The night passed without incident.
It was now dawn. A few faint stars still flickered in the pale blue sky, and the forest was blanketed in a thick white fog. Amidst the mist, three figures moved swiftly through the trees, leaping from branch to branch like immortals sprinting through a fairyland. The three figures were none other than Killer Bee and his two companions, who had already exchanged missions with another task squad and were now heading back toward the Hidden Cloud Village (Kumogakure).
Since this was his first completed mission, Killer Bee was particularly lively along the way.
As time passed and the sun slowly rose, the white mist began to dissipate. The ancient trees of the forest became clearly visible. Massive, gnarled vines wrapped around the old trees like coiled dragons. One by one, the three figures sprang from branch to branch, rapidly advancing toward the Hidden Cloud Village. Their silhouettes gradually faded into the distance.
A gentle breeze blew, swaying the green leaves. Dewdrops rolled off the leaves and landed on the rocks below with soft drip-drop sounds. The air was rich with the earthy scent of soil and the fragrance of wildflowers. Everything seemed vibrant and full of life.
Time flowed steadily, never stopping.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—"
By dusk, the three figures suddenly appeared at the gates of the Hidden Cloud Village. They were, of course, Killer Bee and his team. After checking in at the registry, the trio headed toward the Raikage's office.
Strangely, as they entered the streets, the once-bustling district instantly fell silent. The villagers' eyes filled with fear, wariness, and rejection. The atmosphere changed dramatically.
Killer Bee was confused. He couldn't understand why the lively street had become so quiet. What baffled him even more was how people reacted to his teacher, Fukai—as if they were afraid of him. That uneasy feeling lingered. Even though the streets were crowded, his teacher seemed to be completely isolated.
Bee didn't know that his teacher was a jinchūriki (tailed beast host), nor did he understand why others looked at him that way. He wanted to ask but ultimately said nothing. The three of them continued in silence until they reached the Raikage's office, where the tense mood finally eased.
Inside the Raikage's office, A (the future Fourth Raikage) reported to the Third Raikage about the mission and suggested giving Killer Bee a Chūnin-level test for promotion.
In the Hidden Cloud Village, there were only two ways to become a Chūnin from a Genin. The first was to take the Chūnin Exams, held every two years. The second was a special independent test requested by an elite Jōnin. Each elite Jōnin was granted one chance per year to recommend someone to the Raikage for this kind of test.
Of course, most elite Jōnin didn't use this opportunity unless the person they recommended was truly exceptional—after all, their reputation was on the line.
The Third Raikage listened to his son's proposal and asked again:
"Are you sure about this? You think Killer Bee is already capable of holding a Chūnin position? He hasn't even graduated from the academy yet. Even if he has the skills, he's still technically a Genin. Once someone becomes a Chūnin, they must be capable of independent missions. Are you sure you want to proceed with this test?"
Hearing this, Killer Bee asked:
"Lord Raikage, aren't Genin also independent ninja?"
A explained:
"Genin are just rookie ninja. Every mission they undertake requires a team led by at least a Chūnin or elite Jōnin. That's not what we call working independently. A Chūnin, on the other hand, must be ready to face challenges on their own. Of course, most missions are still completed in three-person teams, but in emergencies, Chūnin are expected to handle missions solo. Genin, however, won't be assigned missions alone even in critical manpower shortages."
"Oh," Bee said with a look of understanding. Then, with a firm tone, he declared, "I've decided to take the Chūnin test! I believe I can do it!"
"Very well," the Raikage nodded at Killer Bee's determined expression. "Then the test will be tomorrow at 10 AM. Your opponent will be an elite Chūnin. The location is Training Ground Three. As long as you can avoid defeat, you pass."
"I'll definitely pass!" Killer Bee shouted confidently, and the three exited the Raikage's office.
Once outside, Fukai left early due to other matters. Looking at his older brother A, Bee suddenly remembered that his clothes had been completely ruined during their mission due to the rough conditions. So he dragged A along to get new ones tailored.
Scene change: At the clothing store
The shopkeeper smiled warmly as the two brothers left.
"Please visit us again!"
A looked pained as he watched Bee walk beside him.
"Bee, am I your brother or your personal wallet? You just ordered ten outfits in one go! Didn't you just get your first paycheck?"
"Exactly! It's my first paycheck. I need to save it as a memento! And besides, I'm your little brother! It's only natural for an older brother to buy things for his younger sibling. Also... and another thing…"
Alright. As A listened to Bee ramble on, he finally realized how talkative his little brother actually was. He remembered how, when they first bonded, Bee barely said a word. Perhaps it was because they weren't close yet. Hmm, A thought, that makes sense.
Exhausted, Killer Bee finally returned home that evening. He dropped the groceries on the floor and collapsed onto the couch.
"Bee, I'm taking a shower. You handle dinner," A said as he walked into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water echoed.
"Why me...?" Bee mumbled as he opened one eye in protest.
"Because your cooking tastes good," A's voice came from the bathroom.
"Fine…" Bee replied with resignation and closed his eyes again. Not long after, he fell asleep.
No one knew how much time had passed when Bee, feeling an itch on his back, groaned and slowly opened his eyes.
"AAAAAAH!!!" he suddenly screamed at the top of his lungs, loud enough to shake the heavens.
Startled by the noise, A shouted back with annoyance:
"What the hell! It's just me scrubbing your back! Why are you freaking out like that? You scared the hell out of me!"
"Big bro, get out! I can wash myself!" Bee, now fully aware of what was happening, instantly shoved A out of the bathroom and slammed the door shut with a bang.
Dammit. He might be a five-year-old kid now, but inside, he was still an adult! Just thinking about another man scrubbing his back—no matter how wholesome—was way too awkward...
"Seriously? Was that really necessary?" A muttered with confusion and headed to the kitchen.
A few minutes later, Killer Bee emerged from the bathroom fully dressed. He let out a deep sigh.
That was way too traumatic.