Chapter 57 - Assessment

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Konoha Stadium.

That's right—this name was chosen by Akio.

It was a structure resembling the Chūnin Exam arena from the future, only several times larger. Per Akio's suggestion, it would host ninja rank evaluations for those ten years and older. As for those under ten, they would all enroll in the soon-to-be-established Konoha Academy for further training.

After some discussion among the elders, it was decided that ninja ranks would be divided into nine levels—not simply numbered from one to nine.

From lowest to highest, the ranks were:

Genin, Chūnin, Elite Chūnin, Tokubetsu Jōnin, Standard Jōnin, Elite Jōnin, S-rank minus, S-rank, and S-rank plus.

A team of three Genin could take on C-rank missions under the leadership of a ninja ranked Elite Chūnin or higher. Three Chūnin could handle B-rank missions, while an Elite Chūnin could either complete a B-rank mission solo or lead a Genin team on a C-rank mission.

Tokubetsu Jōnin were Chūnin who displayed Jōnin-level skill in a specialized field. They could undertake A-rank missions under the guidance of an Elite Jōnin. A Standard Jōnin could complete A-rank missions independently.

Elite Jōnin and S-rank minus ninja formed the true backbone of the village. The top-tier Jōnin from the Warring States Period would all be classified within these two tiers. These were the ones entrusted with S-rank missions.

As for D-rank missions—well, in this era, no civilian would dare ask a mighty ninja to babysit or chase cats.

The last two ranks—S-rank and S-rank plus—were rare, even among current Konoha ninja. An S-rank ninja represented a clan-head-level powerhouse from the Warring States, like the head of the Nara Clan. As for S-rank plus, only four individuals qualified: Tobirama Senju, the Head of the Hatake Clan, Hyūga Tenjin, and Akio himself.

Everyone silently agreed not to add a "tenth" or "eleventh" rank—because no one could possibly quantify the power of people like Hashirama and Madara.

Akio stood in the center of the newly constructed Konoha Stadium, surveying the scene. Each clan's ninja sat grouped in formations in the stands, resembling a college sports meet.

Yes, Akio was right at the center—today, he was acting as the examiner for the Jōnin rank assessments.

Several elders participated as well.

Genin were assessed by the Hyūga Clan Head, whose Byakugan made evaluating them particularly efficient.

Chūnin were evaluated by the Nara Clan Head, whose intelligence allowed him to quickly assess whether someone could lead a squad.

Jōnin were handed to Akio, as his well-roundedness meant he wouldn't be easily flustered by the wide range of jutsu used by high-level ninja.

Originally, Hashirama wanted to personally assess the S-rank candidates. But Akio had casually remarked,

"I think Madara is more suitable. With him standing there, everyone will instinctively attack with all their might."

Madara's reaction? That's another chaotic story...

Akio's thoughts were interrupted when a figure appeared before him. He looked up.

"White hair? Hatake Clan? You're only about twelve or thirteen and already aiming for Jōnin?"

The boy smiled gently. "Elder, my hair is actually blue..."

Akio's face darkened—he'd just outed himself as colorblind. He quickly tried to explain,

"Uh... the sunlight today is really harsh. So, blue-haired boy, you must be a variant of the Hatake Clan?"

The boy's expression didn't change. "Elder, I'm not from the Hatake Clan. My name is Kato Jin…"

Pfft—cough, cough.

Akio actually choked on his own spit for the first time in years.

Kato Jin finally couldn't hold his smile anymore. "Elder, is there something wrong with my name?"

Kato Clan... Akio thought, his face remaining composed.

"No, no problem. Let's begin your assessment. You've completed the first two stages, right?"

Kato Jin handed over a score sheet. Akio glanced at it.

"Basic and Ninjutsu—both at Elite Chūnin level. Not bad at your age. You're aiming for Tokubetsu Jōnin, I assume?"

Kato Jin nodded. "I've mastered my clan's secret technique. I came to you for evaluation."

Akio nodded. "Go ahead and use it on me."

Kato Jin hesitated. "Elder, my secret technique is... a bit unusual."

Akio waved it off. "It's fine. Isn't it the Spiritual Projection Technique? My Yin nature is already at level six."

"…Huh?"

"I said it's fine. Just attack me however you like. If I dodge, you fail."

Seeing that Akio insisted, Kato Jin no longer hesitated. With a hint of frustration, he shouted,

"Ninjutsu—Spiritual Projection Jutsu!"

Moments later, his expression turned pale.

His animated spirit had just entered Akio's mental space—only to be kicked out by Akio's soul with a swift boot to the backside.

"Haha! Not bad, your spiritual resilience is decent. You took a soul-kick from me and survived." Akio laughed. "You pass. Next!"

Kato Jin's face cycled through several colors before he silently left. Akio chuckled internally.

Akio looked up to see a rather rotund figure standing before him.

"From the Akimichi Clan, are you? Give me your family's secret barbecue recipe, and I'll mark you down as Elite Jōnin."

The chubby ninja scratched his head sheepishly, then shouted in a booming voice that startled Akio:

"Really?!"

Akio saw heads turning from all around the stadium. His expression shifted immediately.

"I was joking! Let's start your evaluation already!"

The test results came in, and Akio's face turned green.

This Akimichi was legitimately Elite Jōnin material—he'd just been played.

"Next!"

"Great-grandpa, it's my turn!"

A familiar figure stood before Akio.

"Oh, Kenji, right? I already know your strength. No need for testing—Standard Jōnin, correct?"

Kenji nodded.

Akio gave a mischievous grin.

"So, have you met the little girl Hashirama arranged for you to marry?"

"Marriage? What marriage?"

Akio's expression froze. Kenji didn't know? Could it be that Hashirama hadn't told his wife Mito yet, and hadn't dared to bring it up?

Akio might've just thrown Hashirama under the bus…

Seeing the confusion on Kenji's face, Akio quickly changed the subject.

"Never mind! Forget I said anything. Next!"

The assessments lasted three full days. Konoha's ninja population exceeded ten thousand, with over a thousand Jōnin alone.

Including the Uzumaki Clan, now allied with Konoha, the village's strength was simply terrifying.

When Akio met with Hashirama afterward, the latter looked troubled.

"With so many ninja… how many missions would we need to keep them busy?"

Akio chuckled.

"That's for you to worry about, Lord Hokage. As for me, this old man is ready to enjoy a peaceful retirement."

Hashirama paused.

"Granduncle, I've always meant to ask… how old are you really? You've looked the same for as long as I can remember."

"I was wondering that too…"

Tobirama popped out of nowhere.

Akio scratched his head.

"I'm probably around… twenty years old?"

Hashirama: "…"

Tobirama: "…"

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