After leaving the principal's office, Shamrock, Uta, Ren, Aoi, and Haruki immediately set about filling out the forms. The faint scratch of pens against paper echoed briefly in the quiet corridor. Once they had completed every detail, they handed the forms over to Asuma.
Asuma took them, giving a small nod as he flipped through the pages. "Tomorrow, I will have your temporary ID cards ready. You can collect them then."
Everyone nodded in acknowledgment.
Then Renji spoke, glancing at the group. "You all can go and roam around in Konoha. Look at the culture of Konoha and enjoy yourselves."
At his words, Shamrock, Uta, Ren, Aoi, and Haruki nodded again, a subtle spark of excitement passing through them. Without wasting any time, all five of them set off together, stepping out into the lively streets of the village.
The air outside carried the sounds of chatter, distant laughter, and the steady rhythm of footsteps. As they walked, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, Shamrock moved at the forefront, his pace steady and purposeful. After a few moments, he spoke without turning back.
"All of you keep this in mind," he said, his tone firm, cutting through the noise around them. "In this Chunin Exam, this is our first official presentation as the younger generation."
The others instinctively focused on him.
"This is also the first time we are participating in a joint Chunin Exam," Shamrock continued, his eyes scanning the bustling streets ahead. "We have to work smartly… and we must be the toppers of this exam. No matter what."
A first impression decides everything.
After hearing Shamrock's words, Uta, Ren, Aoi, and Haruki nodded, their expressions sharpening with determination. They fully agreed with him. The weight of his words settled in their minds, steady and undeniable.
They didn't just want to participate.
They wanted to stand at the very top—and bring the best possible results back to their village.
They roamed around Konoha, taking in its prosperity. The streets were lively, filled with vendors calling out, children running past, and the constant hum of a thriving village. Sunlight reflected off tiled rooftops, and banners fluttered gently in the breeze.
And yet, after observing it for a while, they found it very similar to their own Uzushiogakure. The structure, the liveliness, the sense of order—it all felt familiar. Because of that, they weren't particularly impressed. Instead, there was a quiet sense of déjà vu, as if they had seen all of this before.
Shamrock spoke as they walked, his gaze drifting over the shops. "I have heard from Aunt Shizune that Ichiraku Ramen of Konoha is very famous, and we all can definitely enjoy it."
He then turned his head slightly, looking toward Uta. "And not to mention, when Naruto was with us, wasn't he bragging a lot about the Ichiraku Ramen, saying it is the best ramen shop?"
Uta nodded, a faint smile forming. "Yes, Naruto was bragging quite a lot and praising the Ichiraku Ramen."
After asking around from a few villagers, they eventually found the Ichiraku Ramen shop tucked along one of the busier streets, the smell of broth faintly drifting through the air.
But there was something else they noticed along the way.
Because of the red hair of Shamrock and Uta, the reactions they received were… different. Subtle, but noticeable. Some villagers glanced a second too long. Others turned away a bit too quickly. The usual warmth one might expect was slightly absent, replaced by a quiet restraint.
It wasn't outright hostility, but it wasn't friendliness either.
And it was obvious why.
They were recognized as being from Uzushiogakure.
It was to be expected. After all, Shanks had intentionally cut off ties in the past, severing connections completely and leaving behind a lingering strain between the two sides. Because of that, resentment toward the Uzumaki clan still existed within Konoha, even if it wasn't openly expressed.
However, things were no longer as they once were.
Minato had made deliberate efforts to mend the relationship between Konoha and Uzushiogakure. Information had been spread—carefully and intentionally—about how Uzushiogakure had helped Konoha during the Nine-Tails incident. That narrative had softened the harsher feelings over time.
And it worked.
The anger that once existed had gradually subsided, settling into something more neutral.
Now, the people of Konoha didn't generally feel good toward those from Uzushiogakure… but they didn't hate them either.
It was an uneasy balance—one that lingered quietly in the glances they received as they stood just outside Ichiraku Ramen.
All five of them stepped into the Ichiraku Ramen shop, the warm aroma of rich broth and freshly cooked noodles wrapping around them the moment they entered. The small space felt inviting, the gentle clatter of utensils and the soft simmer of soup creating a comforting atmosphere.
When Teuchi noticed them—and more importantly, their ninja forehead protectors clearly bearing the mark of Uzushiogakure—he gave a knowing look and said, "It seems that you all are here to participate in the joint Chunin Exam from Uzushiogakure village, right?"
