Mikoto stood frozen in place, her heart pounding so hard that it felt as though it might leap straight out of her chest.
What she had just done replayed endlessly in her mind.
She had kissed him.
Not on the cheek by accident.
Not out of courtesy.
But a deliberate, impulsive kiss born from emotion she herself had yet to fully understand.
Even Mikoto was stunned by her own boldness.
Moments earlier, her mind had gone completely blank. She hadn't thought about consequences, propriety, or even how Aosui might react. Her body had simply moved on its own, following the warmth in her heart.
Now that the heat of the moment had faded, embarrassment rushed in like a tidal wave.
That was too impulsive…
Her fingers tightened slightly against the doorframe as doubt crept in.
What if he misunderstands?
What if he thinks I'm… improper?
Slowly, she raised her eyes and looked at Aosui.
What she saw wasn't rejection.
Nor was it amusement.
It was surprise.
Pure, unfiltered surprise.
Seeing that expression only made her blush deepen.
"This—this was just my way of returning the favor!" Mikoto said hurriedly, her voice flustered. "So don't overthink it!"
As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them.
They sounded defensive. Almost panicked.
Without waiting for a response, she turned sharply, reaching for the door, intending to retreat and hide until the embarrassment passed.
But before she could escape—
Her wrist was caught.
Warm fingers wrapped firmly, but gently, around her hand.
Mikoto froze.
"Aosui…?"
"This kind of return," Aosui said calmly, "isn't enough."
Before she could react, he pulled her toward him.
The sudden closeness stole her breath.
She could feel the warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, the faint scent of rain and metal that clung to him after the mission.
Then he lowered his head.
Their lips met.
"Mmm—!"
Mikoto's eyes widened in shock.
Her thoughts shattered completely.
This wasn't like the impulsive peck she had given him. This kiss was deeper, firmer, filled with an unmistakable intent that left her dizzy.
Her very first kiss.
Gone in an instant.
Yet strangely, there was no fear.
No resistance.
Only warmth.
Comfort.
A sense of being held, protected, and chosen.
Her body relaxed before her mind could catch up.
Slowly, clumsily at first, Mikoto responded.
Outside, rain continued to fall against the windows.
Inside the quiet room, time seemed to slow to a standstill.
---
The next morning, news spread quietly—but quickly—through the Ninja World.
Konoha's decision to host a Joint Chunin Exam had reached the ears of every major village.
To smaller ninja villages, the invitation was an honor.
Participation meant visibility, experience, and a chance for their young shinobi to prove themselves on a larger stage. Most accepted without hesitation.
But for the Five Great Ninja Villages, the matter was far more complicated.
Each saw the invitation through the lens of strategy, pride, and ambition.
---
Iwagakure
The stone walls of the Tsuchikage's office felt heavier than usual.
Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage, sat hunched over his desk, his aged body betraying none of the authority in his sharp gaze.
Across from him stood Kitsuchi.
Despite being only seventeen, Kitsuchi was already a fully qualified jōnin—a testament to his talent and discipline.
"Lord Tsuchikage," Kitsuchi said respectfully, "we've received Konoha's invitation for a joint Chunin Exam."
Ōnoki didn't even look up.
"Tch."
His displeasure was obvious.
"Do they really think I don't see through this?" Ōnoki scoffed. "This isn't an exam. It's a performance."
He finally raised his head, eyes cold.
"Konoha wants to parade its new generation in front of the world. Why should Iwagakure play the role of their backdrop?"
Kitsuchi hesitated.
"Then… should we refuse?"
"Of course," Ōnoki snapped. "Let Konoha boast on its own. We have no obligation to stroke their ego."
Despite his harsh tone, disappointment flickered briefly in his eyes.
Talent.
That was what Iwagakure lacked most right now.
Ōnoki sighed internally.
If only this village had another genius…
---
Sunagakure
The atmosphere in Sunagakure was far calmer.
The Third Kazekage reviewed the intelligence scroll quietly before turning to Rasa.
"What do you think?" he asked.
Rasa folded his arms.
"Our priority is recovery," he said bluntly. "Participating would only drain resources."
The Third Kazekage shook his head.
"Rasa, you're thinking too narrowly."
Rasa frowned.
"Sunagakure is weaker than the others," the Kazekage continued calmly. "That's the reality. Avoiding Konoha won't change that."
He stood.
"Konoha is the strongest village. Aligning with strength is survival."
Rasa opened his mouth to argue—but stopped.
"I've decided," the Third Kazekage said firmly. "You and Pakura will each lead a team."
Rasa stiffened.
"…Understood."
As Rasa left, the Kazekage watched him thoughtfully.
Power without perspective is dangerous, he thought.
---
Kirigakure
The Third Mizukage read the invitation once.
Then he discarded it.
"This has nothing to do with us," he said flatly.
The ANBU vanished without question.
In Kirigakure, orders were not debated.
---
Kumogakure
Unlike other leaders, the Third Raikage wasn't sitting behind a desk.
He was training.
Sweat rolled down his muscular frame as Dodai approached cautiously.
"Lord Raikage," Dodai said, presenting the scroll. "Konoha has invited us to a joint Chunin Exam."
The Raikage stopped moving.
His eyes sharpened.
"…Your opinion?"
Dodai didn't hesitate.
"We should participate."
The Raikage raised an eyebrow.
Dodai continued carefully, "This is the best opportunity we'll get."
An opportunity to move freely within Konoha.
An opportunity to reach Kushina Uzumaki.
The Raikage understood immediately.
After a moment of silence, he nodded.
"Very well."
The storm was coming.
And Konoha stood at its center.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)