Sunny and cheerful Konoha Genin

"Okay, let's stop here."

Ito Toru spoke softly, his voice calm and gentle, just like the night breeze tonight gently brushing past Karin's ears.

At the same time, he stopped without warning and turned to look at Karin: "You should go back and rest."

"Eh?" Karin was stunned for a moment, a look of confusion on her face.

Are you going back now?

"But……"

She wanted to say that she still couldn't find the way, but when she saw Ito Toru's smiling expression, she suddenly realized something. She looked around and realized that without realizing it, they had arrived at the door of the centralized accommodation area specially prepared by Konoha Village for ninjas from other villages.

"Eh?!"

Karin was a little surprised, and an indescribable warm feeling surged in her heart.

It turns out that Ito-nii had already considered this...

So reliable!

Karin's eyes lit up, filled with admiration and adoration.

This way of solving all problems without much explanation and in a casual manner made Karin, who already had a good impression of Ito Toru, even more fond of him!

But at the same time, she felt a little reluctant.

Time passed too quickly, if only I could stay longer...

"Sigh..." Karin sighed softly, staring at Ito Toru's back, trying to imprint this moment deeply in her mind.

She really wanted time to slow down and make this wonderful time last longer...

However, Karin suppressed this feeling, and tried to smile and said:

"Brother Ito, do your best tomorrow!"

"With your strength, you can definitely become a Chunin!" She clenched her fists and waved them gently, as if passing strength to Toru Ito.

Actually, it’s okay not to be on the stage…

It’s best not to be one.

The corner of Ito Toru's mouth twitched slightly.

However, looking at Karin's expectant look, he resisted the urge to speak his true thoughts. He just smiled and nodded, indicating that he would do his best.

After watching Karin return safely to her residence, Toru Ito turned around and started his journey home.

The streets were exceptionally quiet at night, with only the sound of his footsteps echoing.

Dada, dada, dada…

As he was walking, Toru Ito suddenly stopped without any warning.

A strange feeling came over him - just now, he clearly felt that someone seemed to be looking at him in the dark corner not far behind him.

Just that one glance made him feel creepy and his scalp tingling!

"This person... is so strong!"

Ito Toru was secretly shocked. Anyone who could possess such a terrifying aura must be at least a jonin level!

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, then slowly turned his head and looked in that direction...

However, there was nothing to be seen there except endless darkness.

who is it?

Cold sweat broke out on Toru Ito's forehead, but he quickly calmed down and began to think about the possibilities.

Could it be... someone from the root?

He looked into the darkness, but because of the dim light, he couldn't see the man's appearance clearly.

No, that's not right. If he was someone from the Root, there would be no reason for him to be alert here. Besides, there was no malice in his gaze, only a quick inspection.

It's just because it's too sharp that I became alert.

"..."

Toru Ito paused for a moment, then walked away silently.

He suddenly realized who it was, and his body relaxed at once.

After Ito Toru left, the surroundings fell into darkness and silence again. Not long after, a very faint conversation was heard in the darkness:

"That Genin actually noticed you?"

"That's normal. He's not just any genin."

"Eh? It's rare to see you comment like that. Sakumo, is he very strong?"

"I won't comment too much on this. You will see it in the Chunin Exam later."

"Hey, that's interesting. After the mission is over, I have to go check it out!"

"Haha... I will never let you down. This will definitely be an exciting game."

Hatake Sakumo, who was in charge of monitoring the surrounding situation, had a brief exchange with another ANBU member before returning to his mission in silence.

The mission they were tasked with this time was very important - to keep a close eye on any anomalies and changes here before the Chunin Exams began.

The next day, Toru Ito was awakened by a knock on the door.

"Wake up! Ito!"

"Don't sleep anymore, today is the Chunin Exam!"

"How can you sleep?"

Hongdou's loud shouting could be heard from outside the door.

"Ugh……"

Ito Toru slowly opened his eyes and let out a sigh.

This early in the morning, it really disturbs my sweet dreams...

Although he complained in his heart, he still sat up on the bed, quickly dressed himself, and opened the door.

Outside the door was Hongdou, who had dark circles under her eyes but was still in high spirits.

"Hurry, hurry! We have to get ready to go!"

"Today is the day for us to show our skills!"

"Let me show you the secret snake technique I learned!"

She is now like a primary school student who has just memorized an ancient poem and can't wait to show her learning results to her parents.

"Uh... Anko, calm down."

Ito Toru had to hold her back as she became restless:

"It's not time for the Chunin Exams yet, is it? Save some chakra so it won't be too much!"

"That's right, let's go!"

"Wait, I haven't washed up yet—"

Under Hongdou's urging, Toru Ito had to finish washing up at twice the speed.

"You have to eat breakfast too!"

"Why are you so nosy? Just buy some rice balls!"

"Why don't you say you want to eat Bingliang Pills?"

"That's fine! I happen to have some with me! Open your mouth!"

"Oh no—ngh!"

The two of them came to the outside of the examination room, where Yukina was already waiting. She looked a little tired, with bloodshot eyes, but her mental state was still good.

"coming?"

Yukina looked up at the two of them, put away her cool look, then turned around and motioned for them to follow: "Let's go, we still have to wait inside."

The three of them walked into the examination room together. It was a huge venue. After entering, they could see a battle area the size of a football field.

In the middle of the edge of the venue, there are two giant statues standing opposite each other, and on both sides are densely packed auditoriums, which are now full of people.

There were both ninjas and civilians in the audience seats. They all bought tickets to enter. Nobles from many countries also sat there, watching with interest the ninjas below who were waiting for the exam to begin.

The Third Hokage and the Third Mizukage sat in the two best seats, exchanging a few words from time to time.

The content appears to be meaningless nonsense, but in fact it contains implicit temptations.

And Toru Ito and the other two also joined the waiting line.

There were many familiar faces and many unfamiliar faces, but everyone looked nervous now, so no one was in the mood to chat.

“There are so many people…”

Even Hongdou, who was originally full of confidence, now spoke in a lower voice.

The guys around here all look very strong!

Because she has been practicing in seclusion at home, Hongdou doesn't know much about the opponent she is about to face. Now at first glance, there are many ninjas waiting in the backfield who look very strong!

"normal."

Toru Ito said he was calm.

How many people are there? As far as I can remember, there were thousands of people in the examination room for the college entrance examination.

Most of the more than 300 ninjas here are just here to keep up the pace.

Including Ito Toru himself...

He also has a clear understanding.

But if you lose right at the start, it would be too fake, so win one game first, and then lose when you meet a strong enemy later!

That’s it!

A confident smile appeared on Ito Toru's lips, which caught the eyes of Hongdou and Yuina, making them feel more at ease.

Especially Hongdou, she thought to herself that she still hadn't practiced enough. Ito Toru looked so confident, but she began to doubt her life.

this is not good!

After waiting for another 30 minutes, all the candidates had entered the venue.

A Konoha Chunin looked at the time, stepped forward and signaled that the door be closed.

It was then announced:

"The Chunin Exam begins!"

"Now, the people who were drawn by lot will have a 1-on-1 confrontation!"

"The winner advances, the loser is eliminated!"