The finals concluded successfully as Shiranui Genma announced the roster of newly promoted Chūnin.
With the matches over, the gathered business tycoons, relatives of Daimyos, and nobles began assigning missions of varying levels to suit their needs. Many of these missions were specifically designed for the participating candidates, regardless of whether they had passed the exam. Even those who failed to qualify as Chūnin managed to leave an impression, earning the recognition of these powerful sponsors.
This joint examination proved to be a massive success, bringing substantial revenue to all the hidden villages. Beyond financial benefits, the exchange of skills and knowledge fostered a temporary sense of unity. Even radicals who were similar to Danzo seemed to momentarily abandon their usual agendas.
After all, the current generation of Konoha's young shinobi was every bit as impressive as their parents—if not more so. There was a growing belief that this new wave of shinobi might surpass their predecessors.
As the event came to an end, visitors who had been staying in Konoha began to leave. Most had no lingering attachment to the village, but the Kirigakure delegation found themselves in an unusual predicament.
"Mei-sama, are you certain about this?" Haku asked hesitantly, his brow furrowed in concern.
Suigetsu leaned on the Kubikiribōchō, smirking. "Yeah, leaving you behind isn't exactly our idea of a good plan. You do remember Ao, right? He'll have our heads if we come back without you."
Mei sighed, waving a dismissive hand. "Ao can fuss all he wants. I'm staying here for a while longer. There's no urgent need for me to return immediately. Konoha has its charms, and frankly, I could use the break."
Haku stepped forward, his tone firm despite his usual gentleness. "With respect, Mei-sama, it's not just Ao we're worried about. Returning without you would give the impression that we abandoned our leader. That would be... dishonorable."
"Dishonorable? Please," Suigetsu scoffed, though his smirk faltered. "We're not exactly winning any awards for loyalty, but even I'm not dumb enough to walk into Kiri without you. Ao would skewer me before I even got a word in."
Mei crossed her arms, her emerald eyes narrowing. "Are you two telling me you're afraid of Ao? He's all bark and no bite. Besides, I'm giving you a direct order to return to Kirigakure. That's not up for debate."
Suigetsu shrugged, giving Haku a sidelong glance. "Afraid of Ao? No. Afraid of what he'll say to Yagura's loyalists to stir trouble? Absolutely."
Haku nodded solemnly. "Mei-sama, your presence in Kirigakure is more than just symbolic. Without you, it could spark rumors or unrest. We can't take that risk."
Mei sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "I came here to get away from all that political nonsense for a few days. I didn't expect to be dragged back by my team."
"Mei-sama," Haku said, his voice softer but resolute, "you've done so much for Kirigakure. We don't want to burden you, but we also can't leave you behind. Please understand—we would rather wait here with you than face the consequences of returning alone."
Suigetsu nodded, though his grin returned. "Besides, if you're taking a vacation, we might as well enjoy it too. Konoha's got some decent food, hot springs, and even that Ichiraku place everyone keeps talking about."
Mei chuckled, shaking her head. "You two are impossible." She glanced at Tatsuya, who had been quietly watching the exchange with an amused expression. "And you, Tatsuya? What do you think of all this?"
Tatsuya smirked. "I think they're right. You've got loyal people who don't want to leave your side. You can't blame them for that."
Mei groaned but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Fine. You win. We'll stay a little longer. But don't make me regret this."
"Never, Mei-sama!" Haku said with a bow, his eyes lighting up with relief.
Suigetsu gave a dramatic stretch. "Well, if we're sticking around, I'm hitting that barbecue place. You coming, Haku?"
Haku gave a polite nod. "Perhaps later. Mei-sama, shall we visit the hot springs again?"
Mei smiled, letting herself relax for the first time in weeks. "Yes, that sounds perfect. For now, we'll make the most of this."
The next morning, the air in Konoha was crisp, the village bathed in the golden hues of dawn. Despite the serene atmosphere, the Kirigakure delegation gathered at the gates with somber expressions.
Mei adjusted her Mizukage hat, and her usual relaxed demeanor replaced with the composure befitting a leader. "Well, I suppose the vacation's over," she said with a faint smile.
Haku stood to her right, his posture upright and respectful. "Thank you for allowing us to stay, Mei-sama. I hope it was enough to recharge you."
Suigetsu, carrying the Kubikiribōchō slung across his back, yawned loudly. "I'm not gonna lie, Konoha was pretty nice. But I can already hear Ao yelling at us the second we step into the village." He glanced at Mei with a smirk. "You're going to take the brunt of that, right?"
Mei rolled her eyes, though a small chuckle escaped her lips. "Ao's nagging is nothing compared to managing the entire village. If anything, I might enjoy watching him try to scold you two for once."
Tatsuya arrived at the gates to see them off, his arms crossed and a smirk on his face. "Heading out already? I thought you might extend your stay after last night's dinner."
Mei turned to him with a grateful nod. "As much as I'd like to, duty calls. Thank you, Tatsuya, for your hospitality and for keeping us company."
Tatsuya shrugged. "It was no trouble. Safe travels, Mei. And you two," he added, looking at Haku and Suigetsu, "try not to cause her too much trouble on the way back."
Haku gave a polite bow. "We'll do our best."
Suigetsu grinned. "No promises. You know me."
As they turned to leave, Mei paused, glancing back over her shoulder. "Next time, Tatsuya, visit Kirigakure. I'll keep you locked in my office."
Tatsuya smiled. "I'll hold you to that."
With that, the group set off, the road stretching before them as they began the journey back to Kirigakure. Haku and Suigetsu walked a few paces behind Mei, their conversation light and playful.
"You think Ao's gonna lecture us the second we get back?" Suigetsu asked, adjusting the massive blade on his back.
Haku sighed. "It's almost guaranteed. But it's a small price to pay for ensuring Mei-sama's love life."
Mei glanced back at them with a wry smile. "If you two keep bickering back, Ao's lecture might be the least of your worries."
Suigetsu winced, laughing nervously. "Noted, Mei-sama."
As the teams from other villages departed, Konoha gradually returned to its usual rhythm.
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