A few more peaceful days passed like that.
During those days, Jiraiya was nowhere to be seen.
Who knew which bathhouse that great Sannin had wandered off to for his "research" this time?
The Third hadn't summoned Hayashi or Naruto again, either.
Naruto was the same as ever, happily training, eating, and sleeping every day, enjoying life to the fullest.
Hayashi's life followed a regular routine, too:
He reported to the training grounds with Team 7 in the morning, sparred with them until noon, cooked lunch, then watched them practice in the afternoon.
The only change was that Sasuke had recently started "resting and recuperating."
As Kakashi put it-play a little before a small exam, and play a lot before a big one.
When he said that, the dead-eyed man was holding his little orange book, looking perfectly serious.
And so Sasuke enjoyed his downtime with a clear conscience.
One day, right after the morning training ended, Kakashi suddenly closed his book, looked at everyone, and said solemnly:
"The Chunin Ninja Exams start tomorrow."
"Stay home and rest this afternoon. Get your energy back and make sure you're ready for the exams."
Sasuke sat beneath a tree with his arms folded. At those words, he opened his eyes, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the grip of his kunai.
"Yeah!!" Naruto jumped up on the spot. "It's finally time for the exams!!"
"Don't get excited just yet." Kakashi rolled his dead eyes. "Quite a few people from other villages are taking the Chunin Ninja Exams this time."
"I saw a few from Sunagakure at the village gate yesterday. They probably aren't here to play nice."
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Are any of them strong?"
"Probably." Kakashi tucked his book into his pocket. "There might even be someone strong enough to beat