Sasuke's twin sister, But Neji's first love

The Chunin Exam Stage 2: The Forest Of Death!

The tension in the room hadn't quite faded—even with the test over.

Some sat in disbelief, jaws slack and minds struggling to catch up. Others, like Sasuke and Neji, were already recalculating their next moves.

Beside me, Neji remained still—arms folded now, calm as ever. But something lingered in the air between us. A charged stillness.

He didn't look at me this time, but I could feel his awareness. Like a second presence brushing just beneath the surface.

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye.
"So what happens next?" I asked, voice low.

Neji's response was smooth, assured.
"The written exam was just a sieve. The real test's still coming."

And he was right.

Because at that exact moment—
CRASH!

Glass shattered above us in a violent spray, and several genin dove under their desks in panic.

I didn't flinch.

A blur of movement shot through the open window, flipping midair with theatrical flair before landing squarely on the front desk—hand on her hip, coat flaring like a cape.

"Alright, maggots!" came a bold, energetic voice. "Hope you're not too comfortable!"

A tall woman stood before us, fishnet sleeves, trench coat, and a grin far too wide for comfort.

"I'm Anko Mitarashi—and I'll be your next examiner!"

From the corner, Ibiki sighed loudly.
"You're early."

Anko ignored him completely.

"Let's weed out the weaklings, shall we?" she said, scanning the room with sharp eyes. "How many are there? Ibiki, you let all these guys pass? Your test was too easy. You must be getting soft. They sure don't look strong."

She cracked her knuckles with a grin.
"Trust me, by the time I'm done, more than half will be eliminated. This is gonna be fun. Alright, you maggots have had it easy so far, but things are going to be different starting first thing tomorrow morning. I'll let your squad leaders know where to meet me. Dismissed."

Some genin gulped.

⸻

The tension in the exam room finally began to dissolve. Papers were collected, whispers resumed, and chairs scraped against the floor as teams regrouped.

I rose from my seat, stretching with my arms behind my head before making my way toward Team 7.

As I passed between the rows of desks, I felt it—sharp, steady eyes locked on me.

I didn't have to look to know who they belonged to.

Neji Hyuga.
He hadn't taken his eyes off me since the test ended. When I glanced his way, he didn't look away. Calm, composed... but unmistakably focused.

I blinked once, then smirked at him before continuing to where Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke were waiting.

Sasuke was already watching. His dark eyes narrowed at the exchange. When I reached his side, he leaned in slightly.

"That Hyuga was sitting a little too close," he muttered. "And staring a little too long."

I glanced sideways at him, amused.
"What, jealous?"

Sasuke gave me a sharp look.
"No. I just don't like the way he was looking at you."

I smirked. "Relax. Nothing's going to happen."