Misunderstanding

"Alright, you've all drawn your lots. I will now announce the match order."

Ibiki Morino held the lottery bucket and spoke to the winners standing before him.

He then listed the match order on the blackboard.

1: Hiru Zeyu vs. Hyuga Hinata

2: Mochizuki Megumi vs. Dosu Kin

3: Temari vs. Nara Shikamaru

4: Kankuro vs. Aburame Shino

5: Second Pillar vs. Gaara

Zeyu stared at the blackboard, lost in thought.

Hmm... I've replaced Naruto, and Hinata has replaced Neji.

And judging by Gaara's attitude earlier, Dosu probably won't die this time...

Hinata looked at the board, her grip tightening on the hand she held with Zeyu. She placed her other hand over her chest, turned her head toward Zeyu, and said, "Zeyu-kun, why don't I just forfeit? That way, you can advance."

Zeyu looked at Hinata, pondered for a moment, and smiled. "No need, Hinata. I have a way to solve this."

Hinata tilted her head, looking curious.

Zeyu leaned in close to Hinata's ear and whispered, "You're so good to me, Hinata. I like you the most." With that, he planted a kiss on her ear.

"Ah, Zeyu-kun..." Hinata's face turned beet red, and she let out a shy, startled cry.

Zeyu watched the bashful Hinata and offered a faint smile.

Not far away, the Third Hokage took it all in. He cleared his throat helplessly and said, "You all understand now? One month from now, the final stage of the Chunin Exams will begin. I look forward to seeing everyone's performance. Now... dismissed!"

"Welcome! Oh, it's you, Sato." Mikoto was wiping down a table when she spoke to Sato, who had just entered the restaurant.

Ever since Zeyu started at the Ninja Academy, Mikoto had taken a job at a restaurant in the inner city of Konoha. After meeting Sato, he had begun coming by the shop frequently to help her out.

"Yeah, I'm here, Mikoto." Sato walked over and sat down, looking somewhat distracted.

"What's wrong? What would you like to order?" Mikoto asked, placing an order pad in front of Sato before sitting down beside him.

Sato took Mikoto's hand, looking worried. "Mikoto, Zeyu just graduated and is already participating in the Chunin Exams. I'm a bit concerned. It should be over for today, right? Zeyu won't be in any trouble, will he?"

Mikoto was surprised to hear how much Sato cared for Zeyu. She lowered her head, smiled, and said, "It's fine. I watched that boy grow up. He has a real talent for training; he'll be fine. Don't worry."

Although she said that, Sato's concern had made Mikoto anxious as well, and she began tapping her fingers against the table.

Just then, someone else entered the shop. Hearing the bell at the door, Mikoto hurried to stand up and greet them.

"Anyway, don't worry, Sato. Once the lunch rush is over, we'll go see Zeyu together," she said, leaning against the back of a sofa with a forced smile.

"Yeah, alright. I'll come help you then," Sato said with a smile. He then skillfully pulled an apron from the counter cabinet and tied it on.

Konoha Hospital.

"Kakashi-sensei, how is Sasuke?" Naruto asked the man beside him.

"Well, Sasuke's situation is a bit special. You can't see him right now," Kakashi said helplessly.

"Then train me, sensei!" Naruto insisted.

"No, I'm busy," Kakashi replied with a deadpan expression.

Naruto squinted, thinking for a moment before it clicked. He pointed at Kakashi and said, "Ah, you're going to go teach Sasuke! Kakashi-sensei, you're playing favorites!"

"Now, don't say that. Don't worry, I've already found you a great coach," Kakashi said.

"Yo." A man wearing a headband and glasses appeared behind them.

Naruto recognized him immediately; it was Ebisu, Konohamaru's tutor.

Just then, a voice called out from behind. Kakashi turned to see the Third Hokage beckoning him. He told Naruto to head back first and walked over to the Third Hokage.

The Third Hokage asked a few questions about Sasuke and then had no further instructions.

However, Kakashi stopped him.

"What is it? Is there something else, Kakashi?" the Third Hokage asked, removing his pipe with a puzzled look.

"Lord Hokage, I have some questions regarding Zeyu. May I test him?" Kakashi said, his gaze firm.

The Third Hokage heard this and chuckled, then asked, "And how do you intend to do that?"

Kakashi scanned the surroundings to ensure there was nothing unusual before replying, "I might need to use some interrogation techniques."

"I suspect he has used some method to conceal his identity. Given the talent he has displayed, it is simply impossible for a newly graduated genin to achieve such feats."

"Even if he was hiding his strength to avoid attention, to be capable of this at such an age is truly mind-boggling."

The Third Hokage lowered his head slightly in contemplation upon hearing this.

Kakashi added solemnly, "I suggest that the Anbu conduct a thorough investigation into Zeyu."

After a long silence, the Third Hokage spoke slowly, "Kakashi, I will not hide it from you: Zeyu is set to join the Anbu after the exams. This was decided even before the testing began."

Kakashi looked shocked and said, "Lord Hokage, isn't this too reckless? You should reconsider. Zeyu, he..."

The Third Hokage raised his palm to interrupt Kakashi, saying, "Say no more, Kakashi. Let the matter of Zeyu rest. As for an investigation, he has already been vetted thoroughly."

"His parents died in that incident over a decade ago, and he was raised entirely by his parents' friends. He is sensible and polite, and the neighbors all like him."

"In short, he is as clean as one could possibly be."

