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"Alright... I believe you."

Yoruha shrugged and topped off Anko's glass with another pour.

Anko watched his face closely.

That same lazy, careless expression.

She snorted in her heart.

Believe? Yeah right, like hell you do.

She didn't believe for a second that he dropped by just because he missed her.

She just really liked the pendant he gave her. That's all.

Not that she'd ever admit it out loud.

Stupid brat.

"So? What'd you come to see me for?" Anko asked, trying to sound indifferent.

"What kind of question is that?" Yoruha smirked. "Can't I stop by without a reason? Just to see you? Besides, you know, keeping that scowl on your face all the time will give you wrinkles."

Anko blinked, her face softening just a little.

His tone was light, but… the words hit warmer than she expected.

"Hmph. Guess you're not totally heartless after all." She took another sip. "Still—I'm the examiner for the second round of the Chuunin Exams. You seriously don't have anything you wanna ask me?"

She leaned in a little, eyes gleaming mischievously—like a predator baiting prey.

Yoruha looked at her.

"Nope."

Then downed more of his drink like it was nothing.

Anko nearly choked.

"Unbelievable. You don't care about any exam info at all?" She glared, half frustrated, half amused. "Seriously, do you even want to pass?"

She hated that iron couldn't become steel.

She had already taken the bait and handed it to him on a silver platter—he just refused to bite.

But fine.

She wasn't going to let him off that easily.

"Ugh, fine. Since we've got this whole master-disciple thing going on, I'll toss you a bone."

She leaned closer and lowered her voice dramatically.

"Here's a little inside scoop—

The second round of the Chuunin Exams is being held at Training Ground 44."

Her lips curved into a smug little smile, proud of her generosity.

Her eyes sparkled, waiting for a reaction.

Yoruha caught the look and decided not to disappoint her.

"Oh? Really?" he raised his brows in fake surprise. "I think I heard someone mention that place before. Isn't there a lake there? Something like… Akiba Lake? You happen to know where that is?"

"Akiba Lake?" Anko blinked. "What are you asking about that for?"

"Nothing special." Yoruha answered smoothly. "I just heard it's got nice scenery. Thought I might check it out."

Anko gave him a deadpan stare.

"Nice scenery?" she scoffed. "That's the worst excuse I've ever heard. You want the map for the exam, but you don't wanna ask directly. Is that it?"

She smirked as if she'd seen right through him.

Yoruha laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of his head.

"Ahaha… Damn. As expected of Konoha's elite Special Jōnin, Mitarashi Anko. You saw right through me!"

Anko puffed up proudly.

"Of course I did!"

Then she dipped her finger into her drink and began sketching roughly on the wooden table.

"There—this is Training Ground 44. And that's where Akiba Lake is. Right here."

Yoruha leaned in, studying the crude wine-map carefully.

He committed every detail to memory, then casually wiped the table clean with his sleeve.

"Wait a minute." Anko narrowed her eyes. "Other people might not know how strong you are, but I do. Why do you even need this map?"

"You took down Zabuza without breaking a sweat. Just grab a scroll, head for the tower, and you're done. What do you need a map for?"

Yoruha looked at her in disbelief.

Seriously?

You're the one who told me to ask!

Now you're calling me out for it?

But since she asked…

Yoruha shrugged.

"Well, y'know…" he said casually. "I've got a little sister and a certain girl I'm kind of dating. I figured if I know the map ahead of time, I can plan a spot to meet up with them."

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