Time flew by, and three days passed in the blink of an eye...
The Chūnin Exams began as scheduled.
Early in the morning, Reiji changed into Kumogakure's signature white armor. Underneath, he wore a plain short-sleeved shirt, and on his lower half, casual black cropped pants.
With two slices of bread stuffed into his mouth, he headed out.
Wandering leisurely, Reiji arrived at the Valley of Clouds and Lightning.
Ever since the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki returned, this place had become a popular training spot among the village's shinobi.
Naturally, this vast canyon was chosen as the battleground for the Chūnin Exams.
Rumor had it that over thirty Genin were participating this time, including some prodigies already at Chūnin-level strength.
On a makeshift platform, Reiji sat cross-legged, holding his numbered stick, absentmindedly picking his nose.
"Yo~" A crisp voice rang out, followed by a light pat on his shoulder.
He turned around to see Amai standing behind him with her hands behind her back and a bright smile on her face.
"What number did you draw?"
Expressionless, Reiji raised the bamboo stick in his hand.
"Number 31? How many people are there in total?"
Amai squatted beside him, arms folded, her face full of curiosity.
Surprisingly, she wasn't wearing her usual seductive work outfit today. Instead, she was dressed sharply in standard ninja gear.
A black sleeveless dress, a white armored belt at her waist, and fishnet stockings — her outfit instantly drew the attention of many of the participating ninja.
Scratching his head, Reiji said, "Uh, I think there are thirty-one people."
"You off today?"
Amai giggled and shook her head.
"Nope, I'm working~ Today I'm here as an exam proctor on behalf of Raikage-sama."
"Impressive." Reiji gave her a thumbs up, still expressionless.
Seeing that, Amai's smile bloomed like a flower, radiant and dazzling.
Around them, a bunch of exam participants audibly gulped.
Soon after, the first round of ninjutsu battles began on the wide platform below.
Two Genin simultaneously leapt back, quickly forming hand seals. Clearly, both were prepping long-range jutsu.
The Genin with blue hair on the left was noticeably faster with his seals.
"Water Release: Wild Water Wave!"
As soon as he shouted, a powerful stream of water blasted from his mouth, sending the other Genin—still forming seals—flying off the stone platform.
What the—!
Reiji was dumbfounded!
Was this supposed to be Genin-level strength?
I was just about to sing praises for Kumogakure, how awesome it is!
And this is what I get?
Amai gave him an awkward glance.
"Uh, both of them just graduated this year. They haven't even been on a mission yet."
"It's fine, I get it," Reiji nodded.
Maybe this is how things are in the Land of Lightning?
Weak as Genin, but they fight head-on anyway, so it makes them look absolutely terrible.
Then later, as they grow stronger, they turn into monsters who ride bikes and rip enemies apart barehanded.
Perfect. I've successfully tricked myself.
Thinking that, Reiji gave a defeated sigh and covered his forehead.
"How do I earn a Chūnin forehead protector?"
Hearing that, Amai, still squatting obediently beside him, answered softly,
"Get first place in the ninjutsu, nintaijutsu, or taijutsu exams. Or be in the overall top ten."
"So basically, I just need to place first in one of them?" Reiji asked, his expression a little weird.
Amai nodded sweetly.
Damn it! I've been played!
I could've become a Chūnin with just Taijutsu...
But instead, I asked this hottie to teach me a Lightning Release jutsu—and now I owe her a favor!
Thinking of that, Reiji felt like he'd totally lost out.
He took a moment to adjust his mood, then looked down at the second round of the exam starting below, casually making conversation.
"By the way, why did Raikage-sama send you? Doesn't he usually come himself?"
Amai's face immediately darkened with frustration.
"Don't even mention it. He went to see the Daimyō and won't be back until the day after to—"
She abruptly cut herself off, slapping a hand over her mouth, eyes wide in panic as she looked at Reiji.
What she saw was his wide grin and those pitch-black eyes that seemed to glint with amusement.
Hehe!
That's what you get for hovering around me without a good reason!
You let it slip!
Stretching lazily, Reiji stood up with a wicked grin and took a step, ready to walk off.
Right then, Amai, realizing what had just happened, sprang to her feet.
She quickly spread her arms to block his path—causing her ample chest to bounce uncontrollably.
"You! Where are you going?" Amai asked nervously.
For most people, the fact that the Third Raikage had left the village to request funds from the Daimyō wasn't a secret.
But this man in front of her was different. He had a record.
He'd attacked the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki and released the Two-Tails.
Seeing how tense Amai was, Reiji raised an eyebrow.
"Where else would I go? I'm going to train."
He moved to step around her.
Panicked, Amai grew frantic.
Even though Reiji had behaved himself for the past month...
Now that her uncle was out of the village, she didn't dare take any risks.
Even if—just a little—she actually liked this guy.
Thinking that, Amai ignored the strange looks from the people around them and threw her arms around Reiji's waist, burying her face in his chest.
"Don't go!" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"No." Reiji shook his head coldly. There wouldn't be a better opportunity than this.
As an undercover shinobi, preparation was important...
But when the moment arrived, you had to act without hesitation and seize it!
Around them, the other exam participants glared at Reiji, furious. They couldn't hear Amai's barely audible voice—
But Reiji's firm and merciless rejection? They heard it loud and clear.
"Bastard! Let go of Miss Amai!"
A jealous young Genin rushed over, pointing and yelling at Reiji.
Reiji glanced at him oddly and slowly raised his hands.
"You should be saying that to her, not me."
"That doesn't change the fact you're bullying Miss Amai!" the boy insisted angrily.
Sighing, Reiji lightly tapped Amai on the shoulder. "Miss Secretary, could you explain this for me?"
Just then, Amai looked up from Reiji's chest, tears welling in her large eyes, completely ignoring the crowd.
"Then... don't hurt the village. At least... not for the next two days. Please."
Her voice was soft, but Reiji heard her clearly.
He looked down at the tearful woman, frowning for once.
"Is that your request?"
Amai nodded repeatedly, like a pecking chick.
"Fine. I promise. Now let go."
Hearing his reply, Amai slowly released him.
Tears clung to the corners of her eyes. Her lips were pressed tightly together, trying to force a smile.
She was smiling—but it was a smile full of effort, meant to please.
Tch. That smile's ugly. Totally unlike you.
Reiji said nothing. His hand twitched, almost reaching up to wipe her tears—then stopped and fell back.
"Later."
With that short farewell, he ignored the bitter, jealous glares around him.
Pushing off with his legs, he vanished in a blur, leaving the Valley of Clouds and Lightning.
...
On a quiet mountaintop, he looked out at the distant mountains wreathed in rolling clouds and shook his head in frustration.
What an annoying woman.
Forget it. A rare opportunity like this—time to find the cat.