Chapter 28: The Roots of Konoha
"Yesterday, the Third Hokage summoned all the Jōnin instructors to finalize the date for the Chunin Exams. As your tutor, I have the authority to recommend candidates." Kurenai looked at the four youthful faces before her, her valiant grace softened by a cordial smile. "I have seen your efforts during this period. I believe in your potential. Therefore, I am recommending all four of you."
"Awesome!"
The four of them cheered, their hearts swelling with exhilaration.
Kurenai watched her innocent students, her beautiful eyes gleaming with compassion and affection. Though she was their instructor, she never put on airs, treating them more like a caring older sister.
"However, don't celebrate too soon," she cautioned, her voice turning heavy and cutting their cheers short. "From what I've learned, the competition in this year's Chunin Exams is fierce. Every ninja village is sending their talented Genin."
"Talented Genin?"
Hinata, Kiba, and Shino were momentarily stunned, then their gazes unconsciously drifted toward Aizen. His repeated, jaw-dropping performances had almost desensitized them to the word "genius."
"Just within Konoha, two notable newcomers, Sasuke and Neji, are participating. Not to mention the many who have graduated in previous years but haven't yet passed the exam." Kurenai's eyes held a trace of worry. Confidence was one thing, but raw strength was another. After all, Team 8 had graduated less than a month ago.
"And from Sunagakure, one of the other Five Great Nations, a genius has emerged. He's even considered the front-runner to win this entire exam." Kurenai's expression grew solemn as she recalled the intelligence reports she had read.
"The front-runner? Who is it? Is he that strong?" The mood of the four Genin sobered instantly, understanding the gravity of the situation from Kurenai's tone.
"Gaara."
Even saying the name, Kurenai felt a chill, as if it was imbued with a magic of darkness and slaughter.
"Gaara? Never heard of him." The four shook their heads, their eyes blank. They were largely ignorant of the world outside Konoha.
"You'll find out soon enough. Just remember this: until the final rounds, do not, under any circumstances, pick a fight with Gaara." Kurenai's warning was earnest. She feared her students, like newborn calves unafraid of tigers, would recklessly provoke Gaara and meet a terrible end.
"But you don't need to worry excessively. We still have one month. During this time, I will do my utmost to train you." Kurenai's warm, encouraging smile returned.
"Don't worry, Kurenai-sensei. So what if he's a genius? We have one too!" Kiba said enthusiastically, slinging an arm around Aizen's shoulders. "I believe under Aizen's lead, we can definitely make it to the finals!" Not just Kiba, but Shino and Hinata also cast looks of trust toward Aizen.
Gradually, after demonstrating his formidable talent, Aizen had become the unofficial core of Team 8.
For the rest of the day, Team 8 threw themselves into rigorous training. They practiced not only the Body Flicker Technique but also the Clone Technique and taijutsu simultaneously. Under Kurenai's guidance, they identified their shortcomings one by one. Through constant correction, each of them made significant progress, though in different areas. As the other three primarily practiced their clan's secret techniques, Aizen pulled far ahead in general ninjutsu. Hinata, however, excelled in taijutsu among the four due to the Hyuga clan's unique Gentle Fist style.
After a full day of grueling practice, the four were utterly exhausted, leaning on each other for support as they caught their breath.
"Very good. Your diligence exceeds my expectations. If you maintain this pace, I believe you will achieve excellent results in one month." Kurenai looked at them, particularly Aizen, with deep satisfaction and nodded. After this period together, she felt the team's cohesion growing stronger, more united and harmonious.
"In this coming month, aside from my daily guidance, you must also practice diligently on your own in the evenings. Furthermore, I will continue to take you on missions to increase your real combat experience." Kurenai's exhortation was earnest. They only had one month; time was of the essence. Only by racing against the clock could they gain the power needed to compete.
"Alright, dismissed. We continue training here at the same time tomorrow." Kurenai smiled and sent them on their way.
As dusk approached, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Aizen walked alone down the now-familiar path, his face a mask of calm steadiness. His youthful features showed a look of confident composure.
Under normal circumstances, he would have returned directly to his residence. But today was different.
Hm?
Suddenly, Aizen stopped, his brow furrowing slightly. He sensed the faint signs of movement in the shadows on either side of the path.
"Tch. Sharp senses," a voice remarked coldly.
Two figures flashed out from the grass on both sides. They were clad head-to-toe in black, their faces completely obscured by strange, porcelain-animal masks.
"Who are you?" Aizen's expression turned solemn, his body tensing as if ready for a fight.
"Have you heard of the Foundation? We are its members."
The voices of the two figures were icy, devoid of all warmth, making one feel as if they had been plunged into a frozen abyss.