Bully Lord In the Chunin Exam (NarutoVerse)

The morning sun bathed Konoha in warm, golden light as Kuro, Reika, and Xero approached the Ninja Academy. The air was electric with anticipation, the streets alive with young ninjas from different villages, all converging on one place for the Chunin Exams. It was a clash of talent, ambition, and determination—exactly the kind of stage Kuro had been avoiding. But now, with Reika and Xero at his side, retreat wasn't an option.

Reika adjusted her dark red jacket, her expression calm, but her eyes were keenly observing the surroundings. "We need to find Room 301," she said, her tone practical.

Xero grunted, his massive frame making him an imposing presence even in the bustling crowd. "How hard can it be? Just follow the noise."

Kuro, who had been unusually silent, stayed a few steps behind, his wooden sword strapped to his back. The weight of it was a constant reminder of the stakes. They entered the Academy, the corridors bustling with ninjas from all over the continent. The building's familiarity tugged at Kuro's memory, but the atmosphere was entirely different. Today, it wasn't just a place for learning—it was a battleground for the ambitious.

Reika's voice broke the silence. "You alright?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at Kuro.

Kuro didn't immediately respond. He felt her gaze, but the question wasn't one he had the answer to. He wasn't even sure how he felt about being here. All he knew was that every corner of the Academy felt like it was watching him, waiting for him to prove something, to become something. The thought made him uneasy.

"I'm fine," he muttered, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face. He had perfected this response over the years, pushing away anything that might show weakness. But Reika wasn't buying it.

"Don't lie to me," she said, her voice soft but firm. "You're not fine, Kuro. I can tell."

Kuro flinched, annoyed by how easily she could see through him. But Reika wasn't just perceptive; she had a way of making him feel vulnerable, whether he liked it or not. It wasn't something he could ignore.

Xero, noticing the tension between the two, snorted. "You're making too big of a deal out of it, Reika. Kuro's tough. He'll survive."

Reika shot Xero a sharp look. "That's not the point."

Kuro glanced up, meeting Reika's gaze. "What is the point, then?" he asked, his voice tight. "You think I'm just going to collapse the moment things get tough? I'm here, aren't I?"

"I know you're here," Reika said, her tone gentler now. "But that's not what I meant. I meant that you're carrying something. You're acting like nothing matters, like it's just another day, but I can see the weight you're putting on yourself. I'm worried about you, Kuro. You don't have to face this alone."

Kuro was taken aback. He wasn't used to this kind of honesty. People didn't talk to him like that, not without some sort of agenda. But with Reika… it was different. She wasn't just concerned for his well-being; she was *genuinely* worried about him.

However, even if he talks about Fire Fly, she won't understand anything. It's better not to discuss it with them; he will reveal it when the time is right.

"I'm fine," Kuro repeated, this time more quietly, his gaze flicking to the floor. "I've dealt with worse."

Reika shook her head slowly. "You don't have to face everything by yourself. You have us. We're not just here to help you fight. We're here to help you *live* through it, too."

For Kuro, Reika was just a temporary comrade, but for Reika, he was a long-time friend. She is always concerned about him, as he is one of the most careless people she has ever known.

Xero, who had been quiet for a moment, leaned down to pat Kuro on the back. "And if things go sideways, I'll be there to smash anyone who gets in your way. Don't worry about it. You'll get through this."

Kuro looked up at both of them, their faces earnest, their concern genuine. For the first time in a long while, the walls he'd built around himself seemed to crack, just a little. He didn't know how to accept this kind of support, didn't know how to lean on anyone without feeling weak. But maybe Reika was right. Maybe this wasn't something he had to face alone.

He let out a long breath. "I appreciate it, you know," he said, his voice quieter than before. "But I still don't like this whole Chunin Exam thing. I don't want to be a part of the system, not like this."

Though she didn't understood fully whatever he was saying, Reika smiled softly. "I understand. But this is your chance to show who you really are, Kuro. You don't have to become something you're not. Just show them who you've always been, and that will be enough."

Kuro was referring to Fire Fly's attack and his dimensional slip that sent him to another world, something he doesn't like. However, he won't correct them.

Xero grinned, showing his teeth. "Yeah, and if anyone tries to stop you, they'll have to deal with me first."

Kuro glanced at both of them, his heart a little lighter than it had been before. Maybe this wasn't as hopeless as he thought. With Reika and Xero by his side, he might just be able to walk into this world, face whatever was waiting for him, and still come out standing. He wished they could unleash their full power. He knows just how strong Kenpachi Zaraki and Rias Gremory are.

"Thanks," Kuro said quietly, the weight of his thoughts feeling a little less heavy. "Really."

Reika gave him a knowing look. "Anytime. Now, let's get to Room 301 before you decide to run off again."

Kuro chuckled despite himself. "No promises."

As they turned down another corridor, the noise of the other participants grew louder, and Kuro couldn't help but feel a surge of exciting energy. The Chunin Exams were about to begin.

As they ascended the stairs toward the supposed third floor, a commotion caught their attention. Two young men, their faces contorted with arrogance, blocked the way, their mocking laughter echoing through the hallway. A small crowd of onlookers had gathered, their eyes fixed on the tense standoff.