The midday sun hung high over Konoha, casting long shadows across the training grounds where Team 7 gathered once more. The air was warmer than usual, but tension seemed to linger more than the heat. It wasn't just the upcoming Chūnin Exams pressing down on them—it was the lingering sting of Rock Lee's speed and the reality check he had delivered to Sasuke the day before.
Sasuke stood apart from the others, practicing his forms with a focused intensity that bordered on obsession. His pride still ached from being bested so easily. Each punch and kick was sharper, more precise than the last, but anyone watching closely could see the frustration bubbling beneath his cold exterior. Naruto watched him from the side, arms crossed, brow furrowed, but his expression was more thoughtful than usual. He had teased Sasuke the day before, sure, but it had also made him realize that he needed to step up too. If guys like Lee were their competition, ramen clones alone wouldn't cut it.
Naruto clenched his fist, his mind racing with ideas. Sticky Ramen Nets to trap enemies. Ramen Barricades to block attacks. Hardened Ramen Kunai to pierce armor. Sayuri's voice echoed in his head from the night before—"Think like a shinobi. Ramen is your weapon."
Raven leaned against a tree, arms crossed, watching them all with her usual smirk, but her eyes were sharp. Always watching. Always evaluating. She had seen Sasuke's growing need for power, Naruto's budding creativity, and Sakura's quiet determination. But her thoughts were beyond Team 7. The Chūnin Exams were more than a test. They were a stage where the future was shaped—potential allies, rivals, threats. And Raven intended to know them all.
Her gaze shifted as she sensed familiar chakra signatures approaching. Team 8 arrived first—Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame. Hinata's eyes immediately flickered to Naruto, a soft smile curling her lips, though she quickly looked away when he noticed. Kiba was his usual boisterous self, Akamaru perched atop his head, while Shino remained silent, his face hidden behind his high collar and sunglasses.
Shortly after, Team 10 followed—Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi. Ino's confidence radiated from her every step, but Raven, who had seen her true soul projection abilities, knew there was far more to her than the others realized. Shikamaru yawned lazily, hands stuffed into his pockets, but his eyes scanned the area with hidden sharpness. Choji clutched a bag of chips, but his relaxed demeanor masked his potential for raw power when pushed.
The tension between the rookies was immediate. Naruto puffed out his chest, grinning at Kiba. "You ready to see the power of Ramen Jutsu, dog boy?"
Kiba barked a laugh. "Yeah? Gonna drown us in broth?"
"Don't underestimate ramen!" Naruto snapped. "When I'm done, my noodles will be feared across the ninja world!"
Sasuke scoffed quietly, while Shikamaru sighed. "Great. More lunatics."
As the teams mingled, Raven took the opportunity to approach Hinata. The girl had grown stronger under her guidance—her Ice Release was formidable—but her self-confidence was still fragile. Raven leaned in close, her voice low and teasing. "You know, Hinata… I've noticed you've been getting stronger. I like a girl who knows how to freeze her enemies. Makes me wonder… what else you're good at."
Hinata's face turned crimson in an instant. Her eyes widened as she tried to form words, but nothing coherent came out. Her knees wobbled. Then, as if her body betrayed her completely, she fainted, collapsing into the grass with a soft thud.
Everyone turned.
Naruto blinked. "Hinata?! What happened?!"
Kiba knelt beside her. "She's overheating or something!"
Raven covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her laughter. "Oops. Guess I'm just too much for her."
Sakura raised an eyebrow, amused. "What did you say to her?"
"Oh, nothing much." Raven shrugged innocently. "Just a little encouragement."
As Kiba helped revive Hinata, Raven turned her attention to Ino. She was confident, but Raven knew how to push buttons. She approached with a playful smile. "Ino, you're looking sharp as always. Must be that killer combination—brains, beauty, and… well, I bet you're flexible too, right?"
Ino froze. Her face turned a deep, tomato-red hue, and for a moment, steam seemed to rise from her head like a boiling kettle. "W-wha—?! Flexible?! I—what are you even—?!"
Raven leaned in closer, her violet eyes gleaming. "I'd love to see just how flexible sometime."
Ino made a strangled noise, her hands flailing in front of her. "T-this isn't fair! You can't just say things like that!"
Naruto watched the scene in confusion. "Why is steam coming out of Ino's head?"
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Raven's just… being Raven."
Tenten had wandered over during the commotion, observing the chaos with amusement. She caught Raven's eye and offered a small smile. Raven returned it with a wink, causing Tenten's cheeks to flush slightly. Her hair buns twitched again. Raven's grin widened.
"You're cute when you blush," Raven said casually.
Tenten's buns wiggled furiously as she stumbled backward. "I—I was just standing here! Why are you—?!"
"I'm just appreciating the view." Raven shrugged. "You can't blame a girl for that."
Naruto scratched his head. "Why is everyone acting so weird today?"
Shikamaru sighed. "Women are too troublesome."
As the awkwardness began to settle, Raven leaned back against the tree, satisfied. Flirting was fun, but there was more to it. These moments built bonds—trust, curiosity, attraction. Seeds planted now would bloom later. And for Raven, every bond was a potential ally in the future.
As the teams began to part ways, Naruto lingered beside Raven. "Hey… you really think my Ramen Jutsu can work? Like… really work?"
Raven's teasing demeanor softened for a moment. "Yeah, Naruto. I do. You've got something special. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Naruto's grin returned, full force. "Alright! I'm gonna make it work! Ramen Style—believe it!"
As the sun began to set, Raven stood on the rooftop of The Crusty Kunai, gazing out over the village. The Chūnin Exams were approaching, but she was already thinking beyond them. The Sisters of Virtue were growing—Hinata's ice, Ino's soul, and perhaps, Tenten's steel. Bonds were forming. Strength was gathering.
Raven's eyes glowed faintly as she whispered into the wind, the words as much a promise as they were a warning.
"We Keep Our Promises."
The future was hers to shape.
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