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In Konoha, the dimly lit bar was filled with the clinking of glasses and the low murmur of conversation. Shikaku sat with Choza and Inoichi, a sly grin on his face as he urged Inoichi to drink more. "Come on, drink more Inoichi. Drinks are on me today," Shikaku coaxed, his voice tinged with a barely concealed agenda.

Inoichi, already feeling the effects of the alcohol, raised his cup with a smile. "Why are you so generous today?" he slurred, his words slightly muddled.

Shikaku chuckled dryly, trying to appear nonchalant. "No reason, no reason," he replied, watching as Inoichi downed another cup.

As the night wore on, Inoichi's speech became increasingly slurred, and Shikaku saw his opportunity. Leaning in, he lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Today in the meeting, Raikage pulled a play on Hokage-sama, trying to force Horyu to become a member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja."

Inoichi, intoxicated, hiccuped in surprise. "What, that brat? Why?" he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Shikaku nodded gravely. "He won the exam and brought prestige to his clan and village. So, Raikage wanted to have a petty revenge with this ploy."

Choza, who had been quietly listening, shook his head in disapproval. "That is cruel," he commented, his voice tinged with sympathy.

Shikaku sighed heavily, a look of resignation on his face. "To escape that predicament, the Old Hokage offered a way out..." He trailed off, deliberately dragging his words.

Inoichi leaned in, his curiosity piqued despite his drunken state. "Oh, what is it?" he asked, his words slurring together.

Taking a deep breath, Shikaku delivered the bombshell. "They engaged Horyu to Ino."

Inoichi's reaction was delayed, his brain taking a few seconds to process the information. Then, with a sudden burst of clarity, he shot up from his seat, sending glasses and bottles tumbling across the table. "WHAT!? My princess?" he exclaimed, his face a mix of shock and indignation.

The bar went quiet, all eyes turning to the trio. Shikaku, realizing the scene they were causing, hurriedly tried to calm Inoichi down. "Keep it down, Inoichi. It's not set in stone yet," he urged, glancing around the bar nervously.

Inoichi, however, was beyond reasoning. "How could they do this without telling me? I need to talk to Shisui!" he declared, staggering slightly as he tried to get his bearings.

Choza, ever the voice of reason, placed a hand on Inoichi's shoulder. "Let's discuss this calmly, Inoichi. There's probably more to it than we know."

Shikaku nodded in agreement, trying to steer the conversation to a more private setting. "Let's go somewhere we can talk without making a scene," he suggested, guiding Inoichi towards the exit.

As they left the bar, the patrons resumed their chatter, the interruption quickly becoming just another story in the tapestry of Konoha's nightlife.

Meanwhile, Horyu, unaware of the turmoil his engagement had caused, walked through the quiet streets of Konoha. The night air was cool against his skin, a welcome relief after the day's events.

Up ahead, Horyu noticed three figures walking and engaged in a lively discussion. As they spotted him, they changed their course to intercept. Recognizing them as he drew closer, Horyu offered a slight bow, intending to pass by without interruption. However, as Inoichi reached out to grab his collar, his hand phased through Horyu as if he were nothing but a mirage.

"Genjutsu?" Shikaku uttered in surprise, his drunken state not dulling the shock of falling for an illusion, especially from a Genin.

"Did I do anything to offend you, Inoichi-san?" Horyu inquired, genuinely puzzled by the aggressive approach.

Inoichi, on the verge of an outburst, paused, realizing that Horyu was oblivious to the recent developments. Inoichi's anger deflated as he recognized that Horyu, too, was a pawn in this political game. "Just get lost," he muttered dismissively, his frustration evident.

Horyu, his brows furrowing in confusion, nevertheless bowed again and turned to leave, respecting Inoichi's clear desire for space.

"He is respectful," Choza commented, watching Horyu's retreating figure.

Inoichi shot Choza a flat look, silencing any further commentary. Choza retracted his words, muttering under his breath, "Fine. Whatever. Keep your daughter single for eternity."

As Horyu continued his walk through the quiet streets of Konoha, his mind was not on the odd encounter. Instead, he pondered the potential alliances and enemies he might have unwittingly made during the Chunin Exams. His interactions had been minimal, but he knew the ninja world was one where even the smallest actions could ripple into significant consequences.

His thoughts briefly wandered to the Uchiha clan and how his recent victory would position him within their ranks. Shisui's pride in his achievement was evident, but Horyu was wary of the expectations and responsibilities that would inevitably follow. He needed to navigate his path carefully, maintaining his autonomy while leveraging the clan's resources for his growth.

Horyu's walk led him near the Hokage's office, a building he now viewed with a different perspective. Shisui had played his cards well during the Five Kage Summit, but the political landscape was shifting, and Horyu knew he needed to stay alert to these changes.

Horyu sighed as he returned home. The next day dawned bright and early for Horyu, who was already up and making his way to the Hokage Building. The morning air was crisp, a welcome sensation against his skin as he navigated the familiar streets of Konoha. Arriving in front of the imposing structure, he paused, taking a moment to observe the village awakening to a new day. It wasn't long before Hinata joined him, her approach marked by a cheerful greeting. "Good morning, Horyu," she said, a smile lighting up her face.

Returning the smile, Horyu responded, "Good morning, Hinata. You look excited." It was evident in her bright eyes and the lively step in her walk.

Hinata's giggle was light, filled with anticipation. "Of course. Kurenai-sensei said we will be meeting with Hokage-sama. There is a chance that we might promote." The possibility brought a sparkle to her eyes, a reflection of her dreams and hard work possibly coming to fruition.

Horyu nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Hopefully." While the System Quest had assured his promotion, Hinata and Shino's fate hung in the balance.

Soon after, Shino and Kurenai joined them, completing their group. Together, they stepped into the Hokage's room, where Teams 7, 10, and Guy were already assembled, standing in a semi-circle around Shisui's desk. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of anticipation and nervous energy, each team member silently speculating about the purpose of this meeting.

Shisui, looking every bit the authoritative Hokage, surveyed the room with a calm gaze. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice," he began, his voice commanding attention. "Today, we gather to discuss the outcomes of the recent Chunin Exams and the potential promotions."

Hinata, standing beside Horyu, clasped her hands together, her excitement barely contained. Shino, ever stoic, gave nothing away, though his posture was straighter, more attentive. Kurenai, watched them with a proud smile, confident in their performance.

Shisui's eyes briefly met Horyu's, a flash of acknowledgement passing between them before he continued, "The exams showcased exceptional talent and determination. Among those who stood out, Horyu Uchiha's performance was particularly noteworthy."

A murmur of agreement swept through the room, though Sasuke's expression darkened, his eyes fixed on Horyu with a blend of resentment and envy. Sakura and Kiba whispered among themselves.

"In light of this, I have made my decisions regarding promotions," Shisui declared, pausing for a moment to let the weight of his words sink in. "Horyu Uchiha, step forward."

Horyu moved with measured steps, his expression calm. Standing before Shisui, he waited, his posture respectful yet confident.

Shisui, holding Horyu's gaze, announced, "For your exceptional skill, strategic mind, and contributions during the Chunin Exams, I promote you to the rank of Chunin, effective immediately."

As Shisui's gaze lingered on Horyu, a sense of pride emanated from him. "Horyu Uchiha, your achievements in the Chunin Exams have not only highlighted the might of Konoha but also the distinguished prowess of the Uchiha clan. Your performance was exemplary."

Horyu, maintaining a composed demeanor, inclined his head in gratitude. "I am honored by your recognition, Hokage-sama," he replied, his tone sounding sincere.

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