Time passed quickly. Before anyone realized it, the graduates of Konoha's 60th class had already been Genin for a whole season.
In just a few months, even the squads formed by civilians had grown from inexperienced rookies into qualified Genin.
Those with outstanding potential and excellent performance had already, under the guidance of their Jōnin sensei, left the village to carry out C-rank missions, fought enemies, seen blood, and undergone a transformation.
As the end of June approached, the Jōnin who were aware that something big was coming stopped taking missions outside the village and instead had their teams continue with odd jobs.
Genin teams who had been out on missions were also returning to the village one after another.
A grand event for Genin was about to begin.
Skree—
That day, Team 8 was, as usual, helping clean up trash around the village.
At that moment, a sharp eagle cry echoed through the skies, seeming to spread across all of Konoha.
Hearing the eagle's cry, the Jōnin all looked up at the sky. Their eyes gleamed as they saw the hawk circling above the village.
"After you finish your task, go to the Hokage building and collect your reward, then you're free to go. Tomorrow at 9 AM, gather at the usual place."
Leaving those words behind, Kurenai Yuhi disappeared in a flash.
Just like her, many Jōnin vanished one after another.
One after another, afterimages darted through the village, heading toward the Hokage building.
"Something big again?" Aburame Shino said flatly, watching the hawk that was still crying out in the sky. "There's no alarm, so it must be something internal."
"It's probably an important date," Izayoi smiled. "Don't forget—the Chūnin Exams haven't been held yet this year."
At his words, both Hinata and Shino's eyes behind his sunglasses lit up slightly.
Looking at Izayoi's smiling face and Hinata's face full of anticipation, Shino asked, "If the Chūnin Exams really are coming, Izayoi, Hinata, are you two planning to participate?"
"I want to join."
Before Izayoi could answer, Hinata spoke up.
Izayoi smiled too. "If Hinata is joining, then I am too. Besides, we both have the strength to participate, don't we?"
"Mhm."
Shino nodded coolly with his hands in his pockets. "If you two are going, then of course I can't be left out."
"Then let's fight side by side and show the other Genin how powerful Team 8 is."
The three of them smiled at each other, full of confidence.
They weren't the only ones. Many seasoned Genin who had taken the Chūnin Exams before—some several times—and had survived each time, were also getting ready. These ones were just one stroke of luck away from promotion.
…
June 27th, 9 AM.
Team 8 had already gathered at their usual spot, waiting for Kurenai Yuhi.
A few minutes later, Kurenai appeared in front of them in a flash, holding three documents in her hand with a smile. "Sorry I'm late."
"Sensei, are those the Chūnin Exam application forms?" Hinata asked, looking at the papers in Kurenai's hands.
"So you already know." Kurenai raised the forms and smiled. "That's right. These are the application forms for the Chūnin Exams. The Hokage summoned all Jōnin instructors yesterday to announce that this year's exams will begin on July 1st."
"Although you've only graduated a few months ago, based on your performance and strength, you're all qualified to participate. So I've already registered you."
"Of course, just because you're signed up doesn't mean you have to go. If you're not confident, you can simply toss the form away."
"But if you are confident in your abilities, sign the form and submit it to the administration building by 3:30 PM on July 1st. Be sure to arrive at the test room on time."
Handing the three forms to Izayoi, whom she silently acknowledged as the team's lead, Kurenai added with a small lie, "Talk it over carefully these next few days. Don't force yourselves or your teammates. The exam doesn't require all three of you to enter."
With that, she disappeared again in a flash.
"See you on the 1st then. Shino, we'll meet here at 3 in the afternoon," Izayoi said.
"Got it."
Handing one application to Shino, Izayoi waved goodbye with Hinata.
As they walked home, Izayoi handed Hinata the other two applications. "Sasuke asked me to train with him for the next few days. Wanna come along?"
Hinata looked tempted but shook her head. "No, I want to ask my father about Gentle Fist. I probably won't have time to train with you."
"Don't worry. I'll definitely help you become a Chūnin," Izayoi said, patting her on the head with a smile.
As for why the girl wanted to become a Chūnin so badly, Izayoi had a guess.
This life's Hinata was far more exceptional than the original.
As the eldest daughter of the main family, she was the first in line to inherit the clan.
Now that the heiress was showing such outstanding potential, the clan elders were probably already putting pressure on her future father-in-law to place the Caged Bird Seal on Hanabi.
Hinata's urgency to rise to Chūnin was likely driven by her desire to become a Jōnin faster—so she could join her father in resisting that pressure and protect Hanabi from being sealed.
Thinking of this, a cold glint flashed in Izayoi's eyes.
If that was the case, then after the exams, it might be time to pay the Hyuga clan a visit.
Little did he know—Hinata was in such a hurry to get promoted just so she could be with him openly.
...
"Izayoi, your team's joining the Chūnin Exams?"
"Of course. Don't tell me you're scared?"
"Hmph, who's scared? I'm definitely getting promoted this time."
"Not necessarily. If you run into me halfway through, you might just have to go home early."
"Tch…"
That night, in the Uchiha clan's main estate.
In the courtyard, Izayoi and Uchiha Sasuke were roasting meat together after their training.
Sparks flickered before them, the vivid flames reflecting off Sasuke's face.
While turning a skewer of fish, Sasuke suddenly asked, "Izayoi, when your team was formed, did you introduce yourselves? Say anything about your dreams?"
"Yeah, why?"
"So what's your dream?" Sasuke stared across the fire at Izayoi, who was eating as he grilled.
Izayoi spat out a fish bone and smiled. "I said I wanted to become an excellent ninja."
"What about your real dream?"
"I'm afraid if I told you, you wouldn't believe me—might even laugh at me."
"I won't," Sasuke said seriously.
"Emmm…"
Izayoi stared into the flames and grinned. "Rather than 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 contracted slightly.
A wish that wild—he called it a goal rather than a dream?
Could that even be possible?
Before Sasuke could respond, Izayoi casually asked back, "What about you? Your dream?"
"Like you, it's not a dream. It's a goal." Sasuke's eyes darkened, filled with killing intent. "I'm going to kill that man—to avenge my parents and clan."
"At any cost?" Izayoi asked.
"At any cost. Even if I have to give my life or sell my soul to the devil," Sasuke answered coldly.
Izayoi stared at him for a few seconds, then 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.