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A few days passed, and the Konoha Chūnin Exams finally began. The first stage was the written exam.
Hinata and Karin participated, teamed up with Neji Hyūga, representing Kirigakure in this exam.
“I really don’t understand the point of having Hinata and Karin participate,” Kushina said, lounging lazily against Shin.
With their strength, having Hinata and Karin take part in the Chūnin Exams was like sending wolves into a sheep pen. It wasn’t just bullying; it was practically a slaughter.
Karin had mastered all sealing techniques, numerous Ninjutsu including S-rank ones, and was proficient in Taijutsu and Genjutsu. Plus, she had the Perfect Sage Body for seemingly endless stamina.
As for Hinata… putting everything else aside, her awakened Tenseigan alone was enough to dominate any opponent in the Chūnin Exams.
“Actually, there is a point. The Chūnin Exams can involve casualties. It’s a chance for them to see blood, especially Hinata.”
Hinata had been sheltered like a flower in a greenhouse. Though powerful, Shin didn’t know how much of her strength she could actually unleash in a real fight.
“Consider it training for Hinata. You know she’s too kind-hearted; she might hesitate against enemies. More experience will be good for her.”
“I agree with that. Hinata is indeed too kind. She’s not really suited to be a ninja,” Kushina nodded.
“Let’s go out.”
“Where are we going?” Kushina asked, seeing Shin stand up and head outside.
“To find Nawaki. I arranged to meet him earlier. He should be waiting at the tavern now. If you don’t want to come, you can stay here,” Shin told Kushina.
“Of course I’m coming with you! What if you’re going to meet some other vixen? I need to keep an eye on you.” Kushina immediately got up, came over to Shin, and clung to his arm.
“Kushina, why don’t you trust me? I would never go looking for other women.”
“Heh heh, how can you expect me to trust you? You have me, Mikoto, Tsunade, Konan, and Mei Terumī. How can I possibly believe you?” Kushina glared at him, clearly jealous.
Faced with Kushina’s question, Shin was speechless. He wisely chose silence.
“Besides, even if I trust you, I can’t trust the women outside. What if some shameless hussy throws herself at you?”
Shin left with Kushina, and a small shadow—Hanabi Hyūga—tagged along. Hanabi, seeing Shin and Kushina leaving, immediately followed, clinging to Shin’s back like a koala refusing to get down. Shin had no choice but to bring her along.
——
Arriving at the tavern, Shin found not only Nawaki but also Hizashi Hyūga, Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Chōza Akimichi.
“Uncle Hizashi is here too?” Hanabi asked, surprised to see Hizashi.
“Well, look who’s here,” Shin said, surprised to see Shikaku and the others.
After asking Nawaki, Shin learned it wasn’t him.
Nawaki knew his status as a Missing-nin; inviting them wouldn’t be appropriate. It was just a coincidence they ran into each other at the tavern and decided to sit together.
“Shin, your presence in Konoha is giving the Third Hokage sleepless nights,” Shikaku Nara said with a wry smile.
Just yesterday, the Third Hokage had summoned him to analyze Shin’s purpose for being in Konoha.
It couldn’t be helped. Someone capable of destroying Konoha appearing in the village… how could Hiruzen not be extremely cautious? And based on Hiruzen’s past analysis, whenever Shin Uzumaki came to Konoha, it usually meant trouble.
“His sleepless nights have nothing to do with me. Since we’re all here, how about we drink until we drop?” Shin suggested.
“Forget it,” Shikaku Nara quickly waved his hands. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, but Shikaku was afraid of his wife.
“By the way, Shin, you specifically asked me out. What’s up?” Nawaki looked at Shin. Yes, Shin had asked Nawaki to meet him here.
“Of course, there’s something. I wanted to ask you a question, but I don’t know if it’s convenient for you.”
“What’s inconvenient? Just ask.”
Shin was practically his brother-in-law. Nawaki felt there was nothing to hide; he wouldn’t keep secrets from Shin.
“I wanted to ask… Nawaki, do you have a girlfriend now?”
Tsunade had asked Shin about this before, so now Shin was probing…
After Shin asked, Nawaki’s expression instantly froze.
Seeing Nawaki’s incredibly stiff face, Shin already guessed the answer.
“Nawaki, don’t tell me you still don’t have a girlfriend?”
“I… I had one before. But didn’t my business go bankrupt? So—she left,” Nawaki said glumly.
“Didn’t know you were that tragic.” Shin felt like he might have just reopened Nawaki’s old wounds.
“Are you sure you’re not just pretending you had a girlfriend?” Kushina asked Nawaki suspiciously.
“N-No…” Nawaki’s face showed a flash of panic after being exposed.
“Busted!” Kushina had just asked casually out of suspicion, but seeing Nawaki’s reaction, she knew she’d hit the mark.
“Wow, Nawaki, even I almost believed you just now.”
“Ahem, isn’t it embarrassing if you guys knew?” Nawaki scratched his head, saying awkwardly.
“Do you think lying about your girlfriend running away isn’t embarrassing?” Inoichi Yamanaka said, suppressing his laughter.
“I don’t think anything is more embarrassing than not having a girlfriend,” Nawaki said quietly.
At the same time, Nawaki felt terrible. It seemed he was the only single one here. Everyone else was married and established. Thinking about it made Nawaki feel depressed.
It wasn’t that Nawaki hadn’t thought about finding a girlfriend, but due to his personality issues, he was always awkward around women, too thin-skinned. That’s why he was still single now.
“Don’t you want to find someone? Tsunade asked me to bring it up. The Senju Clan’s future depends on you.”
“Haven’t thought about it for now. I think being alone is quite comfortable. And I’ve gotten used to living alone. Suddenly Finding someone now would be a hassle.”
Nawaki felt he was used to it; whether he found a girlfriend or not didn’t matter anymore.
Seeing Nawaki’s indifferent attitude, Shin felt he was destined to be single for life.
If Tsunade knew, she’d probably beat him senseless.
Hizashi Hyūga and the others couldn’t help but exchange glances.
If Nawaki continued like this, he probably would be single forever. After all, Nawaki wasn’t young anymore…
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