Guidance
In a flash, Miyue's graduation exam began. After requesting leave on Sakumo's behalf, Shirō called Okita and Saori along to watch the matches, hoping they could gain experience.
Unlike Naruto's generation, the Ninja Academy's system during this era was much stricter. Graduation wasn't just about passing a written test or demonstrating basic jutsu like the Clone Technique. Here, candidates were required to show actual combat ability, proof that they could survive as shinobi.
The exam consisted of three stages. The first was a written test—basic, but enough to confirm one's grasp of theory. The second was a physical fitness test to ensure their bodies met shinobi standards. The last was a combat match. Victory or defeat wasn't the deciding factor; what mattered was whether the candidate displayed the ability to function as a ninja in the field.
By the time Shirō and the others arrived, the first two stages were already over. As expected, Miyue had advanced without issue. She was from the Uchiha Clan, after all. Such hurdles were trivial for her.
When Miyue noticed Shirō, she only gave him a small nod before focusing on the arena.
Okita, standing beside him, was suspicious. Shirō was unusually invested in this exam. Not only had he dragged them here, but he was also quietly exchanging looks with a girl from a distance.
Okita's instincts told him this wasn't just about "learning."
So that's it… He brought us along as wingmen!
When Okita saw Shirō smiling, his suspicion hardened into certainty. Shirō had rarely made genuine friends these past years. At best, he gave polite smiles to strangers. But now he was smiling for far too long.
"Why are you staring at me?" Shirō asked, feeling the weight of Okita's gaze. "Focus on the match. If you lose later, it'll be embarrassing."
"Lose? Impossible! I'm strong now. They don't even know about Ninjutsu yet—how could they beat me?" Okita puffed up with pride.
"Oh? I hope you can keep that confidence."
The match began, cutting off their back-and-forth. Shirō gestured for them to watch carefully. He had brought them not just for Miyue's sake, but to temper their arrogance and help them settle into real training.
The first bout featured an Aburame clan member against a civilian-born student. The outcome wasn't determined by who won, but by how well each demonstrated their abilities.
The Aburame released a swarm of kikaichū insects at the start. The civilian boy, though visibly shaken, tried to circle and rush the main body. He attempted several attacks, but the insects' defensive coordination was flawless.
After several exchanges, the civilian was overwhelmed. Even so, he displayed courage and tactical thought, enough to earn graduation alongside his Aburame opponent.
Watching this, Okita shivered. "W-what was that?"
"That," Shirō explained calmly, "is the Aburame Clan's Hiden technique. You didn't know?"
"Those… those were all insects?"
"Don't tell me you're afraid of bugs. Even Saori isn't."
"I'm not afraid! It's just—there were too many of them!"
Shirō chuckled. "Then it's good I brought you. Get ready—I'll put you through training to adapt to harsh environments. What kind of shinobi trembles at this?"
Okita sucked in a deep breath, steeling himself. "Fine. Train us as much as you want. I won't be scared."
"That's right! I'll work hard too!" Saori added, not wanting to fall behind.
"Good. Watch closely. Compare yourselves to them. That's the gap you need to bridge."
As more matches played out, Okita slowly realized how naïve he'd been. Nearly every student relied only on the Three Basic Techniques—Transformation, Substitution, and Clone. Those from powerful clans could certainly perform more, but rarely did.
Curious, Okita turned to Shirō. "Why aren't they using stronger jutsu?"
Instead of answering directly, Shirō asked, "How many seconds does it take you to perform the Great Breakthrough?"
"Five."
"And how long is it for someone here to cross this distance and interrupt you?"
"…Three seconds."
"Exactly. Even you, with faster seals than most, would be interrupted. For Genin-level battles, flashy Ninjutsu is a liability. Most students can't use them effectively until Chūnin."
"I see… So that's why you focus us on Taijutsu."
"Not Taijutsu alone. Balance both. You have talent in Ninjutsu—don't waste it."
"…Yes, Sensei."
At last, Miyue's turn came. Her opponent was a girl with striking red eyes.
"Red eyes? A relative of the Yūhi clan?" Shirō muttered.
The moment the fight began, the girl's subtle movements released faint fluctuations in chakra.
"Genjutsu…" Shirō murmured.
"Genjutsu? What's that?" Okita whispered.
"You haven't learned it yet? Genjutsu, along with Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, makes up shinobi combat. It deceives the senses—sight, sound, even smell. The standard way to break it is by disrupting your chakra flow."
He narrowed his eyes. "She's casting it through movement—basic, but effective."
In truth, Genjutsu's reputation had always been inflated by the Sharingan. Aside from the Uchiha, few shinobi could wield it to deadly effect. Even Kurenai Yūhi, a Jōnin hailed for her illusions, was effortlessly undone by Itachi. With a three-tomoe Sharingan, an Uchiha could both reflect and resist most illusions with ease.
So for this girl to challenge an Uchiha with Genjutsu…
Miyue reacted with sharp leaps, quickly widening the distance. Then, in one motion, she shut her eyes—before snapping them open.
Shirō's heart skipped.
"That technique…! No way—!"