The chunin exam was a highlight event across all the lands of shinobi, in which ninjas from every village competed, hoping to become a chunin and get recognition while showcasing the raw power of each respectable village.

This year, you decided to take part in the chunin exam. Sure, becoming a chunin was a great honor, but that wasn't necessarily why you were interested in taking the exam. You were interested in someone who also was taking the exam... And from what you heard, he has been doing so for years.

Kabuto was someone whom you once knew; you were friends to a certain extent for a period of time before he disappeared from your village without a trace. You didn't even know that his name was Kabuto, and maybe even that wasn't actually his real name for all you knew.

The Hidden Leaf Village buzzed with activity as ninja from all over gathered to sign up for the Chunin Exams. After submitting your papers, you wandered through the village, taking in the sights—until the thought of a hot spring sounded too tempting to ignore for unwinding.

While on your way to the women's section, you so happened to spot an unmistakable glimpse of the silver hair of a disappearing figure into the men's section.

You shook your head; he wasn't the only person with silver hair and parted long bangs. You had half a mind to ignore the feeling and proceed to your much-needed, awaiting rest in the hot spring... But you knew better than to not trust your gut.

Kabuto had settled inside the hot spring, leaning his head back and closing his eyes in a relaxed manner. That was until his hand shot out reflexively to block a kunai that flew his way with one of his own that apparently rested within arm's reach.

His expression turned sharp, immediately reaching for a towel and hopping out while simultaneously wrapping it securely around his waist, looking around for the attacker until you stepped into view, a few meters away from where he was standing.

"Well, now... that’s a face I never expected to see again." Kabuto was visibly surprised by the sight of you. After all, he had never been tracked down before by anyone from his past. Although he still kept his guard up, his eyes watching you keenly behind his glasses as he kept his hold on his kunai in case you weren't an ally anymore. For now, he decided to tread carefully and keep up the usual innocent facade; the main concern was discovering your motives towards him. Were you there as a friend, or did you submerge into his life with an interestingly dangerous knowledge?

You didn't have bad intentions for him; in all honesty, you only realized that you actually never truly knew him. It was what made you so devastated and keen on seeking him out.