The Third Raikage, A, listened carefully as Dodai finished speaking.
When the report ended, the massive man let out a low hum of approval.
Dodai's proposal aligned perfectly with his own instincts.
This joint Chunin Exam was indeed a rare opportunity—one that might not present itself again for decades.
Kumogakure had always sought ways to probe Konoha's defenses, but rarely did such a legitimate excuse arise, one that allowed their shinobi to openly enter the Leaf Village without arousing suspicion.
The Third Raikage wasted no time dwelling on hesitation.
He was decisive by nature.
"Very well," he said in a deep voice. "But if we're sending people, they cannot embarrass Kumogakure."
His sharp gaze shifted toward Dodai.
"Even if our true goal lies elsewhere, our participants must dominate the exams."
Kumogakure had never hidden its ambition.
Among the Five Great Ninja Villages, they viewed Konoha as their greatest rival—the mountain they intended to climb and surpass.
Losing face on Konoha's home ground was unacceptable.
Dodai nodded, having already anticipated the Raikage's concerns.
"I recommend sending B as a participant," he said calmly. "Troy will act as the jōnin squad leader. When the time is right, A can move in to provide backup."
The names carried weight.
"B" was none other than Killer B, the young jinchūriki of the Eight-Tails.
Though still young, his combat ability already exceeded that of ordinary chūnin by a wide margin.
As for "A," he was the Raikage's son—the future Fourth Raikage—whose raw power and lightning-fast reflexes were unmatched among his peers.
Together, they would eventually become the infamous AB Combo, a duo feared across the ninja world.
Even now, their potential was terrifying.
Dodai continued, "With this lineup, Kumogakure will not lose face. At the same time, we will have enough strength to carry out the operation."
The Third Raikage nodded slowly.
"I agree."
But after a brief pause, he added, "Dodai, you will accompany A when the time comes."
Dodai stiffened slightly, then bowed his head.
"I understand."
The Raikage knew his son well.
A was powerful—but impulsive.
Without someone like Dodai to restrain him, mistakes were inevitable.
And this mission allowed no mistakes.
---
Meanwhile, in the Land of Rain…
Qingshui remained blissfully unaware that the ninja world was beginning to stir.
He had no idea that Konoha was preparing to host a joint Chunin Exam, nor that multiple great villages were already plotting beneath the surface.
In the days following their first mission, life in the Land of Rain settled into a rare calm.
Qingshui continued taking Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato on assignments.
This time, there were no ambushes.
No hidden masterminds.
No rogue jōnin interfering.
Each mission went smoothly, and with every task, the three youngsters grew more composed, more efficient, and more confident.
They were no longer reckless novices.
They were becoming true ninja.
Before long, both Mikoto and Jiraiya had fully recovered from their injuries.
What was meant to be a simple C-rank mission had stretched into more than half a month.
They had clashed with Hanzo of the Salamander—the so-called "Demigod."
Even Jiraiya, who would one day become a legendary novelist, doubted he could convincingly write something so absurd.
As they prepared to leave, Jiraiya gathered the three orphans and spoke solemnly.
"Konan. Yahiko. Nagato."
The trio straightened instinctively.
"You all possess exceptional talent," Jiraiya said. "I hope that the next time we meet, you'll stand before me as outstanding ninja."
Konan clutched Qingshui's hand, reluctant to let go.
"Take care, Brother Qingshui," she said softly. "When I get the chance, I'll come to Konoha and find you."
Yahiko grinned and raised his thumb confidently.
"Don't slack off, Brother Qingshui! One day, I'll surpass you!"
Nagato said nothing at first.
Then, after a brief pause, he bowed slightly.
"Thank you… for everything you taught us. I will never forget it."
Qingshui smiled.
---
At the Gates of Konoha
The familiar sight of Konoha's massive gates filled everyone with relief.
"We're finally back," Mukai Yuuki muttered. "That place rains nonstop. I swear, it's like the sky is cursed."
The others nodded in agreement.
Over half a month in the Land of Rain, there had been only two days without rain—and even those had been gloomy.
"Alright," Jiraiya said. "Let's submit the mission report. After that, you're all dismissed."
Once the formalities were complete, Minato and the others departed.
Qingshui, however, remained behind.
He reached out and gently took Mikoto's hand.
Ever since that night, she no longer pulled away.
"How about dinner?" he asked casually. "Then maybe a movie."
Movies existed in the ninja world, though their quality left much to be desired.
If he were alone, Qingshui wouldn't even consider it.
But with Mikoto?
That was different.
Mikoto smiled softly.
"That sounds nice," she said. "But I want to go home and take a shower first. I feel awful after traveling so long."
She paused, then added, "Let's meet at Ichiraku Ramen later."
Qingshui grinned mischievously.
"I need a shower too. We could go together—I can scrub your back."
Mikoto's face instantly turned crimson.
She lightly punched his chest.
"Idiot!"
Though their relationship had advanced, that line remained uncrossed.
"See you later," she said quickly, fleeing before he could tease her further.
Qingshui laughed and shook his head.
---
The Weapon Shop
Instead of heading home, Qingshui made a detour to a weapon shop.
After all, Konan and the others had gifted him a piece of chakra metal.
"Welcome," the shop owner said. "Looking for ninja tools?"
"I want to incorporate this chakra metal into my blade," Qingshui replied, placing both items on the counter.
The owner inspected them carefully.
"It's possible," he said. "But forging orders are backed up. Half a month at best—maybe a full month."
"That's fine," Qingshui replied. "Just do it properly."
After paying the deposit, he finally headed home.
---
Ichiraku Ramen
By the time Qingshui arrived, Mikoto was already there.
He froze for half a second.
She had changed into a fitted casual dress that accentuated her figure perfectly.
The necklace he had given her rested delicately against her collarbone.
Below her short skirt, her legs were smooth and pale, drawing more than a few glances from passersby.
Qingshui's eyes sparkled.
Taking her hand, he led her inside.
"Two bowls of tonkotsu char siu ramen," he said.
"Coming right up!" Teuchi replied cheerfully.
After dinner, they went to the cinema.
The movie was a cliché romantic adventure—hero saves princess, defeats villain, declares loyalty.
Qingshui found it painfully predictable.
Mikoto, however, watched intently.
When the hero declared, "I will never abandon my comrades," her heart trembled.
It reminded her of Qingshui's words when they faced Hanzo.
Moved, she leaned in and kissed him.
Qingshui blinked in surprise—then smiled.
By the time they left the cinema, night had fully fallen.
And just outside—
They ran into Tsunade, stepping out of a casino.
---
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)