Jiraiya, the perennial playboy who thrived in the company of flirtatious women, had no idea what Tsunade truly needed at this moment. In front of someone she cared about, he couldn't even muster a single comforting word.
It was strange. In an izakaya, he could endlessly crack lewd jokes, sending every woman around into fits of laughter. But now, watching Ran and Tsunade whisper intimately, side by side, he felt completely powerless.
Why did it have to turn out like this…?
For the first time, he had someone he genuinely liked. Someone he could consider a lifelong teammate and friend. Two kinds of happiness overlapped, and both should have brought Jiraiya joy, like some dreamlike bliss. Yet… why did it feel wrong? He had been here first—he should have been the one supporting Tsunade. He should have been the teammate, the friend, the comfort she turned to in her darkest moments.
But Ran… Ran seemed to do it effortlessly. Shoulder to shoulder, whispering, so familiar, so natural. When had they become so close? How had this little brat gotten so good at comforting her? Jiraiya's chest burned with confusion and frustration.
He didn't understand that when Tsunade had lost Shigure and Dan, she had become emotionally fragile. She craved comfort, support, and connection. In those moments, physical gestures and caring words mattered more than anything.
But Jiraiya, who quietly stayed nearby without showing his feelings, could only ever remain the backup of a backup. A backup who might one day watch Tsunade happily married, smile knowingly, and remember the one who never dared to pursue her.
Ran was different. When Tsunade's past haunted her, he showed genuine warmth and empathy, listened without judgment, and offered support when she most needed it. That night—the raw vulnerability, the shared nudity, the passionate kiss—they had forged a connection that was sincere, gentle, and profoundly human.
It wasn't about Ran being shameless or opportunistic. His kindness, attentiveness, and instinctive comfort were his nature. He didn't dwell on her pain; instead, he gently guided her forward, offering encouragement and actionable support.
Through this, Tsunade's heart gradually opened, and her trust in him grew. His presence became a quiet anchor, one she could rely on.
"Thank you, Ran… I'm alright now," Tsunade said softly, her voice steadying. She ruffled his hair affectionately. "And you're only fourteen… yet you already know how to make a woman feel at ease. No wonder so many girls like you."
Ran, unused to the teasing, only nodded quickly and excused himself, heading toward the exam preparation grounds. Today's Chūnin Exams would see Ben, Akane, and even Orochimaru present—better to arrive early.
The written portion had been completed days ago, and those who passed were now ready for the final elimination rounds. Matches would be determined by drawing lots.
Because this was a joint Chūnin Exam, spectator seats had been arranged for officials, merchants, nobles, tourists, and civilians. Everyone was eager to witness the skills and diverse techniques of the visiting ninja.
The Eighth Arena drew particular attention. Here, members of the Uchiha clan would compete. Everyone was curious to see the power of their Sharingan.
While the Hyūga's Byakugan offered incredible long-range battlefield awareness—able to detect enemy movement kilometers away and plan traps—no one wanted to face a fully awakened Uchiha with three-tomoe Sharingan.
Even the most skilled ninjas could be neutralized by an Uchiha's insight. Subtle movements and carefully laid traps could be read in an instant. With Sharingan, your jutsu and taijutsu could be copied, letting the Uchiha fight evenly while waiting for reinforcements.
And the greatest danger? Genjutsu. Three-tomoe Sharingan illusions had historically turned the tide of countless battles, manipulating opponents in critical moments.
The Chūnin Exams began, and from the very first round, Ran demonstrated overwhelming mastery.
He immediately ensnared his opponent in genjutsu, plunging them into chaos and illusion, then struck with precise kenjutsu, ending the fight effortlessly.
Round after round—second, third, and beyond—Ran dispatched his opponents with astonishing ease. Cheers erupted from the spectators, and the Third Hokage formally acknowledged Ran's victory, advancing him to Chūnin rank.
As for Jonin promotion, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't in a hurry. He wanted Ran to accomplish more missions, to contribute further to Konoha before earning that title.
But even the best-laid plans are subject to the chaos of the world. Unbeknownst to Konoha, Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure had already executed a silent, long-range assault into the Land of Fire.
The coordinated strike succeeded. At the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning, Namikaze Minato immediately blocked the Kumo forces and relayed reports. Meanwhile, the Sand and Stone ninjas annihilated Konoha's border patrols and pushed deep into the heart of the Land of Fire.
The Chūnin Exams were no longer just a test—they were about to become a battlefield of life and death.