Senior Juri is a big shot who can rival Senju Diejian.

"Mmm..."

A luxurious bedding set was spread out in the corner of the Japanese-style room.

Uchiha Shuri pulled the blanket, emblazoned with the clan crest, over her stomach, letting out a troubled sound and shivering slightly.

It seemed the chill of early morning had made her exposed hands and feet cold.

She closed her eyes, frowning, curling her slender limbs like a baby, and shrinking into a ball under the covers.

"Brother, my dango...?"

Shuri's sleepy mumbling was absorbed by the blanket and disappeared.

For a while after, she drifted in a light sleep.

"Ah--"

It was a weak, drawn-out, hoarse bass that didn't sound like a girl her age.

"--Chuu!!"

Suddenly.

Shuri kicked off the covers, sat up abruptly, and then began to shake her head wildly.

Her black hair, sticking out from poor sleeping posture, danced wildly.

"So hot."

After thrashing around and coming into contact with the outside air, she seemed to have successfully dissipated her heat.

This mumble carried no trace of the unhappiness from earlier.

Though she was hot, there was nothing she could do about it, so she just said it for now—that was the situation.

"Mhm mhm."

The feeling of her bangs sticking to her forehead with sweat was truly uncomfortable.

She roughly wiped the sweat from her forehead with her pajama sleeve, swept her proud black hair back, exposing her forehead to the air.

She fanned her forehead with her hand, then tilted her head to expose her fair nape and fanned that area.

"...?"

At this moment, Shuri, who was just waking up from her grogginess, felt a gust of wind far surpassing the gentle breeze from her hand fan behind her.

It was undoubtedly the wind from an electric fan.

She clearly remembered sleeping with the power on, so there was wind blowing—but, Shuri tilted her head.

--Even though the electric fan was on, why was she sweating so much...

Shuri didn't seem to remember being cooped up under the covers the whole time.

--Could it be that tonight was an unusually hot summer night, rare in recent years?

Her pajama strap slipped off her shoulder, revealing the smooth curve of her shoulder.

She paid it no mind, slightly opening her sleepy eyes, and slowly crawled out of the covers.

Perhaps due to her poor sleeping posture, one side of her hot pants had slid down to her hips.

But Shuri didn't care.

To be honest, the self-questioning from earlier was completely irrelevant.

So Shuri casually made up a reason and casually convinced herself.

As long as it could slightly alleviate the sticky discomfort of her sweaty body, any self-consolation would do.

"Ah--"

She took a position in front of the electric fan, opening her mouth wide towards the rapidly spinning blades and making a sound.

The sound, chopped by the blades, transmitted to Shuri's ears with a unique vibration.

"Seriously, this way of waking up is too unpleasant," she complained inwardly, continuing the "Ah--" vocalization in front of the electric fan for a while.

After a while, when she was completely awake, even Shuri couldn't help but blush by herself, thinking, "What am I doing at this age..."

"I'm eating."

After sitting down and politely greeting, Shuri shoveled the cold rice into her mouth with the pickles that were always on the dining table.

"Mmm... still cold."

It seemed the rice, which had been frozen in a bento box for three days, hadn't been heated long enough.

Shuri pouted in dissatisfaction.

Should she go to her usual cafeteria for breakfast?

But she felt it would be a waste of rice.

Facing the leftover meal, Juri crossed her arms and tilted her head in thought.

She seemed genuinely troubled, her brow furrowed, and she even let out a soft groan.

Juri's brother, Kagami, hadn't returned from his mission these past few days.

The leftover meal before Juri was something Kagami had prepared for her before he left on his mission.

But the amount Kagami had prepared in advance could, at most, last for two meals.

The reason there was still some left was because—

Damn, I shouldn't have eaten out if I knew this would happen.

The first night—Upon learning that Kagami would be away on a mission, Juri, feeling a sense of freedom, a touch of loneliness, and a mix of other complex emotions, had left home early and gone to Ina's house for some training.

That night, she went straight out to eat.

Perhaps as a reaction to Kagami's preference for simple food, she indulged in a hearty meal.

When she returned home and found there were leftovers, Juri couldn't bring herself to throw them away and froze the meal.

However, after sitting out for most of the day... she did manage to force down the side dishes.

The second day—She had eaten too much and gotten sick, ultimately unable to eat anything.

The third day—She recovered.

Just as she was about to eat the frozen meal, Ina called her out.

Saying it was "for good luck," Ina treated her to a natto set meal for breakfast and a large tonkatsu rice bowl for lunch.

