Holding the joint exams in another major village would only fuel suspicion. In contrast, holding them in the Land of Waterfalls, a neutral small nation, put everyone at ease.
Shigeo entered the Academy. Memories surfaced. He had only studied here for months, but returning stirred feelings he hadn't expected.
"Shigeo, it's really you! You're back!" Hyuga Hikaru ran up, hugged him, then proudly tapped his forehead.
"See? I'm a genin now. You still don't have a forehead protector, right? You missed last month's exam. Even Itachi graduated already. He might be chūnin by next year. Jealous? Well, at least you're still behind me! Hahaha…"
He grinned, rubbing his headband. "But with your ninjutsu, maybe you'd skip straight to chūnin. Guess I've got a long way to catch up."
"Shigeo, Shigeo…" classmates called out. Even Inuzuka Hana's dog ran circles around him. At the gate, he spotted Ayame, taller now, standing with a basket in hand.
She smiled softly. "I heard this morning you were back. I went to your house, but you'd already come here. So I brought these…"
She handed him the basket, full of homemade treats. "I thought you might leave tonight. I didn't want to miss the chance. I hope I'm not bothering you?"
Her smile masked disappointment. Shigeo lowered his voice. "Sorry. I left without saying goodbye."
"I understand." Ninja never lived like ordinary people. Goodbyes were a luxury.
She pressed the basket into his hands and left. Hana sighed, stroking her dog, while other girls whispered envy. "If only I could bake like that…"
"Enough chatter. Back to class," Hikaru called.
Inside, Shigeo noticed two classmates missing—Aburame Torune, the boy with poisonous insects and natural antibodies, and a child from the Yamanaka clan. Both had been taken into ANBU. Most students were envious; ANBU recruitment was proof of talent.
But Shigeo knew better. Danzō's eye was on shinobi like Torune and Yamato, but especially on Uchiha like Shisui. He was a vulture, never a protector.
Soon, their teacher Yamashiro Aoba entered and led the class to the training field. There, the stronger lower-year students waited—among them, Itachi, already graduated, and the two new ANBU recruits.
"Graduates too?!" a student muttered.
"Yes. The rules are by age, not rank. Anyone under nine can join. But only three teams—nine kids total—will represent Konoha."
"Nine? Out of everyone?"
"Yes. Today's test decides who goes to the Land of Waterfalls."
"Then we're doomed. Just look—ANBU, graduates. That's five or six spots gone."
Hikaru clenched his fists. "It should be open to everyone. Let strength decide."
"Complain all you want. Unless you're clan head, rules stay. Show your power or shut up." Hana shot back.
Hikaru flared. "Then fight me after class!"
Hana's dog bared its fangs. Hikaru backed off. "Fine, no fight. Who's scared anyway…"
Just then, a village official strode onto the platform. "Hyuga Shigeo, advance directly!" He beckoned. "Come here."
The field erupted.
"What? He's skipping the test? That's cheating!"
"He's just a blind brat. Why him? Even ANBU kids are here!"
"This is an insult to us all. If this is the selection, I won't bother competing!"
Hiruzen had ordered it. He feared Shigeo might deliberately throw the test to avoid participation. Naming him directly ensured his spot.
(End of Chapter)
[50 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter]
[10 Reviews = 5 Extra Chapter]
[Check out my Patreon to read 20+ chapters ahead]
[[email protected]/Zukooo]
[Thanks for your support!]