As dawn began to break over Konohagakure, the first hints of light filtered through people's windows.
Save for Suguru's, of course. His laboratory did not have windows, as it was trapped underground.
Even before sunrise, Suguru stirred from his slumber. His mind already raced with thoughts of what lay ahead.
He wasn't given much time to prepare to proctor for the Chuunin Exams, and he could already predict the weight of expectations that hung heavy in the air.
Especially for the young genin out there.
"Huaaa~"
After that night of sleep, Suguru felt as if he had been reset. His body was rejuvenated and ready for action. He quickly rose from his chair, stretching his limbs to shake off any lingering fatigue.
Suguru moved, choosing which of his notes to bring and organizing the various scrolls in his pockets. With the ideas he currently harbored and the resources at his disposal, perhaps the Chuunin Exams were going to progress in unexpected ways.
"Hehe, indeed… I might just become some kind of terror proctor, no?"
As Suguru rolled up a particularly detailed scroll on advanced Fuinjutsu techniques, he couldn't help but feel a chill of excitement coursing through him.
Thus.
Suguru took a deep breath, grounding himself in the present moment before turning toward the door.
His footsteps echoed softly against the stone floor as he stepped out.
The village was quiet at this hour; most villagers were still asleep or preparing for their day ahead.
Suguru enjoyed this small tranquility. It provided him with a rare opportunity to gather his thoughts without distraction.
This fact was especially evident since he had no intention of using the Body Flicker Jutsu to move about.
He made his way to Hiruzen's office at a snail's pace, realizing that maybe his earlier thoughts were too much.
"…Hmmmmm,"
Suguru recalled their last conversation as he walked. The old Hokage's wisdom mingled with an underlying concern about Danzo's machinations.
It wasn't super obvious, but Hiruzen's mention of being short-staffed was indicative.
"Could it be…?" He muttered to himself, deep in thought.
As he approached Hiruzen's office door, Suguru could feel anticipation building within him. He was ready to present his ideas regarding the Chuunin Exams.
'It's going to be a chance to test shinobi psychology, which I haven't delved into as much as I'd hoped.'
Expectantly, Suguru raised his hand to knock on the door. But before he could knock, however, a realization occurred to him.
The silence around him was a little too silent.
"Wait,"
He was standing outside the Hokage's office, his hand hovering just above the door. When he glanced at the sun still beneath the horizon, a realization struck him.
It was still dark out.
Moreover, he had neglected breakfast and Hiruzen's waking times.
With a sigh of mild amusement, Suguru decided to set aside his plans for now. A full stomach would sharpen his focus and ensure he was at his best.
…Actually, it was just that he suddenly craved Ichiraku Ramen.
Turning on his heel, he navigated through the winding streets of Konohagakure, his stomach grumbling with expectation.
—Chirp, chirp.
Early birds were catching the early worms, and people were slowly stirring into awakening.
Indeed. The village had begun to stir; shopkeepers were setting up their stalls, and children were starting to trickle out onto the streets in search of adventure before their lessons began.
Suguru made his way toward a familiar street that always felt welcoming. It had been a while since he had last been here.
The warm aroma of cooking broth wafted through the air, enticing him further as he approached the white curtains, where a cozy atmosphere emanated from within.
Teuchi and Ayame were warming up the stoves for a day of work.
'Good times,' Suguru thought to himself with a smile, reminded of just a few months ago, as well as the years before he appeared in this world.
To think he could taste something that had once only existed in black and white pages.
"Hm?"
As he approached, he suddenly noticed a familiar figure walking down the street.
It was Sasuke.
***
Suguru stepped into Ichiraku Ramen, and a familiar warmth enveloped him.
The comforting aroma of broth and spices wafted beyond the curtains and through the air, drawing him closer to the counter where Teuchi and Ayame bustled about.
However, Suguru held his hunger down.
After all, it was not just the food that caught his attention; it was Sasuke walking outside, his expression a mixture of surprise and mild annoyance the moment he spotted Suguru.
Sasuke paused mid-step, his dark eyes narrowing slightly.
"You," he said, voice steady but laced with curiosity. "…Where have you been?"
Suguru smirked inwardly at Sasuke's demeanor. That classic, blunt, and haughty tone was something he had grown up with, both metaphorically and literally.
Suguru shrugged with nonchalance.
"I was busy with some research," he replied, watching as Sasuke's brows furrowed in response. "What about you, Sasuke-nii?"
"I've been training," Sasuke stated flatly, still walking towards Suguru. "I've gotten pretty strong,"
Suguru observed Sasuke's movements. Tense, yet poised. As if every muscle was coiled tight in preparation for an unseen battle. The determination radiating off him was palpable.
Despite that, Suguru tilted his head and conveyed his question to the other party with eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Like a cat asking for treats.
"…"
Sasuke recognized this head tilt very well. After all, even his teammate, Hyuga Mitsuko, had the same habit. Most likely having come from Suguru himself.
"The Chuunin Exams are coming up soon," Sasuke answered Suguru's silent question, "I need to be ready."
"Ah, of course, of course," Suguru replied casually, though inside he felt a pang of smug excitement. "How ready are you?"
'This version of Sasuke has diverged further from the original… I wonder if he will still go rogue after all this?' Suguru thought.
After all, the Chuunin Exams were an opportunity for many stories to advance.
It was a necessary path in life.
…And a chance for all genin to prove themselves and gain recognition among their peers and superiors alike.
Sasuke clicked his tongue when he heard Suguru's question.
"Very ready."
He had always been driven by rivalry. First, it had been for revenge against Itachi, and now it was against anyone who dared challenge him within Konoha's ranks.
"I'll be stronger than ever," he declared, as if trying to convince himself more than anyone else.
Suguru watched him closely, noting how fiercely Sasuke clung to this notion of strength as if it were a lifeline.
"Good luck then," Suguru said lightly, his smile hiding a little mischief.
As if to say,
'I can't wait to see your face when you learn of my status as a jounin.'
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