A/N: We've hit target hit our first target, so there will be a double release next week Monday. For a Triple Release, let's hit 900 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 900 Powerstones!
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Goro and the rest of Team 10 sat around a large table at Yakiniku Q, the aroma of sizzling meat filling the air. Plates of grilled beef and pork lay scattered before them.
Shikamaru leaned back in his chair, lazily picking at his food. "So, what sort of mission was it?"
Asuma, sitting beside him, raised an eyebrow and leaned in slightly, clearly intrigued. Goro caught the subtle shift in Asuma's demeanor.
'Asuma must not have gotten all the details from the Hokage.'
Cutting in, Ino said, "He just got back from his mission. He's already been gone for a long time; let's talk about something else."
Shikamaru scratched the back of his head, replying, "I guess you're right for once... Goro, you don't need to answer that. We can talk about something else—"
"No, it's fine. I'll be brief anyway," Goro interrupted, smiling at Ino as appreciation for her thoughtfulness.
He paused for a moment, thinking of where to start.
'The fact that the Cloud was planning to stir up war isn't something I can casually drop over dinner. And although the Hokage never said this, I'm almost certain that's top-secret, classified information...'
"It was a mission to gather intel on the Cloud Village," Goro began. "There's been tension between the Leaf and the Cloud, and they wanted me to investigate."
Asuma frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Father wouldn't send a mere chunin on such a dangerous mission," he thought, suspicion creeping in.
Turning to Goro, Asuma asked directly, "Who sent you on the mission?"
Goro hesitated for a second before responding.
'Danzo is more of a secretive figure, but I guess Asuma already knows about him, as he is the Hokage's son. I have no reason to cover for Danzo anyway.'
Knowing that the answer would raise even more questions, Goro revealed the culprit's identity. "Danzo," he said plainly.
At the mention of the name, Asuma's expression grew more serious. Concern was written all over his face. "Danzo... this just got more complicated," Asuma pondered.
Shikamaru, who had been quiet until now, raised an eyebrow. "Who's Danzo?" he asked, his voice curious...
"He's... a secretive figure in the Leaf," Goro explained. "He's an elder of the village and operates outside the regular system."
Shikamaru's face shifted into a frown as he processed the information, while Asuma remained silent.
Sensing the shift in the mood after mentioning Danzo, Goro decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. "So, how are you guys doing in the Chunin Exams?" he asked, hoping to lighten the tone.
Ino's face lit up with excitement. "Oh! I made it to the final round! And guess what? I defeated that big-forehead Sakura," she said proudly, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
'I expected as much. Her stats far surpass whatever Sakura is capable of.'
Shikamaru, ever laid-back, chimed in next, "Somehow I made it to the finals too. Not sure how, though," he muttered, scratching his head. His nonchalant attitude betrayed the fact that he had won the match in a strategic manner, meticulously crafting his every move so that he could attain victory.
Meanwhile, Choji, sitting quietly, looked down at his plate with a disappointed expression. "I didn't make it," he said softly, his usual enthusiasm dampened. There was a sadness in his tone that made it clear he was still upset about not advancing.
Goro gave Choji a small nod. "There's always next time," he said, trying to offer some encouragement.
Choji quickly brightened up as he took another bite of the meat in front of him, causing him to forget his worries.
Asuma took a sip from his drink before asking, "The finals are next week. Do you plan to be there?"
Goro smirked slightly. "With my two teammates competing in the finals, how could I miss it?" he replied casually.
'Besides, I've got a meeting with a particular person who's going to be there.'
Asuma gave a satisfied nod, clearly pleased to hear Goro's response.
Tilting his head and resting it on his hand, Shikamaru began, "So you're a chunin now, huh?" Goro nodded, and Shikamaru continued, "That means we can't leech off your hard work anymore... Missions are going to be a pain..."
The group collectively laughed at Shikamaru's comment, including Asuma. Chiming into the conversation was Choji, "You know, you and Ino might end up as chunin too after this exam."
Asuma nodded and sighed, "Well, you'll still be doing missions together, just not all of them. Usually, genin stay with their jonin sensei for at least a year, but you guys seem really eager to move on!" Asuma joked.
"You're the one that signed us up!" Ino rebutted, causing the table to break out into laughter again.
The table went silent again, and the team began to reminisce on their time together. Although they would still do missions together from time to time, it felt like they were departing from one another.
Hitting two chopsticks against each other to gain the attention of the table, Goro cleared his throat and said, "Ino and Shikamaru are still yet to complete their exam and pass. There's no point thinking about these things when there is still the possibility of failure."
Ino's face grew determined, nodding at Goro. Shikamaru, on the other hand, just shrugged.
The group finished their meal and stood to leave. As they stepped out of Yakiniku Q, Ino lingered behind with Goro, choosing to walk with him through the bustling marketplace.
"So," Ino began, glancing at him. "How are you doing after that big mission?" she asked.
"I'm fine. It was tedious to complete, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle," Goro answered nonchalantly, a smile emerging on his face.
Ino smiled back softly. "Thanks for training me, by the way. I've gotten so much stronger because of you. Honestly, I thought Sakura would be an easier opponent, but she's stronger than I expected. If I hadn't trained with you, I might have lost."
Goro's mind wandered briefly.
'She didn't lose last time... but it ended in a draw, knocking her out of the exams.'
"You know, I didn't do much. You're the one that showed dedication by showing up to every training session," Goro replied.
'I seriously didn't do much. I would always pass out when we'd train together, so I really put in no effort.'
Ino chuckled and commented, "You should see your face when you train me. It's like your consciousness disappears, and you start giving orders like a robot."
Goro sighed and shrugged.
'The System probably takes over. That's slightly worrying. I have to ask about that sometime.'
As Goro continued walking through the marketplace with Ino, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.
'I'm being watched. Who could it be though? The Anbu...? The Root...? Sound ninja...? The Hokage has no reason to watch me, but after the mission I completed for Danzo, there's a possibility... Even so, I doubt the Hokage would do that. It's between Danzo's men and Sound ninja.'
Without directly looking in the direction he felt the eyes from, Goro kept the conversation with Ino going, maintaining his casual demeanor while staying aware of his surroundings.
'I'll have my answer by the end of the Chunin Exams final. For now, I've just got to move with more caution...'
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Reminder: We've hit target hit our first target, so there will be a double release next week Monday. For a Triple Release, let's hit 900 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 900 Powerstones!