For dinner, she had wanted to eat sausage curry, but remembering the previous day's nightmare, she declined.

Learning from the first day's lesson, she skipped dinner.

The leftover meal remained uneaten.

And then today—the day of destiny.

Frankly, she didn't want to eat it, but if not today, then when?

"Fire Release: Small Flame."

Puff, a small flame spurted from Juri's mouth, illuminating the leftover meal.

"Mmm, it's warm now."

The leftover meal, heated by the Fire Release, turned into fried rice.

However, that was only on the surface; the heat hadn't penetrated the interior.

So, Juri repeated the process of picking up rice with her chopsticks and heating it with fire just before putting it in her mouth, making progress with her meal.

"—Thank you for the meal."

After finishing her meal, Juri, with a customary clasp of her hands, took her dishes to the kitchen.

Juri disliked cooking and was generally lazy, but she was diligent when it came to washing dishes and cleaning.

According to her, it was because she hated bad smells.

She tossed the dishes into the sink filled with water and poured in a small amount of dish soap.

Watching the dish soap spread in the water, Juri felt a peculiar sense of happiness and walked towards the washroom with satisfaction.

While she did want to wash off the sweat, it was also a matter of feminine refinement.

"Alright, another perfect day."

A little while later, Juri emerged from the washroom, transformed into a radiant woman.

Her casual clothes from before were instantly replaced with crisp, formal attire.

Incidentally, her fashion sense often clashed with Ina's because she either bought the same clothes as Ina or Ina actually recommended clothes to her, leading her to buy the same ones.

Actually, only Sakumo noticed this.

Kagami admired, "These girls have such similar tastes."

Ina simply thought lightheartedly, "Oh my, are we super compatible?"

To Kagami, it was a joy that "that" Juri was starting to pay attention to fashion.

Only Sakumo remained troubled, "Is this... because she's the same gender, it's safe? No, it's the budding of friendship... No, but... this is... could it be lesb—"

Completely off-topic.

Now, Juri's messy hair from waking up had been tidied and shone with luster.

Her slender eyes were adorned with eyeshadow, and her long eyelashes were beautifully emphasized.

Her lips were painted a vibrant red, and her cheeks had an excellent rosy hue that hinted at warmth.

Her legs, exposed from her hot pants, one side exuded healthy vitality and sheen, while the other was wrapped in layers of bandages, concealing her skin.

On the bandaged thigh, a Ninja Tool Pouch was additionally tied outside the bandages.

It was used to store weapons and Summoning Scrolls.

"If it were before, I'd have to hide weapons all over my body."

Summoning Jutsu is truly convenient.

"Hmph..."

Juri let out a hum as if to say, "I'm very satisfied," dramatically tossing her long hair.

Her hair, smooth as silk, cascaded from Juri's hands with a softness that seemed to cling to her skin.

"Ah, the dishes... I have to wash them."

Juri, suddenly remembering she'd forgotten to wash the dishes, hurried towards the kitchen.

Tragically.

She hadn't realized she'd developed a habit of talking to herself.

Prepared, Juri spread out her luggage at the entrance for a final check.

The chic keychain decorating the small bag placed beside it—the plastic tag sealing faded petals—was one of Juri's treasures.

Spread out were the ninja tools to be packed.

A wooden tube filled with Military Ration Pills and other ninja food, a small first-aid kit containing needles and thread, a copy of her ninja registration card, and the all-important "exam permit."

--Today is the day of the Chunin Selection Exam's first test!!

"Just thinking about it... Ugh, I can't help but get nervous. Can I pass... No, I can pass. I will definitely pass!"

Juri clenched her fist, scolding her weak self.

"But... if the examiner is that guy... is it really okay?"

Instantly, the confidence in her voice vanished.

Juri glanced at the photo frames on the shoe cabinet.

They displayed a group photo of Team Six.

Juri glared hatefully at one man in the picture.

That man was the examiner for this Chunin Selection Exam, the rumored guy—Senju Diejian.

"This demon. How far will you interfere with me?"

What Juri glared at was the first group photo Team Six ever took.

Unconsciously, her thoughts drifted to memories of the past.

Three children standing side-by-side, and an adult standing behind them.

Between Sakumo and Juri, who were looking away from each other at the ends of the photo, Diejian smiled stiffly.

Though the three children appeared to be on bad terms at first glance, the matching bumps on their heads were amusing.

Kagami, standing behind them, perhaps discouraged by the uncertain future of the Genin he was about to be responsible for—though Juri didn't know the exact reason—wore a gentle, wry smile.

