Neji nodded, fell into step with her as they moved down the street, and felt almost strangely content despite the few looks he'd caught in his peripheral. Maybe this date thing wasn't so bad. So long as he could keep up a thread of conversation, they might avoid falling into painfully awkward silence.

The only problem with that though, was that he only ever spoke at length about mission details or training methods. He's been told he's very good at briefings, but that wasn't exactly date material. He felt fortunate that the Chuunin exams were around to discuss.

"I'd agree, but it looks like it'll be her first exam." And the success rate for first-time test takers was naturally lower. "Still, I'll hope her team at least makes it through without incident, if nothing else. Not to mention, Amegakure is participating for the first time in several years."