The Dream

The eleven candidates who made it through the preliminaries gathered in the grand hall, except for Sasuke. As the Third Hokage scanned the room, he felt a wave of relief wash over him - six of the eleven candidates were from his own village.

The Third Hokage puffed on his pipe, blowing out a cloud of smoke as he began to speak.

"Congratulations, everyone. You've made it through the elimination round for the third exam. Now, let me tell you what's next."

The exhausted candidates perked up, momentarily forgetting their fatigue as they leaned in to listen.

"Take a deep breath," he said with a gentle smile.

"You're not diving into the third exam just yet."

He paused, letting the tension in the room dissipate.

"As Hayate mentioned earlier, the third exam is all about showcasing your battles to a live audience. Each village is represented by its strongest participants, which is why we used the preliminaries to select the best of the best from each village."

The Hokage's expression turned serious.

"To ensure fairness and give you all a chance to show your full strength, the official matches of the third exam will begin in a month. Use this time wisely - hone your skills, gather intel, or perfect your strategy. The choice is yours, but don't underestimate your opponents."

He paused, his gaze sweeping the room as he looked each candidate in the eye.

"Now, let's see who you'll be facing in the next exam," he announced.

Mitarashi Anko stepped forward, a wooden box in hand.

"Time to draw lots. Each of you, come forward and find out who you'll be up against. We'll start with our first candidate," she declared, her voice clear and efficient.

Hayashi stood up and approached Anko. He reached into the box and pulled out a folded note. Unfolding it, he announced, "I'm number 1."

He couldn't help but feel a sense of irony. He'd always been first in line, whether in school or in the knockout round. And now, in the official match, he'd drawn the top spot again.

It reminded him of the original story, where Naruto had also gotten number one. As he thought about it, a new idea struck him. Was it possible...

One by one, the other candidates drew their lots. Naruto stepped forward, pulled out a note, and read out, "I'm number 2." He grinned, looking directly at Hayashi.

"I'll let you take me seriously. Believe it!" Naruto declared.

Hayashi was taken aback, expecting to face Neji instead. But he welcomed the change. This could be an interesting match.

Hinata's eyes locked onto the box as she stepped forward. A gentle pat on the shoulder from Hayashi encouraged her.

"It's your turn," he said.

She nodded, her gaze fixed on the box. With a deep breath, she drew out her note, unfolded it, and read out her number.

"I'm number 10."

Next, Neji stepped forward, and the room fell silent. He drew his lot, unfolded it, and shot Hinata a slight smirk.

"I'm number 9."

Hinata's eyes widened in surprise, but Hayashi's reassuring hand on her shoulder calmed her nerves.

"You'll do great, Hinata. This is your chance to show how far you've come."

The drawing of lots continued, with each candidate stepping forward to reveal their match-up. Since Sasuke wasn't present, the last lot automatically went to him, and with that, the order of the official matches was set.

Match 1: Yusuke Hayashi vs. Uzumaki Naruto

Match 2: Uchiha Sasuke vs. Gaara

Match 3: Aburame Shino vs. Kankuro

Match 4: Temari vs. Nara Shikamaru

Match 5: Hyuga Neji vs. Hyuga Hinata

Match 6: Kinuta Dosu

"Now that the order is set," the Third Hokage said.

"You're all dismissed. Go prepare for your matches in any way you see fit. May the best ninja win."

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As Team 8 made their way to the transfer room, Hayashi caught Hinata's eye and offered a supportive smile.

"See you later, Hinata," he said, his voice warm.

Hinata responded softly, "Yes," her eyes lingering on his for a moment before they stepped into the transfer room.

The familiar sensation of the teleportation process enveloped them, and in an instant, they found themselves outside the Forest of Death.

With Kurenai gone after the preliminaries, the team was on their own. Still disoriented from the teleportation, they took a moment to get their bearings. But this time, they were better prepared, and their bodies had adjusted to the shock of instant transportation.

Hayashi headed home to start cooking dinner, while Hinata went grocery shopping. Lost in their own thoughts, they both prepared for the challenges ahead.

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Forty minutes later, Hayashi was in his kitchen, expertly slicing meat. He let out a wistful sigh.

"I wish we could go back to five days ago."

Hinata nodded in understanding.

"Me too."

After plating the meat, Hayashi washed and dried his hands. He moved behind Hinata, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.

"You know, I was thinking... what if we asked Sensei Kurenai to assign us a month-long mission tomorrow? Just the two of us, traveling together, no distractions."

Hinata's eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to face him.

"That sounds amazing!"

But her enthusiasm was tempered by doubt.

"But do you think it's possible? My father might not approve."

Hayashi's grip on her waist tightened slightly.

"Leave that to me. I'll talk to Kurenai-sensei and see what we can work out."

Hinata's eyes lit up, and for a moment, she let herself imagine the possibilities.

"My father will probably make me stay and train hard now that I've passed the preliminaries..."

Hayashi's face dropped, his eyes dimming.

"Yeah, that's true. We'll find another time then."

Hinata, not wanting to let the moment slip away, placed her hand on Hayashi's.

"Maybe I can ask my father for some free time. He might understand."

Hayashi's face brightened, and he leaned in to brush a gentle kiss against Hinata's cheek.

"It's okay, Hinata. We have plenty of time. After the Chunin Exam, we'll take a trip together. Who knows, maybe one day we'll travel the world together. "

"And if your father gives you a hard time, I'll be right there beside you, convincing him." he grinned.

Hinata's face glowed with happiness.

"You're always looking out for me, aren't you?"

Hayashi's lips brushed against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

"Always, Hinata. Forever."