This photo was taken after they were scolded by the then-Hokage, Senju Tobirama, for attacking the Hokage's residence to avoid being held back.

At the suggestion of Brother Kagami, who had officially become their "teacher," they reluctantly gathered for a photo.

At that time, the relationship between the three of them hadn't improved.

--But to actually attack the Hokage...

After all, Juri was an aging girl.

Looking back now, she realized they had done something outrageous and broke out in a cold sweat.

It was a sign of growth that she could think that way.

At least if Kagami knew, he would surely be moved to tears and overjoyed by his sister's growth.

Juri wouldn't tell him, nor did she intend to—whether it was competitiveness or shyness, that pride was still very much alive.

"I remember this photo was taken by the Second Hokage."

At that time, perhaps because the Hokage's work happened to be idle, or perhaps to reward his disciples for being promoted to Genin, the Second Hokage, Tobirama, volunteered to take the picture.

The most surprised by this offer was none other than Diejian himself. Diejian wore a stiff smile at the "teacher's" uncharacteristic suggestion.

Juri's lips quirked as she remembered this.

It wasn't mockery.

It was just that her innocent smile appeared that way to others.

"Heh, it was quite a mess."

Next, Juri's gaze fell upon a group photo of Team Six covered in mud.

Team Six's first mission, leveling the ground near the Valley of the End.

Juri now understood that it was the most fitting first mission.

It not only trained basic skills like water walking and wall climbing but also allowed them to observe Kagami's techniques up close and familiarize themselves with elemental transformations.

The youth and maiden days, unaware of these things—every day, they often complained about the tiresome work of carrying soil.

Though Shuri was lost in memories, she was the only one complaining.

Diejian and Sakumo had spoken of being tired, but never of wanting to give up the work itself.

Instead, they recognized the usefulness of the task and proactively engaged in basic training during breaks.

Therefore, Uchiha Shuri, were it not for the blessing of the Sharingan Kekkei Genkai, and setting aside the perilous times Diejian was in, she had always been evaluated as being a step or two behind Hatake Sakumo.

In short, various things happened.

This photo was taken by Brother Kagami's Shadow Clone.

The distance between the three, covered in mud, was still somewhat far.

"Next time, I really want to go with everyone."

A year ago, Shuri and Sakumo had a chance to visit the former construction site, but the circumstances were special then, and they couldn't sightsee.

A warmth spread through Shuri's chest as she thought about leisurely visiting those two stone statues with everyone next time.

"Mmm..."

Looking at the next photo, Shuri's face flushed slightly.

In the photo was herself, eyes bloodshot and swollen—or rather, her Sharingan had manifested—pouting angrily.

In the photo, herself, trying to turn away to avoid the shot, had her shoulder held by Diejian, who was trying to stop her, and amidst her displeased expression, her cheeks were slightly flushed.

This photo was taken when Diejian and Sakumo were promoted to Chunin, and Shuri failed the Chunin exams.

And immediately after, Hatake Sakumo was rapidly promoted to Jonin and began to be known by the name "Konoha's White Fang."

"Diejian... huh."

Another classmate's name.

Several years had passed since the first Chunin exams.

Among her peers, still a Genin and unremarkable, was only "Uchiha" Shuri.

She wasn't unaware of what that meant.

She knew that Brother Kagami and Shuri's "great friend" Hatake Sakumo were suppressing rumors and silencing those who spoke ill of her.

Shuri herself had also silenced those who spoke ill of her with her Sharingan.

In fact, Shuri knew that while she was revered for being born into the prestigious Uchiha clan and awakening the Sharingan, she was also looked down upon by some ninjas as a lagging Genin.

However, Senju Diejian must have also been like that.

Until just a year ago.

"Diejian, why did you..."

Though Shuri was reluctant to admit it, in the general perception of the world, the "other two" members of Team Six were merely "extras" to White Fang.

One was a direct descendant of the Senju, the other an Uchiha with the Sharingan; they had indeed been expected to achieve great things, but at the same time, they had indeed been met with disappointment, with people thinking, "That's all they're capable of."

While Shuri's pride was wounded, she also felt a considerable sense of relief that "she wasn't the only one."

Furthermore, the pride of having "saved a fellow sufferer like Diejian" in the Chunin exams became her self-identity.

And that Diejian had, in the past year, gained fame beyond anything comparable to before.

