Ninja School, Playground
The teachers of Ninja School were on full alert, guiding the candidates to stand in orderly formation for the graduation exam.
Not far away, the Third Hokage and a group of elite Jonin watched from the stands. In front of such big shots, there was no room for mistakes.
"Haha, this year's little ones are all very energetic," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, puffing on his pipe, the wrinkles on his face tightening with amusement.
"Hmph! Ninjas are tools. How can you be so giggly?" Danzo Shimura snorted, frowning beside him.
"Danzo, you're a little too harsh," Hiruzen said, glancing at him with displeasure. "Among this year's candidates, there are quite a few I have high hopes for."
"Oh?" Orochimaru's vertical pupils gleamed with curiosity. "Who does the teacher have in mind?"
"Uchiha Mirai," Hiruzen replied calmly. "I hear he already possesses dual magatama Sharingan and has trained with Fugaku for a period. He also has a solid understanding of the Will of Fire. There's nothing wrong with him in any way."
"Tsk~" Danzo curled his lips in disdain. What could a little Uchiha brat possibly understand about the Will of Fire?
Orochimaru, on the other hand, licked his lips as he looked at the playground. Ninjas with Kekkei Genkais were naturally stronger than ordinary ninjas. His own strength had stagnated at its ceiling for a long time. If he possessed a powerful Kekkei Genkai, could he reach even higher?
"Kakashi, if nothing unexpected happens, the Uchiha will be your opponent today. Take care," Hiruzen said with a smile to Hatake Kakashi, who stood silently at the edge, his face partially hidden behind his mask.
Kakashi had graduated early but had never found the right teammates, leaving him increasingly gloomy. At Minato Namikaze's suggestion, Hiruzen had specially asked Kakashi to participate in this year's graduation exam.
"I will not fail," Kakashi said coldly. With the title of "Konoha's No. 1 Genius Ninja," he had complete confidence in his abilities.
"Hahaha… I look forward to a wonderful showdown," Hiruzen replied.
He then glanced at the slightly immature Namikaze Minato behind him.
"Minato, this is your first time coaching a Jonin. Have you decided on an apprentice?"
"Hokage-sama, I've looked over their profiles and have a preliminary candidate in mind," Minato said with a warm smile, scratching his head.
"Good," Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.
Just as they finished talking, the graduation examination officially began.
…
"I've called your names. This battle concerns your future. Give it your all and never hold back," Oiwa Junshan's deep voice rang out, and tension gripped the scene.
"Group One: Might Guy vs. Uchiha Obito!"
A young man with a bowl-shaped haircut and green jumpsuit rushed to the center with boundless energy.
"I didn't expect to be first. I have to perform well," Might Guy exclaimed.
"This is youth!" He gave a thumbs-up, his iconic front teeth flashing.
Uchiha Obito muttered in annoyance. "Really? My opponent is… a loser?" He had hoped to teach Uchiha Mirai a lesson instead.
As they faced each other, Oiwa Junshan raised his arms. "No Seal of Opposition or Seal of Reconciliation this time. This is a real ninja battle. Be careful not to die!"
The students' faces lit up with excitement and nervous anticipation.
"Watermelon-boy, I advise you to admit defeat, or I will show no mercy," Obito said proudly. Might Guy was the only student he thought performed worse than him. He was confident in victory.
"Youth never allows retreat!" Might Guy shouted, clenching his fists. "I will fight with all my might!"
With that, Oiwa Junshan waved his hand downward. "The battle begins!"
"Come on, Obito!" Nohara Rin cheered.
Obito turned with a confident smile. "Don't worry, Rin. I will—"
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
Before he could finish, Might Guy kicked him square in the face.
Bang! Obito flew backward and fell unconscious.
"Might Guy wins!"
Nohara Rin covered her forehead helplessly. What on earth had just happened?
Kurenai Yuhi couldn't help but laugh. Obito had been knocked out instantly—outrageous.
Oiwa Junshan sighed. Might Guy had been carefully matched to Obito, but he was eliminated before making a single move. What a headache.
But the exam had to continue.
"Next group: Kurenai Yuhi vs. Ebisu!"
"Come on!" Uchiha Mirai encouraged Kurenai, who nodded and walked quickly to the center.
Ebisu blushed, lowering his head, clearly intimidated.
Uchiha Mirai knew the outcome instantly. Ebisu was doomed.
As expected, Kurenai defeated Ebisu in under ten minutes, easily surpassing the original story's performance.
"In the future, I will win!" Kurenai shouted joyfully, running back to Uchiha Mirai's side.
"You, who have always regarded me as your rival, have already left most people behind," Mirai said lightly.
"Mirai…" Kurenai blushed, looking at him with admiration. "You're really good at pretending."
Ignoring the scornful looks around him, Uchiha Mirai patted her head. "What nonsense! I'm not pretending. I love to tell the truth."
The battles continued, and everything seemed to go as expected.
Just as Uchiha Mirai began to feel a bit bored, his own name was called.
"Next group: Uchiha Mirai vs. Sarutobi Asuma!"
-End Chapter-
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