Kakashi, please have a seat.

Faced with Asuma's greeting, Kakashi did not respond directly to his question. Instead, he deliberately avoided it and shifted the conversation, asking, "Where's Kurenai? Why didn't she come with you?"

"Tch, don't even mention it," Asuma took a deep drag of his cigarette, his expression impatient. "I had a fight with her. Women are such a hassle. Anyway, why are you still standing there? Come over and sit down."

"I... I'll stay standing. When the match starts, I'll have a clearer view," Kakashi replied calmly, arms crossed.

Asuma was puzzled. "But these are front row seats. You can see just fine sitting."

At that moment, several spectators in the row behind shouted at Kakashi, disgruntled, "Hey, you white-haired kid up front, what are you dawdling for? Sit down already! Your hair's sticking up so high, it's blocking our view!"

"Kakashi, just sit," Asuma quickly patted the seat beside him, urging Kakashi again.

Kakashi fell silent, and, seeing no other choice, slowly sat down. The instant he felt the cold seat beneath him, his pupils contracted and his face turned pale.

"Kakashi, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Rin Nohara noticed Kakashi's strange reaction and asked, concerned.

"I'm fine. I just had breakfast, a bit of indigestion," Kakashi insisted, feigning nonchalance.

Fortunately, his embarrassing injury was known only to himself, the unconscious Might Guy, and Kisame. That was his sole comfort; if word got out, he feared he'd die of shame.

Meanwhile, high up in the stands, in a luxurious private box, the legendary Three Sannin of the Leaf arrived one after another.

Since the end of the Second Ninja War, the three had come down from the battlefield, each busy with their own affairs: Jiraiya took in Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan, three war orphans, as his apprentices, and, inspired by Nagato's life, wrote his first novel, "Tale of Steadfast Will." Orochimaru, having experienced the fragility of life in war, became obsessed with research upon returning to the village, desperately seeking the secrets of immortality. Tsunade, by contrast, seemed the most idle; suffering from hemophobia, she wandered from country to country, frequenting casinos across the ninja world.

That far-reaching war had altered the courses of their lives.

Today, after several years, was their first reunion. They had agreed to meet, and to watch the Chunin Exams together, focusing on the Leaf's new generation to see if any promising talent emerged.

Squeak.

Jiraiya pushed open the door and strode into the private box. He stood nearly six-foot-three, broad-shouldered, his wild, lion-like white hair unmistakable. Entering, he immediately saw Tsunade lounging on the sofa, legs crossed, and his heart raced, his gaze betraying his longing.

Despite his flirtatious nature and countless encounters, only Tsunade occupied that singular place in his heart.

The unattainable always stirs the soul.

"Hey, Tsunade, it's been years—you've gotten even more beautiful!" Jiraiya walked over, smiling, and naturally opened his arms for a big hug.

Too bad his intentions were plain as day to Tsunade.

"Hmm?" She snorted softly, glanced at him, her beautiful eyes sharp with murderous intent as she raised her right fist.

Jiraiya's face changed instantly, recalling the many times he'd been beaten senseless by Tsunade's monstrous strength. He quickly withdrew his hands, forced a sheepish smile, and obediently sat on the sofa nearby.

Still, while his hands behaved, his eyes did not. Pretending to sit upright, Jiraiya's gaze kept wandering over Tsunade—from her red-polished toes, up past her curves, to her refined features and dazzling blonde hair.

Indeed, she was the most perfect woman.

Jiraiya couldn't help but sigh inwardly. When would this goddess ever belong to him?

Just then, a wave of cold, feminine energy swept in as Orochimaru arrived late and settled on the sofa opposite Tsunade. His soft black hair, golden snake eyes, purple eyeshadow, pale skin, and a pair of magatama earrings gave him an air of exquisite nobility.

Had Orochimaru been a woman, his elegance would surely make him a socialite.

"Hey, what's that in your hand?" Tsunade asked with curiosity as Orochimaru sat down, noticing the pile of documents he carried.

"It's intelligence on the eight finalists of this Chunin Exam. I've prepared three copies," Orochimaru replied with a smile, handing one to each of his old friends.

"You always think ahead," Tsunade said, taking the dossier and flipping through it casually.

"This batch of kids looks pretty good," Jiraiya nodded as he browsed.

Tsunade suddenly paused, her eyes glinting as she asked, "You've finished reading, right? Who do you think will take first place?"

"What's up, Tsunade? Don't tell me you want to bet on this too? I heard you lost all your money, and your creditors are knocking at your door," Jiraiya said, his expression odd.

"What are you implying—think I can't afford to gamble? Who do you look down on?" Tsunade's brow arched, ready to flare up, but then she remembered—perhaps, maybe, she really was broke.

Her bravado faded, but her gambling spirit remained. She proposed, "How about this: a friendly wager, nothing big. The two losers treat the winner to drinks and dinner! Otherwise, watching these kids play at fighting is just too boring."

"That's a good idea," Orochimaru agreed.

Indeed, for legendary ninjas who had seen countless battles, the Chunin Exam was mere child's play.

Jiraiya, seeing his chance, quickly declared, "I'll go first. My pick is this kid—Obito Uchiha." He held up the dossier with Obito's photo: a wide grin, radiating confidence.

Jiraiya's reasoning was simple: Obito was his apprentice's apprentice, making him a grand-disciple. He trusted Minato's teaching; any genin Minato trained would be exceptional. And Obito was a Uchiha, blessed by noble blood—a starting point far above the rest.

Confident in his choice, Jiraiya smiled, certain of victory.

"No need to rush. No one's competing with you. I'll pick my own apprentice—Shizune," Tsunade shot Jiraiya a look and slapped Shizune's dossier onto the tea table.

Since graduating from the academy, Shizune had learned much from her, enough to be considered a true disciple. In Tsunade's view, though Shizune was a medical ninja, her combat talent was by no means weak—especially skilled with poisons and hidden weapons. Even a jonin could fall to Shizune if careless.

Finally, it was Orochimaru's turn.

"My choice is... Kisame," he said with a slight smile, drawing out the dossier detailing Kisame's information.