Beginning with the "Kumogakure Retreat Battle," where he took the head of the notorious rogue ninja Kakuzu of Takigakure, who was rumored to be dead, Diejian had killed several rogue ninjas in the past year, showcasing his strength to various countries.

His sudden rise was nicknamed "Rising Dragon."

The former willful young master of the Senju clan now also possessed the legacy of the Second Hokage, a source of pride for Konohagakure, and had gained a reputation equal to "White Fang."

"Rising Dragon" and "White Fang."

Compared to them, who had become the two great pillars of Konoha, she—facing her own insignificance, Shuri felt regret.

"Ugh."

Unforgivable.

—That was Shuri's feeling from a long time ago.

She had been left behind.

She was a traitor, and Shuri suffered alone.

Loneliness.

—That must have been the honest feeling of Shuri not long ago.

Everyone gradually growing up, and herself still a child, she felt out of place no matter how she looked at it.

I don't want to lose.

—That is Shuri's honest feeling now.

A year ago, "White Fang" demonstrated the friendship of risking one's life through his actions.

Yamanaka Ina endured for a long time, waiting for Shuri's affectionate feelings to awaken.

So, Diejian—

In any case, Shuri couldn't betray the feelings shown by Sakumo, Ina, and Diejian.

At the same time, she felt indignant.

Shuri was the type of woman who would definitely retaliate if provoked.

If a passing man stepped on her newly bought ice cream, she'd stomp on his balls in return.

(Though she was stopped)

If told to step down because she was useless, she'd retort with the same sarcasm.

That was the kind of woman she was.

—Being unilaterally suppressed isn't my style!!

"I'm leaving!"

Fired up, Shuri neatly packed her belongings and slung her small bag around her waist.

To surpass her unchanging self.

To become a Chunin, to grow, Shuri declared in her heart.

With her back to the empty mansion, she said loudly with high spirits.

Leaving home with high spirits, Shuri stopped in front of a certain restaurant on her way to the exam venue.

Her objective was to meet up with her companions for the Chunin Exams.

Since Diejian and Sakumo were Jonin, Shuri had no companions to take the exam with.

At this point, it would be undignified to rely on Diejian or Sakumo again, and Shuri was agonizing alone when a ray of hope appeared.

—I've heard about the situation.

The Third Hokage's proposal, which began with such words, was in no way disadvantageous to Shuri—Shuri readily accepted this proposal.

In other words, the Third Hokage had issued an instruction to "meet your teammates here."

"So reliable—!!"

"Hey, there are other customers now, be quiet, Shuri. You can't trouble them, right?"

"Sorry... I..."

She lifted the shop's curtain with high spirits, only to be reminded by the shopkeeper, who was cleaning near the entrance.

Shuri suddenly deflated, her shoulders slumping. The shopkeeper showed a knowing smile.

"Huh, that voice—By the way, Shuri... could it be, you're Miss Uchiha Shuri?"

Peeking out from the shop was a blonde girl.

Determined, upturned eyes, neat eyebrows, and a refined appearance.

She was a cute girl, completely unlike her brother.

But that refined face was now filled with astonishment, her large eyes blinking in confusion.

"Oh, Tsunade-chan! It's me, Shuri!!"

This was merely Shuri's subjective perception.

"Tsunade. It's me."

This was probably the impression Tsunade received.

So, what about Tsunade, who heard Shuri's words—

"No way..."

—This was her frank thought.

Gulp, Tsunade turned her head sharply—creak, her neck made an ominous sound.

She let out a pathetic groan of "Ugh," casting a resentful gaze at Orochimaru, who was sitting at a nearby seat.

Orochimaru had a foolish look on his face with his mouth wide open, and the tea he seemed to have been drinking was dripping from his mouth.

It seemed Orochimaru, like Tsunade, had been crushed by the shocking truth.

Tsunade glanced at him, then looked back at Shuri.

"Eek, eeek..."

Tsunade let out a pathetic sound.

Her eyes were glazed over—it looked like it.

The expressionless face of the woman privately called "Ice Beauty" for her overly refined features indeed carried an oppressive aura that could send chills down one's spine.

"Ahwahwahwah."

Towards Shuri, who was striding closer, Tsunade let out a near-screaming sound.

Gasp, Tsunade took a sharp breath.

Unbeknownst to her, Shuri's fingertips, like early lilies... had already reached out before her.

Facing a fearful Tsunade, Shuri tilted his lips as if looking down from above.

-- Mesmerized!?

The tilt of his lips wasn't condescension, but a Shuri-esque smile, though it was too much to expect Tsunade to understand that.

