Watching Nono rushing towards him, Tatsuma didn't underestimate her. Although judging from Nono's speed, her level wouldn't be too high, her performance was the most standard Tatsuma had seen today.
"You are definitely one of the most outstanding students of this year, and even the biggest gem of our class," Tatsuma praised generously. However, Nono's expression didn't change at all upon hearing Tatsuma's praise, nor did her movements falter or accelerate, remaining stable as ever.
Tatsuma easily dodged Nono's attacks while observing her performance, checking if she exhibited any signs of frustration due to prolonged inability to make a breakthrough.
Nono's emotions remained stable throughout, which made Tatsuma couldn't help but admire. Truly worthy of being a Ninja valued even by Shimura Danzo the darkness of the ninja world, this mindset surpassed that of many other ninjas.
Especially at this age, facing crucial moments in life like graduation assessments, most people's mindsets will inevitably be affected. However, those who can maintain control are definitely those with strong resilience.
Ding~
Finally, Tatsuma also drew out a Kunai to block Nono's attack. Although it was only one attack that got blocked, a hint of delight flashed in Nono's eyes, quickly subdued.
For Nono, Tatsuma's block was undoubtedly positive reinforcement, which was Tatsuma's intention - to make Nono feel that her attacks could no longer give Tatsuma an easy time.
In such a situation, most people would capitalize on the momentum, but Nono had good control over her emotions. After being aggressive for one round, she immediately reverted to her previous rhythm.
Seeing this, Tatsuma no longer approached, but instead, distanced himself. With his speed, he instantly moved ten meters away from Nono. Nono also swiftly drew out a Shuriken and threw it towards Tatsuma.
"Ninja Tool Throwing is also very proficient. It seems you've practiced a lot."
Catching several Shuriken that were no longer sharp, Tatsuma nodded satisfactorily. He probably understood Nono's level by now. As for the Three Basic Jutsus, they were not very suitable for the current situation. If examinees dared to use them, Tatsuma would definitely give them low scores.
Just a moment ago, there was someone who directly used the Transformation Jutsu to transform into the leading Jonin, trying to deceive a Chunin by saying that he didn't need to take the exam and would pass directly. However, he was instantly recognized because he didn't know the leading Jonin's habitual actions.
The Clone Jutsus, especially the Shadow Clone variant, coupled with a one-on-one situation, made it difficult for examiners to distinguish between the original and the clone. As for the Substitution Jutsu, it goes without saying. This technique focuses on speed.
Usually used for testing and gathering opponent information when the level is higher than the opponent. Being proficient in the Substitution Jutsu at the same level at least surpasses the opponent in combat awareness. Those who dare to use the Substitution Jutsu in combat are just showing off their skills, but now it's obviously not the stage for Genin to show off.
If any examinees use these three techniques indiscriminately, it will only expose that they are not good at practical combat, thus only resulting in deductions.
As for other Ninjutsu, Tatsuma did see other examinees use them, but he didn't think Nono could pull off any other offensive Ninjutsu, after all, the Academy doesn't teach them.
Unless Nono had already made contact with the Anbu at this time, she wouldn't be able to learn offensive Ninjutsu. Even if she had made contact and learned them, as long as Nono had a bit of sense, she wouldn't use them.
So, the test was pretty much over at this point.
Body flicker appeared behind Nono. Tatsuma's left hand pulled Nono's right hand holding the Kunai and pressed it against her waist, while his right hand rested on Nono's left shoulder, with the Kunai in his hand pointing towards Nono's throat.
"Nono, it's over."
Ding~
Upon hearing this, Nono, who had been holding her breath since Tatsuma caught her, finally relaxed. After Tatsuma released her hand, she returned to her soft and gentle demeanor, losing the aura of a ninja she had just displayed.
It must be said that in Nono's current state, probably no one would think she was a ninja. It's no wonder she could become a top spy operating between countries; perhaps her true nature was the best camouflage.
After Nono left, Tatsuma took out his notebook and gave Nono a B grade. Although Nono's attitude, focus, and mastery of knowledge were the best he had seen today, he was assessing combat ability. No matter how precise the moves were, if there was no harm inflicted, then there was no harm inflicted. Giving Nono a B grade at this stage was entirely correct.
However, if Nono's attitude and talent could be nurtured, her growth would be rapid. This was also why Tatsuma considered her one of the most outstanding candidates. After all, excellence isn't just about physical strength.
For example, a certain red-haired, round-faced girl, at her current level, Tatsuma would give her an S grade. But he wouldn't consider Kushina as an excellent student or ninja at her current level; the criteria for evaluation are different.
Just as Tatsuma was musing to himself, another examinee entered the arena. Tatsuma didn't even look up, simply asking, "Name?"
"..."
Not receiving a response, Tatsuma furrowed his brow and looked up, only to see Uchiha Tenko's haughty demeanor. Tatsuma repeated, "What's your name?"
"You forgot?" Uchiha Tenko said discontentedly and somewhat aggrieved. Tatsuma's forehead vein throbbed. He tapped his notebook and said, "Protocol! Do you understand protocol?"
"Oh, did you really not forget? If you didn't forget, I'll tell you. My name is Uchiha Tenko."
Seeing Uchiha Tenko's doubtful gaze, Tatsuma's face was filled with black lines. He put away his notebook and asked, "What rating do you want?"
"Hmph! I'm from the Uchiha Clan, so I'll definitely get an S grade!" Uchiha Tenko's tone remained arrogant. Tatsuma nodded and said, "S grade, huh? Just last three minutes."
