The First Day of the Chunin Exams

The first rays of morning sunlight had just climbed onto Konoha's eaves when Menma was dragged out of his dreams by a burst of noise.

He turned over groggily and buried his face in his pillow, trying to block out the voices that were growing clearer and clearer.

There was a girl's bright laughter, the patter of light footsteps drawing closer, and a familiar little voice calling his name.

"Brother Menma! Brother Menma! Get up!"

The ringing footsteps had already reached the door.

Menma forced one eye open and glanced at the alarm clock by his bed.

It was only six thirty in the morning.

Registration for the Chunin Exams did not end until nine. By rights, he should have been able to sleep for at least another hour.

But clearly, someone did not agree.

The bedroom door was pulled open with a clatter, and a tiny orange figure charged in like a cannonball.

"Brother Menma! Good morning!"

Hanabi Hyuga was dressed in a pretty orange kimono, her hair tied with a matching ribbon, making her look like a lively little kitten.

Without another word, she pounced onto the bed—or more accurately, onto Menma.

"Pff—!"

Though Hanabi was only five years old and very light, getting hit head-on while completely unprepared still made Menma's chest tighten, nearly knocking the wind out of him.

"Hanabi! How many times have I told you? Don't be so noisy. Keep it down." A gentle voice tinged with helplessness came from the doorway.

Hinata trotted in after her.

Today, she was wearing a pale purple tracksuit. Her long black hair fell like a waterfall, and a Konoha forehead protector hung around her neck.

She was also carrying a small bamboo basket, which seemed to have something inside.

Seeing Menma grimacing under Hanabi's weight on the