The Third Hokage patted Kakashi on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Well, Kakashi, shouldn't you be happy that another genius has appeared in Konoha? Don't be so tense; relax."

"But..." Kakashi muttered.

"I understand your feelings, but I am willing to give Zeyu a chance. Let us look forward to his performance," the Third Hokage said.

Seeing that the Third Hokage had made up his mind, Kakashi said no more.

The Third Hokage walked away slowly, thinking to himself, Zeyu, do not let me down. You must never become like Orochimaru.

Once outside, the Third Hokage looked up at the clouds in the sky and thought, Perhaps I should persuade Hiashi to allow Hinata and Zeyu to be together soon. He shouldn't make things too difficult for them.

Come to think of it, my nephew Sato is seeing Zeyu's aunt, isn't he? Hmm... I must find a way to bring them together.

He is actually joining the Anbu? No, I must go and ask him. Even if he really is a genius, where did he learn that Rasengan? Kakashi thought as he watched the Third Hokage depart, then vanished from the spot with a "whoosh."

Some time before this:

Kurenai and Nana had matters to attend to, so they bid the others farewell. Shino also left, stating he needed to return home to report in.

"Hehe, Big Brother, Sister-in-law, what are we doing next?" Shota asked, rubbing his hands together and leaning in toward Hinata and Zeyu, who were walking hand-in-hand.

Megumi looked at Shota's behavior with a disdainful expression.

"Hmm... well, since we finally got out, we definitely need to take a break..." Zeyu said, looking toward Hinata.

Hinata kept her head lowered, her face slightly flushed. While holding Zeyu's hand, she scratched his palm. When Zeyu looked over, Hinata lifted her head and bit her lip as she met his gaze.

"Ah?... Ah! I'm so hungry, I'm starving! I need to go eat!" Zeyu realized what she meant and shouted, scratching the back of his head.

Hinata smiled faintly and hugged Zeyu's arm.

Zeyu felt the soft sensation against his arm and felt a secret thrill in his heart.

Shota quickly patted his chest and said, "Leave the food to me! My family's cooking is excellent. The servants at home must have everything prepared by now, so we can just head over."

"Really? That would be too embarrassing," Zeyu said.

"It's nothing, nothing at all! Big Brother has helped me and Megumi so much, what's a little food? Don't be a stranger, Big Brother," Shota said with a smile.

"Then I won't be polite! Let's go!" Zeyu said happily.

Suddenly, a "grumble" sound reached everyone's ears.

They all froze for a moment.

Hinata's face turned bright red. She hugged Zeyu even tighter, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Ah, ah, I'm so hungry, I can't wait! Shota, lead the way, let's go!" Zeyu said, picking up Hinata and leaping away.

Zeyu looked at Hinata in his arms and whispered with a smile, "Hinata, your stomach started growling the moment you heard about food. Hahaha, how cute."

"Zeyu-kun, don't laugh at me," Hinata said shyly, burying her head in Zeyu's chest.

"Big Brother, wait for me!" Shota hurried to catch up as soon as he saw him.

"Sigh, honestly," Megumi sighed helplessly, following after them.

Konoha, Hyuga Compound.

Hiashi sat upright on a cushion, eyes closed in meditation. On the tea table before him sat some pastries and a tea set.

The tea in the cup had long since gone cold, the rim dry, showing no signs of having been touched.

Hanabi sat to the side, her fists resting on her knees, rubbing them occasionally. She bit her lip and stared down at the floor, looking rather restless.

Just then, someone arrived at the entrance, knelt, and knocked on the door.

"Enter," Hiashi said.

The door slid open, and Natsu Hyuga knelt at the threshold, saying, "Clan Head, it is getting late. It is time for dinner."

"I know. Wait a little longer," Hiashi said, waving his hand.

"No, I can't wait anymore!" Hanabi gritted her teeth and stood up, heading toward the door.

"Stop!" Hiashi commanded sharply.

Hanabi turned slowly, keeping her head bowed as she said, "Father, I am going to find my sister."

"You are forbidden to go!" Hiashi maintained his posture, not looking at Hanabi as he spoke.

"Why? Father, are you not worried that something might have happened to my sister?" Hanabi raised her head, speaking with agitation.

"If something happened, it is Hinata's own fault. Instead of training, she is fooling around with some brat. You don't need to concern yourself with this; I have my own arrangements," Hiashi said, arms crossed, his brows furrowed.

"But..." Hanabi whispered, deeply worried.

At that moment, a member of the Hyuga clan came running up to the door in a panic.

"It's bad, something has happened, Clan Head!"

Hiashi stood up and strode out the door, asking, "What is it? What happened?"

The clansman bent over, gripping his knees, his face drenched in sweat. He gasped for air as he spoke.

"It's bad... Clan Head... I just heard..."

"What exactly happened!" Hanabi asked anxiously, her fists clenched tight.

The clansman caught his breath and said, "I heard that someone from the Hyuga family at the exam site... has been taken to the hospital."

Upon hearing this, tears welled up in Hanabi's eyes. Gritting her teeth, she ignored everything and bolted out the gate.

"Hey! Hanabi! Come back!" Hiashi shouted.

Seeing Hanabi running further and further away, he quickly ordered Natsu to chase after her, instructing her to keep an eye on Hanabi and not let her do anything foolish.

"Honestly, she never lets anyone have a moment's peace," Hiashi muttered, pacing back and forth in the courtyard.

That wretched brat, you are dead! Hiashi thought, then rushed out the door as well, heading toward the hospital.