Chapter 26: Surprise

Eat, drink, mess around.

What was originally a celebration party for Qimu Chao ended up as a farce among classmates.

But no one said anything, and even Kakashi joined in.

Qimu Shuomao and QiMu ChunNai stood by smiling, and it was rare to see Kakashi make such an expression.

If there were a camera nearby, Qimu Shuomao would definitely snap this scene, and later show it to Kakashi when he's being sulky.

Meanwhile, Qimu Chao and Jiu Xin Nai had already left the house and gone to their own backyard.

The sky had darkened, the bright moon rose gradually, its light spilled down, dispelling the darkness.

"How did you know I became a Genin today?"

Qimu Chao clasped his hands behind his head, walking along the pebble path, occasionally kicking a stone beneath his feet into the nearby flowerbeds and grass, sometimes startling the fireflies fluttering nearby.

"Aunt Chunna told me, this morning when I saw her she said you went to take the Genin exam. I think with your ability you'll pass the assessment without any problem, so I was preparing to pick a gift for you, but on the way Kakashi and your classmates showed up, and we decided to give you a surprise party."

Jiu Xin Nai tilted her head toward him, "How is it, isn't it great?"

"Ha, indeed, even I was startled."

Qimu Chao laughed.

After laughing, Jiu Xin Nai continued, "Do you know, the time you saved me, I thought you were some unknown ANBU; who could have imagined you were so young, still a kid who hadn't graduated."

"After all, I feel you're much more mature than you appear."

"Speaking of it, back then you could have taken on three Jonin directly, why didn't you Apply for Graduation earlier?"

"I say there's your reason in this; do you believe me?"

Hearing Jiu Xin Nai's words, Qimu Chao suddenly turned his head, his gaze burning as he stared at Jiu Xin Nai, which instantly flushed her face.

"You…"

For a moment, Jiu Xin Nai didn't know what to say.

Clearly, their previous interactions weren't like this; before, she had subtly expressed her feelings in words, while Qimu Chao bluntly stated that they were at most ordinary friends.

After that day, Jiu Xin Nai had already prepared for a protracted battle.

But now Qimu Chao's unexpected remark shattered her mental defenses.

What does he mean?

Because I only wanted to become a Genin?

Is it that after becoming a Genin he can protect me better?

But why?

He clearly didn't have that intention before.

Could it be… could it be because of that day…?

So he actually likes being more proactive?

Thinking this, Jiu Xin Nai's face reddened further, and she proactively grabbed Qimu Chao's hand.

Feeling Jiu Xin Nai's slightly abnormal body heat, Qimu Chao turned his head and saw her flushed face, matching her red long hair—a living little chili pepper.

Although he didn't know exactly what the girl beside him was thinking, Qimu Chao could guess roughly.

And such a misunderstanding can't be cleared up in just a sentence or two; let her keep daydreaming, it won't affect him.

Honestly, faced with this situation, his world‑shaking wisdom still can't provide a perfect answer.

He certainly wouldn't, because of Jiu Xin Nai's assertiveness, act like a lecher on her.

In the moonlight, Dai Tu and others hid behind the window, peeking through the cracks at the courtyard scene.

"Why does that Chao guy like someone older than himself?"

Dai Tu was puzzled; although he felt his interactions with Jiu Xin Nai were fine, he still didn't understand why Qimu Chao was with Jiu Xin Nai.

"Yeah, Lord Chao doesn't seem like that type of person."

Lin also nodded beside them.

"Hey, you don't need to guess men's thoughts and feelings."

Asuma put on a knowing expression: "I'll tell you, based on the book I stole from my old man's study, men won't refuse a woman who looks mature, like the curvy kind…"

"But sister Jiu Xin Nai looks… alright."

Bu Zhi Huo Xuan Jian was about to speak, glanced at the girls nearby, then glanced at Jiu Xin Nai in the courtyard: "Hmm, indeed… a bit more mature."

"According to brother…"

Kakashi crossed his arms and leaned against the door.

"Hey, Kakashi, don't listen to that Chao guy's words. Men, you know how it is; I won't say more to those who don't get it. I'm telling you, he's just saving face by saying that to you."

Asuma slung an arm around Kakashi's shoulder and whispered beside him.

……………

Early the next morning, after Qimu Chao finished dressing, ate breakfast, and said goodbye to his mother, he went to the Hokage's office.

At that moment, the Third Hokage, Yuanfei Rizhan, was reviewing intelligence relayed by the ANBU. Since the last failed mission by Cloud Hidden Village to kidnap Jiu Xin Nai, the Cloud Ninja and Iwa Shinobi have been locked in fierce clashes on the Land of Lightning's border.

Fortunately, both sides held back and did not choose to expand the conflict, allowing the situation to improve and preventing a Third Ninja World War.

However, the gunpowder already ignited will eventually explode.

The conflict between the sides will erupt again sooner or later.

And the Cloud Ninja and their Konoha will inevitably face a war.

Why can the entire Ninja World not remain in perpetual peace?

Thinking back to the end of the First Ninja World War, if only Teacher Tobirama hadn't sacrificed himself…

Sigh…

He sighed inwardly, the Third Hokage pinched his brows, then walked to the floor‑to‑ceiling window behind him, gazing at the Konoha scenery.

No matter what decisions he may make in the future, right now he only hopes that Konoha can continue to develop well like this, that talents keep emerging, like a genius youth such as Qimu Chao, and it would be best if several more appeared.

Just as he was thinking, he heard Qimu Chao's voice: "Third Hokage."

"Ah, Qimu Chao, you've arrived."

The Third Hokage turned around, a gentle smile on his face: "By the way, your team‑leading Jonin hasn't arrived yet; stay here and wait a moment."

"He, like you, is also a genius ninja; though young, he is experienced. I think the two geniuses together can exchange even better."

Just as the Third Hokage was speaking, a very gentle‑sounding voice came from outside the door: "Excuse me for disturbing, Third Hokage."

Then a boy with golden fragmented hair pushed open the door and walked in.

At the moment he and Qimu Chao locked eyes, both froze in place.

"Is it really him?" "Is it really him?"