.
No matter what happened in that place where she had grown up, she could never remain indifferent.
Taking a deep breath, Mito Uzumaki calmed herself.
She asked, "Hikaru, what's wrong? Is something the matter?"
Hikaru looked into her eyes and was silent for a moment.
He knew explaining how a child could know so much would be troublesome.
But he also understood this situation was serious, likely related to Uchiha Madara.
On top of that, in the original story, the Land of Whirlpools was mysteriously destroyed.
So if no action was taken promptly, the Land of Whirlpools might be doomed to repeat the same fate.
Therefore, he decided to tell Mito Uzumaki about the Kirigakure's decision to send their jinchūriki to participate in the tournament.
When Mito Uzumaki heard this news, her expression changed slightly.
As Hokage, she was somewhat aware of Kirigakure's movements.
The jinchūriki participating from Kirigakure was undoubtedly an important signal.
Mito Uzumaki began pondering Kirigakure's intentions.
These seemingly unrelated actions subtly revealed an unusual aura, as if everything was preparing for a grand plan.
If such a plan really existed, it would pose a huge threat to the Land of Whirlpools.
Mito Uzumaki took a deep breath, fully aware of the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, tomorrow in Konoha, many important figures would arrive, including the Kage and daimyo from the Four Great Nations.
They would personally attend to watch the Chūnin Exams.
Because of this, Konoha Village must spare no effort to ensure the safety of these distinguished guests.
However, having just finished the war, Konoha was clearly short on manpower, which made things tricky for Mito Uzumaki.
Seeing Mito's perplexed expression, Hikaru chuckled softly.
It seemed even someone like her could become worried and confused.
"Did Grandma Mito forget about me?"
Hikaru said calmly, "Leave tomorrow's Konoha to me. Even if the other Four Kage act up on the spot, I'm confident."
Upon hearing Hikaru's words, Mito Uzumaki suddenly realized.
How could she forget that this child not only possessed extraordinary wisdom but also formidable strength?
She looked at Hikaru with relief and nodded.
"Thank you, Hikaru. With you here, I feel much more at ease."
Hikaru gave a faint smile and added, "But just in case, have someone sent to the Land of Whirlpools carry one of my Flying Thunder God Kunai."
That way, if any accident occurred, he could arrive at the scene immediately.
Not only that, he would leave several Flying Thunder God Kunai with Tsunade and the others tomorrow.
Although he could teleport within ten kilometers instantly, it was better to have two plans.
After all, if it really was Uchiha Madara behind this, he should not be underestimated.
After handing the kunai to Mito Uzumaki, he left.
When Hikaru found Uchiha Chiri, Uchiha Ang was instructing her in training.
Seeing Hikaru arrive, Ang immediately stopped Chiri's training.
Chiri blushed upon seeing Hikaru but still ran up to him and asked, "Hikaru, is there something you need?"
Looking at this hardworking young girl, Hikaru felt moved.
He knew his presence gave many talented people a sense of urgency—they were training hard, hoping to catch up with him.
"Many people from other countries have arrived in the village these past two days. For safety, take this."
Saying so, Hikaru handed Chiri a Flying Thunder God Kunai.
Chiri took it and examined it curiously before carefully putting it away.
Nearby, Uchiha Ang looked shocked.
As an elder of the Uchiha clan, he naturally knew Tobirama Senju's Flying Thunder God Technique.
When he saw the kunai Hikaru gave Chiri, he immediately recognized the mark of the Flying Thunder God.
"No way?! It's Flying Thunder God?"
Ang exclaimed inwardly, feeling disbelief.
After all, Tobirama Senju's Flying Thunder God Technique was a jutsu developed specifically against the Uchiha clan.
And now, this technique had been learned by an Uchiha.
But despite his shock, Ang felt a secret joy.
He imagined how Tobirama Senju would react if he were still alive and saw this scene.
"Tobirama, you wouldn't have expected your prized jutsu to be mastered by our Uchiha child!"
Ang thought silently.
But then he suddenly recalled being tricked by Hikaru before, and his expression darkened.
That experience still haunted him, and he dared not interfere in matters regarding Hikaru anymore.
Now, watching Chiri's performance before him, his expression turned very strange.
At this moment, Chiri and Hikaru were chatting and laughing, even with a natural head pat.
Though Chiri looked shy, joy shone in her eyes.
Ang secretly grumbled in his heart: 'I couldn't matchmake you two, but you're free to do as you please?'
However, seeing this harmonious scene, he only sighed without saying more.
For an elder like him, perhaps letting things develop naturally was the better choice.
After chatting with Chiri for a while, Hikaru took his leave.
He still needed to find Tsunade and the others to deliver the Flying Thunder God Kunai.
After he left, Uchiha Ang stood beside Chiri with a solemn tone:
"Chiri, you must watch carefully tomorrow."
"The divine power of the Uchiha will be displayed in Hikaru."
A glimmer of expectation and mystery flashed in his eyes, as if hinting that something momentous was about to happen.
As someone who knew Hikaru's strength, he certainly knew what would happen tomorrow.
It was meant to show Konoha's muscle, to let the other great nations know Konoha once again had a protector.
And what would be more visually shocking?
Of course, to have Susanoo stand tall upon the earth.
Hearing this, Chiri turned to her grandfather in confusion, not understanding the meaning behind his words.
Ang understood her confusion but did not explain.
He only looked at her deeply and said, "It's okay not to understand. Chiri, you have the aptitude, but I hope you never awaken those eyes."
Chiri was surprised by this.
She understood that the "eyes" her grandfather mentioned referred to the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Among the Uchiha, the Mangekyō Sharingan symbolized honor and power.
But Ang's words left Chiri puzzled.
Why would he not want her to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan?
In fact, Ang understood in his heart that although his Mangekyō had awakened, strictly speaking, his Sharingan had long been on the verge of awakening the Mangekyō.
The last incident had only been the fuse.
And what brought his eyes to that state were the heartbreaking events he experienced in his youth.
Though there was now an alternative method,
the awakening of the Mangekyō might still require some traditional triggers.
He did not want Chiri to suffer the same fate.
Though Uchiha Chiri did not fully understand,
she still nodded after seeing her grandfather's serious expression, signaling that she got it.