ALL NOVEL Chapter 48: Chunin Exam prep
After returning from our A-rank mission in the Land of Snow, we took a few days off to recover from the constant traveling. Over the next few weeks, we completed several more missions, though none were as exciting as the A-rank mission. Most were simple escort tasks for merchants or other routine duties.
Then came the news that this year's Chunin Exams would be held in Konoha. One day, Kakashi gathered us and handed us each an application. "Here are your Chunin Exam applications. The exams will take place next month," he said. "I've already vouched for your qualifications to the Hokage, and you're ready to take this step." It wasn't just our team—Might Guy, Kurenai, and Asuma had also recommended their respective teams for the exam.
I took the application with a grin. "There's nothing to think about. We're definitely going to apply for the Chunin Exams," I declared confidently.
Sasuke and Sakura nodded in agreement, their determination matching mine. It was time to take the next step and prove ourselves in the exams ahead.
After submitting our applications for the Chunin Exams at the Hokage Tower, our group decided to celebrate and unwind at the Akimichi Hotel with a BBQ party. It wasn't just our team; we extended the invitation to others, including Team 8, Team 10, Tenten's team, and Haku. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as everyone gathered at the restaurant, chatting and catching up. Once we were all settled in, we ordered a variety of delicious dishes, the sizzling aroma of grilled meat and seasoned vegetables filling the air. The party kicked off in full swing, and the lively discussions that followed made it feel less like a formal event and more like a gathering of close friends.
As we indulged in the food, our conversations naturally drifted toward our past missions and experiences. Each team had a story to tell—some humorous, others more intense, reflecting the diverse challenges we had faced as young ninjas. When it came time for Haku to share, she opened up about her academy days. Her experience had been different from the rest of us, as she was older than the typical students. The age difference had made it difficult for her to fully blend in with the younger crowd, and there were moments of loneliness that lingered in her voice as she spoke. Still, there was a sense of quiet resilience about Haku as she reflected on those times. It was clear that the struggles of the past had only strengthened her resolve to be a capable and dependable ninja.
The conversation soon shifted to the upcoming Chunin Exams. There was a mixture of anticipation and anxiety among us, with each person revealing their own approach to preparation. We discussed strategies, training techniques, and even some of our worries about the unknown challenges that lay ahead. Seizing the moment, I proposed that we could all make the most of the time leading up to the exams by training together, just like we had during our free time before. The idea of group training and sparring seemed to resonate well with everyone; it promised not only a chance to sharpen our skills but also to better understand each other's strengths and weaknesses.
As the party drew to a close, we all agreed to begin our joint training sessions. We started to disperse, but I stayed behind with my girlfriends, as we had planned some special time together.
After everyone else left, it was just me and my girlfriends. As we walked together, I looked at them with a warm smile. "How are you all?" I asked, my tone filled with love and care.
I wanted to make sure they were doing well, especially with the upcoming Chunin Exams adding to the usual stresses. It was important for me to show them how much I valued and supported each of them, not just as a team mate, but as important people in my life.
They assured me that they were fine, mentioning that they had been training with each other in my absence. Kurenai and Yugao had been instrumental in their progress, offering guidance and support during their sessions. It was reassuring to know that they had been keeping up their training and building their skills while I was busy preparing for the upcoming exams. Their dedication and commitment only deepened my appreciation for them, and I felt a renewed sense of determination to train together and strengthen our bonds even further.
It was good to hear that they were fine and had been keeping up with their training, even when I wasn't around. "That's great," I said, feeling relieved. "I'm glad Kurenai and Yugao have been helping you all out. It's good to know you're staying sharp."
As we continued our walk, I thought about how we could spend the rest of the day. "How about we do something fun together before we get back to training?" I suggested, wanting to make the most of our time together.
After strolling around the village, we eventually made our way back home. As we arrived, each of them gave me a kiss, and I felt warmth spread through me. It had become a cherished routine, expressing our feelings for one another in small, meaningful ways.
Even though we had grown close over the years, I hadn't taken that final step with any of them. I still had plans and priorities to consider, particularly with the responsibilities of the village and my ambitions concerning the Third Hokage and Danzo. For now, I wanted to focus on our bonds and the upcoming challenges ahead.