Ghost of the Uchiha

As she ate the food Jun had cooked, Nozomi thanked him. In the past few days, he had somehow helped her better her clan's techniques.     

His knowledge of the chakra pathway system was so detailed that she couldn't help but feel like even her clansmen were inferior, he even helped her learn one of the main house's techniques.     

One had to know that this was a monumental feat. After all, he took the 'Eight Trigrams: Sixteen Palms', and derived the thirty-two palms from them. Jun could've also researched the sixty-four, but he felt like she wasn't ready.     

"Ah, that? Don't worry about it... After all, your clan's techniques are the 'best in the village'. I merely gave you a few pointers."     

Hearing Jun's sarcastic remark, Nozomi tried her best to retain her anger as she snapped her chopsticks. The one time she thanked him, he had to talk his crap.     

Hearing their conversation, Akane and Minato tried to calm them down. Smiling, Minato realized that the Uchiha and Hyūga really were like fire and water at times… Thankfully, Jun and Nozomi seemed to get along… Somewhat.     

Seeing them interact, Akane felt weird. There was an uncomfortable feeling in her chest, but she didn't know what it was.     

"It smells heavenly in here!"     

Surprising everyone, the cabin door made a creaking noise. Seeing his students get along so well, Jiraiya couldn't help but smile warmly.     

He'd been observing them for a while, and couldn't help but be extremely happy satisfied. Even when he wasn't there, they diligently trained… What more could he ask for?     

"Jiraiya-san!"     

Seeing him arrive, Aito jumped from his seat and ran up to him. Picking him up and raising him in the air, Jiraiya laughed.     

"Hahaha! Aito-kun! Did you miss me? I brought you some Dango, here!"     

Placing Aito back on the ground, Jiraiya took out some Dango and gave it to the enthused Aito, who gobbled it down voraciously. Jun had him stay away from sweets, and Jiraiya always helped him out, so they grew close over the last few days.     

"Jiraiya-sensei? What brings you here?"     

Hearing Jun's words, Jiraiya smiled and took out three pieces of paper, passing one to each of his Genin.     

"What is this…?"     

"I've nominated you for the Chūnin exams. Of course, it's up to you if you want to participate or not, but I hope you do me proud out there!"     

Hearing him, all three Genin smiled. Finally... It was time.     

"Of course we'll participate, Jiraiya-sensei."     

"Minato's right. With my knowledge, the exams will be a piece of cake."     

"Sure, why not...?"     

Happy with their responses, Jiraiya sat on the tatami and grabbed some of the food, gobbling it down.     

"Damn, Jun! I didn't know that you were such a good cook!"     

"Aniki's the best!"     

"Hehe, I'm sure he is, Aito-kun. Anyways, you guys should prepare yourselves… The exams are unforgiving…. To say the least."     

With a look of determination, all three members of team Jiraiya looked at each other. They exuded pure confidence in their abilities as a group and individuals.     

"What other villages are participating this year?"     

Hearing Jun's question, Jiraiya smiled awkwardly. Right now, the situation between the villages was getting weirder by the day... He didn't really know how everything would turn out.     

"Sunagakure, Amegakure, Kusagakure, and Takigakure… That should be it. Your fellow clansmen are also participating, Jun, Nozomi."     

"Our fellow clansmen?"     

Both of them looked at each other with a confused expression. Who was Jiraiya talking about?     

"Their names were Ren, Hiyashi, and Hizashi… Something like that…"     

Jiraiya's words made Nozomi, Akane and Aito widen their eyes in shock.     

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