Outside the arena, the students from the Ninja Academy who hadn’t left yet were all stunned.
“This guy is way too strong,” Sarutobi Go murmured to himself.
He had previously thought his cousin Hiruzen was already a top-tier genius among ninjas.
Although only a year older than him, Hiruzen had smoothly passed both the early Graduation Exam and the Chūnin Exam.
As for his own talent, while decent, it was merely passable.
Among the mediocre, he was a genius, but among geniuses, he was just mediocre.
Yet just moments ago, Matsuake, who was even younger than him, had fought evenly with Hiruzen.
“Matsuake, please take this.” After Matsuake left the combat area, Tsukuyomi jogged over to him and handed him a clean white handkerchief.
“Thank you so much, Tsukuyomi.” Only after taking the handkerchief did Matsuake realize he looked somewhat disheveled.
During the fight, mud, moisture, and his own sweat had covered his hair, face, and clothes.
After wiping himself down briefly, he tucked the handkerchief away, planning to wash it before returning it to her.
After exchanging a few simple words, the two stayed where they were, waiting for what would come next.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen returned to his companions, covered in dust and grime.
Seeing a cute girl in the distance handing a handkerchief to Matsuake, he cast an expectant glance toward his own friends.
However, Danzō, Kagami, and Homura simply stood there watching him from afar.
They didn’t seem to understand his hopeful gaze.
“Damn it!” For some reason, Hiruzen felt as though he had lost a match, a wave of frustration washing over him.
His companions, however, were clearly focused on something else.
“So, Hiruzen, who lost?” Torifu asked curiously.
Although the fight had been stopped by Tobirama, making it seem like a draw to the spectators, the outcome should have been clear to both sides.
Moreover, they couldn’t believe that Hiruzen, who had always been the best among them, would lose to a freshly graduated kid.
Hearing this, Hiruzen’s expression turned serious as he furrowed his brow and pondered carefully.
“About the fight just now…” After a long pause, he shook his head.
“If we’re talking about the final exchange, neither of us came out on top.” “If Tobirama-sensei hadn’t stopped us, my kunai might have pierced Matsuake’s arm, while his strike would have shattered my wrist bone.” “Still, I had a few more ninjutsu I could have used, while Matsuake was probably exhausted by then.” Saying this, Hiruzen didn’t look particularly pleased; instead, he shook his head helplessly.
“The only reason I had the upper hand was because he was far behind me in terms of ninjutsu reserves.” Hearing this, Torifu’s eyes widened, and he blurted out, “So you’re saying Matsuake is already stronger than most of us?” Usually, they would spar among themselves.
Overall, Hiruzen was the strongest, followed by Danzō and Kagami, and then Torifu, Homura, and Koharu.
Based on what Hiruzen said, at the very least, Torifu, Homura, and Koharu wouldn’t be a match for Matsuake.
“I feel like even Danzō and I might not be able to beat him for sure.” Kagami admitted honestly.
Beside him, Danzō remained silent, neither confirming nor denying it.
“It seems we’ll soon have a new comrade-in-arms.” Torifu scratched his head and chuckled warmly.
They usually stayed close and often took missions together.
If Matsuake graduated and became a Genin, given his strength and his relationship with Tobirama, there would certainly be plenty of interactions in the future.
Outside the arena, Hashirama put on the Hokage Hat and stepped forward with a serious expression.
Seeing this, the examiner in charge of the Graduation Exam promptly announced loudly, “Everyone, quiet!
The Hokage has something to say!” It was customary for Hashirama, Tobirama, and others to attend the Ninja Academy’s Graduation Exam.
Besides observing and scouting for promising talents, there was also the purpose of delivering inspirational speeches to the younger generation, instilling in them the ideals of protecting the village.
However, Hashirama was clearly not one for formalities.
He agreed with Tobirama that the younger generation should be taught the importance of protecting the village, but he disliked lengthy speeches.
Moreover, given Hashirama’s current prestige, his mere presence was an undeniable pillar of inspiration that no one could ignore.
In the end, after offering a few words of encouragement, Hashirama left alongside Tobirama, Sasuke, and the others.
Only the students participating in today’s exam remained on the examination grounds.
“Everyone worked hard today.” Not only the examiners but also most of the Ninja Academy teachers were present, having overseen various procedural tasks earlier.
At this moment, the Senju Clan teacher who taught Matsuake and Tsukuyomi’s class was beaming with joy.
Among this year’s Graduation Exam participants, the best performers were from his class.
Setting aside Suke, who had been carried away unconscious, Tsukuyomi had lasted until the penultimate round in the elimination-style exam.
And Matsuake had emerged victorious in the end, even engaging in an exceptionally thrilling match with Hiruzen.
As their teacher at the Ninja Academy, he felt immensely proud.
“The results of the Graduation Exam will be announced tomorrow, along with the arrangements for those who graduate as Genin.” “Those who didn’t pass the exam shouldn’t be discouraged or give up.
Keep working hard—there will be more opportunities in the future.” With that, all matters related to the Graduation Exam came to an end.
After bidding farewell to those he knew, Matsuake left the examination grounds under the complex gazes of others.
All he wanted now was to hurry home, take a shower, and change his clothes.
…
Night.
Moonlight flowed like water, spilling over blue tiles and white walls, dissolving into the courtyard like scattered silver.
Having changed into clean clothes, Matsuake once again went to Hashirama’s house for dinner.
Given his performance in today’s Graduation Exam, passing and becoming a Genin was practically guaranteed.
Uzumaki Mito and the others were delighted about this and planned to celebrate Matsuake’s achievement at home.
After finishing their official duties, Hashirama and Tobirama returned home and praised Matsuake for his performance earlier in the day.
What warmed Matsuake’s heart was that neither his uncle Hashirama nor his uncle Tobirama probed into the secrets behind his improved strength.
The only related advice they offered was to caution him against overtraining and harming his body.
Kazuma was also overjoyed to see his younger brother, whom he had watched grow up, display such outstanding ninja talent.
With the Senju Clan having an outstanding next generation of ninjas, he could now rest assured and pursue his own happiness in the capital of the Land of Fire.