Chapter 114: The Team Assignments and The 'Prodigy Genin'
"For Minato's three students, I've decided to choose " Hiruzen Sarutobi's words were cut short by the sound of the door opening.
"Hiruzen." Danzō Shimura walked in. "Why didn't you inform me?"
"What are you doing here?" Hiruzen asked, a slight frown on his face.
"Why shouldn't I be here? As the Hokage's advisor, I have the right to discuss team assignments," Danzō said, pausing for a moment. "I can also serve as a team leader."
Hiruzen was speechless. Danzō's intentions were now crystal clear. He'd seen the abundance of talent in this year's class and wanted to poach a few for the Foundation. It was likely he hadn't given up on Hoshikawa and Kakashi.
"When would you have time to lead a team?" Hiruzen asked impatiently.
"I have time." Danzō's tone was calm and unwavering.
"Hiruzen, Danzō is right," Koharu Utatane said, stepping in as she saw the two were about to argue. "Since he's already here, let's discuss it together."
Hiruzen and Danzō stared at each other for two seconds before Hiruzen took out his crystal ball. The crystal ball shifted, showing the scene in fifth-year Class A.
As soon as the time came, the graduation exam officially began. The exam was simple: the Three-Body Jutsu. As long as they could perform it proficiently, they would pass.
"There's nothing to see here," Danzō said, glancing at the crystal ball. "With their skills, this is just a formality."
"You said you wanted to be a team leader. Which three students caught your eye?" Homura Mitokado asked, adjusting his glasses.
"Hoshikawa , Kakashi Hatake, and Shisui Uchiha," Danzō said without hesitation.
"Impossible!" Hiruzen's expression darkened.
"Danzō," Koharu said, shaking her head. "Hoshikawa is Tsunade's student, and Kakashi Hatake is Sakumo Hatake's son."
"If those two are off-limits, then give me Shisui Uchiha," Danzō said, retreating to his primary objective. He knew Hoshikawa and Kakashi were out of the question; his target had been Shisui all along.
"Don't you usually harbor a grudge against the Uchiha clan?" Koharu asked, confused.
"Shisui Uchiha is Kagami's descendant," Danzō said with a solemn expression. "As Kagami's former teammate, I will train him properly!" Kagami Uchiha was the first Uchiha to join the Hokage Guard, possessing a strong Will of Fire. Of course, Danzō's true purpose in training Shisui was to acquire his Sharingan. Ever since he'd gotten a ninja with Wood Release in Yamato, he had set his sights on the Sharingan. In his mind, with both the Wood Release and the Sharingan, he would become invincible a combination of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.
Homura and Koharu exchanged glances, both wearing strange expressions. Since when did Danzō care so much about old team loyalty?
"No," Hiruzen said, refusing again.
"Why not?" Danzō's face soured. "I can't have this, I can't have that. Can't I just take on a single student?"
"Don't think I don't know what you're plotting," Hiruzen said, staring him down. "This matter is not open for discussion."
"Sensei said that the Uchiha are inherently evil, and even a descendant of Kagami is no different," Danzō said, standing his ground. "Hand Shisui Uchiha over to me, and he will become a second Kagami!"
"Shisui Uchiha already has a team leader," Hiruzen said, trying to end the argument. "It's Sakumo Hatake."
"Sakumo Hatake? No!" Danzō frowned. "You're going to cause the Uchiha clan to side with Sakumo Hatake! That's too dangerous!"
"Enough!" Hiruzen said, getting angry. "Shisui Uchiha is Kagami's descendant! It won't get to that point!"
"Hiruzen, you'll regret this!" Danzō's heart seized up under Hiruzen's piercing gaze, and he said with a scowl.
"Danzō, I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen's voice rose slightly.
"Alright, alright, we're all doing this for Konoha. Why are you two fighting?" Koharu quickly tried to mediate. "Don't forget what our purpose is today."
"Hiruzen," Homura said, changing the subject. "Who are the other students on Sakumo Hatake's team, besides Shisui?"
"Asuma and Shizune," Hiruzen said, picking up his pipe and tapping it on the table. His previous plan was to make Asuma Hoshikawa 's teammate, but Tsunade's intervention forced him to give up on that. After much thought, he chose Sakumo Hatake, who was not only incredibly strong but also deeply valued his comrades. With him there, Asuma's safety would be at its maximum. In addition, Hiruzen could use this as a way to understand Sakumo's true thoughts. As for Shizune, based on her performance, she would likely become a competent medical-ninja. Medical-ninja were a rare commodity in the ninja world; even in this talented generation, fewer than five students could become one.
