31 Unfit for the Shinobi Path

July 1st arrived, marking a significant day for the Genin of Konoha.

The Chunin Exam, an important moment for every aspiring ninja, had finally arrived, drawing competitors from far and wide to the village gates of Konoha.

At the crack of dawn, Hinata and Shino stood quietly outside Hayashi's home, awaiting his arrival.

As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the morning haze, Hayashi emerged from his house, his sleek black kimono adorned with crimson and ivory markings flowing behind him.

The inner lining, a vibrant red, added a striking contrast to the darkness of the outer garment. At his side, his tachi gleamed, catching the light with a subtle brilliance.

Together, the trio set off towards the examination venue, the bustling streets of Konoha awakening around them.

Hinata's heart raced with excitement, while Shino's stoic demeanor betrayed little emotion.

As they walked, Hayashi glanced at his companions.

"Did you remember to bring all the necessary application forms?" he asked.

"Yes, everything is in order," Hinata and Shino confirmed in unison.

With a satisfied nod, Hayashi's lips curved into a faint smile.

As they arrived at the Ninja School, instead of heading straight to the examination room, they first made their way to the administration building to submit their applications.

However, upon reaching the second floor, they encountered a peculiar sight.

"... This is a genjutsu. Let's dispel it quickly. We need to reach the third floor," a familiar voice echoed through the corridor.

Peering through the crowd, Hayashi recognized the source.

The scene seemed to depict a confrontation between Sasuke and Hyuga Neji during the Chunin Exam.

Within the crowd, Hayashi, Hinata, and Shino observed the chaotic scene as the illusionary barrier crumbled before their eyes.

Two Chunin guards lunged towards Sasuke, only to be intercepted by a determined figure in green tights—none other than Rock Lee.

"Hinata, look," Hayashi whispered, his gaze shifting to Hinata as he noticed her attention drawn to another duo approaching—the remaining members of the Konoha Twelve: Neji and Tenten.

As her eyes met Neji's, Hinata instinctively lowered her gaze, anxiety and apprehension evident in her demeanor. His presence always seemed to evoke unease within her.

Neji's cold voice pierced through the air, addressing Hinata with an undercurrent of disdain.

"I didn't expect you to have the audacity to participate in the Chunin Exam so soon after graduation, Lady Hinata," he remarked, his tone dripping with contempt.

Visibly intimidated by Neji's demeanor, she mustered the courage to respond, albeit timidly.

"Big brother N-Neji..." she began, her voice faltering under his penetrating gaze.

Neji's criticism continued, his words cutting through the tense atmosphere.

"Given your personality, you shouldn't even be here, let alone attempting the Chunin Exam. You lack the necessary qualities to become a..." Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden impact sent him sprawling to the ground.

"Neji!" Lee and Tenten rushed to his side, concern etched on their faces as they helped him up.

All eyes in the corridor turned towards the source of the disturbance, where Hayashi stood, his expression unreadable. Team 7 exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Hayashi looked down at Neji, who was sitting on the ground, and offered a sincere apology.

"I'm sorry for my lack of awareness. But, forgive my curiosity, are you truly a member of the Hyuga clan? With all respect, you don't seem suited for the life of a ninja."

As Hayashi's words struck a raw nerve, Neji was transported back to a haunting memory—the agonizing moment he received the cursed seal of his clan, a brutal emblem of his predetermined fate as a member of the branch house. The bitter taste of inequality flooded his senses, fueling the fire burning within him.

Neji's irritation flared, his temple veins throbbing with suppressed anger, his jaw clenched tight.

"You dare to question my heritage..."

His voice, low and seething, carried the weight of years of resentment and injustice.

"You know nothing!" Neji continued, his tone cutting through the air like a blade.

Undeterred, Hayashi met Neji's fiery gaze with calm resolve.

"Your lineage may define your past, but it's your actions that shape your future. Our paths will cross again during the Chunin Exam. I hope you'll make it through without being eliminated."

With that, Hayashi turned away from Neji and ascended to the third floor, Hinata and Shino following in his steps.

Observing Hayashi's departure, Tenten expressed her dissatisfaction.

"Who does he think he is? Sure, he might have good looks, but why is he so arrogant? And Neji, why didn't you fight back just now?"

Neji sighed, his expression detached as he recounted the encounter.

"I couldn't," he began, his tone calmer than moments ago.

"His feet were gathering chakra, and the force he exerted was comparable to Lee's kicks."

Tenten's disbelief was evident as she covered her mouth in shock.

"Is that even possible? That guy... he must be incredibly powerful."

Lee's expression mirrored her surprise at the revelation.

"Of course, Hayashi is the top student of our class," a carefree voice chimed in suddenly, catching Neji and the others by surprise.

It was Naruto who spoke, his tone triumphant, while Sasuke stood beside him, looking less than pleased but offering no rebuttal.

"Is he the top student?" Neji mused, his lips quirking up slightly.

"I see, things are getting more and more interesting."

After submitting their application form, Hayashi and his companions left the complex. Their footsteps echoed through the corridors as they made their way towards the examination room.

Glancing at Hinata, who bowed her head and twirled her fingers nervously, he sensed her fear. With a gentle smile meant to reassure, he whispered softly, "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, no harm will come to you."

Hinata responded with a soft hum, unaware that her fear had dissipated. She kept her head lowered, not out of timidity, but to shield the happiness shining in her eyes from others.

The image of Hayashi replayed in her mind constantly, filling her with a sense of security and joy.

As the three of them approached the examination room building, they spotted three figures waiting at the entrance.

This year's proctors were none other than Kakashi, Kurenai, and Sarutobi Asuma.

"You're here," Kurenai greeted them warmly as she noticed Team 8 approaching.

"Hello, Teacher Kurenai," Hayashi and the others replied respectfully.

"Is he this year's top student?" Kakashi remarked, setting down the Icha Icha book in his hand and observing Hayashi.

"You are much calmer than Sasuke. Kurenai, you've found a very promising student."

Kurenai's smile widened at his praise, clearly pleased by the acknowledgment.

Unfazed by the compliment, Hayashi maintained his composure under Kakashi's scrutiny.

Observing the Jonin prodigy, with his silver hair, black cloth mask, left eye concealed by a forehead protector, and attire resembling a Jonin's, Hayashi nodded in acknowledgment.

"Thank you for the kind words."

With a nod to Kurenai, Hayashi, Hinata and Shino then proceeded to push open the door and enter the examination room.

As the group departed, Asuma couldn't help but comment, "The boy looks a bit like a young Kakashi, doesn't he?"

Kakashi glanced up from his book.

"You think so?" he mused before returning to his reading.

Kurenai chuckled softly.

"Yes, he does."

She glanced at Kakashi, who was engrossed in his book, before adding with a wry smile, "And hopefully without your quirk."