Seiji-sensei stood tall at the front of the classroom, arms crossed, his expression serious. The advanced class sat in near-perfect silence, a mix of excitement and tension hanging in the air. Everyone knew what today's discussion was about. We were approaching the end of the third year, and the question on everyone's mind was simple, what now?
"Now that your third year is ending," Seiji began, his voice calm but firm, "only one thing remains. Each of you must choose the path you will follow after graduation. This decision will shape your early shinobi career, so take it seriously."
A few students shifted in their seats. Even Kaen, who usually looked angry, was paying close attention.
Seiji turned to the chalkboard behind him and began writing in clean, precise strokes.
"There are five primary departments available to genin upon graduation. Each has different roles, responsibilities, and risks. Some of you already know which path suits you. Others will need to think hard."
He turned back around and raised one finger.
"First is the Standard Combat Corps. This is the default track for most genin. You will be placed in a traditional three-man squad under an instructor. Your assignments will vary, guard duty, patrol, courier missions, minor cleanups, and in time, C and B-rank missions. This track is meant to build well-rounded shinobi. If you are unsure where you fit, start here."
He paused for a second before continuing.
"To qualify, you will need to pass the graduation exam. It will be a mock mission where we will evaluate your approach, decisions, and abilities."
A few students nodded. This was familiar ground.
"Second," he continued, "is the Tactical Support Division. This is for shinobi with strong chakra control, excellent perception, or advanced ninjutsu capabilities. It includes medics, communication specialists, sensor-nin, and seal experts."
He gave a small glance in my direction, then toward Sena. We both stayed quiet.
"Those who apply will undergo an additional chakra control test, a written evaluation of jutsu theory, and a practical in a controlled environment. This department only takes the top ten percent of applicants. If you cannot think under pressure, do not waste their time."
Genta scratched the back of his neck. Shizuru was already scribbling notes like her life depended on it.
"Third is the Intelligence and Interrogation Division. You will not be deployed on combat missions. Instead, you will work within secure compounds, assisting with decoding enemy messages, gathering information, or, if selected, training in mental intrusion techniques. This is where the Yamanaka clan tends to shine."
He let that hang in the air for a moment before adding, "Applicants will face a psychological evaluation, a memory recall test, and a logic-based exam. This department requires unwavering mental stability."
Some students looked uneasy. Seiji-sensei glanced at Sena again. She was still wearing that same serene smile, like her expression had been frozen in place. No surprise. That path wasn't exactly glamorous.
"Fourth," Seiji said, writing slowly, "is the Reconnaissance and Field Analysis Unit. This department trains shinobi to operate in small numbers or alone, gathering intel deep behind enemy lines. You will be expected to handle long-term assignments with minimal support. Speed, stealth, and field awareness are critical."
Kaen looked mildly interested.
"To qualify, you must pass an extended field navigation test, a movement evaluation, and a survival simulation in unfamiliar terrain. You will also need to show that you can blend in, gather intel, and do it all without being noticed or raising suspicion. You will also be tested on your ability to deliver concise mission reports under duress. This is not a track for the reckless."
He stepped back and tapped the fifth and final line of chalk.
"Lastly," Seiji said, "there is the Research and Development Attachment. Most know it as the R&D Track. This is not a front-line unit. It's meant for shinobi who show technical brilliance, strong chakra control, and an instinct for experimentation, the kind of minds that build the tools the rest of us rely on."
He paused to let the shift in tone settle. Some students leaned forward.
"This division works alongside inventors, medical researchers, fuinjutsu theorists, and chakra specialists. You'll be involved in developing new jutsu, refining weapons, designing seals, and even creating mission-specific tools like communication scrolls or barrier tags. Your name may never reach the battlefield, but your work could decide the outcome of battles long before they begin."
His eyes swept the classroom.
"This path requires creativity, patience, and a high tolerance for failure. It's not glamorous. It's not loud. But the best in this track go on to shape the future of the Hidden Leaf. Some end up advising special units. Others join the Hokage's personal research council."
