Time passed swiftly, and soon it was August 1st, in just a few more days, the official matches of the final stage of the chunin exams would begin.
Over the past month, Haruma had spent nearly all his time with Karin. Such long, uninterrupted companionship was something he had never shared even with Ino or Hinata. His moments with Hinata were always brief, time snatched after missions, and because of her gentle and reserved personality, Haruma had never dared push too far.
This past month, however, Haruma had devoted entirely to training Karin. And his efforts bore remarkable fruit.
He soon realised that after even a few days apart, Karin's infatuation for him grew almost to madness. Much like Sakura's fawning over Sasuke, Karin would steal glances at his profile, cheeks flushed, the tiniest kindness from him sent her into delight. Were it not for her determination to maintain some semblance of ladylike restraint, Haruma was certain she would have leapt about the room or rolled across the floor in joy.
Satisfied with her transformation, Haruma left Karin at last. She clung to him reluctantly, but he promised that once the chunin exams were over, he would persuade his jonin instructor and then appeal to the Hokage himself to recommend her joining Konoha. Only then did he return to the village.
Next time he came back, it would likely be after the death of the Third Hokage when Haruma would finally make his great leap forward. The only regret was that Tsunade had not yet returned to Tanzaku Town during this period; otherwise, he could have introduced Karin to her early, saving trouble in the future.
Back in the village, Haruma began making his final preparations for the upcoming Konoha Crush, his chance to soar.
Time skipped ahead to August 7th.
On this day, the third stage of the chunin exams began.
The streets of Konoha were bustling. Wealthy merchants, nobles, and even ordinary citizens from across the Land of Fire had come to watch the matches. Among the five great shinobi villages, only the official chunin exam battles were public.
Academy graduation tests were dull and routine, while jonin assessments were highly secretive, covering all aspects of shinobi skill. Ordinary people could never witness such things.
Thus, for civilians, there were only two places to watch shinobi fight, the illicit arenas of the black market, where missing-nin and wandering warriors fought like pit fighters, or the official chunin exam finals of the Five Great Villages.
It was little wonder that this day felt almost like a festival.
Haruma woke early and went to the meeting place for Team 8, where he reunited with Hinata and Shino, whom he had not seen for a month.
"Hinata, long time no see. Your presence feels stronger," Haruma said, raising a hand in greeting as he studied her. Outwardly, she looked little changed, her appearance and clothing the same as before.
"L-long time no see, Haruma," she replied, lowering her head, voice trembling. She could not meet his eyes.
It wasn't shyness this time, it was excitement. After a month apart, Hinata's feelings for Haruma had only deepened. Day after day of grueling, high-pressure training under her father, paired with constant reminders that she must never bring shame to the clan, had made her brief moments of peace during baths or sleep. In those moments, her mind always drifted to memories of being alone with Haruma.
She recalled the time she had been drenched, cheeks burning at the memory, and how Haruma had distracted her embarrassment by patiently teaching her helpful sensory ninjutsu with a smile on his face and it was during that month that Hinata had come to one certain realization.
She liked Haruma. Truly.
So, even if her opponent was Ino, she would not back down.
Haruma, unaware of her thoughts, could not know that she had resolved her feelings, ready now to compete for him alongside her friend. If he did, he would surely be thrilled, proud that after six years of careful cultivation, the most difficult seed had finally sprouted.
Now, at last, that ambition had taken a great step forward.
After greeting Hinata and Shino, Haruma led them toward Konoha's arena.
The stands were already nearly full, the air alive with excitement. Even the VIP seats awaited only the arrival of the Third Hokage and the Fourth Kazekage. On the field, Gaara and his siblings were present, as were the members of Team 10.
"Haruma, Hinata, Shino, over here!"
Lively as always, Ino waved energetically when she spotted Team 8 entering.
Haruma raised a hand in response and guided his teammates toward her.
"It's been a month, I missed you so much, Haruma!"
The moment he approached, Ino threw herself into his arms without hesitation. Hinata did not grow jealous at the sight. Though she had resolved to compete with Ino, she bore no hostility toward her dearest friend. She would not let rivalry ruin their bond. Instead, she would compete fairly, and leave the final choice in Haruma's hands.
Whoever he chose, Hinata would just have to accept it.