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"My name is
Hidan
, a newly graduated Genin from the
Sunagakure Ninja Academy
this year. I specialize in
Taijutsu
. Please take care of me."
"My name is
Furong Wuzhong
, a newly graduated Genin from the
Moonlake District Ninja Academy
this year. I specialize in
Crystal Release
and medical ninjutsu. Please take care of me."
"My name is
Zhang Fanzhi
, also a newly graduated Genin from the Moonlake District Ninja Academy. I specialize in
Boil Release
. Please take care of me."
Akasha Hideki
closed the folder containing the profiles of the three, then looked up at them, feeling a bit surprised. All three of them were children of post-war immigrants, and they had all graduated early under the new education reform policies. What's more, their time in the ninja academy was only one year!
After
Jinghang
appointed
Ebizo
as the Minister of Education, the ninja academy system underwent a major reform. The original six-year program was extended to seven years.
Normally, children would enroll at around six years old and graduate at around thirteen. However, a new policy was introduced: all students were given a chance to apply for early graduation. The condition was that they had to pass the standard graduation exams. Students who achieved passing grades in written tests,
Taijutsu
, physical fitness, and ninjutsu, with at least three subjects rated as "excellent," were eligible for early graduation. According to Jinghang and Ebizo, even geniuses deserved their opportunity to shine.
It seemed the three before him were so-called "geniuses." Well then, let's see how much substance these "geniuses" truly have.
"Hello, everyone. I'm your
Team 21
captain and instructor, Jōnin
Akasha Hideki
. I specialize in
Puppet Techniques
. From now on, we'll likely be comrades in the same combat team. I say 'likely' because there's still one final test for you to pass."
With a smile, Akasha gestured toward a flagpole standing in the clearing. The three looked over and saw a small triangular red flag fluttering at the top.
"From now until this time tomorrow, the three of you must do whatever it takes to retrieve that red flag. Of course, I'll do my utmost to stop you. If you succeed, you'll officially become a combat-ready ninja team. If you fail..." Akasha slowly pulled out a scroll and unrolled it.
"Then I'm sorry. The losers will have to hand over their ninja headbands and ID cards and return to the academy for retraining."
As the scroll fully opened, the words "Black" and "White" were written on it. With two loud "poof" sounds, white smoke dissipated, revealing two puppets—one black and one white. Each stood nearly two meters tall, wearing tall hats and long robes. The white puppet wielded a mourning staff, while the black one held a soul-reaping chain. Both looked terrifyingly grim, radiating a murderous aura.
"These are my combat puppets,
Black Wuchang
and
White Wuchang
. Considering you've just graduated from the academy, I won't use poison this time. Are you ready? If so, let's begin!"
Akasha's smile was warm and friendly, but his words carried an undeniable weight.
"Can I just chop down the flagpole?" Hidan asked, pulling out his three-bladed scythe.
"Sure, as long as you get the flag, anything goes."
"I'll distract the puppets, Zhang Fanzhi can handle the teacher, and Furong will go for the flag. How about that?" Hidan whispered to his two teammates.
"Two puppets. Can you manage them?" Zhang Fanzhi asked.
"I should be able to. Let's give it a try.
Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!
"
Hidan created a shadow clone. One Hidan wielded the three-bladed scythe, while the other carried a spear, and both charged toward the flagpole.
Zhang Fanzhi followed closely, heading straight for Akasha Hideki in the rear. Meanwhile, Furong Wuzhong stayed in a safe zone, ready to provide support. As a medical ninja, she adhered to the second principle of
Tsunade's Three Rules
taught at the academy: a medical ninja must never stand on the front lines.
Black Wuchang
immediately moved to intercept Zhang Fanzhi, while
White Wuchang
opened its mouth and unleashed a barrage of needles at Hidan. Hidan spun his scythe like a propeller, deflecting some of the needles, but the shadow clone with the spear was struck and dissipated into white smoke.
Once the needles stopped, Hidan hurled his scythe at
White Wuchang
. The puppet raised its mourning staff to block, producing a metallic clang. Clearly, the staff was no ordinary weapon.
White Wuchang
then turned its head toward Hidan and sprayed a jet of water from its mouth. Hidan sidestepped, and the water struck the ground behind him, leaving a small crater.
On the other side, Zhang Fanzhi was struggling against
Black Wuchang
. Every possible attack route was tightly sealed off. Zhang Fanzhi decisively distanced himself from
White Wuchang
and Hidan, attempting to create an opening for Furong Wuzhong. Spotting an opportunity, he leaped high into the air, forming a tube shape with his left hand.
"
Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique!
"
Zhang Fanzhi exhaled a cloud of mist that surged toward
Black Wuchang
. The mist was so acidic that the sand and stones it touched began to smoke and sizzle.
In response,
Black Wuchang
opened its mouth and unleashed a torrent of flames, countering the acid mist. The two were locked in a stalemate.
Furong Wuzhong, seeing that Zhang Fanzhi and Hidan had created a gap, seized the moment to rush forward, heading straight for Akasha Hideki, who was guarding the flagpole.
"
Crystal Release: Coiling Dragon Technique!
"
With a cry, Furong summoned a blue crystal dragon that soared into the air and coiled tightly around Akasha Hideki.
"Sorry, but this flag is mine!" Furong declared with a smile as she leaped toward the flagpole, a shard of blue crystal in hand to cut the flag's rope.
Suddenly, a figure dashed out and kicked Furong far away.
Furong clutched her aching waist and looked up. It was Akasha Hideki! She turned to see the figure she had trapped with the crystal dragon. Its face was peeling away, revealing a horse-like visage underneath.
"Oops, I forgot to mention. That's also one of my puppets—
Horse Face
," Akasha said casually.
"If you're getting tired, there's food and water over there. You can take a break and strategize on how to get the flag!"