Danzō flinched when he heard Asuma's name. This team assignment was unexpected. He had assumed Hiruzen would put his son on Hoshikawa 's team, especially with Tsunade being the sensei.
"What about Hoshikawa 's team?" Koharu asked, getting a word in first.
"He's on a team with Kurenai Yūhi and Rin Nohara," Hiruzen said, pausing before adding, "Tsunade decided this. If any of you have an opinion, you can take it up with her."
Koharu and Homura hesitated but ultimately said nothing. Danzō wasn't afraid of Tsunade, but he had no desire to pick a fight with her. Of course, the most important thing was that he wasn't interested in Kurenai or Rin. His interests were Hoshikawa , Shisui Uchiha, and Kakashi Hatake. To his dismay, he couldn't get any of them. What about Obito Uchiha? Danzō considered it, but ultimately decided against taking on the dead last. He seriously doubted if Obito would ever awaken his Sharingan. And even if he did, would he ever reach three tomoe? Or the Mangekyō Sharingan? If not, he was useless to Danzō.
"Who are Minato's students?" Koharu asked.
"Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, and Might Guy," Hiruzen said, taking a puff from his pipe.
"Hiruzen!" Danzō's face twisted in displeasure. "Shisui Uchiha is one thing, but Obito Uchiha is absolutely out of the question!"
Minato Namikaze was Hiruzen's student and represented the Hokage lineage. In fact, Danzō, Homura, and Koharu were also from that same lineage, having served as students and guards to the Second Hokage. If Obito Uchiha were to become Minato's student, it would mean the Uchiha clan was entering the Hokage's inner circle. This was something Danzō absolutely could not allow.
"Obito Uchiha is different from the rest of his clan. He is filled with passion, kindness, and the Will of Fire," Hiruzen said calmly.
"He's still an Uchiha!" Danzō retorted. "Who can guarantee what he'll become in the future?!"
"Danzō!" Hiruzen said, his expression grim. "The Uchiha are Konoha's Uchiha!" As Hokage, he did not want to see a complete break between the Uchiha clan and Konoha. Choosing Obito was not only because he seemed like an enthusiastic idiot but also as a gesture of goodwill toward the Uchiha clan. Shisui could have also worked, but he was a descendant of Kagami Uchiha. The Uchiha hardliners actually held a grudge against Kagami, with some even seeing him as a traitor to the clan.
"The Uchiha are inherently evil!" Danzō said, quoting the Second Hokage's famous words once again. "Hiruzen, you're too naive!"
"I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen said, his stance firm.
"You!" Danzō's body trembled with rage. He turned abruptly and stormed out of the office.
Bang!
Danzō was gone.
"Don't mind him, let's continue," Hiruzen said, his expression unchanged. "What do you think about these remaining team assignments?"
Fifth-Year Class A
Hoshikawa and the others were sitting at their desks, waiting for the exam to begin.
"Obito Uchiha!" A moment later, Ron'ichirō's voice came from the next room.
"It's my turn!" Obito stood up, looked at Rin, and said, "Rin, I'm definitely getting a perfect score this time!" He had been training his chakra control with Rin for a while and was much stronger than his canon counterpart. Since the exam was only the Three-Body Jutsu, he was very confident.
"Good luck!" Rin smiled and gave him a thumbs-up.
"Hehe." Obito grinned foolishly and went to the next classroom, which served as the testing area.
"Come up and draw a lot," Ron'ichirō explained. "Whichever jutsu you draw, that's the one you perform."
"Yes, Sensei," Obito walked forward and drew the Clone Jutsu. He made the hand seals, and with a puff of smoke, two clones appeared on either side of him.
"Perfect score," Ron'ichirō nodded, taking out a Konoha forehead protector. "Congratulations, you are now an official ninja."
"Thank you, Sensei!" Obito said excitedly.
"Remember to register at the Ninja Archives," Ron'ichirō reminded him.
"I will." Obito took the forehead protector and ran off. He burst into the classroom, proudly showing off his new forehead protector.
"Next, Hoshikawa !"