"Wait, isn't it the examinee who acts, and the examiner observes?" Uchiha Tenko looked puzzled, but Tatsuma had already acted. For such a wayward child, the best approach was firm discipline, but unfortunately, Tatsuma didn't have a stick, so he resorted to using his bare hands.
Three minutes later, as the exercise concluded, Tatsuma looked relieved. He took out his notebook and gave Uchiha Tenko an S grade evaluation. Uchiha Tenko, on the other hand, had completely shed his earlier arrogance and now wore a friendly expression on his swollen face.
"Your ability to withstand hits has improved a lot, huh? And you even managed to dodge several of my attacks," Tatsuma said, somewhat surprised. He had originally thought that Uchiha Tenko wouldn't last three minutes, but he had indeed persevered. Originally intending to give an A grade, Tatsuma ended up giving the promised S grade.
Uchiha Tenko rubbed his face and complained, "Do you think Sento, that jerk, practiced with just anyone? Not to brag, but six out of ten times, I'm the one who's beating Sento."
"What about the other four times?"
"Obviously, I'm the one being beaten."
Uchiha Tenko's straightforward words surprised Tatsuma. Had Uchiha Tenko become this frank? Wasn't he always quite haughty?
"Let's go, don't bother me while I'm on a mission," Tatsuma said bluntly, waving his hand to signal Uchiha Tenko to leave. Uchiha Tenko nodded, turned around, and before leaving, he said, "Let's get together tomorrow. I'm probably heading to the battlefield in the north with my family, and Sento should be going to the Land of Rain. Not sure if we'll meet again. Bring Minato along."
Upon hearing this, Tatsuma nodded and replied, "Okay, I'll talk to Minato later. Once you're sure about the place, let us know. But Minato might invite Kushina, is that fine?"
"Yeah, I've already invited Kushina too. Hehe, I'll also bring my cousin along. His parents are heading to the north, so they probably won't be back for his First Meal Ceremony. I'll probably leave soon too, so I'll take him out for a feast in advance."
"You have a cousin too?"
"Yeah, Uchiha Obito! Nice name, right? And he's adorable."
Uchiha Tenko squeezed out a smile on his swollen face. Upon hearing the name, Tatsuma was momentarily stunned. Without waiting for Tatsuma's response, Uchiha Tenko left the examination room.
The subsequent assessments went smoothly, and Tatsuma also encountered several classmates, but he didn't run into Kushina. Nevertheless, Kushina still successfully received an S rating because she knocked out the Chunin examiner during the assessment.
After completing the assessments, on the way to report to the Hokage Tower, Tatsuma mentioned the gathering to Minato. Minato didn't object, but he seemed hesitant, wanting to ask something.
Tatsuma knew what he wanted to ask without him having to say it. After all, Minato had been contemplating celebrating with Kushina after her graduation for several days now, and Tatsuma had already asked Uchiha Tenko beforehand.
Initially torn between Tatsuma's advice not to bring uninvited guests and unsure whether to ask, Minato, upon hearing that Tatsuma had already inquired and that Kushina was aware of the gathering, readily agreed.
The next day, Tatsuma and Minato arrived at the agreed-upon location as planned: a barbecue joint. Tatsuma had only been here twice before, once when Jiraiya treated them after their first mission and the other time on the day he became Jiraiya's disciple.
It was expensive here, but considering the Uchiha clan had a whole commercial street, it seemed they could afford it. Tatsuma and Minato weren't early arrivals; although not late, there were already many people who had arrived before them.
Compared to yesterday, these classmates all had forehead protectors on their heads. And it wasn't just classmates; even Nawaki was there, along with several underclassmen who didn't have forehead protectors.
Tatsuma speculated that this gathering was actually a gathering of the student creative group. These underclassmen were probably "successors," while the small Uchiha Obito, brought by Uchiha Tenko, became the "plaything" at the party, being teased by everyone in turn.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio practically came together, with Akimichi Choza carrying both Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi over. After all, where there's meat, the Akimichi family is never absent.
Inoichi, who reluctantly joined the banquet, also introduced the new responsible individuals to Tatsuma and Minato. The new leader is the eldest son of the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, who will later become Konohamaru's father, but for now, he's just a little kid with a funny head.
After the introductions, Shikaku gave Tatsuma a meaningful look, and Tatsuma finally understood why Nawaki said the student creative group plan faced obstacles but then suddenly became smooth again—it turns out they were just dividing the cake.
However, this had nothing to do with Tatsuma since he wasn't involved; he was just one of the "founders."
The subsequent gathering was a bit boring for Tatsuma. After all, watching a group of ten-year-olds talk about the future and reflect on life felt somewhat out of place. It gave him the feeling of elementary school graduates saying things like "We all have dreams, let's excel in our own ways" at a farewell banquet.
The day after the banquet, Tatsuma went to bid farewell to Uchiha Tenko. He and other clan members graduating at the same time would be taken to the north. Uchiha Tenko had a swollen face, not from the beating Tatsuma gave him during the graduation assessment, but because he had returned home too late last night and received a thrashing from his grandmother. If Uchiha Tenko were alone, spending the night outside probably wouldn't matter to him, but he definitely shouldn't have brought Uchiha Obito along.
On the same day, Orochimaru and Tsunade returned from the front lines in the Land of Rain. Jiraiya stayed behind to monitor the entire front line by himself. Orochimaru and Tsunade returned with a simple purpose: to take the promoted Chunin and newly graduated Genin to the front lines.
Tatsuma and Minato also received the second mission: to assist Orochimaru and Tsunade in escorting the Genin to the front lines, and then to integrate into the army and participate in the battle.
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