"You've done well, Team 15," Riku commended, "You've passed the test."
As Riku announced the successful completion of the test, a wave of relief and joy washed over the three genins.
The expressions on Renjiro, Aiko, and Hiro's faces transformed from weariness to pure elation.
'This is where I should have my big 'I told you so moment' with these two, but I'm sure they are worn out from the test maybe next time. They are still kids, after all.' Renjiro thought while smiling wryly.
It had been a long couple of hours for the trio without enough food and rest. Although there was the option of using soldier pills, Riku prohibited them from doing so.
He stated that using them would create a dependency on them. Plus, if they could not last long in this test, then they still have a long way to go in their shinobi careers.
While the trio were still relishing their newfound rest, Riku's expression shifted, and he adopted a more serious demeanour.
He gestured for them to gather around as he began to provide feedback, highlighting areas where each genin could improve based on their performance.
"Renjiro," Riku started, looking at the young Uzumaki with a discerning gaze.
"While your Sharingan proved valuable, there were instances where you relied too heavily on it. Over-dependence can be a weakness. It's crucial to balance your innate abilities with strategic thinking to maximize your effectiveness."
Turning his attention to Aiko, Riku continued, "Aiko, your genjutsu skills are commendable, but there were moments when you hesitated to transition into taijutsu when needed. I know that you excel in Genjutsu but ignoring taijutsu and ninjutsu will not be beneficial for you. You should start working on them to bring them to a decent level."
Finally, addressing Hiro, Riku remarked, "Hiro, your taijutsu prowess is evident, but there were instances where you could have utilized ninjutsu. Your situation is similar to Aiko's. Mix up your techniques to keep your opponents off guard."
The genins listened attentively, absorbing Riku's constructive criticism. Each piece of feedback was delivered with the intention of helping them grow and refine their skills.
"In the heat of battle, it's easy to fall back on familiar strategies," Riku continued, his tone firm but encouraging. "But true growth comes from pushing beyond your comfort zone, adapting to unforeseen challenges, and learning from every experience."
"Remember, the goal was not just to succeed in the test but to continuously improve. Take these lessons to heart, and let them guide you in the future."
"Alright, go home, and get some rest. We will meet the day after tomorrow here same time." After concluding, Riku flickered away.
'Finally! Some time to rest. Wait, does same time mean 5 in the morning, or does it mean the same time he arrived?' Renjiro wondered if the ambiguity in Riku's words was intentional or not.
Following Riku's exit, the others were equally, if not more, tired and they all went back to their homes. The journey back home felt like a series of deliberate challenges as fatigue weighed on them.
Upon reaching his home, Renjiro entered with a sense of relief. The familiar surroundings offered solace, and without much ceremony, he headed straight to his room.
In his room, Renjiro, still in his ninja attire, collapsed onto his bed. The softness of the mattress felt like a luxury after the trials of the day. He closed his eyes, the exhaustion settling into his bones.
As the soft light of evening filtered through the curtains, Renjiro was stirred from his deep slumber by a gentle knock on his bedroom door. A clan messenger stood at the threshold, bearing news that jolted him awake.
"Renjiro," the messenger, who outwardly wore the Uchiha clan symbol, spoke respectfully, "there's a clan meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Your presence is required."
Renjiro, still groggy from the unexpected nap, blinked in surprise at the messenger. He had lost track of time in the embrace of sleep, and the realization that the day had slipped away caught him off guard.
"Clan meeting? I'm not even a part of the clan. Let me just go since I'm getting all these benefits, it's the least I could do."
Renjiro nodded in acknowledgement, expressing his understanding.
"Thank you for letting me know," Renjiro replied, his mind quickly adjusting to the upcoming responsibilities. "I'll be there."
'A clan meeting huh? The only ones I remember were those where the Uchiha plotted the coup. It should still be interesting.'
Shrugging off any lingering drowsiness, Renjiro decided to engage in some light workout for warmup. With determination in his eyes, Renjiro readied himself for a session of intense body workout.
The following day, as the first light of dawn painted the sky, Renjiro found himself in the quiet pre-dawn hours, having spent the night in deep meditation after his rigorous workout. The stillness of the night had offered him a chance to reflect on his actions and how he could improve them.
Soon, the familiar knock on his door echoed through his residence. Tekka, stood outside, ready to accompany Renjiro to the Uchiha Clan Headquarters.
"Good morning Renjiro,'" Tekka greeted.
"Good morning Tekka."
"Are you planning on going to the clan meeting?"
'Do I have a choice?' Renjiro thought.
"Yes, I was just finishing up on my morning routine. Weren't you going to go with Inabi and Yashiro?"
"I was, but then when we reached the hall, we thought it would be good if someone came to accompany you." Tekka smiled.
'Is this out of courtesy, or is it genuine?' Renjiro wondered.
After Renjiro finished his preparations, they set out towards the heart of the Uchiha district. On their way, they exchanged their experiences with their new genin teams.
'An obstacle race for a test?! Why did we get the short end of the stick with our sensei? The guy practically forced us through hell.' Renjiro lamented the moment he learnt of Tekka's experience.
As they approached the meeting place, the grandeur of the structure came into view. The meeting hall was an imposing building of polished stone. It stood tall against the backdrop of the morning sky.
Upon entering the hall, Renjiro was met by the clan symbol grandly displayed. The air, scented with a hint of incense, added to the solemn ambience of the space.
'Well, there is a reason they are regarded as one of the top clans not only in Konoha but in all elemental nations.' Renjiro noted after seeing the clan in all its glory.
As more Uchiha clan members gathered in the meeting room, Daichi, the venerable clan head, took his place at the head of the circular table, commanding attention.
Daichi's eyes, weathered by years of experience and responsibility, swept across the room. His gaze then settled on Renjiro and the other three boys who had recently undergone the genin promotion exams. A subtle nod of approval and pride accompanied his gaze.
"Renjiro, Inabi, Tekka, and Yashiro," Daichi began, addressing the genin with a measured tone.
"Your performance in the promotion exam has not gone unnoticed. You've finally become genins and are now qualified to bear the struggles and legacy of our clan."
A murmur of approval rippled through the clan members present, a collective recognition of the genin's achievements.
Daichi continued, "You should work hard to become chunins as early as possible. The village is in need, and the police force needs more numbers to help with the lawkeeping."
'Ah shit, I remember Miwa mentioning something like this.'
Daichi shed light on the pivotal role of the Police force during the clan meeting for the new additions. He emphasized that beyond the prowess displayed in battle, every Uchiha shinobi was mandated to serve in the police force upon becoming chunins.
Of course, this only applied to those who awakened the Sharingan since they needed more time to hone their dojutsu. For the rest, they were to join after a minimum amount of time as genins. They still needed fodder after all.
The Police force played a crucial role in maintaining order, investigating crimes, and safeguarding the village. This mandatory service represented the Uchiha commitment to the village's well-being, instilling in each shinobi the duty to contribute their skills for the greater good.
After Daichi finished, the other Uchiha clan members congratulated Renjiro and the rest for their achievements. The meeting seamlessly transitioned to other matters, such as the patrol schedule and clan resource distribution.
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