Chapter 25: Becoming a True Ninja
In the previous chapter…
Chao Yiqian was not about to miss this great opportunity. He controlled several earth dragons to surround his opponent, while his largest one surged toward Deidara.
The situation was critical. Deidara finally shouted, "Earth Style: Light and Heavy Rock Technique!"
"Time's up! This match will be considered a draw," the referee exclaimed after regaining his composure, quickly calling an end to the bout.
Deidara hovered in the air, gradually descending to the ground and, disregarding his image, he sat down and gasped for breath.
Chao Yiqian also dispelled his jutsu without saying much and picked up his belongings, preparing to leave.
Even though Deidara was strong, being able to hold his own against someone several years older than him for ten minutes, and even taking the upper hand, Chao Yiqian had no intention of lingering further.
"Wait!" Deidara called out to Chao Yiqian. "I, Deidara of the Left Gate, will defeat you, Chao Yiqian, after I become a Chunin!"
Chao Yiqian turned back abruptly and replied, "I, Chao Yiqian, will be waiting for your challenge, Deidara of the Left Gate!" After saying that, he continued on his way.
"Congratulations, Deidara! From today onward, you are a true ninja! I believe you will become an outstanding ninja!"
Deidara took the headband emblazoned with the Iwagakure symbol, feeling emotional. He had finally reached this point; he was now a ninja. Although he understood his own abilities, obtaining official recognition was also very important.
Thinking about the beginning of his ninja career, a smile crept onto Deidara's face. He tossed back his hair and tied the headband around his forehead before standing up and bowing to the nearby referee as he left.
The referee felt even more satisfied with Deidara. He, too, was a Chunin, but his close friend was a Jonin and would soon have responsibilities to lead subordinates.
If he could send Deidara to his friend, it would likely be a win-win situation since his friend was powerful and prominent!
Deidara used the strength he had just regained to jog over to where the others were gathered. Some were smiling broadly, while others looked utterly dejected.
Of course, his friends had all passed the test, including the weakest, Iban and Shou, who barely held up against the attacks of their opponents.
However, neither of them wore headbands, which puzzled Deidara since they had completed the exam.
After learning the circumstances, Deidara breathed a sigh of relief. There were no shady dealings; it was their own choice. Both of his two friends were self-aware and believed that even if they forced themselves to become lower ninjas, they would not achieve much. They preferred to stay at the ninja academy and train for another two years. By then, they hoped to be at the top.
This reminded Deidara of an old saying: "Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix." He respected his friends' decisions; everyone had their own thoughts, and he was not one to force them.
Among these friends, the brightest star was not Deidara, but Magan.
Although his opponent was the strongest among them, he ultimately did not win. Conversely, Magan had gained fame as a result of the news released by the referees since he had squared off and defeated an opponent who was on the brink of becoming a Chunin.
Even though Magan was physically exhausted at the moment, his spirit was electrified. It was not only due to the experience he gained in the recent battle but also because he had truly triumphed over Deidara once!
This instilled a sense of invincibility in Magan's heart. Others' consolation was merely a form of escape; the real truth stood before him.
When Deidara noticed the competitive fire in Magan's eyes as he looked at him, he couldn't help but chuckle. Indeed, Magan had won this time, but next time, he would surely surpass him!
The competitive spirit that erupted between the two pushed away those with slightly weaker willpower. Despite being physically fatigued from battle, both were brimming with energy.
"Alright, little ones!" an elderly voice broke through the atmosphere. The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, descended slowly from the air. "I, Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, hereby confer upon you the title of Iwagakure's lower ninjas!"
These simple words stirred everyone's emotions. Deidara felt excited but gradually managed to calm himself down.
"I know you all have a lot to say," Onoki continued, "but it is the duty of each person in our village to contribute their part. I trust you will rise to that occasion."
"This era, following the end of the Third Great Ninja War, places great hopes on you. Therefore, I hope each of you can become the towering mountains that shield Iwagakure from the wind and rain."
"I hope that among you, there will be those who can succeed me as the next Tsuchikage, laying an unshakeable foundation for Iwagakure to stand tall amidst turmoil!"
The personal charisma of the Tsuchikage was undeniably powerful. Even though he was just a thin, short old man, his words were still persuasive.
Especially when they heard his desire for someone to succeed him as the next Tsuchikage, everyone was filled with excitement, including Deidara.
However, his interest was not solely in the title of Tsuchikage; he thought about how, if he became Tsuchikage, he could not only repay the village that set him on the ninja path but also better protect it. Furthermore, he could promote his art.
The clay sculptures created by the Tsuchikage would definitely have additional artistic value!!
At that time, many would come to learn the craft of clay sculpture, and it would be the moment this art would truly flourish.
Onoki's gaze shifted to Deidara, his soon-to-be disciple. Deidara was so exceptional, despite not being particularly suited to Earth Styles, he was still strong.
Onoki had observed the battles of many capable individuals, and compared to Magan's fight, he found Deidara's to be even more intense, with both sides exhibiting greater strength.
Especially when Deidara successfully executed the Earth Style: Light and Heavy Rock Technique, Onoki was practically starry-eyed.
After calming himself, Onoki continued, "Tomorrow, you will receive notifications about your supervising Jonin. Lower ninjas of Iwagakure! Look forward to your upcoming ninja careers!"