A Pleasant Surprise

Uchiha Clan Compound.

Orochimaru's basement.

"Father...!" Hanabi murmured.

Then she slowly opened her eyes.

Hinata beside her also opened her eyes.

"Has Father already left?"

Hinata shook her head, indicating that she did not know either.

They had no idea how long they had talked, nor when they had fallen asleep.

Tap, tap, tap.

Footsteps approached, and Senyo walked in.

"Worried that you'd be sad, Orochimaru had Hiashi return while you were asleep."

Hinata and Hanabi both looked somewhat downcast.

Still, they had at least eased their longing from before. That was already quite good.

"The Chunin Exam is in a couple of days. Hanabi, do your best."

Having recharged, Hanabi had recovered considerably.

She stood up and answered with a resolute expression, "Yes, Clan Head! I'll work hard!"

Senyo smiled, then turned to Hinata and instructed her, "Hinata, you're already a Chunin, but you still lack experience. During this Chunin Exam, you, Naruto, Sasuke, and the others will serve as proctors."

"Ah, me? Can I do that?"

Hinata had become a Chunin several years ago, but because her leadership ability was lacking, she had remained a Chunin ever since. Neji was already a Jonin, yet Hinata was not even a Special Jonin.

This was also meant to give Hinata some experience.

Most of those who came out of Uchiha Kindergarten were Special Jonin.

Only Naruto, Hinata, and Sasuke were Chunin.

There was no need to mention Hinata. Naruto had to hide his strength in daily life, while Sasuke had developed evenly and was right at the threshold of Special Jonin.

Of course, now that Sasuke had awakened the Mangekyo, his strength could no longer be measured that way.

Senyo patted Hinata on the shoulder.

"This has already been decided. The exam procedures will be explained to you tomorrow. This