Five days later, outside the Ninja Academy gates.
"Sakura, you're really late!"
Standing outside the gates, Uzumaki Naruto complained slightly when he saw the Pink-haired Girl approaching from afar.
He had already been alone with that annoying guy beside him for quite a while. Honestly, even if they stood back-to-back without saying anything, it was especially uncomfortable.
"Mm, sorry."
In response, Haruno Sakura looked at the Blond-haired Blue-eyed Youth before her and heard the slight complaint in his words. A apologetic smile appeared on her lips as she spoke.
And subconsciously, as she spoke, her gaze fell on the Black-haired Handsome Youth behind the Blond-haired Blue-eyed Youth.
In an instant, the illusion Teacher Iruka had used earlier to test her surfaced in her mind—the scene of Second Pillar being killed by completely scattered Kunai and Shuriken.
Without realizing it, a shadow appeared on her face again.
"Good morning, Sasuke."
Then, almost subconsciously, she greeted him.
"Ah."
Second Pillar, who rarely showed much expression, turned around. His gaze seemed to have shifted back from someone or something, and upon seeing Haruno Sakura, he responded.
Sakura's been acting strange ever since she was recommended for the Chunin Exams. Something feels off.
The thought surfaced in his mind again without him realizing it.
Earlier, after giving up on investigating this Taki Chiba and focusing instead on preparing for the Chunin Exams, he had already noticed that his teammate was acting somewhat strangely, especially whenever the Chunin Exams were mentioned.
What about Naruto? Thinking this, Sasuke glanced at the Blond-haired Blue-eyed Youth beside him from the corner of his eye as he looked at Haruno Sakura's unusual behavior.
This guy... had no problems.
What problems could he possibly have? That was the least likely thing.
Seeing the guy beside him smiling with a confident