Shamrock nodded at his words, a faint smile appearing on his face. "You are quite perceptive, old man. We have heard a lot about your ramen from our cousin Naruto. He praises your ramen all the time, so we came here to taste it."
Teuchi's expression shifted as realization dawned on him. "Oh, so you are cousins of Naruto." His smile widened, warmth instantly filling his face. "Then I will definitely give you the best ramen you have ever had. You won't be disappointed. Just you wait."
Without wasting another moment, he turned around and got to work. "Ayame!" he called out.
His daughter quickly joined him, and together they began preparing the ramen. The rhythmic sounds of chopping, the bubbling broth, and the swift movements of practiced hands filled the shop as steam rose in soft curls into the air.
A few minutes later, the bowls were placed in front of them—hot, fragrant, and perfectly prepared.
As they took their first bites, all five of them paused.
Their eyes lit up almost instantly.
The rich flavor spread across their tongues, the balance of broth, noodles, and toppings blending together seamlessly. So this is what Naruto was talking about…
Shamrock glanced toward Teuchi, clearly impressed. "Naruto wasn't lying when he said that your ramen is unique and the tastiest ramen he has ever eaten. Your ramen is really very tasty."
Teuchi smiled at the praise, a quiet pride in his eyes. "Thank you very much. Please enjoy."
After that, they continued eating, the earlier restraint gone as they focused entirely on the food in front of them. Bowls emptied quickly, one after another.
Shamrock, being a big eater, went through almost five bowls of ramen without slowing down. Uta followed closely, finishing four bowls, while the other three each had three or two bowls. The steady clink of chopsticks against bowls and the satisfied breaths between bites filled the space.
But more than anything, they enjoyed the meal.
By the time they were done, a comfortable fullness settled in, and the last traces of steam faded from the empty bowls. After thanking Teuchi and Ayame, they stepped out of the shop.
Behind them, Teuchi watched with a content smile.
For a chef, there was no greater reward than seeing customers enjoy the food—and hearing them praise it with genuine satisfaction.
…
Shamrock, Uta, Ren, Aoi, and Haruki were walking through the street, still talking among themselves, when they noticed two ninjas from Sunagakure approaching from the opposite direction.
They didn't pay much attention at first and continued their conversation, their steps steady as they kept to the right side of the road. Naturally, they assumed the others would adjust as well, avoiding any collision.
But even as the distance between them closed, the two ninjas—a male and a female—did not change their path.
On the contrary, they continued walking straight toward them, firmly occupying the same side.
The conversation among the five slowly died down.
Shamrock's gaze shifted forward, his eyes settling on the two approaching figures—Kankuro and Temari. Of course, he did not recognize them; he had never seen them before. Still, the intent behind their movement was becoming clearer with each step.
Soon, Shamrock and Kankuro came to a stop, standing face to face just a few feet apart. The air between them grew tense, the surrounding noise of the street fading into the background.
By now, Shamrock understood.
They're doing this on purpose.
Shamrock spoke, his tone calm but firm. "You are walking on the wrong side. Walk from that side."
He gestured toward the other side of the road.
Kankuro responded with a provocative smile, tilting his head slightly. "No. For me, this is the right side. So I'll walk this way only." His eyes narrowed slightly. "What can you do about it?"
As soon as Shamrock heard this, any doubt vanished.
They were definitely trying to provoke them.
Shamrock let out a faint breath, his expression hardening. "If you are using this tactic to provoke us, then this is quite old. Okay?" His voice remained steady, but there was a clear edge beneath it. "Just move aside. We are enjoying our day and don't want to ruin our mood by fighting some nobody. Okay?"
Kankuro's smile widened slightly.
Instead of backing off, he stepped forward, closing the already small gap between them. "I am not going away," he said, his tone dripping with challenge. "What can you do about it?"
A brief silence followed.
Then Shamrock stepped forward as well, matching his movement without hesitation, their shoulders nearly touching now. His gaze locked onto Kankuro's, unwavering.
"If you do not want to walk away willingly," Shamrock said quietly, "then I will guide you properly."
Without waiting for a response, he raised his hand and placed it firmly on Kankuro's shoulder.
Then he pushed.
It wasn't a wild shove—just a controlled, deliberate force meant to move him aside.
Shamrock, after all, was not someone who backed down easily. He was hot-tempered, proud, and not the type to tolerate unnecessary provocation.
Kankuro's eyes widened in surprise.
He hadn't expected that.
More importantly, he hadn't expected the force behind it.
For a brief moment, he tried to resist, confident in his own strength—but it didn't work.
Despite him resisting, he was pushed sideways.
----
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