Time flew by quickly, and before anyone realized it, the graduates of the 60th class of the Leaf Village had already been Genin for a season.
In just a few months, even the teams composed of civilians had transformed from rookies into competent Genin.
The Genin teams with excellent potential and outstanding performance, under the guidance of their Jonin Instructors, had already left the Leaf Village to undertake C-rank missions, fought against enemies, experienced bloodshed, and completed their transformation.
As the end of June approached, the Jonin Instructors, aware of the upcoming major event, stopped accepting out-of-village missions and instead had their subordinates continue with miscellaneous tasks.
The Genin teams on external missions had also gradually returned to the village.
The grand event for the Genin was about to begin.
Screech—
On this day, Team 8 was, as usual, helping the village clean up trash.
At that moment, a sharp eagle cry rang out in the sky, seemingly echoing throughout the entire Leaf Village.
The Jonin who heard the eagle's cry all looked up at the sky, their eyes glinting as they watched the eagle circling above the village.
"After you finish your task, go to the Hokage Building to collect your payment and then disband on your own. We'll meet at the usual place tomorrow morning at nine," Kurenai Yuhi said before disappearing with the Body Flicker Technique.
Like her, many Jonin also vanished.
Afterimages flickered as they converged toward the Hokage Building.
"Another big event is happening, isn't it?" Aburame Shino remarked calmly, looking at the continuously crying eagle. "No alarm has been sounded, so it must be an internal matter."
"Probably an important date is approaching," Izayoi said with a smile. "Don't forget, the Chunin Exams haven't been held this year yet."
Hearing this, both Hinata and Shino's eyes behind their sunglasses lit up slightly.
Seeing Izayoi's smile and Hinata's eager expression, Shino asked, "If it really is the Chunin Exams, Izayoi, Hinata, are you planning to participate?"
"I want to participate," Hinata said before Izayoi could answer.
Izayoi also smiled and said, "If Hinata is participating, then I will too. Besides, we both have the strength to compete, don't we?"
"Mm," Shino nodded coolly, his hands in his pockets. "Since you both are planning to join, naturally, I won't be left out."
"Then let's fight side by side and show the other Genin the strength of Team 8," Izayoi said.
The three of them exchanged confident smiles.
The same sentiment was shared by the veteran Genin who had already participated in the Chunin Exams, some even multiple times, and had survived, only lacking a bit of luck to be promoted to Chunin.
...
June 27th, 9:00 AM.
Team 8 was already waiting for Kurenai Yuhi at the usual spot.
After a few minutes, Kurenai appeared before them using the Body Flicker Technique, holding three documents in her hand. "Sorry, I'm late," she said with a smile.
"Teacher Kurenai, are those the Chunin Exam applications?" Hinata asked, looking at the documents in Kurenai's hand.
"It seems you all already know," Kurenai said, waving the documents in her hand. "Yes, these are all Chunin Exam applications. Lord Hokage gathered all the Jonin Instructors yesterday and announced that this year's Chunin Exams will begin on July 1st."
"Although you've only graduated a few months ago, your performance and strength meet the qualifications for the Chunin Exams, so I've already registered you."
"Of course, registering doesn't mean you have to participate. If you're not confident in yourselves, you can choose not to take part in the Chunin Exams and just discard this application form."
"If you're confident in your abilities, sign this application form and submit it at the administration building before 3:30 PM on July 1st, and make sure to arrive at the examination room on time."
Handing the three application forms to Izayoi, who was the default team leader, Kurenai Yuhi lied, "Take these few days to discuss and consider carefully. Don't force yourselves or your teammates. It's not necessary for all three of you to participate in the Chunin Exams."
After saying this, Kurenai disappeared using the Body Flicker Technique.
"Then we'll meet on the 1st, Shino. Let's gather here at 3 PM that afternoon."
"Alright."
Izayoi handed one application form to Aburame Shino and then waved goodbye to Hinata.
On the way back, Izayoi gave both application forms to Hinata and said, "Sasuke has invited me to train with him these days. Do you want to join us?" Hinata was tempted but shook her head, "No, I want to ask Father about the Gentle Fist these days, so I might not have time to join you, Izayoi-kun."
"Don't worry, I'll definitely help you become a Chunin," Izayoi patted Hinata's head and smiled.
Izayoi had already guessed why the girl wanted to become a Chunin.
In this life, Hinata was much more outstanding than in the original story.
As the Main Family Lady, she was originally the first heir.
Now that the first heir was so excellent, the elders of the Hyuga Clan must have been pressuring her future father-in-law to mark Hanabi with the Caged Bird Seal.
Hinata's urgency to be promoted to Chunin was probably to become a Jonin faster and then stand with her future father-in-law against the pressure, preventing Hanabi from being marked with the Caged Bird Seal.
Thinking of this, a cold glint flashed in Izayoi's eyes.
If that was the case, then after the Chunin Exams, it would be necessary to visit the Hyuga Clan.
Unbeknownst to him, Hinata's urgency to advance was just to be with him legitimately.
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...
"Izayoi, are you planning to participate in the Chunin Exams?"
"Of course, don't tell me you're scared?"
"Hmph, who's scared? I will definitely be one of those promoted to Chunin this time."
"Not necessarily, if you run into me midway, you might have to go home early."
"Tch..."
At night, at the Uchiha clan leader's residence.
In the courtyard, Izayoi and Uchiha Sasuke, who had just finished training, were chatting while barbecuing.
Sparks flew before their eyes, and the brilliant colors reflected on Uchiha Sasuke's face.
While flipping the grilled fish, Uchiha Sasuke suddenly asked, "Izayoi, when your team was formed, did you introduce yourselves and talk about your dreams?"
"Yes, why?"
"What was your dream?" Sasuke's gaze across the fire pit was fixed on Izayoi, who was eating and grilling at the same time.
Izayoi spat out a fishbone and smiled, "My answer at the time was to become an excellent ninja."
"What about your real dream?"
"I'm afraid you won't believe me and will even laugh at me instead."
"I won't," Uchiha Sasuke said with a serious expression.
"Hmm..."
Izayoi stared at the burning fire and grinned. "Rather than calling it a dream, it's more of a goal... I want to break free from the constraints of lifespan with Hinata and be together forever."
Hearing this, Sasuke's pupils slightly contracted.
Such a far-fetched idea was actually a goal, not an unrealistic dream?
Was it really possible?
Before Sasuke could continue speaking, Izayoi knowingly asked, "What about you? What's your dream?"
"Like you, it's more of a goal than a dream," Sasuke said, his eyes clouded with gloom and filled with killing intent. "I want to kill that man and avenge my parents and clan."
"At any cost?" Izayoi asked.
"At any cost. Even if it means sacrificing my life and selling my soul to the Devil," Sasuke replied solemnly.
After staring at the resolute Sasuke for a few seconds, Izayoi suddenly smiled. "Don't worry, you'll succeed, and you won't need to sell your soul to the Devil."
After all, you're my biggest source of points.
(End of Chapter)