Time passed swiftly, and before anyone realized, the Konoha graduates of Year 60 had already served as genin for an entire season.
In a few months, even teams composed of civilians had transformed from green rookies into competent genin.
Teams with exceptional potential and strong performances, under the guidance of their jonin instructors, had ventured beyond Konoha to undertake C-rank missions, faced enemies in combat, tasted blood, and completed their transformation.
As the end of June approached, jonin instructors aware of an upcoming major event stopped accepting missions outside the village, assigning their teams miscellaneous tasks instead.
Genin teams on external missions gradually returned to the village.
A grand event for genin was drawing near.
Shree—
On this day, Team 8, as usual, was helping clean up village garbage.
Suddenly, a piercing eagle's cry echoed from above, resonating across Konoha.
Jonin who heard the call looked skyward, their eyes glinting as they spotted the eagle circling overhead.
"Once you finish the task, go to the Hokage Tower to collect your payment, then disband. Meet at the usual spot tomorrow at nine."
Kurenai Yuhi left these words before vanishing with a Body Flicker.
Like her, numerous jonin disappeared.
Afterimages streaked through the village, converging on the Hokage Tower.
"Another big event?" Shino Aburame gazed at the eagle, still crying out, and said flatly, "No alarm was sounded, so it must be an internal matter."
"Probably some important date approaching," Izayoi said with a smile. "Don't forget, the Chunin Exams haven't been held this year."
At that, Hinata's eyes and Shino's, hidden behind his sunglasses, lit up slightly.
Noticing Izayoi's smile and Hinata's eager expression, Shino asked, "If it is the Chunin Exams, Izayoi, Hinata, are you planning to participate?"
"I want to participate," Hinata said before Izayoi could respond.
Izayoi grinned. "If Hinata's in, I'm in. And we both have the skills to compete, don't we?"
"Mm."
Shino slipped his hands into his pockets, nodding coolly. "If you're both joining, I can't be left out."
"Then let's fight side by side and show the other genin the strength of Team 8."
The trio exchanged smiles, brimming with confidence.
Like them, veteran genin who had survived multiple Chunin Exams—falling just short of promotion due to a bit of bad luck—were equally eager.
…
June 27, nine in the morning.
Team 8 was already waiting at their usual spot for Kurenai.
A few minutes later, Kurenai appeared with a Body Flicker, holding three documents. "Sorry, I'm late."
"Teacher Kurenai, are those applications for the Chunin Exams?" Hinata asked, eyeing the papers.
"Looks like you've heard," Kurenai said, waving the documents with a smile. "Yes, these are applications for the Chunin Exams. Yesterday, Lord Hokage summoned all the jonin instructors and announced that this year's exams will begin on July 1."
"Though you've only been genin for a few months, your performance and skills qualify you to participate, so I've registered you."
"Of course, registering doesn't mean you have to join. If you lack confidence, you can opt out by discarding the application."
"But if you trust in your abilities, sign the form and submit it at the administration building by three-thirty in the afternoon on July 1. Make sure to reach the exam room on time."
Handing the three applications to Izayoi, the de facto team leader, Kurenai lied, "Take these next few days to discuss and think it over. Don't push yourselves or pressure your teammates—it's not mandatory for all three to participate."
With that, Kurenai vanished with another Body Flicker.
"See you on the first, Shino. Let's meet here at three in the afternoon."
"Got it."
Izayoi passed one application to Shino, then waved goodbye alongside Hinata.
On the way back, Izayoi handed both remaining applications to Hinata. "Sasuke invited me to train. Want to join us these next few days?"
Hinata hesitated, tempted, but shook her head. "No, I want to ask Father for guidance on Gentle Fist these days. I might not have time to meet you, Izayoi-kun."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure you become a chunin," Izayoi said, patting Hinata's head with a smile.
Izayoi had a hunch about why the girl was so eager to become a chunin.
This version of Hinata was far more exceptional than her original counterpart.
As the Hyuga clan's main branch heiress, she was already the primary successor.
With such an outstanding heiress, the clan elders were likely pressuring her father, the future father-in-law, to mark Hanabi with the Caged Bird Seal.
Hinata's rush to become a chunin was probably to reach jonin faster, standing alongside her father to resist that pressure and spare Hanabi the seal.
At the thought, a cold glint flashed in Izayoi's eyes.
If that was the case, after the Chunin Exams, a visit to the Hyuga clan might be in order.
Unbeknownst to him, Hinata's urgency to advance was simply to be with him openly and honorably.
…
"Izayoi, is your team joining the Chunin Exams?"
"Of course. Don't tell me you're scared?"
"Hmph, who's scared? I'm definitely getting promoted to chunin this time."
"Not so fast. If you run into me midway, you might be heading home early."
"Tch…"
That night, at the Uchiha clan head's residence.
In the courtyard, Izayoi and Sasuke Uchiha, done with training, were grilling food and chatting.
Sparks danced before them, vivid colors reflecting on Sasuke's face.
While flipping a grilled fish, Sasuke suddenly asked, "Izayoi, when your team was formed, did you do introductions and share your dreams?"
"Yeah, why?"
"What's your dream?" Sasuke's gaze pierced through the fire, locking onto Izayoi, who was eating and grilling.
Izayoi spat out a fishbone and grinned. "Back then, I said I wanted to become an excellent ninja."
"Your real dream?"
"I'm afraid you won't believe me and might even mock me."
"I won't," Sasuke said, his expression earnest.
"Hmm…"
Izayoi stared into the flickering flames, then grinned widely. "It's less a dream and more a goal… I want to break free from the limits of lifespan with Hinata and be together forever."
Sasuke's pupils contracted slightly.
Such a fantastical idea was a goal, not an impractical dream?
Was that even possible?
Before Sasuke could press further, Izayoi asked knowingly, "What about you? What's your dream?"
"Like you, it's more a goal than a dream," Sasuke said, his eyes darkening with murderous intent. "I'm going to kill that man and avenge my parents and clan."
"At any cost?" Izayoi asked.
"At any cost—even if it means my life or selling my soul to a demon," Sasuke said gravely.
Izayoi studied Sasuke's resolute expression for a few seconds, then smiled. "Don't worry, you'll succeed. And you won't need to sell your soul."
After all, you're my biggest source of points.
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