Yuhi Makoto truly lived up to his reputation as an instructor-class shinobi. His training notes were meticulous, filled with step-by-step guidance and detailed commentary on genjutsu. Lock could follow the explanations easily enough, though he had never practiced illusions before. Understanding the theory was one thing—mastering it would take time.
Out of courtesy, Lock had asked Kurenai if showing him the notes might cause problems. She reassured him, and with that, he allowed himself to dive in fully.
For Lock, this was a rare opportunity. The notes weren't just training methods—they were a glimpse into the Yuhi clan's specialty. Even if illusions weren't his focus, studying them broadened his understanding of ninjutsu as a whole.
For two full days, Lock stayed with Kurenai. He helped her untangle the difficult sections while quietly absorbing the material himself. He suspected she'd shown him the notes partly as an excuse—to give him a chance to learn as well. It was a kindness he didn't take lightly.
On the third day, Kurenai needed to register at the Hokage Building as a new genin, ending their joint training. Still, in just two days, Lock had gained insights that would've taken him months on his own.
The following week passed quietly. With no missions assigned, Lock remained at home until he was summoned by Jiraiya.
Over the past two and a half years, the team had grown in strength. Lock and Kushina remained genin, but Minato had advanced rapidly, earning his promotion to jōnin not long ago. His success meant one thing: their squad could no longer stay as it was.
"I've called you here today to announce something important."
Jiraiya's tone was uncharacteristically heavy as he looked at the three of them. He had led this squad for nearly three years. Though Minato was his true apprentice, he had also grown attached to both Kushina and Lock.
"Minato has become a jōnin," he continued. "The village plans to assign him as a team leader. And as for me… I've been given other responsibilities. Which means today is our last meeting. From this point on, the Jiraiya Squad is officially disbanded."
A long silence followed. The news wasn't unexpected, but hearing it aloud still weighed on them. It was rare for one of the Sannin to lead genin at all. Jiraiya had done so only at the Third Hokage's request, and now, with Minato's promotion, it was only natural for the squad to dissolve.
Minato broke the silence with a warm smile. "We may not be on the same team anymore, but that doesn't mean we won't see each other. Let's keep meeting whenever we can."
Kushina forced a laugh, brushing aside her own disappointment. "Yeah! Lock, you'd better come visit me often."
This time, Lock didn't argue with her usual bossy tone. He simply nodded. "Of course."
Jiraiya turned to him. "Lock, Minato, and Kushina already have their next steps arranged. As for you, I've signed you up for the Chūnin Exams. With your ability, I'm confident you'll pass. Fill out this form, and I'll submit it."
He handed over the application. Lock filled it in immediately, grateful—he'd been planning to apply anyway.
"When does the exam begin, sensei?" he asked.
"Half a month from now," Jiraiya replied. "The village hosts the Chūnin Exams twice a year. Until then, don't take on missions. Use the time to train and prepare. Once you pass, a new squad will be assigned to you."
"I understand, Jiraiya-sensei."
Kushina suddenly clapped her hands. "Then let's have a farewell meal! Sensei, you're paying."
For once, Jiraiya grinned without complaint. "Fine, my treat. Let's head to Li Wan's snack bar."
"What? No way!" Kushina protested. "That's just Lock's place. I want Ichiraku ramen!"
Jiraiya waved her off. "Bah, Lock's food is far better than ramen. And there's more variety."
"No, no, no—Ichiraku!"
Their bickering continued all the way to the door, laughter mixed with exasperation. Despite the bittersweet occasion, the bond they'd built over three years lingered warmly.
And so, the Jiraiya Squad came to an end. For Lock, the days ahead would be filled with preparation.
Half a month slipped by quickly.
On the morning of the exam, he reported to a small hall near the Hokage Building—the designated site for the first stage.
Several years had passed since the Second Great Ninja War, and Konoha had regained much of its prosperity. The number of young shinobi was rising steadily. This time, fifty-six genin gathered for the exams.
But only three would be promoted.
Lock, at nine years old, was the youngest in the group. The oldest candidates were already in their twenties. He knew none of them—years spent with Jiraiya's squad had left him isolated from his peers.
The Chūnin Exams were simple in Konoha: two stages only. First, a written test. Then, a battle exam.
The candidates filed into the examination room. The proctors were all chūnin—strict, but nothing compared to the grand, international exams Konoha would one day host. Every participant here was a Leaf genin; no foreign shinobi.
Lock took his seat calmly. Back at the academy, he'd always excelled at written work. When the signal was given, he read the questions once, then set his pen to paper without hesitation.
All around him, however, tension mounted. Not every genin had attended the academy, and even among graduates, theory wasn't everyone's strength.
Soo,n the room was alive with subtle movements—whispered techniques, carefully hidden signals, and creative ploys.
The Eight Immortals crossing the sea—each showing their own tricks. A quiet war of cheating had begun.