Chapter 52: Izayoi and Her Handsome Cousin, the Dashing Hinata

Chapter 52: Izayoi and Her Handsome Cousin, the Dashing Hinata

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Konoha’s streets saw an influx of unfamiliar faces. While strangers were common—usually traveling merchants or civilians—the newcomers now wore forehead protectors etched with various village symbols. These were clearly ninja from other villages.

The villagers remained unfazed, even excited. The sudden arrival of foreign ninja meant the Chūnin Exams were near. Soon, they’d witness thrilling battles once more. The shopkeepers, especially, had already begun stocking up, eager to profit from the event.

This was the Chūnin Exams—a grand spectacle in any great ninja village.

July 1st, 3:00 PM.

Team Eight gathered at their usual spot, clutching their application forms as they headed to the Ninja Academy.

Walking with his hands in his pockets, Aburame Shino remarked, “Since Konoha is hosting, we’re at a disadvantage. Many are likely gathering intel on us, while we know nothing about them.”

Izayoi smirked. “So what? Intelligence gets outdated fast. I’m sure we’ve all grown stronger by now.”

Hinata and Shino exchanged confident smiles.

Arriving at the Academy, nostalgia washed over Izayoi and Hinata as they stepped onto familiar grounds. Their gazes seemed to pierce through time, recalling their younger selves—chubby-faced children walking side by side, inseparable.

Caught in the memory, they glanced at each other, then shared a knowing smile.

As they approached the Administration Building, Shino and Hinata suddenly stiffened.

“Genjutsu,” Shino muttered, disrupting his chakra flow with a hand seal. Hinata followed suit.

“A genjutsu barrier,” Izayoi corrected. “Looks like the Chūnin Exams have already begun.”

On the second floor, the corridor buzzed with applicants. Some wandered aimlessly, dazed, while others clustered near the stairs to the third floor, blocked by two chūnin guards.

“Hurry up and drop that genjutsu barrier! We’re supposed to be on the third floor!”

Recognizing the voice, Hinata said softly, “That’s Sasuke Uchiha… and Neji-niisan is here for the exams too.”

Neji, who’d been watching Team Seven, turned at her voice. His expression remained cold as he bowed to Hinata. “Lady Hinata.”

The words were polite, but his tone dripped with disdain, and a flicker of hatred crossed his eyes.

“Good luck with the exams, Neji-niisan,” Hinata replied gently.

Neji’s voice hardened. “I hope we face each other during the exams.” His gaze shifted to Izayoi. “You’re Izayoi?”

“The one and only,” Izayoi quipped. “What’s up, last year’s top graduate?”

Neji appraised him. “You’re strong… but don’t forget your place. You and Lady Hinata are worlds apart. That’s fate.”

“Neji-niisan, enough,” Hinata snapped, her voice sharp. The air tensed as her gentle demeanor shattered, replaced by icy resolve.

Neji stiffened, then bowed again. “My apologies, Lady Hinata.” He left without another word.

Once he was gone, Hinata’s soft smile returned. “Izayoi-kun, Neji-niisan didn’t mean it. Please don’t hold it against him.”

Izayoi ruffled her hair. “You were awesome just now! Wish I’d grabbed my camera faster.”

“Indeed,” Shino nodded. “That killer aura was impressive. The top three rookies are all full of surprises.”

Hinata blushed, her fingers fidgeting. “You’re too kind… I’m not—”

“Hey! Izayoi! Hinata! And… uh… the other guy!” Naruto’s voice boomed as Team Seven approached.

“I’m Aburame Shino,” Shino interjected, but as always, Naruto ignored him.

“Whatever, Shino! Izayoi, you’re here for the exams too, huh? This time, I won’t lose to you!”

“Oh?” Izayoi raised an eyebrow. “You’ve got that confident look. Did Kakashi finally teach you a jutsu?”

Naruto grinned. “Just wait and see! You and Sasuke’ll be shocked!”

“Riddler-san, please leave Konoha,” Izayoi deadpanned, earning skeptical stares from Hinata, Shino, and Sasuke.

You’re one to talk, their eyes seemed to say.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end