Because I Met You

Chapter 30: Ichiraku Ramen

A loud crash then interrupts Ibiki. Everything happens too fast for me to process. A woman is now standing in front of a banner that she put up using her kunai. It seems like she came through the window.

"Alright, you maggots, listen up! My name is Mitarashi Anko and I'll be your proctor for the second part of the Chunin exam!"

The second? Right off the bat? Ibiki then pokes his head out from behind the banner.

"Anko... You're early, again."

Oh good... She had me scared there for a bit.

"Ibiki, aren't you a little soft on them? There're way too many of them left."

She's definitely just trying to change the subject regarding her mistake.

"Or maybe we just got a very strong group this time."

Anko then chuckles.

"When I'm done with them, more than half will be gone."

More than half... That means next one is probably going to be pretty hard... I better prepare myself well.

"Alright, you're safe for now! Meet tomorrow in front of the Forest of Death. A document with the location and time will be given to you. You better rest well tonight if you don't want to die tomorrow."

I don't know if she's being serious or if she just loves to exaggerate...

We all head back to the inn we're staying at. None of us failed, which is great. Of course, that also includes Mari's team, which I wish they didn't pass, but... What can I do? I get to my squad's room with Koji and Maru. I can't help but feel like I want to get out of here and go spend some time with Gaara.

"Thanks, Kiu."

Koji gives me a pat on the shoulder.

"About what?"

"The answers, silly."

Silly...? Only Gaara ever called me that.

"I'm not silly! And you're welcome. It's only natural."

"That scared me so bad, though. You could've given me some kind of warning."

I sigh at Maru.

"How in the heck was I supposed to give you a heads up without getting caught? You should've just been smarter and accepted it without too much of a fuss like Koji did."

Koji chuckles while Maru grumbles away.

"Anyway, I'm going out, guys."

I really want to go see Gaara.

"Where are you going?"

Koji asks me. Should I tell him? I mean, why not?

"I'm going to see Gaara."

I notice that Koji slightly frowns. What's up with that?

"I'm coming with you."

"What? No, you don't have to."

"I don't have to, but I want to."

Why is he being so pushy? He's never been like this before. I mean I did want to spend some time alone with Gaara, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to bring Koji along.

"Sure..."

"You guys have fun. I'll be staying here. I might also go see what Hana's up to."

Maru chuckles after saying this.

"You do have the hots for her!"

"Not so loud, Kiu! You want the entire building to hear you?!"

I giggle at how flustered he is.