Time flew by. Before they realized it, the Konoha class of '60 had already been Genin for an entire season.
In just a few short months, even teams made up of commoners had transformed from greenhorns into capable Genin. The more talented and high-performing teams had, under the guidance of their Jonin instructors, already begun undertaking C-rank missions. They had encountered real battles, shed blood, and undergone their first true transformation as shinobi.
As June drew to a close, the experienced Jonin, aware of the significant events about to occur, stopped taking missions outside the village. Instead, they assigned their Genin to remain within Konoha, continuing with minor village tasks.
At the same time, Genin teams that had been on assignments beyond the village borders began to return.
A grand event awaited them — a milestone for all Genin.
Kreee—
On this day, Team 8 was, as usual, helping with garbage cleanup around the village.
Suddenly, a piercing hawk's cry echoed in the sky, reverberating across Konoha.
Jonin who heard the distinctive sound all looked up sharply, their eyes gleaming with awareness as they watched the hawk circle overhead.
"Once you've finished your task, head to the Hokage Building to collect your rewards. After that, you're dismissed. Meet me at our usual place tomorrow at 9:00 AM."
With those parting words, Kurenai Yuhi vanished in a blur using the Body Flicker Technique.
Many other Jonin responded the same way, streaking through the air as they rushed toward the Hokage Building.
"Is something big happening again?" Shino Aburame asked in his usual calm tone, watching the hawk circle above. "There's been no alarm, so it must be an internal event of significance."
"It's probably time for something important," Juuyabiru replied with a smile. "Don't forget, the Chunin Exams haven't been held yet this year."
At that, the eyes of both Hinata and Shino — hidden behind his ever-present sunglasses — lit up slightly.
Looking at the smiling Juuyabiru and the expectant Hinata, Shino asked, "If the Chunin Exams are really coming up, are you two planning to participate?"
"I want to participate," Hinata replied before Juuyabiru could say anything.
Juuyabiru nodded and grinned. "If Hinata's in, then I'm in. We both have what it takes, right?"
"Yeah," Shino agreed, hands tucked coolly into his pockets. "Since you both are going, I won't be left behind."
"Then let's fight side by side," Juuyabiru declared, "and show the other Genin the strength of Team 8."
The trio exchanged confident smiles.
Elsewhere, veteran Genin — some of whom had taken part in the Chunin Exams multiple times without passing — also began preparing. These seasoned Genin had survived dangerous encounters and had the strength, but lacked the luck or opportunity to be promoted.
June 27th, 9:00 AM
Team 8 gathered at their usual training spot, awaiting Kurenai Yuhi.
A few minutes later, she appeared in a blur, holding three documents in hand. Smiling apologetically, she said, "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Red Sensei," Hinata asked, eyes on the documents, "are those the Chunin Exam applications?"
Kurenai raised the documents slightly and nodded. "Looks like you've already figured it out. Yes, these are your Chunin Exam registration forms. Yesterday, all of us Jonin were summoned by Hokage-sama, and we were told that this year's exams will begin on July 1st."
She looked at each of them seriously. "Even though you only graduated a few months ago, your performance and strength already meet the criteria for participation. I've signed you up."
"Of course," she added, "signing up doesn't mean you're obligated to take the exam. If you're not confident yet, you can choose not to participate. Just tear up the application."
"But if you believe in yourselves," she continued, "then sign it and deliver it to the Comprehensive Building before 3:30 PM on July 1st, and be on time for the first round."
She handed the applications to Juuyabiru, who acted as the team's de facto leader. "Discuss it carefully. Don't pressure each other. Not all three of you have to go if you're unsure."
With that, she vanished once again using the Body Flicker Technique.
"Then I'll see you on the 1st, Shino," Juuyabiru said. "Let's meet here at 3:00 PM."
"Got it," Shino nodded.
On the way home, Juuyabiru handed one of the forms to Hinata and asked, "Uchiha Sasuke invited me to train with him. Want to join us these next few days?"
Hinata hesitated, clearly tempted, but shook her head. "No. I want to ask Father for guidance on the Gentle Fist style. I probably won't have time."
"No worries," Juuyabiru smiled, patting her head gently. "I'll make sure you become a Chunin."
Juuyabiru had already guessed Hinata's real reason for wanting to advance so quickly.
This version of Hinata was far more exceptional than in the original timeline. As the main family's heiress, she was now the first in line to inherit the Hyuga Clan.
Because of this, the Clan Elders were likely putting pressure on her father to brand Hanabi, her younger sister, with the Caged Bird Seal.
Hinata was in a hurry to become a Chunin — likely so she could rise to Jonin sooner and help her father resist that pressure, thereby protecting Hanabi.
A cold gleam appeared in Juuyabiru's eyes.
If that was truly her goal, then once the exams were over, a visit to the Hyuga Clan would be necessary.
What he didn't know, however, was that Hinata's true motivation was far simpler — she wanted to be with him, openly and proudly.
That evening, at the Uchiha Clan's residence.
Juuyabiru and Sasuke sat in the courtyard after their training session, grilling fish over a fire.
The glowing flames flickered in their eyes. Sparks danced as the fire crackled, casting shadows across Sasuke's serious face.
"Juuyabiru," Sasuke asked, flipping a fish over the flame, "when your team was first formed, did you all introduce yourselves and share your dreams?"
"Yeah," Juuyabiru replied. "Why?"
Sasuke looked at him intently. "Then… what was your dream?"
Juuyabiru tossed aside a fish bone and smirked. "I said I wanted to become an excellent ninja."
"What's your real dream?" Sasuke pressed.
Juuyabiru hesitated. "You might not believe me — you might even laugh."
"I won't," Sasuke replied earnestly.
Juuyabiru stared into the fire, then grinned. "Well… rather than calling it a dream, it's more like a goal. I want to break free from the limits of lifespan and… be with Hinata forever."
Sasuke's pupils shrank slightly in surprise.
This kind of goal — something that sounded like pure fantasy — was what Juuyabiru truly sought?
And not just as an idea… but as a real plan?
Before Sasuke could respond, Juuyabiru turned the question back. "And you? What's your dream?"
"Like you, it's not a dream — it's a goal," Sasuke said, his eyes darkening with cold intensity. "I want to kill that man. I want revenge for my parents… and for my clan."
"At any cost?" Juuyabiru asked.
Sasuke nodded. "At any cost. Even if it means giving up my life — even my soul."
Juuyabiru stared at him for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"Don't worry," he said. "You'll succeed… and you won't need to give your soul to the devil."
After all…
You're my greatest source of points.
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