"If I had just killed Itachi, I wouldn't have to deal with this troublesome situation," Akuma muttered to himself, brooding over the problem that was about to unfold.
Three days ago, he had sensed it—ANBU. More than five of them. Hidden, watching him from afar. Alone, he had been surrounded, yet not a single one escaped his notice. Thanks to the power of his World Item, their presence was like a ripple in still water—impossible to miss.
That alone confirmed one thing: the Third Hokage had sent them.
And the only reason Akuma could imagine... was Itachi. He must have reported everything about their fight. If that was the case, then Hiruzen Sarutobi had grown suspicious of him.
Since then, Akuma had kept up appearances—attending school and continuing his training. But the weight of constant surveillance never left his shoulders. He didn't know what Hiruzen was planning, but he was sure of one thing: the old man didn't intend to kill him.
Not yet, anyway.
If the Hokage truly wanted him dead, there had already been plenty of chances. It wouldn't be easy, but it was possible. That left only one conclusion—Hiruzen was gathering information, trying to understand what Akuma truly was.
But now, the situation had shifted.
The Hokage had approved Akuma's participation in the Chunin Exams.
That decision set off every internal alarm in Akuma's mind.
He didn't know what kind of trap this might be, but blindly walking into it was out of the question. Yet, rejecting the offer outright could draw even more suspicion. He had already told Guy-sensei that his goal was to become the strongest ninja. Turning down the Hokage's recommendation would only make things worse.
So he compromised—asking to postpone his participation and instead be allowed to observe the upcoming Chunin Exams.A calculated decision, made for two reasons:Rock Lee's safety… and his own.
He remembered what happened in the anime. Lee had nearly lost everything during those exams. And now, with Akuma's interference, the timeline had shifted. There was no guarantee Tsunade would appear at the right time—or even be able to save him.
That's why Akuma wanted to be there—not for entertainment, but as insurance.
If anything went wrong… he'd step in.
To protect Lee.
Besides, as long as Guy-sensei was nearby, Akuma didn't have to worry. But if the Third Hokage had denied the request… that would have meant something far worse:
a trap.
Then Akuma would have no choice but to activate Plan B:
kill the Third Hokage—now rather than later.
Risky. Dangerous. Complicated.
But necessary.
With that grim thought in his mind, Akuma waited in silence—for Guy-sensei's answer.
After finishing his training, Akuma made his way into the village, heading straight to the familiar ramen shop. As he approached, he spotted Guy-sensei and the others already gathered around a table.
"Oh! Look, Akuma is here!" Tenten waved him over, patting the seat next to her.
"Finally, you're here, little brother! Come quickly, we were just about to start!" Rock Lee called out in his usual enthusiastic voice.
Akuma walked over quietly and sat beside Tenten.
"It's been so long since I've seen you. How are you, Akuma?" asked Teuchi, the kind-hearted ramen shop owner, from behind the counter.
"I'm doing well, Uncle Teuchi," Akuma said with a faint smile.
"You've grown so much. I still remember when you came looking for a job. Those were the good old days." He grinned. "Oh—Ayame's missed you too. AYAME! Come out here, little Akuma's back!"
Footsteps echoed from the back of the shop.
"You seem to know the owner well," Guy-sensei said, glancing at Akuma curiously.
"I used to pass out flyers for this shop to earn money," Akuma replied.
Back then, he had considered performing music to make money. But every time he tried to play an instrument, his hands would start shaking. The frustration of not being able to control it had eaten at him. It made him feel weak. And weakness... made him angry.
He didn't dwell on it. A familiar voice broke through his thoughts.
"Finally! There you are, little Akuma!" Ayame said, stepping out from the back with her hands on her hips. "You disappeared for so long! Didn't you miss me?"
"I did miss you, big sister Ayame," Akuma said, wearing an apologetic expression. "I just didn't have time to visit. I'm sorry."
"You're way too cute when you look like that!" she said, smiling warmly. "Alright, I'll cook something special to cheer you up!"
She turned to head for the kitchen, but Guy raised a hand.
"Wait a moment, miss. We're all hungry—could you take our orders too?"
Ayame blinked, then chuckled. "Of course." She quickly jotted down everyone's orders and disappeared into the back.
Once they were alone again, Akuma leaned slightly toward Guy-sensei.
"So, Guy-sensei... did the Third Hokage agree?"
Guy's face shifted—expression grave, lips pressed into a thin line. He met Akuma's gaze.
"No... he did not."
Akuma's face darkened instantly. His fingers curled slightly under the table, mind racing—until—
"Hahahaha! Just kidding!" Guy grinned, flashing a thumbs-up. "Hokage-sama agreed!"
Akuma let out a slow breath, tension fading from his shoulders.
A rare moment of relief.
"What are you talking about, Akuma?" Rock Lee asked, blinking in confusion.
"I asked the Third Hokage to let me observe the Chunin Exams instead of participating," Akuma said evenly. "He agreed."
Rock Lee's eyes widened, lighting up. He leapt to his feet, fist clenched.
"Then you'll get to see me defeat ninjas from other villages with taijutsu alone!"
"Sit down," Neji muttered. "You'll get us kicked out."
Rock Lee instantly obeyed, sitting stiffly like a scolded student.
"Finally! Our food is here!" Tenten exclaimed, eyes sparkling.
Teuchi and Ayame emerged, carrying bowls of freshly made ramen. They set them down with practiced ease.
"Alright, kids! Ramen's ready!" Guy-sensei clapped his hands. "Let's enjoy it!"
The group dug in, the mood warm and full of laughter. For a little while, the steam rising from the bowls covered the tension in Akuma's heart—if only for a moment.