In the height of summer, the atmosphere in Konoha was exceptionally lively, as festivals always quietly arrived amidst people's anticipation.
The village was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and small groups of patrolling ninjas were discussing the upcoming grand event.
"Hey, how many trainees do you think will officially Chunin this time? When I think of those greenhorns, I can't help but miss my school days."
"According to the Jonin in charge of this year's class, the students are all of very good quality. Last year, there was even a genius like Hyuga Neji who was able to defeat Chunin even before becoming a ninja."
"Compared to this, what about Izumo and Kotetsu?"
"Them? Don't even mention them. Those two lucky guys got the spot as Chunin the Ninja Academy. They're going to be training the rookies soon, so they probably won't be on any missions anytime soon."
The police officers in Konoha chatted in hushed tones until a black-robed figure who had been standing at the entrance for a long time grinned and entered the Konoha. Only then did the group realize that someone had been eavesdropping for quite some time.
"That guy, could it be...?"
"Shh, be quiet. The only people who are qualified to freely enter and leave Konoha, besides that person, are the Sannin."
The sky was azure, the golden dawn dispelled the thin mist, clouds drifted lazily by, and a gentle breeze blew.
"It's already this late. Naruto's Chunin Ninja Exams have really taken up a lot of time."
The Uchiha Clan's residence, at the residence of Huayue.
Upon opening the door, the first figure that came into view was that head of bright Red-Haired Shanks.
"Mr. Huayue, you're back."
"Ah, I accidentally lingered a bit longer over there. The others have probably started their mission. Who's the Jonin in charge?"
As her body temperature gradually rose, Karin, lowered her head and silently endured it, explaining in a soft voice.
" Karin and Haku's designated Jonin is Gekko Hayate, Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto's is Hatake Kakashi, and I heard that Kurenai has also become a Jonin..."
Her smile grew even wider. After spending more than a year in that dark and gloomy place, she almost suffocated herself. After whispering something in Karin's mother's ear, Huayue turned and walked towards the bathhouse inside the mansion.
Indeed, when this mansion was built, some entertainment options for relaxation were considered, but entertainment is simply too scarce in this day and age.
This resulted in only one calligraphy room, besides the bathhouse, that satisfied Huayue.
The warm water washed over her body, dispelling the fatigue of her journey. Between her fair, jade-like fingers, Huayue played with a strange metal object as she lowered her head in deep thought.
In a blind spot, a long snake, blending seamlessly into its surroundings, meandered and crept toward the half-asleep figure.
"We succeeded!"
"Water Escape Technique: Water Prison Technique ".
Warm water converged, forming a giant spherical water prison that imprisoned the python that attempted to ambush her and the graceful figure with flowing hair.
"What are you doing here in broad daylight instead of on a mission?"
The water in the water prison washed away the bath towel, revealing a slender and supple waist that resembled a water snake.
"Tch, has your brain gone mad from not being back for over a year? It's the eve of the Chunin Ninja Exams, and I, Anko, was incredibly lucky to draw the position of proctor. Envious, aren't you? Waaaaaah..."
Anko, who had been choking on water, instinctively put her hands on her hips and burst into laughter. Only then did she realize that she was still in a water prison.
Snap!
Warm water flowed into the bath, along with Anko. Huayue waved her hand dismissively, making perfunctory remarks.
"Oh yes, yes, I'm so envious. If there's nothing else, I'll leave now. I need to relax and unwind later."
"You bastard, we haven't seen each other for over a year, and all you can say to me is a perfunctory response?!"
Veins bulged on his forehead, Anko's lips twitched as long snakes silently coiled around him.
Suddenly, the scene changed, and Anko felt the python coiled all over her body. Her expression changed, and she couldn't help but grit her teeth.
" Genjutsu, you bastard..."
"So what do you want to hear me say? How about we talk about ways to revitalize the Uchiha? Personally, I think obedient bloodlines are more important than reputation, or else..."
She felt someone gently stroking her belly with their index finger, Anko revealed a smile that was even uglier than crying, and quickly begged for mercy.
"I'm sorry, it was my fault, it was all my fault. I don't want to give up my ninja career yet, I don't want to live a life of raising children alone, at least I should wear a..."
With a creak, the bathroom door was pulled open again, and Karin's mother covered her mouth in surprise.
"Excuse me, I'm so sorry to have disturbed you. I'll take my leave now..."
"No, you've come at the perfect time!"
A gentle breeze swept by, accompanied by a dizzying sensation, and the bathroom door quietly closed.
At noon, Huayue, who had just finished a nice nap, opened her eyes and heard Anko ask in a low voice beside her.
"Where have you been all this year? I haven't heard from you at all. I thought you'd found a gold mine and were too busy mining it to pay any attention to me."
Anko complained softly, but Huayue nodded calmly.
"That's right, I have indeed found a gold mine, an inexhaustible gold mine."
Upon hearing this, even Anko couldn't help but get excited. If they really found a gold mine, wouldn't she be able to enjoy desserts for a lifetime?!
"Hey, hey, hey, where's that gold mine? Stop keeping me in suspense at a time like this. I'll just take the initiative later. Tell me already!"
Her eyes darted around, her clear black and white pupils filled with laughter. Seeing Anko's flustered expression, Huayue whispered in her ear.
" Kaguya City..."
" Kaguya City? Where is that?"
The Land of Fire, Konoha.
The three-person team dispatched by Sunagakure to participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams is currently passing through the gatekeeper's inspection and officially entering Konoha.
Looking around, Kankuro couldn't help but feel a longing for everything he saw in Konoha.
"What a peaceful village, and those fertile lands, it's truly a bountiful place."
"Yes, if Sunagakure had such fertile land, we wouldn't need..."
Baki shook his head helplessly, then turned to give some instructions to the others.
"Remember, don't cause trouble in Konoha right now. Temari, Kankuro, you two keep an eye on Gaara and don't let him kill indiscriminately, understand?"
After giving his instructions, Baki hurriedly walked towards the Sunagakure reception team inside Konoha. The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes.
"Keep an eye on Gaara. If that brat can even hear my brother say a complete sentence, I'd suspect that the Puppet Master Ancestor crawled out of his grave and gave me the method for making the Chikamatsu's Ten Puppets that he took with him after his death."
"Alright, alright, stop complaining. Let's probe the other ninjas in our cohort first. Let's go."