Winter gave way to spring.
On May 12th, Konoha Year 42, over ten people led by Sarutobi Asuma submitted their graduation applications.
Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen approved them that very day and scheduled the graduation exam for the next.
The following day.
The morning session consisted of a written theoretical exam.
Even Uchiha Obito, the dead last, managed to pass with Rin's help.
In the afternoon, a large number of students gathered outside the Ninja Academy.
Because it was an early graduation, the exam content was set on the spot by Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen and was completely different from what Sarutobi Asuma knew, which was only the Three Basic Ninjutsu.
As the first person to pass the exam emerged, Sarutobi Asuma and the others realized that in addition to the Three Basic Ninjutsu, this graduation exam also included a practical combat assessment.
And the opponents were seasoned Chunin from the village.
Of course, most importantly.
Not only were the Ninja Academy teachers present for this exam, but so were Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen and many Jonin observing.
As soon as this news broke, the crowd immediately erupted.
At eight or nine years old, everyone wanted to perform well in front of others, especially the highly prestigious Third Hokage.
"This time, I will definitely succeed!"
Uchiha Obito declared loudly.
This was his third graduation exam.
"Mhm, Obito, you definitely can!"
Rin immediately offered her moral support.
Sarutobi Asuma chuckled upon hearing this, "Obito, if nothing unexpected happens, you should be able to pass!"
At these words, Yūhi Kurenai and the others couldn't help but laugh.
Uchiha Obito looked embarrassed.
The first time he applied for the graduation exam, he indeed hadn't even mastered the Three Basic Ninjutsu properly due to his skill level.
But the second time, he had been taken down by diarrhea.
"Hmph, this time I absolutely won't let any problems happen again!"
Pushing up his goggles, Uchiha Obito gritted his teeth and swore.
Just then, Yūhi Kurenai's name was called.
Sarutobi Asuma smiled at Yūhi Kurenai, "Go on, relax, you'll definitely make it!"
Yūhi Kurenai nodded and confidently strode forward.
Less than ten minutes later, Yūhi Kurenai came out wearing her Konoha forehead protector.
Afterward, Rin, Shizune, Uchiha Obito, and others sequentially passed their exams and graduated successfully.
Although these students hadn't trained as intensely as Sarutobi Asuma, they had been greatly influenced, and the graduation exam was not a problem for them at all.
At 3:30 PM.
Sarutobi Asuma finally heard his name. After exchanging a glance with Yūhi Kurenai, he entered the examination grounds under many watchful eyes.
The examination venue was inside a round tower, a very spacious area.
Upon entering, Sarutobi Asuma first saw his teacher, Nishikawa Masato, and another unfamiliar middle-aged man.
Next were his father, Sarutobi Hiruzen, in the spectator area, his older brother, Sarutobi Shinya, Jiraiya and Orochimaru to his sides, Hatake Sakumo, Namikaze Minato, and other familiar or unfamiliar ninjas.
This was quite a lineup!
Sarutobi Asuma appeared outwardly calm, but inwardly, he was overjoyed.
This was definitely a great opportunity to gain Charm points!
Nishikawa Masato looked at Sarutobi Asuma, his most outstanding student since he became a teacher, and introduced him gently, "Asuma, this is the seasoned Chunin Kazuki, who will be your opponent for the practical combat assessment!"
Sarutobi Asuma immediately bowed, "Senior Kazuki!"
Kazuki smiled and nodded, "No need to be nervous, just display your full strength."
"I've heard from Masato-kun that your strength is already not inferior to his!"
Sarutobi Asuma replied with feigned modesty, "Teacher Masato is too kind. I will need your guidance later!"
See, how polite!
Just as expected of the Third Hokage's son!
And they say he's as outstanding as Lord Shinya!
Kazuki praised him inwardly.
Nishikawa Masato concluded the pleasantries and said, "Asuma, first will be the assessment of the Three Basic Ninjutsu, starting with the Clone Technique, followed by the Transformation Technique, and then the Substitution Technique!"
"Alright, Teacher!"
Sarutobi Asuma nodded.
