The morning sun crept through the curtains when Hidan finally stretched, still sprawled across Konan's lap like a spoiled cat.
"Up," Konan said softly, but instead of obeying, he simply smirked and tugged at the hem of her robe.
With a sigh and a blush, she leaned down to dress him herself. It had become a daily ritual, Konan helping him put on his dark robes, adjusting his silver hair, and enduring his wandering hands and wolfish grins.
"Honestly…" her voice trembled, cheeks pink, "can't you show even a little restraint?"
Hidan chuckled, tilting his head. "Restraint? Babe, that's for monks. I'm a god of death. Totally different career path."
By the time she tied his sash, Konan's eyes were glowing with quiet shame and frustration. But she never stopped.
Every button, every fold, every movement...she carried it through with elegance, even as Hidan leaned close to sniff her hair with exaggerated drama.
Finally, she gave up with a sigh. "There. Done."
"Good girl." He patted her head with a grin. Then, before she could react, he sprawled across her back.
"Hidan—"
"Konan taxi, let's go!" he declared, making himself comfortable. His long legs dangled, his chin resting on her shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
To anyone else, it would have looked obscene: a grown man clinging to a dignified kunoichi's back like a lazy child. But this, too, had become routine.
Konan simply adjusted his weight with ninja-level ease and carried him out the door, ignoring the stares.
The Streets of Konoha
"Master, the streets seem lively today," Konan murmured as they passed through the busy market district. "Is there some sort of festival?"
"Nope. Today's way more important." Hidan brushed her blue hair back with his fingers, twirling it idly.
"It's the graduation exam for Konoha's little brats. All they have to do is pull off a proper Clone Jutsu, and they'll officially become genin."
She blinked at him. "That's all? Just one jutsu?"
"Don't underestimate it," he replied, leaning in to sniff her hair again like a shameless dog. "This is where our 'protagonists' show their stuff. You'll see."
Konan frowned at the unfamiliar word. "Protagonists?"
"Main characters, babe. The kids fate's always watching. The story's moving, and I wanna see it from the front row." His grin widened. "C'mon, let's crash Iruka's class."
Passersby looked away quickly. After three years, they'd grown numb to the sight of Konan carrying Konoha's infamous silver-haired reaper on her back.
Many still thought it was scandalous, this strong, elegant kunoichi parading around like a servant.
But no one dared to interfere.
Everyone knew his name. Everyone feared his eyes.
--
When the door to the classroom slid open, all chatter ceased.
Iruka blinked in shock. "Lord Hidan…? W-what brings you here?"
Mizuki, standing beside him, stiffened. His hand twitched toward his kunai pouch instinctively before he thought better of it.
The man before them was infamous across the nations: Konoha's Black and White God of Death.
Even lounging lazily on Konan's back, his presence filled the room like a crushing weight.
And when his scarlet Sharingan blinked open, both chūnin felt the air turn heavy making them difficult to even breath.
"What?" Hidan tilted his head, resting his chin on Konan's shoulder. "Can't I drop by? I heard today's your graduation exam. Thought I'd watch the kiddos suffer a bit. Is that a problem?"
The words were playful, but the Sharingan glow in his eyes left no room for refusal.
Iruka's throat went dry. "Ah, well—"
"Yes! Of course! No problem at all!" Mizuki blurted, stepping forward quickly. His forehead gleamed with sweat. "It's an honor for these students to be observed by you, Lord Hidan!"
Iruka opened his mouth to protest, regulations were clear: no outsiders during the exams but Mizuki's grip on his arm silenced him. The look in Mizuki's eyes said it all: Do you want to die today?
The children whispered among themselves.
"Who is that…?"
"He's scary…"
"I heard that's the God of Death from the stories…"
Only Sasuke's expression differed. His lips pressed into a thin line. His dark eyes flicked with respect and yearning...to the lazy figure sprawled across Konan's back.
Hidan… I'll catch up to you. One day, I'll stand on that level. And when I do… Itachi won't be untouchable anymore.
He clenched his fists. Hidan had unknowingly become his new mountain to climb.
Hinata, on the other hand, sat frozen, cheeks red. Her eyes shone with quiet admiration. Hidan often found time to talk to her in passing, and each word he spoke felt like sunlight to her.
Seeing him now, perched on Konan's back with his careless smile, her heart raced.
Hidan noticed the shy gaze and gave her a lazy wink.
Hinata instantly ducked her head, face crimson.
Heh. This girl never changes. Cute as hell, though. Definitely the type you wanna spoil.
The Exam Begins.
Konan carried Hidan to the back of the classroom, where they settled side by side. Iruka forced himself to continue.
"Today's assessment is the Clone Jutsu. Pass, and you will earn your Konoha forehead protector." His voice regained some warmth.
"This is your first step as true shinobi!"
The students lined up, one by one performing their jutsu.
When it was Sasuke's turn, the entire room went silent.
He walked to the podium with quiet confidence, but inside he was already sweating slightly.
He's watching...I can't mess this up!
With deliberate precision, Sasuke formed the seals. His chakra flowed sharp and clean, honed from endless nights of Hidan's merciless training.
"Clone Jutsu."
A puff of smoke filled the room.
When it cleared, five perfect copies of Sasuke stood at his side. Not a hair out of place, not a detail wrong.
The classroom erupted in gasps.
"Five?!"
"They're all solid!"
"Sasuke-kun is amazing!"
Sakura nearly squealed herself hoarse. Ino clutched her cheeks, eyes sparkling.
But Sasuke ignored all of it. His gaze flicked, just for a moment, toward the back of the room.
Toward Hidan.
The silver-haired reaper's grin widened, eyes glowing faintly with approval.
Sasuke finally breathed a sigh of relief, he knew that if Hidan was not satisfied, he would pull him into the terrifying nightmare once again.
Naruto, meanwhile, seethed. "Tch! Stupid Sasuke, showing off again…"
But when his turn came, the results were… predictable.
Naruto puffed out his chest, formed the seals, and shouted, "Clone Jutsu!"
A puff of smoke filled the stage. When it cleared, a limp, pale "corpse" version of himself lay twitching on the floor.
The room erupted in laughter.
Iruka sighed heavily. "Naruto… you fail."
Naruto's shoulders slumped.
From the back, Hidan smirked, covering his mouth with his hand. Pfft—look at this clown. Can't even pull off the basics.
And here he's supposed to be the 'child of prophecy'? Hilarious.
Of course he knew the Nine tails was interfering with his chakra and all but it was still funny nonetheless.
Beside him, Konan twitched, because under the desk, his wandering hand had already slipped onto her lap. Her whole face burned red, but she dared not move.
--
As Iruka scolded Naruto, Mizuki leaned down, whispering honeyed words to the boy, just as in the "original story." Hidan caught the exchange instantly.
His grin widened. Heh. So the snake makes his move. Cute. Guess I'll let it play out a bit… might even be entertaining.
He stretched back against Konan, his voice dripping with amusement. "Well, this day's already turning out more fun than I expected."
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