Fujimoto Tōma was satisfied with the changes brought by his recent breakthrough.
The obvious improvements were only part of it. There were subtler shifts too, things that wouldn't fully reveal themselves until real combat put pressure on him. As for the strange mark he had discovered, he had already checked the village library and even ANBU archives.
Nothing.
No records. No references. Not even vague hints.
It was irritating, but not paralyzing. Some answers didn't exist yet. He shelved the problem and moved on.
His body still felt incredible. Light. Responsive. Like every movement was finally being answered without delay. Spending an entire month refining that state had been the right call.
The next day arrived quickly.
The third round of the Chūnin Exams.
Before leaving, Tōma made sure Fujimoto Sana carried a specially marked kunai with her. His serious expression, combined with the sudden "temporary closure" notice at the barbecue restaurant, was enough for her to understand that today wasn't ordinary.
"I'll keep it on me," Sana said firmly. "Don't worry."
That helped.
Afterward, Tōma stopped by Ino's house.
She was already outside, clearly dressed with care, standing there as if she'd been waiting for a while. When he appeared behind her without a sound and wrapped his arms around her, she stiffened for half a second.
"Waiting for someone, Ino?" he murmured.
"You already know the answer," she replied, relaxing once she recognized him.
"Just checking. Could be anyone."
She sighed, then played along, smiling despite herself. "I'm waiting for the person I like. A jōnin named Fujimoto Tōma. Have you seen him?"
"Ah, that guy?" Tōma said lightly. "Yeah. Just now."
He let go, took her hand, and they walked toward the exam arena together, chatting like this was any normal day.
Eventually, they split up.
Tōma chose a vantage point with a clear view of the stands and quietly scanned the surroundings. He spotted only a handful of ANBU.
So it was true.
The Third Hokage had deployed nearly all of them elsewhere. The few left behind might not even all be on the same side. That was the real headache.
At least Jiraiya should be watching from the shadows. That knowledge eased him somewhat.
"Over here!"
Inuzuka Kiba arrived with Hyūga Hinata, clearly acting as her escort. Her complexion was still pale even after a month of rest, so no one wanted to risk her collapsing alone.
"Tōma-kun…" Hinata said, bowing slightly.
"Yeah?" he replied.
"I spoke with Kurenai-sensei about what you suggested. I'm thinking it over seriously. Thank you for worrying about me."
She already had her own answer after fighting Neji, but his advice hadn't contradicted it. If anything, it offered her a way to be useful to her team without forcing herself into a role that didn't fit.
"I was just doing my job as an assistant instructor," Tōma said. "You don't need to thank me. And it's only a suggestion. What matters is what you decide."
"I've already asked Kurenai-sensei to help me find a medical ninjutsu teacher," Hinata said quietly. "If I really have talent for it, I'll follow your advice."
"That works," Tōma nodded. "Though honestly, your clan head would have more pull."
Hinata understood immediately. Her gaze lowered.
"I don't want to trouble my father."
Tōma didn't press further. Family matters weren't his place. If Kurenai was smart, she'd still involve Hyūga Hiashi eventually. The outcome would be the same.
"Hey!" Kiba suddenly cut in. "I heard you gave advice to a bunch of people. How come I never got any? I'm obviously combat-type, right?"
"You are," Tōma admitted. "But your path is tied to Akamaru. Beyond refining the basics, there's not much I can add that Kurenai hasn't already covered."
Kiba laughed. "Fair enough. Can't expect you to have answers for everything. Still, I knew I was built for fighting."
Tōma glanced toward the arena.
"It's starting."
Nine contestants stood on the field. His eyes lingered on Ino for a moment, and he smiled.
If he didn't know what was coming, life like this wouldn't be bad. Train, improve, spend time with someone he cared about.
Only nine, because the Sound ninja Tsurugi hadn't shown up. Neither had his teammates.
So something had already happened.
Tōma didn't remember the exact fate of minor figures like them. He only knew that during this period, Gekkō Hayate would still die. The rest were probably already casualties.
He shifted his gaze to the Kazekage beside the Third Hokage.
A veil hid the man's face.
Orochimaru.
Tōma kept still. The enemy was ready. Konoha was still finishing preparations.
At least evacuation had begun. Under the excuse of logistics, civilians with no combat ability were being quietly moved out. The exam itself drew attention, creating the perfect cover.
The longer things dragged on, the better for Konoha.
And yet…
His expression darkened.
One organization still refused to act openly, claiming they were needed "elsewhere for the village's foundation."
Root.
Danzō.
Tōma had asked for support and been denied. That alone lowered his tolerance further.
Danzō wasn't protecting Konoha. He was waiting. Waiting for chaos. Waiting for the Third Hokage to fall.
When that day came, Tōma made himself a promise.
He wouldn't hesitate.
Maybe he wouldn't even kill Danzō himself. Handing him to Uchiha Sasuke someday sounded more fitting.
The crowd's impatient murmurs rose as the delay stretched on.
Of course it was slow.
Everyone was buying time.
Finally, the field cleared until only two genin remained.
Uzumaki Naruto.
Hyūga Neji.
Ino spotted Tōma in the stands and waved. He nodded back.
And then, at last, the proctor's voice rang out.
The third round of the Chūnin Exams began.
Uzumaki Naruto vs Hyūga Neji