Still, the paranoid thought of "mesmerized" was also extremely rude.

Is it true that like brother, like sister?

In that sense, the Uchiha siblings were actually more normal.

"Please treat me like that lecherous and intelligent toad. I look forward to working with you for a while."

"...Please, please you too! Please, please you too!!!"

Tsunade's mind instantly stopped working due to Shuri's actions and words, which were different from her imagination.

However, the moment she understood the meaning of Shuri's words, Tsunade quickly nodded.

To avoid displeasing him, she shook his outstretched hand at light speed.

Managed to get by, Tsunade inwardly wiped a cold sweat.

Tsunade, who was naturally strong-willed, generally adopted a tough stance towards elders.

This was no exception even towards her teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The only people Tsunade didn't adopt this attitude towards were her brother, Diejian, and perhaps Yamanaka Ina.

But that was also because their relationship was like sisters, and it was difficult to call it an attitude of respecting a "senior."

And the only person Tsunade would step back and interact with was none other than Uchiha Shuri himself.

Uchiha Shuri--the brother, Senju Diejian, who was now feared as "Rising Dragon" by other nations, had fought him to a standstill, a... monster of equal strength.

The Tiger Biting the Dragon.

A fearsome female warrior who could even "scare Jiraiya into tears."

This was Tsunade's perception.

In reality, Shuri did not possess the powerful combat strength to rival the current Senju Diejian, known as Rising Dragon.

However, because she had personally witnessed their past "flirtatious battle," the notion that "Diejian and Shuri were of equal strength" became fixed in Tsunade's mind.

Setting aside future potential, for Tsunade, still a Genin, it was difficult to distinguish between higher-level strength rankings.

Ants couldn't tell the difference between a cat and a tiger.

Therefore, the higher Diejian's strength and accompanying reputation became, the more Uchiha Shuri's perceived strength in Tsunade's mind would rise proportionally to Diejian's evaluation.

To Tsunade, Diejian was, no matter what, her beloved brother and not at all frightening, but she couldn't feel the same way about Shuri.

In other words, the impression Tsunade held of Shuri was exactly the same as the impression village children held of "Senju Diejian."

"...Tsunade, think about it. Compared to Jiraiya, I'm much more reliable, aren't I?"

"Indeed, it's a bit rude to compare me to that lecherous and intelligent fellow, but it is reassuring."

Although Tsunade and Orochimaru had gone through some emotional turmoil, in short, Orochimaru's words contained a welcoming sentiment.

Hearing this, Tsunade also nodded to Orochimaru, and though a bit stiffly, a smile appeared on her cheeks.

-- Just then, an electric current surged through Shuri's entire body.

(This, this is...!?!)

Faced with the welcoming atmosphere of Tsunade and the others, Shuri was overcome by a strange sense of excitement.

This was a feeling he absolutely couldn't experience when facing Sakumo or Diejian.

Gulp, Shuri swallowed.

His pounding heart felt deafeningly loud, and his body gradually grew hot.

Shuri quietly adjusted his breathing so as not to be noticed, gently tucked his chin, and fixed his gaze.

"The Chunin exams are harsh. You cannot pass with a playful attitude."

The Shuri who uttered these words had the Three-Tomoe Sharingan revealed, his expression one of full commitment and determination.

"...Is this the legendary Sharingan!?!"

Orochimaru's impression of Shuri was not much different from Tsunade's.

A peer of Senju Diejian, who had toyed with us at will--he misunderstood--what kind of exam was it that even Shuri couldn't easily overcome...

This time, it was Orochimaru and Tsunade's turn to gulp.

"A trial that is difficult even with the Sharingan... that is the Chunin exam. You must face it with all your heart."

"Y-yes!"

Tsunade and Orochimaru replied with full spirit, as if they were about to face an Asura battlefield.

(Heh, heh, heh heh heh... What is this feeling? Why am I so excited...)

Whether Juri would realize she had never been respected before was unknown.

However, she understood one thing.

--If she let out a loud laugh, it would be over.

It could be called an instinctive intuition.

Juri deeply hid the urge to rejoice that she felt at that moment, presenting an icy facade that perfectly concealed her inner self.

Therefore, Juri's restless heart was not conveyed to Tsunade and Orochimaru.

Juri walked away with a satisfied stride after saying what she wanted to say.

Her slender figure, gradually receding into the distance, appeared immensely large in the eyes of the young boy and girl.

Tsunade and Orochimaru nodded solemnly in each other's gaze before following.