Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at the front of the tower, his warm, authoritative presence commanding the attention of all the Genin who had passed the second exam. A proud smile graced his face as he addressed the assembled crowd. "Congratulations to all of you who made it through the Forest of Death! You have shown resilience and determination, qualities that every ninja should possess."
The room filled with murmurs of excitement and relief, but Hyuk's mind was elsewhere. He leaned against a wall, his thoughts drifting back to the taste of Anko, the way she had begged for more, the thrill of their encounter. He felt a grin creep onto his face, oblivious to the world around him as Hiruzen continued his speech.
Anko, standing nearby, caught Hyuk's gaze. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes, and she licked her lips seductively, teasing him with the promise of more to come. The sight sent a shiver of excitement through Hyuk, who couldn't help but appreciate her boldness. Their secret rendezvous hung in the air like an intoxicating fragrance, one that made the tension in the room palpable.
Sakura, standing a few feet away, noticed the subtle exchange. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she observed Anko's flirtation with Hyuk. "What is going on between them?" she muttered under her breath, trying to dismiss the nagging feeling in her gut. But her mind quickly darted to Hyuk's apparent preference for older women. Is he really that interested in Anko? she thought, frowning.
"Now, for the third exam," Hiruzen announced, his voice rising above the chatter. "It will take place in one month, and it will be a tournament-style competition. Each of you will face off against another Genin, and only the strongest will advance. I expect to see your utmost effort and determination in this next phase."
The excitement in the room intensified as the Genin buzzed with anticipation of the upcoming challenge. Hyuk, however, was still distracted, mentally replaying the moments he had shared with Anko. He could feel her eyes on him, her presence lingering like a flame igniting his darker desires.
"And remember," Hiruzen continued, his tone shifting to a more serious note, "the third exam will not only test your strength but your teamwork and strategy. You will face opponents who will do everything in their power to win. Keep your wits about you."
Anko smirked, still eyeing Hyuk with a seductive intensity, aware that he was lost in his own thoughts. The tension between them was undeniable, and she relished the effect she had on him.
Sakura shook her head, trying to focus on Hiruzen's words instead of the bizarre dynamic unfolding before her. Maybe it's just a phase, she thought, her cheeks flushing as she remembered the few times she had seen Hyuk with older women. But Anko? Her gaze flickered between the two of them, a mixture of confusion and frustration settling in her chest.
As Hiruzen wrapped up his speech, he offered one last piece of advice. "Be prepared, stay sharp, and most importantly, do not underestimate your opponents. The road ahead will be challenging, but I have faith in each of you."
With that, the meeting concluded, and the Genin began to disperse. Hyuk took a moment to revel in the atmosphere, his mind still lingering on the thrill of his encounter with Anko. He could feel the heat of her gaze on him, a silent promise that their paths would cross again soon.
Sakura glanced back at Hyuk and Anko, feeling an inexplicable tension between them that made her uneasy. Why is she so drawn to him? she wondered, shaking her head. What's wrong with me? am I attracted to my cousin?
As the crowd of Genin flowed out of the tower, excitement and uncertainty filled the air, and Hyuk's grin widened, eager for the challenges that lay ahead—both in the exams and in his ever-complicated interactions with the people around him.