Seiji folded his arms.
"To qualify, you'll be assigned a project brief and given a limited supply of materials. You'll have one week to design, build, and demonstrate something that meets the mission criteria. We don't expect perfection, but we do expect innovation and a clear understanding of theory."
There was a heavy silence. Everyone was processing what had just been laid out.
"You will submit your preferred path to me in writing by the end of the week, so talk to your parents and consider your own preference as well," Seiji said, still calm. "You may not get your first choice. That will depend on your performance, evaluations, and recommendations from your instructors. Your final test begins in two weeks."
He erased the board slowly, letting the weight of his words settle.
"One more thing. These departments aren't just labels. They are lives, duties, and risks. If you choose carelessly, you will regret it. Choose wisely."
With that, he stepped away from the board and sat down at his desk, signaling the end of the class.
The usual group and I left the class and headed slowly toward the gate. Genta grinned and said, "Well, I'm definitely going for the Standard Corps. I can't wait to take on high-grade missions and take down missing-nin left and right."
I chuckled. "Your clan won't be happy about that, you know."
His face soured, but his voice turned sharp with resolve. "I'll get strong enough that they can't dictate how I live."
Seeing the fire in his eyes, I let it slide. Instead, I turned to Shizuru. "What about you? Which department?"
She seemed distracted, eyes slightly distant, then answered, "I'm still conflicted. The Research and Development Attachment fits me, but... I don't want to drift too far from you all, so I might consider the Standard Corps too."
We all looked at Sena. Her sweet smile gave away absolutely nothing.
With mock elegance, she raised her hand to her chin. "I wonder which path I'll take..."
Shizuru gave her a confused look. "The Intelligence and Analysis Division seems perfect for you."
Sena's reply was cryptic. "I have other plans."
She didn't elaborate, which annoyed Genta.
"Come on, Sena. Quit the mystery act. Just tell us."
Shizuru laughed as Genta kept bugging Sena. The atmosphere felt light, friendly, the kind of moment you don't realize you'll miss until it's long gone.
Then I felt it. Something was wrong.
I didn't think. I moved.
My fingers formed a hand seal and a surge of chakra spread from my core. Lightning Release: Static Field. A pulse of static current flickered into existence, flaring out in all directions. In an instant, a dome of crackling lightning snapped into place around us, barely covering our position. It was the best I could manage on short notice. The barrier flickered at the edges, but it held just enough to slow whatever was coming.
A split second later, a kunai entered the field. The lightning reacted instantly. Its speed dropped, but it was still fast enough to wound an unprepared Shizuru as it flew toward her shoulder.
I moved to intercept, lightning already surging through my leg for a kick, but Sena's hand was faster. Her kunai flew with perfect precision, colliding with the threat centimeters from Shizuru's shoulder. The weapons clashed mid-air and clattered harmlessly to the ground.
Sena's expression darkened. Her smile stayed, but her eyes sharpened as she tracked the kunai's path.
Kaen.
He stood near the edge of the field, wearing a smug look.
"Oops," he said with fake concern. "Sorry, Shizuru. Just playing around. Kunai slipped. Good thing Noa and Sena are so quick. "With reflexes like that, maybe you're not cut out for the Standard Combat Corps. The last Senju here should probably play it safe too. These kinds of things happen all the time on missions."
His tone was light, but his words carried a clear threat. The kind that crawled beneath your skin.
I stepped forward, smiling coldly. "One for one is fair. But you crossed a line when you brought my friends into it."
Kaen's eyes narrowed. "Then let's settle it. You and me. A real test."
I took another step. "If that happens, I'll let you choose which part of your body I break first."
His eyes turned red, the Sharingan flaring to life. "I warned you. This ends with blood." He snarled, then turned and walked away.
Genta looked ready to pounce. I held him back.
"Relax. I've got this."
Shizuru stood frozen, visibly shaken. She hadn't seen it coming, and now Kaen's words echoed in her mind, uncertainty etched into her face.
The laughter from earlier had vanished, replaced by doubt, fear, and uncertainty.