"Sakura!"
The blonde boy and the dark-haired youth stood at the center of the path, waving at the pink-haired girl who had just stepped out of the house.
"Morning," Sakura greeted, stifling a yawn, and casually waved back at Naruto and Sasuke.
"Morning, Sakura... huh?"
"Your forehead?" Naruto, with his usual big grin, greeted her cheerfully but quickly noticed the purple diamond-shaped mark on Sakura's forehead, partially hidden by her pink bangs.
"Oh, this?" Sakura touched her forehead and smiled. "You'll know about it later, Naruto."
"Let's go. The Chūnin Exams are about to start. We shouldn't be late," the dark-haired boy remarked with a glance at Sakura.
After spending time together, Sasuke had slowly begun to accept his two teammates. The cold indifference in his pitch-black eyes had softened noticeably.
As they arrived at the entrance of the Chūnin Exam venue, a blur of movement launched itself toward Sakura.
"Sakura! It's been so long! Did you miss me?"
The blonde girl with sandy-colored hair wrapped herself around Sakura, burying her face in her scent. Her eyes, curved into crescent moons, gleamed with joy.
"Of course, I missed you, Ino," Sakura replied warmly, gently patting Ino's back before motioning for her to let go.
The first round of the Chūnin Exams was a written test. While the venue was on the second floor, many examinees lingered on the first floor, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Though Sakura didn't mind the attention, the same couldn't be said for Ino's team, the famed Ino-Shika-Chō trio. Especially Shikamaru, who would undoubtedly complain about the fuss.
"Seriously... can't you be a little less flashy?"
Sure enough, Shikamaru scratched his head and sighed, approaching them with Chōji in tow.
"Naruto, want some?" Chōji smiled and offered his bag of chips.
"Barbecue-flavored chips! My favorite!" Naruto's eyes sparkled as he eagerly reached into Chōji's bag.
"Ah... such a drag..." Shikamaru muttered, shaking his head in exasperation as he glanced at Sasuke, silently hoping for some camaraderie.
Sasuke, however, merely returned his gaze with a stoic look, offering no sympathy.
Why did I even think I'd find an ally in this guy? Hanging around Chōji and Ino must be making me dumb, Shikamaru thought, heaving a resigned sigh.
"Alright, enough catching up. Ino, let's head to the exam room," Sakura said, ruffling Ino's hair.
"Mm! I'll follow Sakura's lead!" Ino beamed and nodded eagerly.
Suddenly, a figure clad in a green bodysuit, with thick eyebrows and a distinctive bowl cut, blocked their path.
"Excuse me, are you Haruno Sakura?"
It was Rock Lee.
Sakura's relaxed expression froze immediately.
If her memory served her right…
"What's with the bowl cut? What do you want with Sakura?" Ino asked, perplexed.
Rock Lee, however, seemed flustered. His face turned pink, and he fidgeted shyly.
"I-I am Rock Lee. P-please go out with me!" he declared, bowing at a perfect ninety-degree angle.
!!!
Everyone around them froze in disbelief.
"What?!"
"Hey, you thick-browed weirdo, don't even think about it!" Naruto burst out, glaring daggers at Lee.
Even Sasuke's sharp gaze turned menacing as he glanced at Rock Lee.
"For once, I agree with Naruto!" Ino chimed in, crossing her arms indignantly.
"Please believe me! My feelings for Sakura are genuine!" Lee proclaimed, tears streaming down his face as he seemed to relive some imaginary romantic moment.
Sakura: ...
When did that happen? I don't remember anything like that!
"You've gone too far, you weirdo!" Naruto lunged at Rock Lee, fists clenched.
Thud!
A pale hand intercepted Naruto's punch, simultaneously blocking Rock Lee's path.
The newcomer had long, dark hair and calm, milky white eyes. His gaze wasn't on Naruto but on Sakura behind him.
"Long time no see, Sakura," Neji Hyūga said evenly.
"Long time no see, Neji-senpai," Sakura replied, her tone composed as she met his gaze.
"We were too forward. I apologize on Lee's behalf." Neji bowed slightly.
With that, ignoring Lee's protests, Neji firmly dragged him away, followed by Tenten.
Upstairs in the exam hall, Sakura quickly scanned the room and spotted a red-haired figure in a corner.
Those crimson eyes were locked on her, unblinking.
Sakura cleared her throat and gestured discreetly, winking at Karin as she passed.
Naruto scratched his head, watching Sakura's subtle actions with a puzzled look.
Before he could dwell on it, a silver-haired, bespectacled figure approached the group...
Ignoring Kabuto's theatrics behind her, Sakura made her way toward Karin, who had been in her thoughts since last night.
The closer Sakura got, the faster Karin's heartbeat raced.
After Sakura had left the previous night, Karin had replayed everything in her mind.
A stranger barging in at night, taking more than half her chakra without permission, and leaving with a casual promise to take her along someday—it screamed irresponsible.
But now, as that same pink-haired girl approached her with a playful smile, Karin's heart betrayed her.
A familiar hand rested on her head, and that voice, equal parts gentle and teasing, whispered in her ear:
"So cute, Karin..."
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