"Yeah, that's all I can think of for now."
"Fine, I grant it."
"Lady Tsunade!"
Even the other proctors couldn't keep their cool; these benefits were better than theirs.
"Don't be envious. Kano completed an S-rank mission this time, which increased the annual funding Konoha receives by nearly thirty percent. A large portion of that was specifically designated by the Daimyo for Kano's use."
"This isn't a mission an ordinary Ninja could complete. This treatment is actually considered low. The Daimyo offered her dozens of times more than her current request just to stop being a Ninja and focus on singing."
"She turned down such great treatment to continue being a Ninja in Konoha Village; this little bit of compensation isn't even enough to look at."
After Tsunade finished speaking, the others were speechless. Indeed, Kano's contribution to Konoha Village was immense.
"So you were waiting for this. I've got to hand it to you."
Shikamaru also scratched his head, looking at his cute little sister. It turned out she really did look down on it... "You, who usually have no motivation, seem a lot more serious now."
In the barbecue restaurant, Ino gave a sharp critique of Shikamaru, who was wearing a Chunin vest.
"Hahaha, it really doesn't suit you."
Choji agreed.
Everyone else was laughing happily, except for Shikamaru, whose face turned red from embarrassment.
"Stop laughing."
"Ahahaha, big brother is blushing! Look, look!"
Kano also took the opportunity to expose him, making Shikamaru's face even redder.
"Anyway, let's toast to Shikamaru's promotion to Chunin!"
Four glasses of juice and one glass of alcohol clinked together.
"By the way, Kano-chan, why didn't you become a Chunin? I saw you go to Lady Tsunade's place with Shikamaru, didn't I?"
Ino was the first to ask; she was quite concerned about her best friend.
"She, she's just too lazy to be a Chunin. She has better— Hot, hot, hot!"
Before Shikamaru could finish, Kano picked up a piece of grilled meat and stuffed it into his mouth, cutting him off.
"I didn't become a Chunin for your sake, Ino."
"For me?"
"That right, the Chunin Exams require a three-person squad. Since Shikamaru became a Chunin, you guys would be one person short for the next exam. So, I'll join you in place of Shikamaru for the next one. I know almost all the Ninjutsu he does, so our teamwork will be perfectly fine."
"But aren't your teammates Naruto and Sasuke? What will they do if you join us?"
"Oh, they'll be busy with something during the next Chunin Exams and won't be able to participate, so I can come and help you. Besides, it's not like I'm abandoning them. After I get you all promoted to Chunin in the next exam, I'll stay a Genin and take the test one more time with the two of them."
"Kano-chan, you guys have such a great relationship. Unlike Shikamaru, who abandoned us to become a Chunin on his own."
"Hey now, she just didn't want to become a Chunin because she's afraid of having too much trouble. Right now, she has authority second only to the Hokage, receives Elite Jonin treatment, and does Genin work. She doesn't care about the position of Chunin at all."
"Really?"
Her best friend couldn't believe Kano had such unbelievable treatment.
Kano didn't answer, only playfully sticking out her tongue.
It seemed it was true.
Asuma also thought the treatment sounded fake at first glance, but there was no way the siblings would be bored enough to lie. These siblings were truly outstanding; Konoha was really producing many talents. Could someone really be this exceptional?
Could Hokage-sama have been brainwashed?
Asuma looked at Kano, then at Shikamaru.
It should be impossible to brainwash Hokage-sama; it was more likely that Asuma himself had been brainwashed.
"Kano-chan, I heard you know a Brainwashing Technique. Is that true?"
Ino also remembered Asuma mentioning this, so she asked. Since she and Kano were close, Kano would probably tell her.
"Who spread such a ridiculous rumor? Was it Kakashi? Is he making up rumors about me again?"
"Do you really not know it?"
Asuma wanted to confirm it once more.
"I do, I do, alright? Let me demonstrate the Brainwashing Technique for you. Right now, you think you're a Ninja of Konoha."
"Kakashi already told me about that one."
"Fine, I'll change it. I'll insert a false memory into your mind. I'm starting now: Three nights ago, you were alone under the moonlight writing a love letter to Kurenai-sensei. The content was: 'My dear—'"
"Stop! I believe you, I believe you!"
Asuma immediately covered Kano's mouth, his face turning as red as Shikamaru's just was.
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