In the guest room.
Moonlight fell across the sleeping face on the bed.
Konan opened her eyes and gazed at the ceiling, the corners of her lips slowly lifting.
She had not actually been all that drunk.
It was just that, while leaning against that shoulder, she had suddenly felt like staying there.
That was all.
She closed her eyes again and drifted into a deep sleep.
That night, there was no sound of rain, no missions, none of the weight of the past.
Only moonlight and warmth.
The first round of the Chunin Ninja Exams, morning.
The bell at the Hokage Building rang, marking the official start of the first round of the Chunin Ninja Exams.
Voices filled the examination venue and its surroundings as Genin from various countries filed inside, while the proctors stood ready.
Meanwhile, on a street in Konoha, Genya Uchiha was taking Konan shopping.
"The Chunin Ninja Exams start today."
Konan glanced toward the Hokage Building.
"Aren't you taking part?"
"Me?"
Genya laughed.
"Konan, have you ever seen a ninja this strong take the Chunin Ninja Exams?"
"I meant as a proctor or an honored guest."
Konan spoke evenly.
"The Hokage invited you, didn't he?"
Genya waved a hand.
"He did, he did, but I can't be bothered playing make-believe missions with them. Sitting in the stands watching a bunch of Genin fill out papers? Shopping with you is much more interesting."
Konan's lips curved upward, but she said nothing.
As the two walked along, suddenly...
A green figure burst around the street corner like a whirlwind and stopped in front of Genya, hands on his hips, his teeth flashing with a blinding gleam.
"Oooh! Young Genya!"
Genya's smile froze.
Might Guy.
Him again.
"Guy..."
Genya forced out a strained smile.
"What a coincidence."