“How should I put it?
I’m doing quite well.
My strength has improved a lot.
I can handle most Chunin, so I can protect myself.
You can rest assured that I won’t have any problems after graduation.” Ryosuke stood at his parents’ graves, rambling about his recent situation so that his parents’ souls in heaven could rest easy.
It was also a summary of his student days, as after today, he would be a ninja.
“That’s all for now.
I’ll come back to see you later.” Ryosuke waved his hand and turned to leave.
He turned a corner out of the cemetery area and met up with Mikoto, who was waiting at the main gate, then they headed to the Ninja Academy together.
Upon arriving in the classroom, the students were all present.
Many had put on new clothes, changed their hairstyles, and were excited, their faces full of smiles.
Among them, Nawaki was the most exaggerated.
He had even slicked his hair back, so shiny it reflected light, as if he had used half a bottle of hair wax.
When Ryosuke sat down at his seat, he smelled the pungent scent from Nawaki’s hair.
He couldn’t help but poke the sitting Nawaki, teasing, “Nawaki, is it really necessary?
I thought you were getting married.” Nawaki said as if it were obvious, “Of course, it needs to be taken seriously.
This is the first important moment in life, you know.
The sense of ceremony must be sufficient.
Unlike you, so sloppy and spiritless.
Can you be a good ninja like that?” “You can rest assured about that.
The current me can easily take on three of you.” Ryosuke said.
Nawaki issued a challenge.
“What?
I can’t take that as a joke.
Don’t leave after school, let’s practice in the forest.” “That’s exactly what I intended.
Let me show you the fruits of my hard training.” “Heh heh, same to you.” The two pecked at each other verbally for a while before Gekko Kado pushed the door open and entered.
“It seems you are all eager.
I won’t waste any more words.
The graduation exam will commence now.
There is only one exam content: mastering the Three Basic Ninjutsu.” “Students whose names I call, please come to the podium to demonstrate the Three Basic Ninjutsu.” One by one, students went on stage to perform the Three Basic Ninjutsu.
There were no disappointing “dead last” performances, all twenty-two students in the class passed smoothly.
“Alright, I’m glad you all passed the exam.
I wish you all great success in your future endeavors and hope you become excellent ninjas.
Finally, one more announcement: gather here at 2 PM this afternoon, specialized guiding ninjas will lead you.
Now, dismissed.” The newly promoted Genin in the class cheered but didn’t rush to leave.
They held their brand-new headbands and discussed where to wear them to look best and coolest.
Ryosuke didn’t think much and wore it on his forehead, letting the headband serve its original purpose.
Mikoto fiddled with it for a long time, wearing it on her arm, which was inconvenient for performing Ninjutsu and easily fell off.
Tying it to her leg made it inconvenient to carry a ninja tool pouch, and hanging it around her neck was cumbersome.
Finally, she tied it on her forehead, then pulled out bangs on both sides, covering one-third of the headband, only revealing the village’s symbol.
Nawaki didn’t hesitate.
After all, the First Hokage and Second Hokage both wore them on their foreheads, so he also tied his on his forehead.
“You should be reporting back to the clan, right?” Ryosuke asked.
Mikoto nodded.
“That’s right.
After we have lunch together to celebrate graduation, I’ll go back to report this afternoon.
I should be joining the Police Force to carry out missions to protect the village.” “Is that so?
That’s good, at least it’s safer.” Ryosuke wasn’t surprised at all.
It was natural for the granddaughter of the Uchiha Clan’s elder to stay in the village, going out to fight wasn’t suitable.
Nawaki, however, said with some shock, “Eh?
How can this be?
I thought I, Ryosuke, and Mikoto would be on the same team.” Mikoto clasped her hands together and apologized, “I’m sorry, the Police Force is more suitable for me.” Nawaki was as optimistic as ever.
“Is that so?
Then there’s nothing to be done.
But no matter where we are, we must become excellent ninjas.” “Let’s go eat ramen together to celebrate our graduation.” After Ryosuke, Nawaki and Mikoto bid farewell to Ino–Shika–Chō, Tsume, and the others, they walked towards Ichiraku Ramen, chatting and laughing all the way.
…
Hokage Building.
Hiruzen had gathered a group of Jonin and Special Jonin and was asking for their opinions on becoming Jonin instructors.
Standing at the forefront of the Jonin were Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru.
As disciples of Hiruzen, based on their strength and status, they were qualified to stand in the first row.
Tsunade folded her arms and said bluntly, “I’m responsible for the entire Medical Department, I don’t have time to lead brats.
You should find someone else.” Hiruzen puffed on his pipe and said calmly, “You do have important duties, so that’s fine.
Does anyone else have any opinions?” “I am somewhat interested in one person.” A Jonin standing on the far left said.
Everyone turned to look, greatly surprised.
Why would this person also come to be a guiding Jonin?
“Really?
Sakumo, there’s someone among this year’s new students that interests you?
Who is it?
Ino–Shika–Chō?
Or someone from the Hyuga Clan?” Jiraiya asked.
Sakumo smiled.
“None of them.
It’s a young fellow named Ryosuke.” “Ryosuke?” The Jonin were usually busy with missions and naturally wouldn’t pay attention to school matters, so no one knew the name Ryosuke.
Hiruzen also felt very surprised.
If Gekko Kado hadn’t reported on the school’s situation and the list of graduation class assignments a few days ago, he wouldn’t have known that a young genius had emerged from the Ninja Academy.
“Oh, why are you interested in him?” Sakumo replied, “I once saw him practicing a Jutsu, a very interesting Lightning Release Ninjutsu, and couldn’t help but give him some pointers, so I have some impression of him.” “An interesting Jutsu?” Hiruzen continued, “According to their instructor, Gekko Kado, Ryosuke has created a Genjutsu with considerable power.” “Self-created Genjutsu?” Jiraiya exclaimed.
The other ninjas were also greatly astonished.
To be able to create a Genjutsu before graduating and becoming a Genin, such talent was quite astonishing.
“Genjutsu?
Uchiha… Oh, I remember now.
Nawaki mentioned this brat to me before.
He awakened the Sharingan and used his One Tomoe Sharingan to activate a Genjutsu.
He’s a very standard Uchiha genius.” Tsunade said.
Hiruzen, amidst the swirling smoke, asked, “Then, Sakumo, do you want to be Ryosuke’s Jonin team leader?” Sakumo shook his head and replied, “No, I am not suitable.
After all, the current situation is very tense.” “Alright, then does anyone else have any interest?” No one answered.
After all, the triple identity of “Uchiha,” “Sharingan,” and “genius” meant a triple overlay of trouble and responsibility.
Not many people were willing to take on this thankless task.
“It seems no one is interested.
Then let’s proceed according to this list.
The future of Konoha is entrusted to all of you.
You must cultivate excellent ninjas for Konoha.” “Yes!” (End of Chapter)