Next to them sat the Third Hokage, the two Advisors, the clan leaders, and Konoha's Elite Jonin.
Might Guy sat ramrod straight, his eyes shining, ready to cheer for any performance.
Rock Lee sat beside him with the same posture and the same look in his eyes.
Neji and Tenten sat one row behind them. Neji was expressionless, while Tenten held back a laugh.
Hyuga Hiashi sat upright, with Hinata and Hanabi behind him. Uchiha Fugaku had brought Mikoto, while Shisui and Itachi sat on the other side.
The lineup in the VIP section was enough to make anyone's knees buckle.
But at that moment, the most relaxed person there was clearly Genya.
He leaned back in his chair, a cup of sake in hand, chatting with Konan beside him.
"Konan, long time no see."
He raised his cup with a smile.
"You're as beautiful as ever."
The corners of Konan's lips lifted.
"You're still such a smooth talker."
Genya put on an innocent look.
"I'm telling the truth. How does that make me a smooth talker?"
Konan glanced at him, looking him up and down.
It had been a long time, but this kid was still the same: lazy, casual, and never serious.
But she knew what kind of power lay beneath that exterior.
"I hear you've been living pretty well these past few months?"
Her tone was teasing.
"The Girl Group, the Konoha Military Police Force, the Hyuga Clan's eldest daughter... can you keep up with all that?"
Genya gave a dry cough.
"Nothing but rumors."
Konan raised an eyebrow.
"Really? Then who's Chinatsu? Who's Ino? And who's Nami?"
Genya hurriedly changed the subject.
"Konan, how have you been lately? Is everything all right in Amegakure?"
Konan did not press him and went along with the change of