Chunin Exams

The group stopped outside the restaurant and looked toward a window seat across the street.

The Konoha Sannin had earned their fearsome reputation amid the bloodshed of the Second Shinobi World War. They usually went their separate ways, so it was rare to see all three together.

But Tsukimi recalled another name for them: Konoha's legendary trio of vice!

Seen that way, the Third Hokage certainly had a knack for teaching. Of his three students, one haunted nightclubs, one gambled herself into debt, and the last was the king of weirdos.

No wonder Jiraiya had become the Shinobi World's greatest teacher, producing two Hokage and a god. He had truly inherited Hiruzen Sarutobi's gift!

They had not planned to disturb them and were about to enter the restaurant, but Orochimaru had already spotted them from across the street.

His gaze swept over Tsukimi and the others. After a moment's thought about the upcoming Chunin Exams, he raised a hand and beckoned them over.

"Is Lord Orochimaru calling us?" Asuma asked, puzzled.

Tsukimi nodded lazily. "Looks like it. Let's go see."

They crossed the narrow street without further hesitation and entered the izakaya's window booth.

Shizune, seated at the table, greeted them with a warm smile. She had been in the same class as Tsukimi and Kakashi and was also close to Kurenai and Rin.

"It's been a while, everyone," Shizune said softly once they had paid their respects to the Sannin.

They nodded and exchanged a few pleasantries with her. Among the young people, the mood was easy and natural.

But the others could not help feeling reserved around such legendary figures. Even Asuma, the Third Hokage's second son, felt uneasy. By seniority, he and the Sannin were fellow disciples, but the gulf in strength between them was enormous.

Tsukimi