After a satisfying meal, Gekko Chizan watched the affectionate scene between Minato Namikaze and Kushina beside him and felt his mouth twitch.
"Pakura, I think we should get going home soon, don't you?"
Pakura had seen what was happening too; she nodded. A woman's instinct told her it was time to leave and let those two have the night to themselves.
"Minato, can you still walk home?"
"No, I'll walk you out."
Gekko Chizan watched Minato getting more and more heated — he really feared Minato turning into some street prince; that would be... well, problematic.
As a close friend he couldn't be that cruel. Absolutely not.
"What? Chizan, are you doubting me?"
"I can walk, and I can walk in a straight line too!"
With that Minato put on a goofy swagger, then looked proudly back at the three people behind him. Huh? Why had it become six people?
Seeing more and more figures, he felt a little annoyed.
"Seriously, do you have to do this? Are you using Shadow Clone to test me?"
"I'm not drunk! I'm perfectly fine!"
"Look at how straight I walk!"
Gekko Chizan shook his head — he really couldn't bear it anymore; Pakura felt the same.
This was ridiculous. Minato was completely numbed by the alcohol; he couldn't even tell how many people there were.
Shadow Clones? They didn't even use any — and Pakura couldn't use Shadow Clone either!
"Hahaha, Minato, you must be seeing things; I didn't use Shadow Clones!"
"It was obviously that bastard Gekko Chizan using clones — I can walk straight too!"
Kushina's hearty laugh nearly made Gekko Chizan jump. Kushina's voice was already loud; after a few drinks it got even louder.
It was like a roaring lion.
"Alright, I really can't take it anymore."
Gekko Chizan scratched his head, then grabbed Kushina with one hand and Minato with the other.
Under Pakura's watch, a Flying Thunder God Technique made someone vanish from the spot, and in the blink of an eye they were back.
But when they left there were three of them; when they came back there was only one.
"Sent them back?"
"Yeah, I really couldn't take it. Let's go back too, alright? Heh heh heh heh..."
He suddenly pulled Pakura into his arms, and the Flying Thunder God Technique activated again.
The night was enchanting — and the beauty in his arms was even more so.
What exactly happened that night between Minato Namikaze and Kushina, apart from Gekko Chizan and Pakura, no one knew.
...A month later, the two of them had officially confirmed their relationship and were even discussing a wedding date.
After all, that night — spurred on by medicinal wine — the last thin layer of restraint had been pierced.
Time flew by, and the Chūnin Exams were approaching.
Ninjas from several nearby villages had already arrived at Konoha Village, including the ninja of Takigakure led by Konan.
And the person responsible for receiving them was Gekko Chizan.
At the village gate, Gekko Chizan looked at the dust-covered Konan and Yugito and couldn't help but smile.
"Yo, Konan, Yugito."
"Welcome to Konoha Village."
Yugito gave her teacher a look, then followed Konan and walked into Konoha together with Gekko Chizan.
"There are quite a few people taking part in the Chūnin Exams this time."
Gekko Chizan glanced at Takigakure's contingent — indeed there were many people: teams of three, five teams in total.
Yugito's companions were two promising-looking young men.
"Yeah, the village has stabilized now."
"We'll talk about those things later."
Gekko Chizan gave Konan a knowing look; she nodded instinctively. After all, they were in Konoha — some matters should remain discreet.
This Chūnin Exam was a large-scale event, involving five ninja villages: Konoha, Takigakure, Amegakure, Yugakure, and Kusagakure.
Arriving at the dormitories arranged for the examinees, both Gekko Chizan and Konan's gazes fell on Amegakure's delegation.
"Chizan, why is Amegakure..."
A flash of displeasure crossed Konan's eyes as she lowered her voice to ask Gekko Chizan.
Gekko Chizan could only shake his head helplessly; as always he said, "I'll tell you later."
"This is the dorm the village has arranged. Let the ninja rest."
"You need to come with me to see the Hokage-sama."
Konan nodded, as Takigakure's team leader she had to make an appearance.
The two then headed toward the Hokage Building.
When they arrived at the hall there were already many people inside — all the representatives Gekko Chizan had informed from the other villages.
Including Gekko Chizan there were ten people in total, all jonin in the village.
For example Aburame Shibi, Inuzuka Tsume and others.
The rest were the team-leader jonin from the other villages.
"Hey, Chizan, you're here. Takigakure sent quite a group this time."
They were all acquaintances. Gekko Chizan nodded naturally. Soon the Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, appeared and explained the rules of this Chūnin Exam.
The exam was divided into two parts: individual and team competitions.
In three days the team competition would begin.
"As for examiners, besides the team-leader jonin from each village..."
"Konoha Village will also select five elite jonin to serve as examiners."
"They are: Gekko Chizan."
"Minato Namikaze."
"Uchiha Fugaku."
"Hyuga Hiashi."
"Nara Shikoku."
Gekko Chizan shook his head helplessly — he knew he couldn't get out of it. Sigh.
And Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression... it always gave him the feeling of being devoured.
Wasn't it just about taking one crystal ball from him? He clearly had a big stockpile. Tch, stingy.
...That evening, Gekko Chizan glanced at the risen moon and a Flying Thunder God Technique made him vanish from the spot.
Soon outside Konoha Village, Gekko Chizan looked at Konan and Yugito and smiled faintly.
"Hmph, that absent-minded teacher always makes people come out at night, it's so annoying. Now I can't go to the hot springs."
"Alright, Yugito, don't be stubborn."
Konan smiled lightly at Yugito's displeased face.
Gekko Chizan indicated he had no choice either.
"Konan, Amegakure participating in the Chūnin Exams this time wasn't the Hokage's idea — it was recommended by Orochimaru of the Hidden Village's dark faction."
"He has connections with Amegakure, he pushed hard and invited Amegakure to participate."
Konan's brow slightly furrowed. Orochimaru...
The higher-ups in Konoha actually had ties with Amegakure... That matter with Nagato...
"Nagato's situation probably isn't related to him. After all, if he knew about the Rinnegan, he would do everything to seize it."
"Amegakure sent a sizeable contingent: three jonin and eighteen genin."
"If it comes to a fight, Yugito..."
Yugito grinned, an air of confidence emanating from her.
"Don't worry, I'll beat them until they can't take care of themselves!"