The next moment, accompanied by puffs of smoke, seven or eight Nishikawa Masatos and Kazukis appeared.
"Amazing!"
"The Substitution and Transformation Techniques were performed almost simultaneously, such incredible speed! I didn't even see Asuma make the hand seals!"
Nishikawa Masato, impersonating Asuma, then turned to Kazuki beside him and asked, "Kazuki-senpai, did you notice Asuma's hand seals?"
"Masato, I'm here!"
Kazuki's helpless voice rang out.
Nishikawa Masato froze, then slowly turned to look at the other Kazuki, "Kazuki-senpai?"
Kazuki nodded.
"The Substitution Technique was also completed without me noticing!"
Nishikawa Masato's eyes widened.
This was too fast!
On the viewing platform.
The spectators were all showing looks of surprise.
One Jonin marveled, "Truly an impressive Three Basic Ninjutsu, I can't even achieve this level of proficiency in such a short time!"
The others beside him nodded in agreement.
Being a Jonin didn't necessarily mean their mastery of the Three Basic Ninjutsu had reached the Jonin level.
Orochimaru's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
Jiraiya, standing nearby, chuckled, "Old man, Asuma has surpassed you!"
Sarutobi Shinya's face was filled with pride.
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke, surprise in his eyes, then a satisfied smile appeared as he replied, "The Three Basic Ninjutsu are just the most fundamental ninjutsu!"
Jiraiya immediately seized on this, shouting, "Hey, old man, don't underestimate any ninjutsu, these are the very things you taught us!"
...
Charm +2!
Sarutobi Asuma was quite pleased. He then dispelled the ninjutsu and asked with a smile, "Masato-sensei, is that enough?"
Nishikawa Masato snapped back to reality and immediately nodded, "Of course!"
He steadied himself and gave Sarutobi Asuma three perfect scores, then said, "Alright, next is the practical combat assessment, Asuma!"
With that, Nishikawa Masato leaped backward.
Sarutobi Asuma and Kazuki stood facing each other.
Kazuki no longer appeared relaxed. The display of the Three Basic Ninjutsu alone was enough to make him take this seriously.
Nishikawa Masato, who had retreated, confirmed that the two were ready and immediately shouted, "Begin!"
Boom!
As soon as Nishikawa Masato landed, the sound of an exploding floor echoed.
"What incredible speed!"
Kazuki's pupils constricted as he watched Sarutobi Asuma burst towards him. He casually threw three shuriken.
Clang, clang, clang!
Sparks flew as all three shuriken were deflected. Immediately after, three more shuriken flew towards Kazuki.
Kazuki blocked them with his own kunai. Just then, Sarutobi Asuma had already closed the distance.
As the sound of metal clashing rang out, accompanied by a series of sparks, their kunai collided.
The moment their bodies crossed paths, Kazuki's eyes suddenly widened, a look of terror flashing across his face for a brief moment.
But this flash of terror vanished immediately with the surge of powerful chakra. Kazuki exclaimed, "Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique!"
He crossed his arms in front of him, and with a bang, he was kicked flying by a back kick from Sarutobi Asuma.
"Such immense power!"
Kazuki grunted, feeling his arms go numb, almost losing sensation.
Meanwhile, Sarutobi Asuma couldn't help but praise internally.
As expected of a seasoned Chunin, to dispel his genjutsu in an instant.
Indeed, Level 3 Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique isn't strong enough yet.
However, Sarutobi Asuma's movements didn't pause even for a moment of praise.
As his foot twisted and he spun back, the Shadow Clone Technique was already completed.
Next, the main body and the shadow clone successively unleashed ninjutsu.
Fire Style: Flame Bullet!
Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!
BOOM!
Wind and fire combined, the original dark red flame bullet directly transformed into a great flame bullet. The intense flame bullet, three stories high, swept towards Kazuki.
Kazuki's expression changed drastically.
Is this something students who haven't even graduated can do?
As expected of the Third Hokage's second son.
This is too terrifying!
-----------
Machine Translation by: beta.randomtranslator.com
Read 1400+ original & fanfic translations and Translate for Free at: www.randomtranslator.com