'Now, Lee-chan, ' Haru said after sweeping the nunchucks off the ground. He grinned down at the boy who watched him with overbright eyes that sparkled with excitement. 'You strike me as the type to be proficient in nunchuka, is that so? '

'Yes, Haru-san, ' Lee exclaimed, he raised his fist in excitement. 'Gai-sensei has taught me diligently in the art with excellence as is expected of sensei! '

Haru smiled warmly at him, glancing toward Kakashi and Gai. They were looking suspiciously at the nunchucks held nonchalantly under Haru 's arm. Kakashi narrowed his eye at him just before Haru glanced back down to the genin. Tenten was cuddling her fan to her chest, looking about a second from cooing at it. Neji watched him with actual interest, some small amount of excitement visible on his face. Haru 's plan to smooth the way for chibi 's wake-up call was proceeding nicely. Haru refocused on Lee who leaned slightly forward as though to catch every word Haru might say.