The year-end exam consists of two days. The first day is a written test that assesses knowledge of all fundamental classes and ninja theory. The second day includes a practical test that evaluates chakra control with the leaf concentration technique, accuracy in Shurikenjutsu (concealed hand blade technique), and Taijutsu skills.
This is the only test required for first-year students at the academy. However, if you wish to graduate, you must submit a request and demonstrate proficiency in all three academy jutsu techniques.
There is also a bonus for other subjects, such as genjutsu and bukijutsu, if you have the skill.
Observing the classroom, Hikaru could see that his classmates were mostly nervous about the test. He could somewhat understand their feelings; this was their first exam, after all. Unlike Hikaru, who had a lot of experience with written exams, there wasn't anything to worry about at all.
Sitting in the same place, he leaned toward the table, using both hands to support his chin, and yawned a bit while waiting for the test to begin. Hikaru had already reviewed the content from the previous week. He should be able to breeze through the test without a problem.
Hopefully.
Teshima Yumi-sensei glanced at the clock, checked the time, and exchanged looks with Takayama Koji-sensei before starting to hand out the exam papers.
As his colleague was finishing her task, Koji-sensei said, "Alright, everyone listen." Once he caught everyone's attention, Koji-sensei continued explaining the exam's subject, duration, and the rules to follow, emphasizing that both he and Yumi-sensei would be closely observing as invigilators.
No cheating is allowed.
The first day was as straightforward as expected. The only problem Hikaru had was the history and geography test, which required a lot of memorization. The sound of flipping paper was noticeable as many students tried to look through the questions to find the ones they could answer.
Hikaru answered his test slowly, avoiding drawing attention from his classmates or giving his senseis any strange thoughts about his performance.
The earlier request from Koji-sensei to talk with him was still causing some anxiety.
As time passed, Hikaru became somewhat frustrated as he felt the heat radiating through the window.
He never had a problem during the fall, spring, or even winter seasons, but summer was really cruel to him. Because of the peculiar situation, he had mixed feelings about whether he should forget the courtesy and finish the exam first.
The exam period lasted from morning until evening, excluding breaks in between.
"Time is up! It's time to hand in the papers," Yumi-sensei announced as she double-checked the time.
As the first day of the exam drew to a close, the silence swiftly faded. Many students in the class were complaining that they did not have enough time or that the test was too difficult.
Hikaru could only smile at the situation's outcome.
After collecting the exam papers from the students, Koji-sensei spoke before dismissing the class: "Quiet! The next test for tomorrow morning is the leaf concentration practice that I have been teaching you."
Raising his hand in a fist gesture for everyone to quiet down, Koji-sensei continued, "When your name is called, you'll be tested in front of the classroom; be sure to prepare."
Most of the students acknowledged this, quickly getting out of their seats and walking out of the classroom.
When Hikaru exited the classroom, he found Kajiwara Ryōta waiting for him. His eyebrows rose in question, but he waited for the boy to speak first.
As expected, Ryōta raised his voice and said, "The day after tomorrow, there will be a competition for those who decided to graduate early." After a brief pause, he continued, "It will be conduct at the training ground in the morning; if you have time, you should come."
Hikaru was confused by the change in events, but he nodded in understanding, promising to look at the competition later. Ryōta then took his leave, needing to prepare for the upcoming test tomorrow.
Hikaru then asked people around him about the competition's purpose and discovered that many students had applied for early graduation. Uchiha Itachi's early graduation might have inspired them.
'I guess they only want the real ones with talent and potential,' Hikaru thought, lifting his chin in contemplation after finding an unusual situation: 'The village will probably filter out the rest, as they weren't exactly involved in a Shinobi war.'
Although the village needs talent, they lack experienced Jōnin-level ninjas to adequately care for all of them. Therefore, they conducted a test to see if many of the contestants who wished to graduate early were worth their time.
Hikaru wasn't aware that the situation became tricky because most of the applicants were from the big clans; only a small portion of the civilian families decided to join. Not all applicants received sensei recommendations, so the village had to be careful.
Additionally, they didn't inform him that those with their sensei's recommendation didn't need to participate.
After analyzing the situation closely, Hikaru couldn't help but worry for his friend. Ryōta might face a member of a major clan, not just somebody from a civilian or orphan family. Even though they had been training together, their situation was completely different from that of a member of a big clan.
Each of the major clans in the village has its own kata (Taijutsu style), like the Hyuga, or even their own unique jutsu. They haven't had enough exposure to the village's major clan techniques, with Inuzuka being the only exception.
Competing tomorrow would be akin to running after merely learning how to walk. They haven't gained sufficient combat experience yet. Hikaru sighed while thinking about the situation as he walked to his sister's stall in the market.
