Striving Ahead

Another half month had swiftly passed by, and without realizing it, June 23rd had arrived.

Almost two months had passed since their return from the Land of Waves, and in that time, they had only completed three D-level missions.

In the span of four months since their graduation, they had amassed a total of 11 tasks, including one that reached B-rank status.

This achievement fulfilled the criteria for their registration in the upcoming Chunin Exam.

Today, Kurenai gathered Team 8 in the familiar expanse where they had honed their skills during survival exercises.

Her expression was serious as she surveyed Hayashi and the others, a sense of purpose emanating from her.

"I've called you here for an important announcement," Kurenai began, her voice steady and commanding.

"Not long ago, the Third Hokage reached out to us," she continued, her tone measured.

"He has announced that the Chunin Exam is scheduled to start on July 1st, with registration set to open in just a few days."

Pausing for a moment to let the gravity of her words sink in, she purposefully shifted her gaze from one team member to the next, ensuring each one felt the full impact of her message.

"While I have faith in your abilities," she remarked, her voice steady, "I must ask: are you planning to participate in the Chunin Exam?"

At her question, both Hinata and Shino directed their attention towards Hayashi, silently awaiting his response. His decision held weight not only for himself, but also for their collective team.

Sensing their gazes, he nodded decisively.

"We will participate."

Hinata's smile spoke volumes as she remained quiet. Meanwhile, Shino adjusted his sunglasses in a gesture of agreement, remaining stoically silent.

Their unspoken consensus was evident to Kurenai, who nodded in satisfaction.

"Very well," she said with a warm smile, "I'll assist you in registering when the time comes. I'll provide you with the necessary details later."

"Then, we'll disband," she concluded.

With that, she vanished from their sight.

After the meeting, they wandered the familiar streets of Konoha. This time, each step seemed to bear an added weight, as if the very ground beneath them sensed the gravity of their upcoming journey.

The bustling activity of the village seemed to fade into the background as they discussed their plans for the upcoming Chunin Exam.

"The Chunin Exam," remarked Shino in his usual composed manner, "is an opportunity for Genin to advance to Chunin. It's held every three years and serves as a crucial event for nations to showcase their strength."

"This year, it's Konoha's turn to host," he continued, "which means we'll face formidable opponents not only from our village but also from other ninja villages."

"Regardless of our opponents," Hayashi stated firmly, "we'll see it through to the end."

Shino nodded in agreement, his trust in Hayashi's abilities evident in the subtle tilt of his head. Hinata, too, displayed no signs of worry. Her faith in him was reflected in the softness of her gaze and the gentle curve of her smile.

As they bid farewell on the bustling street, Hayashi fell into step beside Hinata.

Their footsteps naturally synced into a comfortable rhythm as they made their way home together.

As morning sunlight poured through the windows, Hayashi and Hinata sat down to a simple yet satisfying breakfast.

The aroma of freshly toasted bread wafted through the air, mingling with the fragrant steam rising from their cups of hot tea. With each sip and bite, they savored the quiet moments shared together.

With their hunger satisfied, the duo made their way to the training ground, eager to hone their skills under the expanse of the open sky.

Despite the expectations placed upon her within the Hyuga clan, Hinata found comfort in the freedom she enjoyed while training with Hayashi.

Her father's indifference to her progress allowed her to explore her potential without the weight of familial expectations bearing down upon her.

And so, she spent her days alongside Hayashi, both as his caretaker and his training partner

At the training ground, Hinata's Gentle Fist training took center stage. Surrounded by training puppets, she moved with precision.

Her fingers danced across the surface of the wooden constructs, targeting their acupuncture points with pinpoint accuracy.

Meanwhile, Hayashi, wielding his bamboo sword with practiced finesse, unleashed a flurry of strikes that sliced through the air with whistling intensity.

With each swing, he channeled his energy into the blade, creating cyclones of power that threatened to surge out of control if not tempered with precise control. 

After an intense hour of training, Hayashi emerged from the depths of his spiritual focus, marking the end of the first stage of their training.

They then transitioned to the second stage, a sparring session.

This time, Hayashi adopted a new strategy.

Instead of confronting Hinata head-on, he opted for evasion, nimbly sidestepping her attacks with precision and finesse. No longer relying on blindfolded training, he entrusted Hinata with the lead in their combat dance, pushing himself to his limits.

With each strike she unleashed, the intensity heightened and the tempo quickened.

"Two palms... four... eight... sixteen... thirty-two... sixty-four palms!"

The rapid succession of strikes echoed in the air. 

Each of Hinata's slender fingers and palms landed on Hayashi's body like lightning, leaving behind a trail of fleeting afterimages that seemed to blur the line between reality and illusion.

If one were to peer beneath the folds of Hayashi's kimono, they would find a layer of black substance adorning his chest.

It acted as a barrier, absorbing the impact of Hinata's powerful strikes with ease, shielding him from harm as they continued their dance of combat.

However, Hinata refrained from infusing chakra into her strikes, for reasons known only to her.

As they sparred, Hayashi pondered the resilience of his Armament Haki. Could it withstand internal injuries? Yet, he knew attempting to find out would be futile, especially since Hinata would never agree to such a test.

Despite her hesitation, Hinata impressed Hayashi by unleashing the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms technique against him. He marveled at her resolve, knowing it went against her gentle nature.

Completing her set, Hinata stood before him, her brow glistening with sweat.

"That was amazing, Hinata," Hayashi praised warmly.

Hinata lowered her head.

"I still have a long way to go compared to you, Hayashi," she humbly replied.

Hayashi wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, inhaling her natural scent mingled with the faint aroma of sweat.

As he leaned in, he whispered softly into her ear, "Believe in yourself and your potential."

"We'll grow stronger, you and I," he assured, his words filled with conviction.

"I'll be right beside you, guiding you every step of the way, helping you become the amazing person I know you can be."

"But we'll get there together, Hinata," Hayashi added, his tone encouraging and sincere.

In response, Hinata returned the embrace, her heart swelling with happiness as she nestled her head against Hayashi's chest.

"Yes, together." she murmured softly, her voice filled with trust and love.