Chapter 16: Shinobi Specializations
While the instructors calculated the final scores, all the students waited anxiously on the training grounds.
Kaito observed the scene with inner amusement.
Some people look genuinely nervous—it's actually kind of adorable. Only Senju Teru and those two perpetually yawning Nara clan members look completely calm.
After the scores were compiled and verified multiple times, the instructors finally returned to the grounds, personally led by the Hokage himself.
Hiruzen delivered another inspiring speech about the Will of Fire, praising everyone's efforts and display of talent throughout the year.
After his address concluded, Genki stepped forward and displayed the final results on a large blackboard.
Just as Kaito had anticipated, he was ranked first overall.
The top five scores were:
Kaito: 100+20+30+44 = 194
Hyuga Hana: 100+13+29+46 = 188
Senju Teru: 96+12+30+48 = 186
Shimura Shin: 98+13+30+40 = 181
Uchiha Rai: 95+09+30+42 = 176
Kaito looked at his ranking with satisfaction. This was exactly what he'd hoped to achieve.
However, when he carefully examined his individual component scores and compared them to others, he was somewhat shocked.
Damn! I only ranked first because of my massive lead in the Leaf Concentration competition! If I hadn't built up such a huge advantage there, Hyuga Hana would have surpassed me, and Senju Teru would have tied with me! I didn't expect anyone else to score a perfect 100 on the written exam.
He let out a quiet sigh, thinking.
Fortunately, the scoring system for the Leaf Concentration competition heavily favored me. My chakra control is significantly superior to these clan children.
But unfortunately for those clan prodigies, their particular specialties weren't properly reflected in this type of standardized competition.
If the shuriken competition had been significantly more difficult—testing moving targets or obstacle courses—Uchiha Rai and Senju Teru could have easily scored more points and distinguished themselves.
Similarly, if actual ninjutsu techniques were tested, they would vastly outperform everyone else.
After all, the Fire Ball Jutsu was a C-rank technique—far beyond what most Academy students could manage.
Kaito suspected Genki would recognize this imbalance as well.
So next year's exam format might be substantially different.
Perhaps other assessments would also implement proportional scoring similar to the Leaf Concentration competition.
He concluded thoughtfully, Although I ranked first overall, I still have numerous areas requiring improvement. I can't become complacent. Instead, I should intensify my training regimen. I'm certain these clan heirs will undergo strict supplementary training from their families during the holiday break.
Snapping out of his contemplation, he noticed the reactions of people around him.
Both Hyuga Hana and Senju Teru were staring at him with expressions of profound disappointment and frustration.
As if he'd committed some terrible injustice against them personally.
On second thought, they were probably upset about the Leaf Concentration competition results specifically.
He could only shrug with an apologetic smile, choosing to ignore their resentment.
After displaying the complete results, Hiruzen wanted Genki to announce the prizes.
However, Hiruzen glanced at Genki and immediately sensed his instructor was unusually irritated about something.
The Hokage began wondering what had made him so annoyed, curious to hear what might be an interesting story.
He decided to inquire about it later privately.
Genki was genuinely frustrated internally. He thought bitterly:
This kid! For these entire ten months, he hasn't answered a single question during class discussions. Always seemed distracted and unfocused. Who knows what he was constantly doing with his left hand hidden under the desk. Once when I tried to check, I found his desk covered in stone dust and debris! Now he scores a perfect 100 on the written theory exam? Don't tell me he simply studied independently after going home each day.
Just then, he felt the Hokage's gaze upon him.
Meeting the Hokage's expectant look, Genki understood the signal and quickly announced to the class:
"Alright, everyone quiet down for a moment."
After securing the entire class's attention, he continued formally.
"As I mentioned on the first day of the Academy year, Hokage-sama would personally observe your final performance. Additionally, the student who achieves the highest overall score will receive a special reward. The top student may request a prize directly from the Hokage himself."
Hearing this announcement, the civilian children looked surprised and excited.
Meanwhile, the clan children appeared to already know about this tradition.
Genki announced loudly, "Kaito, step forward."
Kaito walked forward calmly, thinking to himself:
I wonder what the upper limit of this reward is? Can I request private tutoring sessions? Could I ask for forbidden jutsu or S-rank techniques? Or even better, request those Gravity Seal tags? Heh, I wonder what his expression would be if I asked for something like advanced sealing tags or the Reanimation Jutsu! Well, I should demonstrate appropriate respect now.
When Kaito approached Hiruzen, he bowed respectfully with proper etiquette.
Hiruzen was visibly pleased by the gesture. He smiled kindly and said, "You performed exceptionally well throughout the year. I can see you worked tremendously hard to achieve first place in your class. The Will of Fire burns brightly within you, young man."
Kaito thought sarcastically, Sure, let's go with that.
Hiruzen continued warmly, "Tell me what reward you desire."
Kaito glanced briefly at Genki, slightly surprised by his instructor's irritated expression.
Then he looked directly at Hiruzen and said respectfully, "Hokage-sama, I would like to request Gravity Seal tags—the type that can replicate the effects of weighted training on the body without causing any developmental side effects."
Hiruzen was somewhat surprised by Kaito's practical and mature request.
But he quickly nodded approvingly. "Very well. However, this will require some time to prepare properly and calibrate to your specifications. When they're ready, I'll summon you to my office personally."
Kaito tried to display an appropriately enthusiastic and grateful expression. He said excitedly, "Thank you very much, Hokage-sama! I deeply appreciate this!"
After speaking, he bowed again and retreated back among the other students.
The examination period was finally concluded.
Kaito, who had grown comfortable with the enhanced training regimen Genki had designed, would soon have even better methods to strengthen his physical conditioning.
However, before dismissal, Genki announced there would still be one final class session tomorrow.
Hearing this, most of the children groaned in complaint.
Students from the other four Academy classes had already started their holiday break two days ago.
Genki tried his best to reassure everyone that this would genuinely be the last class before vacation.
The next day, everyone arrived in the classroom as instructed.
Genki also arrived promptly, and the entire class greeted him in unison.
Some students were still visibly unhappy about being recalled for an additional session.
Genki began by saying, "Before we start, I must express how genuinely proud I am of your performance yesterday. Maintain your dedication, and soon you will all become exceptional shinobi serving Konoha."
Hearing this praise, those who were initially upset quieted down considerably. He then continued:
"I hope you will all continue training diligently during the holiday break. As for today's lesson, don't worry—it will be quite interesting and valuable for your future. I'm going to discuss the various career specializations available to you. That is, what kind of shinobi you can potentially become based on your talents and interests."
Afterward, Genki began explaining their future professional options in detail.
He started with perhaps the easiest to understand—Medical-nin.
He explained the crucial duties of medical shinobi and emphasized their vital importance in any squad formation.
To capture the students' interest, he specifically mentioned Tsunade as the preeminent example of medical excellence.
Next, he introduced various other shinobi specializations, such as assault specialists, tracking experts, Sensor-types, hunter-nin, infiltration operatives, communications specialists, and numerous others.
He thoroughly explained the advantages of each path, as well as their inherent limitations, restrictions, and associated risks.
And he provided exemplary shinobi as models for each specialization type.
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