---
The massive toad erupted from the forest floor, its cavernous mouth snapping shut where Nohara Rin had been standing a heartbeat before.
"Rin!"
Kurenai's voice cracked with panic as she lunged forward, but she was too slow.
A flash of lightning split the air. Hanekawa materialized between the toad and certain death, scooping Rin into his arms and launching himself backward in one fluid motion. Her scream caught in her throat as she found herself cradled against his chest, his grip secure and steady.
Of course. The underground ambush. Why did I not account for that? Hanekawa's mind raced even as his body moved. Perception ninjutsu is my weak point. Noted for next time.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Kurenai had already pivoted, her hands flying through seals with impressive speed. Water erupted from the ground, coalescing into a serpentine dragon that crashed toward the toad with devastating force. The creature shrieked and launched itself skyward, retaliating with a massive water sphere that nearly caught Kurenai off-guard.
She flickered backward, the projectile exploding behind her in a shower of spray.
"Water Style: Water Bullet!"
Her counterattack was immediate and precise—a barrage of water bullets that forced the toad to dodge frantically. It was too large, too slow. One of the bullets caught its flank, and it screamed in pain.
Hanekawa glanced down at the girl in his arms. Rin's eyes were squeezed shut, her small hands gripping his shirt with surprising strength. Her legs, clad in dark red over-the-knee socks, were pressed tightly together as she trembled.
"It's okay, Rin," he said quietly.
At the sound of his voice, her eyes fluttered open. For a moment, she just stared at him, her brown eyes wide and vulnerable. Then awareness seemed to crash over her all at once. She released his shirt like it had burned her, scrambling out of his arms with a small sound of embarrassment.
"Thank you... thank you..." she stammered, her face flushing crimson as she fussed with her pink skirt, refusing to meet his eyes.
First time being held by a boy her age. In an emergency, no less. Poor kid's probably going to replay this moment for weeks. Hanekawa suppressed a smile and turned his attention back to the battle.
He moved in an instant, appearing beside Kurenai just as the toad prepared another assault.
"I surrender!" the toad croaked immediately, its massive form trembling. "You guys go. Please."
It was already struggling against Kurenai alone. Adding Hanekawa to the equation would be a slaughter.
"No!" Kurenai's eyes flashed with righteous anger. "You almost ate Rin!"
"I don't eat people," the toad protested, shaking its head. "I was only trying to scare her. I'm from Myoboku Mountain. I only eat insects."
Hanekawa grabbed Kurenai's wrist before she could escalate further. "Let it go. We're wasting time."
The toad didn't need to be told twice. It bounded away into the forest with impressive speed for something so massive.
"Rin, are you hurt?" Kurenai rushed to check on her, her anger already transforming into concern.
"I'm fine," Rin said softly, glancing at Hanekawa. "Thanks to Hanekawa."
"Good. Then let's move." Kurenai's competitive fire reignited instantly. "We're going to win first place!"
The three of them resumed their sprint through the Death Forest.
---
Two hours later, they emerged into the clearing where Jiraiya waited, and Hanekawa immediately confirmed what he already knew: no other teams had arrived.
"We're first!" Kurenai pumped her fist in triumph.
"Congratulations," Jiraiya said, clapping his hands together. "You handled the toad encounters perfectly. Well done."
"Thank you, Uncle Jiraiya," Hanekawa replied with a polite smile.
"The third stage rules will be announced once all seven teams arrive," Jiraiya continued. "For now, rest."
Before Hanekawa could respond, the forest erupted with activity.
"YOUTH CHARGE!" Might Guy burst through the trees like a green tornado, his teeth gleaming in the sunlight.
Kakashi followed behind him with characteristic stoicism, his expression suggesting he'd already accepted defeat.
"First place is ours!" Obito shouted excitedly, his Uchiha pride on full display.
Then he saw them.
His face went white. Then red. Then something in between.
Ah. There's the death flag I was waiting for, Hanekawa thought with mild amusement.
Kakashi merely shook his head, unsurprised. Guy, however, seemed energized by the loss—already muttering about how he'd win next time, his springtime of youth undimmed.
Asuma arrived moments later with Shisui and Shizune, all three looking thoroughly exhausted and thoroughly defeated.
