Not long ago, Haruto had proudly presented the damning evidence before the Hokage. When he then proposed immediate action against Mizuki, the old man's firm "no" took him by immense surprise. He angrily demanded an explanation only to be shocked by the rebuke.
"I'm surprised that you would ask that, Haruto. What makes you think Mizuki would be the only confederate my errant student has in Konoha? Your instinct was right. There was a spy, but are you that certain there are no others? If not, then is it really prudent for us to reveal our hand so soon?"
The Hokage made a good point. It would be foolish for them to squander their advantage so carelessly. To his shame, Haruto acted, in his triumph, foolishly. Despite his talents, he was far from perfect. His youthful impatience, excitable temperament, and overconfidence would fail him not for the last time.
"I do want to keep a very close eye on the suspect. He may very likely try something, before, during or right after graduation. Until then, you will be on break from ANBU."
Haruto didn't even complain at being handed another unpaid special assignment, so engrossed was he in his new task.
A week passed without incident.
This is it. Examination day. Mizuki had yet to act. Haruto was beginning to feel lethargic from the lack of activity.
"This is so troublesome." That was Shikamaru, of course. This time, he was not the only one to hold such an opinion, as his friend Chouji quickly agreed. The blond remained silent as he continued to bum food off of the Akimichi.
Despite his personal reservations, Iruka had been compelled by higher ups to accept some of the recommendations that Genji had outlined. Amongst them was assigning students to mock genin teams to work and spar together. Many veterans in the ninja profession had considered it an excellent idea, though the execution left much to be desired, due to the lack of qualified overseers. Haruto could only assume that should they try this with the next class, they would do a better job then.
"Eh, so these are your role models. As if you aren't gluttonous or lazy enough already," Kiba exclaimed as he sauntered over with his partner trailing him.
Haruto glared. Ever since he had pulled off his sexy technique prank so masterfully, the dog boy has been following him with his nose. The blond didn't know whether to be concerned for his virginity or to act smug. Apparently before he came to the academy, the young Inuzuka had a reputation for being a crafty prankster. Haruto gave his rival slash stalker a petulant smirk before continuing his eating binge with his Akimichi friend. To the dog boy, being ignored was far more insulting than any retort and was totally unacceptable. Kiba was prepared to challenge the former dead last when two very loud kunoichi appeared.
"Get out of here, dog breath!"
The Inuzuka moved to protest, only to be greeted by two demonic visages. Haruto laughed as said dog boy beat a hasty retreat with his tail tucked behind his legs.
"Ohayo, Sakura-chan!"
Both Shikamaru and Chouji winced as their friend was forced into the ground. Haruto was foolish, but surely he did not deserve that.
"Ow, what was that for?" Haruto wearily eyed his pink-haired attacker after picking himself up. That punch actually hurt like hell. The blond was seriously reassessing his choice of the Haruno girl as his prankster persona's love interest. There must be an easier and less painful way to pose as a goof off. Sakura, meanwhile, decided it was beneath her to deign him with a response and simply stormed past him.
Ino frowned. Sure, Haruto was a brat and she felt perfectly justified in punishing the idiot whenever he did that perverted technique. Still, Sakura's reaction was rather excessive given how the boy did nothing more than greet her. Besides, even she could see how much the blond had improved in class… when he was not fooling around that is.
"Eh, Haruto, are you alright?"
The blond was surprised to see one of the dedicated admirers of the Uchiha looking at him with thinly disguised concern.
"I'm ok, Ino-chan. Thanks for asking," Haruto declared brazenly with a cheesy grin. The other blonde went through a curious cycle of gaping, blushing and finally glowering in anger.
"Baka!" The headstrong girl raised a hand to strike at the boy who dared embarrass her publicly. As a result of his experience with Sakura, Haruto instinctively winced and averted his face in preparation for the hit. The strike never came.
"Eh, Ino-chan?"
Her hand dropped limply to her side as the girl's face took on a glazed look.
"Ino, are you alright?" Shikamaru asked. It was most troublesome to talk, but Ino was still his friend.
"Yes, I'm fine, just…" Ino looked confused as she glanced around her. Her gaze then settled upon Haruto and gave him a half sympathetic look. "I'll just be going now. Good luck on your exam, Haruto."
The blond blinked. Someone wished him good luck. Sure, it was not like he needed it, but it was still nice to hear. The jovial prankster nodded before gushing out his response. "Thanks, Ino-chan."
The girl blushed at Haruto's enthusiasm, causing him to chuckle. The blonde girl gave the boy a baleful glare in response. Oh no. Ino Yamanaka was not letting some obnoxious brat get off scot-free after embarrassing her. "Don't call me 'chan,' Haruto. Only Sasuke-kun gets to do that." Ha, that should take him down a peg or two.
It did just that. But it also caused the temperature of the jovial gathering to plummet.
"Yes, I understand. Good luck on your exam, Ino-san." Haruto's formal words were without malice or sarcasm, but they sounded awkward and stiff. The trademark grin on his face also looked noticeably strained. Ino felt awful, like she had just kicked an over affectionate puppy. She wanted to apologize, but only managed a weak nod as she stumbled into the academy.
"Eh, that was strange," Chouji noted.
"Females are so troublesome," Shikamaru agreed. The entire affair was dropped as the three boys moved into the building. It was time for their final exam.