Chapter 23: The Annoying Woman and the Cat

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Time flew by, and three days passed in the blink of an eye.

The Chūnin Exams had officially begun.

Early in the morning, Rinjin put on Kumogakure's signature white armor. Underneath, he wore a plain short-sleeve shirt and paired it with casual black capri pants.

Stuffing two slices of bread into his mouth, Rinjin headed out.

Strolling leisurely, he arrived at the Cloud Thunder Gorge.

Ever since the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki returned to the village, this place had become a popular training ground for many shinobi.

And for that very reason, this vast canyon was chosen as the venue for the Chūnin Exam battles.

It was said that this year's exam had over thirty Genin participants, including some prodigies whose strength already rivaled that of Chūnin.

On a makeshift platform, Rinjin sat cross-legged on the ground, holding his lot number and casually picking his nose.

"Yo~" A crisp voice rang out, followed by a pat on his shoulder.

Turning around, Rinjin saw Ayawai standing behind him, hands clasped behind her back, her face glowing with a sunny smile.

"What number did you draw?" she asked.

Expressionless, Rinjin raised the bamboo lot in his hand.

"Number 31, huh? How many participants are there in total?" Ayawai asked curiously as she crouched beside him, arms crossed.

Today, she wasn't wearing her usual sultry work outfit. Instead, she donned a sleek ninja uniform—a black one-piece dress paired with a white armor belt and fishnet stockings. Her appearance instantly drew the attention of many exam participants.

Scratching his head, Rinjin replied, "Uh... I think there are only thirty-one, actually."

"You off duty today?"

Hearing this, Ayawai chuckled and shook her head. "Nope, I'm working~ Today, I'm here as an examiner on behalf of Lord Raikage."

"Impressive," Rinjin said flatly, giving her a thumbs up.

Ayawai beamed, her smile as radiant as a field of blooming flowers.

Around them, the other participants couldn't help but gawk, some even audibly swallowing.

Soon, the first round of the Ninjutsu competition began on the wide platform below.

Two Genin retreated a few steps, their hands moving swiftly to form seals. It was clear that both were preparing long-range jutsu.

However, the blue-haired Genin on the left was noticeably faster.

"Water Release: Wild Water Wave!"

As the words fell, a torrent of water shot from the blue-haired Genin's mouth, blasting the other, still mid-seal, off the platform.

What the—?!

Rinjin was dumbfounded.

Is this... the strength of a Genin?

I was just about to praise Kumogakure for being awesome, and this is what I get?

Ayawai glanced at Rinjin awkwardly. "Uh, they're both fresh graduates who haven't been on any missions yet."

"It's fine, I get it," Rinjin said with a nod.

Maybe this is just the Land of Lightning's style?

Genin might seem weak now, but they probably grow into those overpowered types who rip apart enemies with their bare hands while riding bicycles.

Yeah, that's it. I've successfully convinced myself.

Thinking this, Rinjin sighed and covered his forehead.

"So, how do I get a Chūnin forehead protector?" he asked.

Squatting obediently beside him, Ayawai replied softly, "You can pass by placing first in the Ninjutsu, Ninja Body Technique, or Taijutsu exams. Or by ranking in the top ten overall."

"So, as long as I place first in one category, I'm good?" Rinjin asked, his expression turning odd.

Ayawai nodded sweetly.

Damn it! You tricked me!

I could've passed with just Taijutsu alone, but no—I had to ask this pretty girl for a Lightning Release jutsu and now I owe her a favor!

Feeling utterly cheated, Rinjin could only sigh.

Adjusting his mood, he watched the second match begin below and casually asked, "By the way, why did Lord Raikage send you? Doesn't he usually oversee this himself?"

At this, Ayawai's face turned troubled.

"Don't even mention it. He went to see the Daimyō and won't be back until the day after tomor—"

She suddenly clamped her hand over her mouth, her face filled with panic as she stared at Rinjin.

What she saw was Rinjin's sly grin and his dark, knowing eyes.

Heh heh!

Serves you right for always hanging around me~

You slipped up, didn't you?

Stretching lazily, Rinjin stood up with a mischievous smile and began to walk away.

Realizing her mistake, Ayawai jumped to her feet, her face filled with regret. She quickly blocked Rinjin's path, her arms spread wide, and her chest—well, let's just say it caught everyone's attention.

"Where are you going?!" Ayawai asked nervously.

To most people, the fact that the Third Raikage had left the village to meet the Daimyō wasn't a state secret.

But Rinjin wasn't most people. This guy had a record—a record of attacking the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki and releasing the Two-Tails.

Seeing Ayawai's nervous expression, Rinjin raised an eyebrow and said, "Where else? I'm going to train."

With that, he tried to step around her.

Panicking, Ayawai grabbed him by the waist and buried her face in his chest, completely ignoring the strange looks from the crowd around them.

"Don't go!" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"No," Rinjin replied coldly, shaking his head. There would never be a better opportunity than this.

As an undercover agent, it wasn't just about being prepared; it was about seizing the moment when it came.

Around them, the other participants glared at Rinjin with pure hatred. They couldn't hear Ayawai's soft whispers, but Rinjin's blunt refusal was loud and clear.

"You bastard! Let go of Miss Ayawai!" one jealous Genin shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Rinjin.

Rinjin glanced at the boy with a bemused expression and slowly raised his hands. "You should be saying that to her, not me."

"Still, it's your fault for bullying Miss Ayawai!" the boy retorted, refusing to back down.

Sighing, Rinjin tapped Ayawai on the shoulder. "Miss Secretary, care to explain?"

At that moment, Ayawai lifted her tearful face from Rinjin's chest, completely ignoring the stares of those around her.

"Just... just promise me you won't harm the village. At least... at least not for the next two days. Please," she begged, her voice trembling.

Her words were quiet, but Rinjin heard them clearly.

Looking down at the tearful woman, Rinjin frowned for the first time.

"Is that your request?" he asked.

Ayawai nodded rapidly, like a pecking chick.

"Fine. I promise. Now let go."

Hearing his agreement, Ayawai slowly released her grip. Her tear-streaked face, tightly pressed lips, and forced smile all seemed to plead with him.

She was smiling, but it was a smile meant to appease.

What an ugly smile. It doesn't suit you at all.

Rinjin said nothing. He almost reached out to wipe away her tears but stopped himself halfway.

"See you," he said simply.

Ignoring the envious and hateful glares of those around him, Rinjin bent his knees and shot off like a shadow, leaving the Cloud Thunder Gorge behind.

On a deserted mountaintop, overlooking the rolling sea of clouds, Rinjin shook his head in frustration.

What an annoying woman.

Forget it. This is a rare opportunity. Time to find the cat.