Shigure lifted the curtain slightly and peeked outside the window.
"The number of ANBU has increased again…"
"Danzo won't make another move tonight—or at least, not anytime soon."
After all, the Hokage still held authority in Konoha, and Hiruzen wouldn't tolerate Danzo acting too recklessly.
Letting the curtain fall, Shigure lay back down on the bed.
So even staying low-key doesn't guarantee safety. In that case… I may as well stop hiding altogether.
If I'm going to attract attention no matter what, I might as well do it boldly.
Being called a genius had its perks, after all.
His gaze shifted to the Great Sage in the system interface, still running calculations.
Just over a dozen hours left.
Once tomorrow's graduation exam is over, the Ice Release calculations will be complete.
By combining Ice Release with other ninjutsu, his overall combat strength would rise even further—strong enough to face threats like Danzo... or even the Akatsuki.
Power. That's what makes everything simple.
The next day, Shigure arrived at the Ninja Academy with a new presence—this time, with the Ninja Sword: Zangetsu strapped to his back.
He had never carried a weapon before.
Seeing the blade, Shikamaru's eyes narrowed slightly, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he stared at Shigure.
So he's finally planning to use that terrifying sword technique, huh?
As everyone was gathering, Naruto stumbled in—clearly lacking energy.
He spotted Shigure and tried to head toward him, but—
Iruka entered the room just then.
"All right! Everyone, back to your seats!" Iruka said loudly. "The graduation exam has been moved up. We want to test your real ability."
"This is a major step in your life as a ninja. If you pass, you become a full-fledged genin. If not… you'll have to attend a regular school and learn a different trade."
"I hope all of you do your best!"
The exam began.
Though labeled a 'graduation exam,' it didn't seem that different from the usual class tests.
First was basic shuriken accuracy.
Then—Clone Technique.
The students lined up outside the exam room, entering one by one for their evaluations.
Watching a disappointed student shuffle out of the room, Shigure stepped forward and opened the door calmly.
Iruka looked up as Shigure entered.
"Shigure. You've really changed lately. I also heard about what happened at the training grounds... from your teacher."
"So, how are you feeling about the exam today? Confident?"
Judging by Shigure's usual performance and grades, Iruka didn't expect much.
But Shigure simply nodded, calm and composed.
"I'm ready."
"All right then, let's begin. Show us your Clone Jutsu!"
As soon as Iruka finished speaking, Shigure raised his left hand—and with a single motion, formed the Seal of the Ram.
Bang!
A perfect clone appeared beside him.
There was nothing fancy about the clone itself—but Iruka's eyes widened in shock.
Just now...
If his eyes weren't deceiving him, Shigure had only used one hand to perform the technique.
One-handed seals...?
Moonlight Shigure had that kind of talent?
Forming hand seals with one hand wasn't something you could learn through effort alone. It was a rare natural gift—akin to a kekkei genkai. You were either born with the capacity or not. No amount of training could change that.
"Sensei, was that okay?"
Snapped out of his daze, Iruka nodded hurriedly.
"Y-Yes! Very good!"
Shigure turned and walked out.
Iruka stared at his back in silence, feeling a wave of self-doubt.
How did I never notice such talent in one of my own students…?
By noon, the graduation exam was over.
In the afternoon, just before dismissal, the results were posted.
Naruto came rushing over to Shigure, grinning ear to ear and holding his brand-new forehead protector.
"Thanks a ton, Shigure! If you hadn't helped me train yesterday, I wouldn't have passed the exam!"
"It's nothing. Didn't you treat me to ramen already?"
Naruto laughed and threw an arm around Shigure's shoulders. "When I get my mission payout, next bowl of Ichiraku's is on me!"
Just then, Sasuke walked past with a cold snort, brushing by them without a word.
Shigure smirked.
Is that jealousy I hear, Sasuke?
Later that day, Naruto showed up at Shigure's house as promised to help with what he called "spring cleaning."
After it was done, Shigure sent him home to rest.
He had his own preparations to make—for the awakening of a new bloodline limit:
Ice Release.
Now that Naruto had successfully passed, the incident from the original timeline—where Naruto stole the Scroll of Seals—shouldn't happen.
But thinking about it now, Shigure felt a hint of regret.
If Naruto had still stolen the scroll… I might've had the chance to glimpse it myself.
But realistically, that was just wishful thinking.
That incident had been a setup orchestrated by the Third Hokage. If Shigure tried something like that for real…
The consequences would be dire.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office—
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up from his desk.
"Is that true?" he asked.
Iruka nodded seriously. "Yes, I saw it with my own eyes. I wouldn't make a mistake about this."
The Third Hokage picked up Shigure's file and flipped through it.
"This boy... can perform one-handed seals."
He was genuinely surprised.
A moment later, he said, "Bring Naruto to me."
Iruka didn't ask questions and quietly left to carry out the order.
Not long after, Naruto arrived at the Hokage's office.
"What's up, Old Man Third? You got a mission for me already?"
He had just graduated and was clearly in high spirits.
Hiruzen smiled warmly.
"Congratulations, Naruto. You've officially graduated."
"Hehehe!"
"By the way, Naruto," the Third Hokage said gently, "Grandpa wants to ask you something. You were unconscious yesterday—do you remember what happened?"
Naruto blinked, caught off guard. "Oh! Right! I was going to ask Shigure about that today. I completely forgot with all the graduation stuff going on!"
The Hokage's eyes narrowed slightly. "Shigure… Were you with him yesterday?"
"Yeah! Shigure taught me the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Thanks to him, I was able to pass the exam today!"
Naruto continued speaking cheerfully, but Hiruzen was no longer listening.
His expression remained calm, but his eyes gleamed with a sharp glint.
So Danzo's target yesterday really was Shigure.
Those Root ANBU were sent to capture him—and two of them had been killed on the spot.
They were elite-level Chūnin, yet traces of their defeat were discovered in a forest clearing beyond the village perimeter.
According to the ANBU's report, powerful ninjutsu had been used at the scene—evidence pointed to an A-rank elemental technique.
Several massive trees had been leveled, indicating the scale and intensity of the jutsu.
For someone to release ninjutsu of that level in open terrain and bring down trees that size… that's far beyond genin ability.
"Moonlight Shigure…" Hiruzen muttered quietly. "Ninjutsu. Yes—his swordsmanship is intertwined with his mastery of ninjutsu. Without a strong grasp of elemental chakra control, he couldn't have developed such a unique kenjutsu style."
A sword technique that fuses seamlessly with ninjutsu…
This boy isn't just talented in swordsmanship.
...
TN:
🔟 Support me on P-com/LordMerlin
⌚ Limited-time 30% discount!
Get 10 advance chaps for $3.50, 20 for $7, and more —ending soon!