Konoha Street.
The approaching Chunin Ninja Exams had brought the entire village to life.
Ninjas wearing different forehead protectors could be seen everywhere along the streets.
Sunagakure, Kirigakure, Kumogakure, Iwagakure... genin from villages across the nations had gathered here.
Some were nervously preparing, some looked around curiously, and others made no attempt to hide their scrutiny and provocation toward Konoha.
Genya and Konan walked side by side through the crowd, one in black with black hair, the other in blue with blue hair. Their distinctive presence drew plenty of looks.
Neither cared, chatting as they walked about what they had seen over the past few days.
"Konoha is livelier than I imagined."
Konan spoke quietly, her gaze sweeping over the roadside shops and crowds.
"The last time I came was many years ago."
"Then take a good look around this time."
Genya smiled.
"Konoha has plenty of good food. Ichiraku Ramen, Yakiniku Q, glutinous rice dumplings... I guarantee you'll eat so well you won't want to go back to Amegakure."
Konan said nothing, but the corners of her lips lifted.
Just then, a commotion broke out ahead.
"You bastard!"
It was Naruto's voice.
Genya raised an eyebrow and looked toward the sound.
Several familiar figures were facing off at a street corner.
Naruto's face was furious, his fists clenched as he glared at the three Sunagakure ninjas opposite him.
Sasuke stood beside him with his hands in his pockets, his expression blank and his gaze sharp.
Sakura nervously tugged at Naruto's sleeve, trying to calm him down.
And the three people opposite them...
A dark-skinned boy carrying a puppet, a blonde girl with four ponytails and a fan on her back, and another...
A red-haired boy with the red character for "love" inscribed on his forehead, his eyes as cold