***
As examinees from various nations arrived one after another, the already bustling village of Konoha grew even livelier.
Because of the fight two days prior, Daigan had been confined to his quarters to reflect. He was only permitted to go out today.
Before the Konoha Crush, the Sand Ninja wanted to avoid any major disturbances that might attract Konoha's attention, but the genin candidates below, who knew nothing of the plan, couldn't be so restrained.
While there were no other brawls that drew blood like the one between Team Otokaze and Konoha's Team 7, a constant stream of minor disputes kept the Sunagakure jonin and chunin in charge of maintaining order on their last nerve.
Daigan, who had been bored out of his mind, spent the entire day exploring Konoha. The theater was showing an old Fujikaze Yukie movie that didn't hold his interest, and he left after a short while. The izakayas wouldn't let an unaccompanied minor in. He had already visited the Yamanaka Flower Shop—that was where he'd bought the apology basket for Team 7, though he hadn't seen any familiar faces.
On the other hand, Konoha's summer drinks were excellent, and the hot spring district had its own unique charm. The famous local teas were a bit too strong for his taste, but the dango from the renowned Amaguriama were truly delicious.
As for Ichiraku Ramen, Daigan had invited Yome and Chi to try it. He didn't think it was quite as legendary as the rumors claimed, but the owner's daughter, Ayame, was very pretty.
Finally, Shueisha Bookstore, the only place in Konoha that sold the *Icha Icha Paradise* series, was surprisingly deserted. The series had probably sold out.
Not wanting his trip to be a total waste, the only other book he found was one called *The Throbbing Club*, which he bought on a whim.
*It's not as big as I imagined!*
The entire village of Konoha wasn't much larger than Sunagakure, but its population density was far greater than the sparsely populated Sand village.
Yome and Chi had gone off to do their own thing. Daigan wandered around but didn't encounter many familiar people, though he did pass by the trio from Otogakure.
The classic trope of the protagonist stumbling into a major plot point just by walking around didn't seem to apply to him at all.
Being in a "quasi-enemy nation," he had to be cautious about everything he did. Even finding a suitable place to train was difficult.
With nothing to do and no more information to gather, Daigan was preparing to head back to the inn when he ran straight into Kankuro and Temari.
Gaara certainly had no interest in strolling about, which left only Temari and Kankuro to scout Konoha's layout.
"Daigan, they let you out?" Kankuro teased.
If Daigan hadn't caused a scene and drawn everyone's attention, Kankuro and Temari's group might have been the ones under scrutiny. In a way, Daigan had done them a service, allowing them to observe Konoha without restraint.
"Captain Otokaze loves to make a big deal out of nothing. Konoha didn't even care that much, but he insisted I stay in and reflect. So unnecessary!"
Daigan waved his hand as he spoke. "This place is so different from Sunagakure, much more interesting… huh?"
The rustle of paper in his hand made him start. The full-color cover of *The Throbbing Club* was now in plain view of the approaching Kankuro and Temari. A few of the inner pages fluttered open, revealing illustrations that appeared even more risqué than the cover.
"Sunagakure certainly doesn't have anything *this* interesting," Kankuro said with a dry cough, turning his head to stifle a laugh.
Temari shot Daigan a look of undisguised contempt. "So this is what you're into. It must have been so hard for you, being stuck in Sunagakure."
"You've misunderstood. I just wanted to critically examine Konoha's shallow and vulgar cultural life. I have no personal interest in this sort of thing…"
"Enough. I couldn't care less about your hobbies. Kankuro, I'm heading back!" Temari ignored Daigan and turned to leave.
"Temari, listen to me! How could I possibly look at anyone else when I have you? I swear on the honor of the Red Sand Dust, I'll never be unfaithful…"
Kankuro grabbed Daigan, who was about to shout again. "Shut up! If you keep spouting nonsense in the middle of the street and Temari gets angry, I won't be able to stop her."
"Then what do I do? My good name is about to be ruined!"
"You stopped having to worry about that a long time ago," Kankuro said irritably. "Temari's angry right now. She won't listen to anything you say. Wait a while before you try to explain!"
"Then you have to help me. When she's in a better mood, you need to put in a good word for me."
"Well, I suppose I could, but…" Kankuro gestured discreetly at the book in Daigan's hand. "You have to lend me this for a few days."
"Deal!" Daigan threw an arm around Kankuro's shoulders. "Also, you have to secretly deliver a letter to Temari for me…"
"What a pain. Let me see it." Kankuro casually opened the unsealed envelope and pulled out the crumpled letter inside.
"'I want to say to you: thank you very much. I want to first say to the parents who raised you to be so beautiful: thank you very much…'"
"Don't read it out loud in the street!" Daigan hissed, trying to stop him.
"Is this a poem? Or a love letter? It makes no sense. Is this a joke? And it's not even signed…" Kankuro crumpled the letter into a ball and tossed it into a nearby trash can.
"You bastard!" Daigan grabbed Kankuro by the collar. "I poured my heart and soul into that warm, heartfelt love letter! If you don't give me an explanation, I'll make you regret it!"
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