Darui

The next day, after school, the academy grounds buzzed with activity and anticipation. The students, despite being dismissed for the day, chose to linger, their eager faces turned toward the gates as they awaited the arrival of Genin from various villages. These young shinobi would be participating in the prestigious Chunin Exams, and it was a sight no one wanted to miss.

Ryomaru stood tall next to one of his classmates. On either side of him, Hinata, Hanabi, and Temari flanked him. Further behind, Ino and Sakura chatted animatedly, though it was clear from their occasional glances that their attention was partly on the entrance gate.

Hinata leaned in slightly, "Ryomaru, do you know any of the Genin coming from Cloud?"

Ryomaru looked at her with a wry smile, his ice-blue eyes twinkling, "A few. I've sparred with some, and B-sensei has mentioned others."

Temari, the Sand Village representative, twirled a strand of her blonde hair thoughtfully. "The Chunin Exams are such a big deal. I wonder how tough the competitors from the other villages will be."

Hanabi, always competitive, smirked, "As if any of them stand a chance against Konoha's finest!"

Ryomaru chuckled. "Don't underestimate them, Hanabi. Every village has its strengths."

Suddenly, the chatter amongst the students grew louder as a group of Cloud Genin walked in confidently, their demeanor making it clear they were no strangers to challenges.

As the Cloud Genin approached, they arrived next to Ryomaru and the leading Jounin smirked, while Genin slightly bowed, "Ryomaru-sama." Ryomaru greeted back but walked to the Jounin, "Darui. It's been a while."

Darui patted Ryomaru's shoulder, as he assessed his height, "You have grown, Ryomaru." The latter chuckled, "Well of course. I have good genetics in height."

Darui's eyes twinkled with pride as he looked at Ryomaru. "You carry the grace of the Cloud with you, even here in Konoha."

As they started to talk, others from various villages also arrived. Sand Shinobi, escorted by a Jounin named Yūra, also approached Temari and greeted her. Their interaction was more respectful.

"Temari-sama," Yūra bowed slightly, "It is an honor to see you here in Konoha."

Temari nodded graciously, her posture poised and confident. "The honor is mine, Yūra-san. I trust your journey was safe?"

Yūra smiled warmly. "Yes, it was. Thank you for your kindness."

Meanwhile, Hinata watched the exchange with admiration in her lavender eyes. She leaned closer to Hanabi and whispered, "They all seem so dignified, don't you think?"

Hanabi, arms crossed, replied without tearing her gaze away from the newly arrived Genin. "Dignified or not, they are still our competition."

Further away, Ino turned to Sakura, her excitement palpable. "Can you imagine, Sakura? The finest Genin from all over the nations, gathered here! It's like a dream!"

Sakura nodded, her face serious but with an evident spark in her eyes. "Yes, it's a rare opportunity to learn. We must watch closely."

"Let's go in to complete your admission," Darui said. Ryomaru looked at Temari and saw her apologetically smile. She needed to stay with the Genin of her village to show support. He smiled back in understanding, then he looked at Hanabi and Hinata, who joined him. He walked with Darui as he introduced them, "These are Hinata and Hanabi Hyuga. My friends. And this is Darui. He is hella strong despite his young age."

Darui chuckled, "Don't praise me too much."

Ryomaru chuckled too, "I only give credit." Then they walked into the academy. Students were barred from entering, but since they were with Darui, they entered without a problem.

As they entered the room, they saw close to a hundred Genin from various villages. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and excitement. Young ninjas from different lands sized each other up subtly, exchanging glances that carried a mix of curiosity and competitive spirit. The murmur of various dialects blended into a harmonious buzz that filled the air.

Hanabi's eyes narrowed slightly as she observed the newcomers, her competitive nature evident. "Interesting," she whispered, more to herself than to anyone else.

Hinata's eyes, soft but focused, drifted across the room. "Everyone seems so skilled," she said in her gentle tone, awe subtly lacing her words.

At that moment, a group of Genin from the Mist Village, identifiable by their distinctive flak jackets, caught Ryomaru's attention. He could sense the strong chakra that emanated from them.

"Their spirit is high," Ryomaru mused aloud, his ice-blue eyes reflecting his keen interest but maintaining his composed demeanor.

Darui nodded, "Every village has sent their best. This won't be an easy competition for anyone." His voice was steady, mirroring the serious nature of the exams.

As they were waiting, a figure caught Ryomaru's eyes. He was a bespectacled, grey-haired Konoha Shinobi with purple clothes. Despite blending in with his team, Ryomaru could feel his subtle moves showing he was not what he seemed. But he was a Konoha Shinobi and they were in Konoha; it wasn't his place to meddle in. He instead watched as Cloud Shinobi signed up for the exam and Darui left with Ryomaru and the girls.

"How was it? Wasn't it tense?" Darui asked, smirking.

"It was extreme," Hinata sighed, her soft voice carrying a hint of awe and a touch of nervousness. Her lavender eyes were still wide from the palpable energy of the room they had just left.

Hanabi, in stark contrast, was more excited. Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at Ryomaru and exclaimed, "In two years, we can join this exam too!"

Ryomaru chuckled warmly as he patted their heads, "Let's get going," he said, his voice carrying the comforting familiarity of a big brother figure.

Darui was given accommodation on the outskirts of Konoha, on the opposite side of Ryomaru. After bidding him goodbye, Ryomaru left the academy with Hinata and Hanabi. The three of them moved through the bustling village streets, a stark contrast to the charged atmosphere they had just left.

"So, Ryo," Hanabi began, her tone playful and confident, "Do you think we will outshine those Genin when it's our turn?"

Ryomaru grinned, his ice-blue eyes twinkling. "With the way you train? I have no doubts," he replied warmly.

Hinata smiled softly at this exchange, finding comfort in her friends' confidence and the familiarity of their banter.

They arrived at the entrance to the Hyuga compound, the grand traditional gates imposing yet welcoming. Hinata turned to Ryomaru with a gentle smile. "Thank you for walking us home, Ryomaru-kun," she said, her gratitude genuine and heartfelt.

Ryomaru nodded and gave them both a reassuring smile. "It's no trouble at all. Stay focused and keep training hard, alright?"

"I will," Hanabi replied, her competitive spirit reignited, "We'll be strong, like you and our sister."

Hinata nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting her determination. "We will," she affirmed.

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