Konoha.
At Ichiraku Ramen
"Boss Teuchi, 8 bowls of Miso Pork ramen"
Kurenai ordered the ramen for everyone as she and Shizune, along with her students, sat on the stools.
Looking at the familiar face that sat near him, Kozuki wanted to get up and embrace her immediately but holding the stool tightly, he controlled himself.
He knew it still wasn't the time, and he had to calm his fast-beating heart.
But he still kept sneaking glances at her from time to time while eating the ramen like a shy kid.
Aside from happiness, Kozuki had a surprise in his eyes because of the mark on the forehead of Kurenai.
Since she had learned Hundred Seal Jutsu, it means she has enough strength now, at least enough to protect herself.
Even if she couldn't defeat guys like Madara or the rest, just the healing ability of hundred seal Jutsu made it hard to kill her.
"Sensei, that handsome guy is sneaking glances at you."
Ino snarled as she didn't expect her charm to be so low compared to Kurenai.
She hoped that he would get bewitched by her charm, but she only got angrier when she saw him ignoring her.
Everyone could hear the words of Ino, so they looked towards Kozuki.
"Oh, Rain Village, looks like he is a contestant also."
Shikamaru said since he saw the Rain Village forehead protector of Kozuki.
"What happened to his arm?"
Kiba, with Akamaru on his head, asked, looking at the empty arm of Kozuki, a bit curious.
"Maybe lost it in a fight."
With black glasses and half face hidden in the collar, Shino spoke, answering his question.
Kurenai and Shizune, at this time, didn't care for the words of their students; they were shocked looking at the kid in front.
Even if the face was a lot different, both of them could still spot some shadow of him.
"They won't recognize me, right?"
Seeing the stunned Kurenai and Shizune, Kozuki was a bit nervous.
He wasn't yet ready to face them after deceiving them for so many years.
He knew he had deceived them, and to be honest, he didn't dare to answer their questions.
Why did he have to hide? Why didn't he care for his friends and leave them? He didn't have a good answer to these questions.
He couldn't say that, right? to make you guys stronger, I had to do this or that I took the blame on myself for the village.
"Staying here would only cause more suspicions."
Thought Kozuki as he could feel that the gaze of Shizune and Kurenai was still on him.
"Thanks for the food."
Kozuki stood up, paid the bill, and immediately left the ramen shop.
"Sensei, why are you crying."
Ino suddenly exclaimed as she was shocked looking at the face of Kurenai.
Two lines were formed as tears flowed continuously from the eyes of Kurenai, and she was still looking towards the direction which Kozuki left.
Shikamaru and the rest were surprised also, so they looked towards Shizune, hoping for her to help, but their surprise only increased more.
Shizune wasn't crying, but there was a sad expression on her face, and her eyes seemed to be lost thinking of something.
"Hey, why are you all gathered here?"
At this time, a loud shout took the attention of Shikamaru and others as they saw Naruto along with Sasuke and Sakura, looking at them with surprise.
Behind them was Kakashi holding an orange book looking at it with extreme concentration.
"Hey, what happened?"
Noticing the worried expression on their faces, Naruto couldn't help but ask.
Kakashi looked up and was shocked to see the tearful Kurenai and the sad Shizune.
"What's the matter?"
Kakashi immediately came near them and asked with concern.
"It's Nothing, Kakashi"
Hearing his voice, Kurenai finally woke up, and, shaking her head, she wiped her tears quickly.
Looking at her behavior Kakashi knew that something was wrong, but he didn't ask further and decided to ask Shikamaru later.
_____________
While Kakashi was curious about what happened to Kurenai and Shizune, Kozuki, who had quickly returned back to his residence, was looking at the mirror at the moment.
"It really is."
Kozuki looked in the mirror and did find some resemblance.
He thought his disguise was perfect but never expected Kurenai and Shizune to find it.
After this incident, Kozuki stayed at home and didn't dare go out, fearing meeting Kurenai and Shizune again.
On the other hand, when he learned the complete story from Shikamaru, Kakashi became curious about Kozuki.
The number of people arriving kept increasing and soon the sun of the day of the Chunin Exam finally rose.
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