Chapter 51: Izayoi's Prediction – You Will Succeed

Chapter 51: Izayoi’s Prediction – You Will Succeed

Time flew by quickly. Before anyone realized it, Konoha’s 60th graduating class had already spent a full season as Genin.

Over several months, even teams composed of commoner backgrounds had transformed from inexperienced rookies into qualified Genin. Teams with exceptional potential and strong performance had ventured beyond Konoha under their Jonin instructors, completing C-Rank Missions, battling enemies, shedding blood, and undergoing their final metamorphosis.

As June approached its end, Jonin instructors who sensed major events looming stopped taking missions outside the village, instead assigning their subordinates to menial tasks. Genin teams on external missions gradually returned to the village.

A grand event for Genin was about to begin.

Screech—

That day, Team Eight was clearing trash near the village outskirts as usual. Suddenly, a piercing eagle cry echoed across the sky, reverberating through Konoha.

The Jonin instructors who heard the cry looked up, watching the massive eagle circling above the village. Their eyes lit with recognition.

“After finishing your tasks, collect your payment at the Hokage Office yourselves, then disband for the day. Meet at our usual spot tomorrow morning at nine o’clock.”

With those words, Kurenai Yūhi vanished in a Body Flicker. Dozens of other Jonin followed suit, streaking toward the Hokage Office like afterimages.

“Another major event?” Aburame Shino observed, staring at the eagle’s silhouette. “No alarm was sounded, so it must be internal.”

“It’s probably an important date,” Izayoi mused, smirking. “Don’t forget—the Chūnin Exams haven’t been held this year yet.”

Hinata and Shino’s eyes gleamed behind their glasses.

“If it’s the Chūnin Exams,” Shino asked, “will you two participate?”

“I want to join!” Hinata blurted before Izayoi could answer.

Izayoi chuckled. “If Hinata’s in, I’m in. We’ve got the strength to qualify, don’t we?”

Shino nodded coolly, hands in pockets. “Then count me in too.”

“Let’s fight side by side and show everyone how strong Team Eight is.”

The trio exchanged confident smiles. Many veteran Genin—survivors of multiple failed attempts—also sensed their chance had come.

——

On June 27th, at nine a.m., Team Eight waited at their usual training ground.

Minutes later, Kurenai appeared in a Body Flicker, holding three documents. “Sorry for the delay.”

“Sensei, are those Chūnin Exam applications?” Hinata asked, eyeing the papers.

Kurenai raised the forms. “Correct. The Third summoned all Jonin instructors yesterday to announce the exams will begin on July 1st. Your performance and skills meet the requirements, so I’ve already registered you.”

She paused. “But registration doesn’t bind you. If you doubt your readiness, discard the form. If you’re confident, sign it and submit it to the Administration Building by 3:30 p.m. on July 1st. Arrive at the exam hall promptly.”

Handing the forms to Izayoi, the de facto leader, she added, “Discuss it carefully these next few days. Don’t force yourself or your teammates—participating as a full squad isn’t mandatory.”

With that, she vanished again.

“See you on the 1st,” Shino nodded.

After splitting up, Izayoi handed Shino’s form to him before walking with Hinata.

“Sasuke invited me to train,” Izayoi said, offering her both forms. “Want to join?”

Hinata hesitated. “I should ask Father about the Gentle Fist techniques. I might not have time.”

Izayoi ruffled her hair. “Don’t worry—I’ll make sure you become a Chūnin.”

He suspected her urgency. This timeline’s Hinata far surpassed her original self. As the Main House heir, her excellence likely pressured the Hyūga elders to brand Hanabi with the Caged Bird Seal sooner. Hinata’s rush to Chūnin rank—and eventual Jonin status—was probably a preemptive strike to protect her sister.

Izayoi’s eyes narrowed. If so, a visit to the Hyūga Compound after the exams was necessary.

He never considered her true motive: wanting to stand beside him as an equal.

——

That night, in the Uchiha estate’s courtyard, Izayoi and Sasuke grilled fish over open flames.

“Back when your team formed,” Sasuke asked, flipping a fish, “did you do those introductions where we shared our dreams?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“What was yours?”

Izayoi spat out a fishbone. “I said I wanted to become an excellent ninja.”

“Your real dream?”

“I’m afraid you’ll laugh.”

“I won’t.”

Izayoi stared at the crackling fire. “Let’s call it a goal instead of a dream… I want to break free from mortality’s limits with Hinata and stay together forever.”

Sasuke’s eyes tightened. A goal, not a fantasy?

“And you?” Izayoi countered.

Sasuke’s gaze darkened. “I’ll kill that man and avenge my parents and clan.”

“Even if it costs everything?”

“Everything. Even my soul.”

Izayoi studied him, then grinned. “You’ll succeed. And you won’t need to bargain with devils.”

After all, you’re my top Points source.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end