At first, he intended to share the joy of finishing the first day of the year-end exam with Ayako, but now he felt a bit concerned about the day after tomorrow's events.
"It's only for graduation, not a life-and-death match," Hikaru voiced his thoughts as he neared the market area: "There is no need to overthink; this could also be a good opportunity for him."
"This will let him know that there is always someone stronger, and not everything will always go his way."
Hikaru organized his thoughts and came to a final conclusion. "At least this will also save him from dying early."
This is a hard truth that Ryōta will have to accept later on. If he learns the lesson and moves on, he will undoubtedly experience significant growth.
Experience is sometimes the best indicator of whether advice is helpful. Ryōta will know later whether Hikaru was being sincere when giving his best advice.
"Hikaru-kun! I need help!"
A female voice called out to Hikaru, as it often did whenever he stepped into the market. Seeing his sister from afar, Hikaru couldn't help but think, 'Does she have some sort of spider sense? How does she always know when I'm nearby?'
Hikaru replied shortly, "Coming!" and walked quickly toward the stall.
The stall Muranaka Ayako set up has changed drastically over the past few months. Initially, Ayako's street food snack, the barbecue meat stick (meat skewers), only featured marinated meat and special sauces. However, upon his suggestion, Ayako later added vegetables to enhance its visual appeal.
Later, she introduced other varieties of meat, including fish, and for those who prefer less meat or are on a diet, vegetable skewers are also available.
His sister's workload has significantly increased since introducing street food with a variety of choices. Hikaru suggested she hire someone to do the grunt work for her, but she refused because she wants to do everything herself.
Maybe this was her way to keep herself occupied.
While helping Ayako with the grunt work, she asked him with interest, "How was your test today?"
"It was alright," Hikaru replied.
"Are you well prepared for tomorrow?" Ayako glanced at her brother for a moment and asked further as she sold another ten sticks of barbecue meat to a customer, "What do you want to eat tomorrow after the exam?"
Hikaru thought for a moment and answered only the second question: "Let's go eat at Ramen Ichiraku."
"You remember it, right? The one I told you about tasted really good." Hikaru looked at his sister expectantly.
Ayako nodded with a sad expression and said, "Of course I remember since this shop is the one you said was more delicious than my cooking."
Hikaru raised his eyebrows in confusion upon hearing her remark; he then recalled that he had never spoken these words to her face-to-face. This could only mean one thing: "That guy sold me out!" Hikaru immediately cursed the middle-aged man he met in his heart.
'Didn't he say I shouldn't say something disrespectful in front of my sister? Why did he reveal this information to her behind my back?' Hikaru suddenly felt the urge to throw a punch at someone for badmouthing him.
Hikaru took a brief moment to collect his thoughts and console his sister: "Don't believe all that nonsense from the old man; your cooking is the best."
Ayako smiled lightly and asked, "How did you know that I heard it from the old man?"
Hikaru forced a small laugh and answered, "Well, he seems to be one of your customer fans, but surely he must have heard it wrong."
"I said the ramen was tasty, just below your cooking skill." Hikaru scratched his cheek as he lied through his teeth.
Ayako snorted coldly at Hikaru's obvious lie and then moved on to prepare to close the stall. With all of her stock sold out earlier today, she was ready to go home with her brother. Observing the situation, Hikaru could only stay silent, hoping that his sister would forgive him while he tried to help her.
After completing all the tasks, Ayako instructed Hikaru to deal with the trash while she went to buy some seafood for tonight's dinner. Both of them were sick of eating meat, and having something different to fill their stomachs was better.
Hikaru nodded and agreed, taking care of the matter quickly and coming back. He planned to spend the rest of the day relaxing and doing nothing. He had been training hard for a long time and deserved a break, especially when he still had another exam tomorrow.
Walking along the streets with his one-and-only family felt quite enjoyable. Both engaged in conversation about various topics, some of which were mundane yet significant, and some of which were humorous and amusing, reflecting the challenges his sister faced daily.
Hikaru wished they could spend more time like this, to which Ayako also agreed.
If Hikaru had to prioritize the important matters at hand, his family would always come first. Then his training and others. He cherished every moment they had together and wished things would continue like this forever.
Seeing his sister's liveliness and smile filled Hikaru's heart with warmth. Then, a few tiny tears emerged from his eyes, causing Ayako to become worried upon seeing them. She thought something was wrong with him.
Hikaru simply laughed it off and told her that some dust had caught his eye. Ayako then felt relieved and hugged him with a light smile.
During the embrace, Hikaru made a commitment in his heart and mind.
'I will protect this smile forever, I promise.'
This time, he made a promise based solely on his own desires.