"As expected, Hanekawa-senpai," Shisui said with a good-natured smile.
"It was just barely—" Asuma started.
"You lost," Kurenai said cheerfully.
Asuma's eye twitched. Six years. Not a single victory. Not even in team competitions.
"Rin?" Obito called out, waving his hand in front of her face. "You okay?"
Rin blinked, as if surfacing from deep water. "What? Yes, I'm fine, Obito."
But her gaze kept drifting back to Hanekawa, and a faint blush lingered on her cheeks.
She's definitely going to be thinking about that rescue for a while, Hanekawa observed. Great. Another complication.
---
Two hours later, all seven teams had assembled. Twenty-one candidates total, most bearing various injuries from their encounters with Jiraiya's toads. The creatures had been carefully selected to match each team's strength—a training exercise disguised as an exam.
Except for Hanekawa's team, of course. Finding a toad that could challenge them would have required a Jonin-level summon, and Jiraiya had no desire to face Tsunade's wrath.
"Congratulations!" Jiraiya announced loudly. "You seven teams will proceed to the third stage—individual combat. The only rule is victory!"
"When do we start?" Guy asked eagerly.
"Three days from now, in Konoha," Jiraiya said. "The second stage ends here. Dismissed!"
The crowd dispersed quickly, eager to rest and recover.
"Hanekawa, thank you for today," Rin said softly, stepping forward. She still wouldn't quite meet his eyes.
"You already thanked me," he replied, turning to face her. "No need to repeat yourself."
She flushed deeper and looked away, her hands fidgeting with her skirt.
"Should we head home or find Teacher Tsunade?" Kurenai tugged at his sleeve, her eyes flickering between Hanekawa and Rin with obvious curiosity.
"We'll report to the teacher," Hanekawa decided.
Kurenai nodded and started walking, pausing just long enough to give Rin a meaningful look before moving on. Rin followed, still blushing furiously.
---
Tsunade was sprawled on her sofa when they arrived, flipping through television channels with the boredom of someone who'd exhausted all entertainment options.
"First place?" she asked without looking up.
"Naturally!" Kurenai announced proudly.
"Good." Tsunade finally glanced at them. "When's the third stage?"
"Three days," Hanekawa said, settling into a chair across from her. "Do you have a training plan?"
Tsunade shook her head. "Three days isn't enough for serious training. Better to rest and recover your energy."
"Agreed," Hanekawa said, looking at Rin and Kurenai. "You two should head home."
The girls exchanged a glance and left without protest, though Rin cast one last look back at Hanekawa before disappearing out the door.
"They go. You stay," Tsunade said suddenly.
"Yes, Teacher."
Once they were alone, Hanekawa raised an eyebrow. "Casino?"
Tsunade's expression flickered—caught. "..."
"Can't?" he asked innocently.
She uncurled from the sofa with sudden energy, her feet hitting the ground. "Why not?" She grabbed his hand before he could answer, already pulling him toward the door.
"Wait," Hanekawa said, tugging her back. "It's snowing. You'll need a coat."
Tsunade stopped, watching him walk toward her bedroom. For a moment, she just stood there, a strange expression crossing her face.
This kid's finally growing up, she thought, a small smile playing at her lips.
---
Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi held the latest volume of "The Healer's Redo Life" and sighed contentedly. It had been far too long since Rai Kaen released new work.
The window suddenly burst open.
"What are you reading?" Jiraiya demanded, flipping through with characteristic lack of grace. "Is that the crystal ball again? When are you going to let me use it?"
Hiruzen quickly tucked the book away. "When you become Hokage."
"That's not spying, that's—"
"Inspection," Hiruzen interrupted firmly. "Official Hokage business."
Jiraiya snorted. "Hokage sounds like too much work. Ask Tsunade or Orochimaru."
Hiruzen ignored the comment. "How did the exam proceed?"
Jiraiya tossed a scroll onto the desk. "All here."
Hiruzen unrolled it, scanning the results. A satisfied smile crossed his face. "Hanekawa, first place. As expected."
He'd been watching that boy's progress with great interest. The child had potential that went far beyond his years—potential that needed careful nurturing, away from certain... interested parties.
Danzo would be furious about this exam's results. Good.