Just as Obito was expecting praise and envy from his classmates, Ron'ichirō's voice rang out again.
"Hoshikawa , good luck!" Rin gave Hoshikawa a warm smile.
"He doesn't need luck, Hoshikawa 's a perfect score for sure!" Kurenai said quickly.
"Hoshikawa !" Might Guy's voice, full of excitement, boomed over the others. "This is our final dance of youth! The showdown begins now!"
Hoshikawa 's mouth twitched. "Final dance," what are you talking about? He stood up and walked into the next classroom. Obito, holding his forehead protector, stood there with a stiff expression. He felt a cool breeze blowing past, utterly miserable.
"Hoshikawa , just pick one," Ron'ichirō said with a smile.
Hoshikawa walked forward and drew the Transformation Jutsu. He clapped his hands together, and his body shifted, becoming a perfect replica of Ron'ichirō.
"Such fast hand seals!" Ron'ichirō couldn't help but praise. "You really are the top student."
Hoshikawa casually released the transformation.
"Hoshikawa , congratulations!" Ron'ichirō stood up and handed him a Konoha forehead protector. This was a special privilege for the top student.
"Thank you, Sensei," Hoshikawa said, accepting the protector.
"Remember to visit the school often in the future," Ron'ichirō said with a big smile. Hoshikawa was destined for greatness, and as his sensei, Ron'ichirō knew he'd benefit from it. Whether it was for a promotion or a raise, writing down that he taught Hoshikawa would be a surefire killer move.
"I will, Sensei," Hoshikawa said, nodding.
Just then, three lines of text appeared before his eyes.
[D-rank Talent Title: Academic God (Acquired).]
[Trigger Condition: Ranked #1 in the Ninja Academy's theoretical classes.]
[Effect: Increases comprehension by 30%.]
This was the evolution of the E-rank title, "Academic Ace." Although it came a bit late, the comprehension bonus was still very useful, especially for drastically shortening the time it took to learn new jutsu. It was a pity it couldn't be upgraded further, which was a real shame.
Hoshikawa walked back into the classroom with his new forehead protector.
"So?" Kurenai asked, jumping on him first.
"Perfect score," Hoshikawa said with a gentle smile.
"I knew it would be perfect!" Kurenai said excitedly. "Let me see your Konoha forehead protector!"
"The Three-Body Jutsu isn't difficult. You'll all get perfect scores, too," Hoshikawa said, handing the forehead protector to Kurenai.
"Next, Kakashi Hatake!" Ron'ichirō's voice rang out again.
As Hoshikawa said, they all received perfect scores. Of course, a perfect score still had nuances. Based on their overall performance and past exam results, an official ranking could be determined.
A thought crossed Hoshikawa 's mind, and three more lines of text appeared before his eyes.
[E-rank Talent Title: Academy Valedictorian (Acquired).]
[Trigger Condition: Maintained the #1 rank in the entire school from enrollment to graduation.]
[Effect: Increases Chakra capacity by 10% of its base amount.]
Hoshikawa 's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected much from the E-rank title "Academy Valedictorian," especially since he already had several B-rank titles. But he never would have thought the effect would be a boost to his chakra capacity. It was common knowledge that a ninja's chakra was capped at a certain amount. In the original story, the chakra levels of Hashirama Senju and Naruto Uzumaki were despair-inducing for other ninjas. It was something that couldn't be caught up to with hard work alone.
Now that he had acquired the E-rank title "Academy Valedictorian," he could begin the synthesis process.
[C-rank Talent Title: Prodigy Genin.]
[Trigger Condition: Synthesized from the E-rank titles 'Three-Body Jutsu,' 'Ninja Tool Throwing,' and 'Academy Valedictorian.']
[Effect: Increases Chakra-refining speed by 100% and Chakra capacity by 50% of its base amount.]
[Note: Can be synthesized into the B-rank title 'Supreme Chūnin' by adding the C-rank titles 'Chūnin Exam Valedictorian,' 'Sensory Chūnin,' and 'Five-Elements Chūnin.']
If Hoshikawa had been surprised before, he was ecstatic now. Leaving aside the boost to his chakra-refining speed, the 50% increase in his base chakra capacity was simply unbelievable. More chakra directly led to a greater jutsu power and a longer time in battle.
What could he say? It was well worth the long wait. Of course, the path to upgrading it was also incredibly difficult.
......
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