At the Konoha Ninja Academy, on the training field.
Dozens of children stood neatly in line.
These were the soon-to-be graduates, the future genin.
Including Teacher Tōjō Yuzu, several instructors stood by, watching these young students with a look of satisfaction.
Some of these students might grow to become pillars of Konoha's future, or perhaps rise to be legendary figures whose names will echo throughout the ninja world. In the future, these teachers would take pride in the fact that they had once taught such extraordinary students.
"Next, let me introduce you to your seniors, who will also serve as the examiners for your third and final test."
Standing beside Teacher Tōjō Yuzu were seven or eight ninjas, all Chūnin (middle-ranked ninjas).
They were all quite young, the youngest being around thirteen or fourteen, and the oldest only in their mid-teens. It was the prime of their youth.
However, the way they looked at the students, as though they were just rookies, made the soon-to-be graduates feel uncomfortable.
But what could they do? These people were their seniors and Chūnin, so despite feeling uneasy, the students had to endure.
Even Uchiha Fugaku, usually arrogant and brash, remained silent at this moment.
"The third and final test is crucial. If you fail this exam, all your previous scores will be nullified, regardless of how well you did before. So, give it your all. Understood?"
"Yes, Teacher!"
All the students shouted in unison.
"Good. Then let's begin. We will proceed in the order of your previous numbers."
"Wait a minute."
Uchiha Fugaku stepped forward, turning to look at Mo Yu.
"Teacher, before we start the exam, I'd like to settle a personal grudge. Perhaps someone doesn't even need to take the test—they might just be expelled on the spot."
Teacher Tōjō Yuzu furrowed his brows and said,
"Fugaku, don't make trouble. Let's consider this a joke for now and don't bring it up again. The school won't allow such a gambling fight."
The other teachers looked confused, and Teacher Tōjō Yuzu briefly explained the situation.
The teachers' gaze shifted toward Mo Yu. They had all heard of his reputation as the "useless" student, but they were surprised to see that the "useless" label was a lie. He had passed the second exam with outstanding results.
The Chūnin examiners also scrutinized Mo Yu. Some were curious, others indifferent, and a few seemed to find it amusing.
They had all heard of Mo Yu, but not because of his "useless" fame. It was because Mo Yu was the only friend of Konoha's top genius, Kiki Tetsu, whose talent was second to none.
How could this kid, who was supposedly useless, be close friends with someone like Kiki Tetsu?
"Teacher, this duel doesn't need the school's permission. There is no rule in the village forbidding a private gambling fight, as long as it doesn't result in fatalities. This matter doesn't concern you."
Uchiha Fugaku said.
Teacher Tōjō Yuzu's face darkened.
He certainly wasn't naive enough to provoke Uchiha Fugaku, the heir of the prestigious Uchiha clan.
But today was important—it was the graduation exam for the Ninja Academy.
Both Mo Yu and Uchiha Fugaku were his students. If something went wrong during their duel, who would take responsibility?
It would fall on him!
He didn't want to get involved in this mess, which was why he tried to stop them.
Once they graduated, they could fight however they wanted, but not today!
"Fine, even if you proceed with your duel, it won't be valid."
Teacher Tōjō Yuzu said.
"Why?" Uchiha Fugaku asked.
"Because you don't have a witness. Who will oversee the bet and ensure the loser honors the wager? Mo Yu, think carefully. Don't let money blind your eyes—fifty thousand ryo is no small amount."
Teacher Tōjō Yuzu's last sentence was directed at Mo Yu, carrying a tone of warning and caution.
Uchiha Fugaku's expression soured. "Teacher, are you saying that I can't afford to lose?"
Teacher Tōjō Yuzu didn't respond.
But when Mo Yu was reminded of this, he realized a flaw in the bet.
What if Uchiha Fugaku didn't honor the bet after losing?
Normally, with so many witnesses and with Uchiha Fugaku being the heir to the Uchiha clan, it would be unthinkable for him to dishonor such a bet.
But who knew?
Mo Yu needed someone with a high enough status to act as an official witness—someone he could trust. Otherwise, he wouldn't feel safe.
Seeing Mo Yu hesitating, Uchiha Fugaku hurriedly said, "Mo Yu, are you scared? I, Uchiha Fugaku, guarantee with the Uchiha clan's name that if you win, I will pay. Fifty thousand ryo is nothing to me!"
As Mo Yu was weighing his options, a voice suddenly interrupted.
"Betting money? Where? Take me with you!"
With a swift motion, a figure appeared out of nowhere in front of everyone.
Everyone jumped in surprise, including the teachers and the young Chūnin. The person's speed was so fast that no one had seen them coming.
It was a girl, full of youthful energy, with golden hair and sharp, delicate features. At this moment, her eyes sparkled with excitement.
What caught everyone's attention most was her mature chest and figure, which seemed far more developed than expected for someone her age.
Teacher Tōjō Yuzu's face broke into a respectful smile as he said,
"Ah, Princess Tsunade, what brings you here?"
Tsunade was not only a Chūnin but also the personal disciple of the Hokage. She was the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama. With such a high status, she was regarded as a "princess" of the village, and everyone held her in great respect.
Tsunade glanced around, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Oh, I was just passing by and heard there was a gambling fight here. I thought I'd join in the fun. You're not going to refuse me, are you?"
Teacher Tōjō Yuzu froze, caught between laughter and frustration.
Everyone knew that Tsunade was generally easygoing, but there was one thing she was notorious for—her gambling addiction. It was said to have been inherited from her great-grandfather, the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
At that moment, another voice rang out, drawing closer.
"I say, young lady, what are you up to? Didn't we agree you'd report to the teacher first? Why are you here? When I graduated, I swore I'd never return to this school."
It was a playful tone, revealing the carefree nature of the speaker.
The next moment, two figures appeared beside Tsunade. Like her, they arrived without any prior warning, their presence unnoticed until they were standing next to her.
The one who spoke was a white-haired youth with a mischievous grin, complaining to Tsunade.
The teachers at the Academy couldn't help but smile at the sight of the white-haired youth, who hadn't changed at all since his time in school.
But when their eyes shifted to the person behind him, a cold and shadowy figure, their expressions grew complicated—some were relieved, while others seemed distant, unwilling to engage.
The young Chūnin examiners also showed signs of unease and fear.
This figure, from the moment he appeared, had not uttered a word nor made a sound. He was like a venomous snake, so stealthy that if he hadn't been standing next to the white-haired youth, no one would have noticed him at all.
His face was pale, and black strands of hair draped over his shoulders, radiating a cold and sinister aura. His eyes, with pupils like a snake's, made it impossible to look at him for too long.