The aroma of meat filled the courtyard.
The grilled meat was crisp on the outside and tender within. Even Konan ate several extra pieces.
"Have some more, Konan."
Izumi kept piling food onto her plate.
"Look how thin you are. You must not be eating properly."
Konan accepted it and thanked her softly.
Genya sat nearby, eating quietly. He glanced up at his mother and Konan chatting animatedly, then at his father leisurely sipping his drink beside them.
Days like these...
He looked toward the Forest of Death, his gaze deepening.
I wonder how things are going over there.
Ino and Hinata should be all right, shouldn't they?
With Orochimaru around, he's bound to stir up trouble.
But that's fine.
The Uchiha elites I stationed there can handle any unexpected developments.
As long as their lives aren't in danger, let them get some proper experience.
He withdrew his gaze and went back to eating.
"Xiao Ye,"
Izumi suddenly spoke.
"Where are you taking Konan tomorrow?"
Genya thought for a moment.
"I haven't decided yet. Is there anywhere you'd like to go, Konan?"
Konan shook her head.
"Anywhere is fine."
"Then... let's just wander around."
Genya smiled.
"There are plenty of places to have fun in Konoha, anyway."
Konan nodded.
Laughter filled the courtyard beneath the moonlight.
The fighting in the Forest of Death had only just begun.
Meanwhile, deep within the Forest of Death.
Several dark figures darted through the treetops, their Three-Tomoe Sharingan glowing faintly in the darkness.
One stopped and looked in a certain direction.
The faint sounds of battle drifted from there.
"Lady Ino and Lady Hinata are safe for now."
He murmured to himself.
"Keep watching."
His figure flashed away, vanishing into the night.
These Chunin Ninja Exams were destined to be anything but peaceful.