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Chapter 27- End of the Ninja Academy
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The day of the graduation exam had finally arrived. Although the exam itself was a breeze for me, the excitement of finally becoming a ninja was enough to keep me on edge. I wasn't the only one feeling this way; every student was filled with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Many parents who came to drop off their children wore expressions of worry. Despite talks about the ninja war coming to an end, it was clear that the fear of their kids being sent to war still lingered, though it was unlikely, after all the second Hokage won't send 10 year old's to war, as it went against the very purpose of creation of Konoha.
Thankfully, that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. The war was nearing its conclusion, with Kumogakure on its last legs. Peace talks would likely begin soon. However, several major events were looming on the horizon, and if I didn't act, they would unfold as expected. The most critical among them would be the death of the Second Hokage. I wanted to prevent that. Maybe I'd read too many fanfictions, but I simply couldn't see Sarutobi Hiruzen as an ideal Hokage. Delaying or preventing his ascension to the position would be better for me.
I had a few plans in mind, though nothing too drastic. Dropping subtle hints to the Second Hokage seemed like the safest route. For instance, I could say something casual at dinner, like, "I feel like the Cloud Village might try something shady during the Kage meeting. Maybe we should be extra prepared?" or "I have an uncanny feeling something bad might happen there." Tobirama often dined with us, so the opportunity was there. Even minor suggestions like these might improve his security and increase his chances of survival. I couldn't be more proactive with lord 2nd, after all he was too smart for his own good, I would probably be sent straight to interrogation as he would notice if I reveal even a little more than required, Otherwise, we'd be stuck enduring Sarutobi Hiruzen as Hokage.
"Let's go, Akira. Do you think we'll be on the same team after graduation?" Tsunade grabbed my hand and started walking toward the classroom, her face lit with excitement.
"Umm, obviously... Don't act like you haven't been pestering Uncle Tobirama for over a month to keep us on the same team," I sighed. This was probably the hundredth time she'd asked me this. Not that I blamed her—being in different teams would have been inconvenient. Even though I knew Tsunade would be safe until the end of the story, it was still better to be with her.
As we entered the classroom, Udo-sensei stood before the students. "Good morning, everyone. Today is the last day of class. With this graduation exam, you will officially become ninjas. I hope you remember everything you've learned here and grow into shinobi capable of standing on your own. Good luck with the exam and your future lives." His voice was sincere, and there were slight tears in his eyes before he quickly composed himself.
"Alright," he continued. "Today's exam will involve the Three Basic Jutsu: Transformation Jutsu, Substitution Jutsu, and Clone Jutsu. Each of you must demonstrate all three techniques. Those who pass will be assigned to three-person teams."
The first name called was Orochimaru. As expected, he aced it effortlessly, showcasing his talent. He was followed by several other students whose names I barely remembered—guess I didn't socialize as much as I thought during my academy years. I only knew the ones of significance. Then came Hiruko, someone I'd spoken to a few times but not often. In the original series, he'd eventually betray Konoha and develop the Chimera Technique. It was a fascinating jutsu, but its monstrous side effects and ugly looks made it unappealing to me.
Strength was essential, but not if it came at the cost of destroying oneself. That's also why techniques like the Eight Inner Gates didn't interest me. Sure, they were powerful, but they were a one-time use at best. My thoughts wandered as I noticed a gruff-looking boy in a green training suit with a bowl-cut hairstyle—Might Dai, the father of Might Guy. I'd definitely help him gain the recognition he deserved someday, though not now, he could only be considered a classmate at best, not a friend, no use helping him needlessly.
Finally, it was my turn.
"Well, Akira," Udo-sensei said with a proud smile. "I can't say I've taught you much, but you're definitely the greatest genius I've ever seen. Let's begin your exam, though I already know you'll likely be the top of the class again."
I nodded and performed the Clone Jutsu first. Over ten clones appeared, far exceeding the requirement. This was my weakest skill among the three techniques, yet it still placed me at the top of the class. The rest of the techniques were a breeze.
{Achievement Unlocked: Strongest Ninja School Graduate of Konoha
Reward: Yin and Yang Chakra Nature}
Nice. I finally had all seven chakra natures. To reach Six Paths level, this was essential. Now, all I needed to do was train each nature to its highest level, combine them into the Truth-Seeking Orbs, and sprinkle in some Sage Mode on the side. Easy, right? Hah... it was going to take forever.
Tsunade did great as well, earning second place, followed by Orochimaru. The team allocations began shortly after. While I already knew Tsunade and I would be on the same team, I was still curious about the team compositions, after all the original sannin would be broken, it would be interesting to see how they end up now.
Udo-sensei stood at the podium. "Alright, everyone, listen carefully. These are your future teams along with your assigned Jonin sensei."
I tuned out most of the announcements until the ones I was interested in came up:
"Team Six: Orochimaru, Hana Uchiha, and Hiruko. Your Jonin sensei will be Shimura Danzo."
"Team Seven: Akira Watanabe, Tsunade Senju, and Jiraiya. Your Jonin sensei will be Sarutobi Hiruzen."
So, Orochimaru was paired with Danzo. A fitting match, really. And Danzo got an Uchiha student....it's funny really, though I guess Hiruko and Orochimaru, two research madmen, make quite a good pair. As for me, Sarutobi Hiruzen was going to be my sensei. Not bad. Being the "Professor" of ninjutsu, he probably knew a ton of techniques. With just a bit of trading and creativity, I could "invent" hundreds of new jutsu.
With that, my life as an academy student ended, and my journey as a ninja officially began.