Just as expected.
The options given by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, were almost exactly what Ren had anticipated.
Each choice was practical.
Each one was within reason for a newly graduated genin.
Nothing excessive. Nothing suspicious.
From the outside, it looked like a simple reward.
But for Ren—
This was a critical turning point.
He was just about to speak—
When suddenly—
A familiar voice echoed in his mind.
---
[You have achieved outstanding results in the Ninja Academy graduation exam, attracting the attention of an elderly figure.]
[The elder is extremely satisfied with your performance and has developed a strong interest in your… personal life.]
[He has thoughtfully prepared a list of "high-quality candidates" and is asking if you would like a girlfriend.]
---
Ren: "...???"
---
He froze for a split second.
Then—
His expression almost cracked.
What the hell is this system saying?!
---
[Detected high-quality potential targets:]
Phoenix Sage Fire Technique
Dragon Fire Technique
Water Wall Technique
Konoha-Style Taijutsu
Konoha Swordsmanship
---
[Please choose your destined encounter partner.]
---
Ren nearly choked.
So that's what this is?!
You're telling me… the Hokage isn't offering techniques—he's introducing me to "wives"?!
---
For a brief moment—
He couldn't even look at Hiruzen the same way anymore.
The dignified, wise Hokage standing before him…
Had suddenly turned into a suspicious old man playing matchmaker in public.
---
Ren inhaled slowly, forcing himself to stay calm.
Alright… focus.
Ignore the system's nonsense.
---
But still—
The thought lingered.
Only children make choices…
Adults take everything.
---
Unfortunately—
Reality didn't work that way.
---
Ren knew very well—
He couldn't afford to appear greedy.
This was not just about choosing a technique.
This was about maintaining his image in front of the Hokage.
If he pushed too far—
If he showed too much ambition—
It might backfire.
---
So the best option…
Was to choose something practical, reasonable, and with long-term potential.
---
At the same time—
Ren noticed something strange.
A detail that didn't match.
---
There's one fewer option…
---
Hiruzen had mentioned:
Phoenix Sage Fire
Dragon Fire
Great Fire Wall
Water Wall
Taijutsu
Swordsmanship
But the system—
Only listed five.
---
So that means…
Ren narrowed his eyes slightly.
The Great Fire Wall Technique… isn't considered a separate "target"?
---
That could only mean one thing.
---
It's classified under the same category as the Great Fireball Technique.
---
A variation.
A "skin."
---
Ren's thoughts sharpened instantly.
---
So far, his understanding of the system was limited.
But one thing was clear—
Techniques with similar origins or evolutionary paths…
Had a higher chance of being grouped together.
---
For example:
Great Fireball Technique
Great Dragon Fire Technique
Great Fire Annihilation
All belonged to the Uchiha-style fire techniques.
Naturally connected.
---
And now—
Great Fire Wall Technique likely belonged to the same branch.
---
On the other hand—
Phoenix Sage Fire and Dragon Fire Technique were completely different systems.
Independent.
---
Ren's mind shifted again.
---
Then—
Another thought surfaced.
---
Water Release…
---
That strange "personality" he had sensed before…
The one tied to Water Release: Water Chaos Wave—
Had shown a clear preference.
---
It likes… flashy techniques.
---
Which meant—
Its ideal "upgrade"…
Would likely be—
Water Dragon Bullet Technique.
---
Ren almost smirked.
Yeah… that one is pretty cool.
---
So now—
He faced a choice.
---
Option 1: Choose a "skin"
Faster progress in existing techniques
Greater mastery
Flexible application (offense + defense)
---
Option 2: Choose a new "target"
New abilities
New traits
Potential stat bonuses
---
But—
There was also a risk.
---
Too many targets at once…
Might spread his focus too thin.
---
Ren paused.
Then—
He shook his head slightly.
---
No… that's not a problem.
---
From what he had observed—
Even if a target wasn't fully "captured,"
It wouldn't lose progress.
It could simply remain there.
Waiting.
---
He could always come back to it later.
---
And more importantly—
He didn't lose anything by unlocking it early.
---
So the real question is—
---
What do I need right now?
---
Ren analyzed calmly.
---
Defense?
Not urgent.
He already had Substitution Jutsu.
That alone was enough for survival at his current level.
---
Close combat?
Decent already.
And it could be trained naturally over time.
---
But—
There was one clear weakness.
---
Mid-to-long-range attack options.
---
His current arsenal lacked versatility at distance.
---
Which meant—
---
Phoenix Sage Fire Technique.
---
Multiple fireballs.
Wide coverage.
Flexible trajectory.
---
And—
Upgradeable.
---
Ren's thoughts deepened further.
---
If I develop it properly…
---
There was a known evolution of this technique—
---
Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Nail Crimson.
---
A B-Rank technique.
---
A perfect fusion of:
Fire Release
Hidden weapons
---
Fast.
Deadly.
Unpredictable.
---
Ren's eyes flickered slightly.
---
And the principle behind it… isn't complicated.
---
If he could master Phoenix Sage Fire—
He could eventually develop it himself.
---
Then—
Another thought struck him.
---
If I create a new technique…
---
How will the system classify it?
---
Would it be:
A separate "target"?
Or… a "child" born from the original technique?
---
Ren almost laughed internally.
---
Am I… raising ninjutsu now?
---
---
After a brief silence—
He finally looked up.
---
"Hokage-sama," Ren said calmly.
"I would like to learn…"
---
He paused.
Then spoke clearly.
---
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique."
---
For a moment—
Hiruzen studied him.
---
Then—
A faint smile appeared.
---
"A wise choice."
---
He nodded approvingly.
---
"You've just completed your exams. You must be exhausted."
"Go home and rest well today."
---
"On the day of the graduation ceremony…"
---
"I will personally teach you this technique."
---
Ren bowed slightly.
---
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
---
---
After exchanging a few more words with the students—
Hiruzen turned and walked away slowly, hands behind his back.
---
But—
The moment he left everyone's sight—
---
Poof.
---
A puff of smoke.
---
The figure vanished.
---
A Shadow Clone.
---
---
At this time—
With tensions rising across the ninja world—
The Hokage had far too many responsibilities.
---
Even appearing here—
Was already a gesture of importance.
---
The real Hiruzen—
Was likely buried in documents.
Planning.
Preparing.
---
---
Back on the playground—
Oki-sensei clapped his hands.
---
"The graduation ceremony will be held in two days."
"In the Grand Auditorium."
---
"At that time, we will announce the official genin list and team assignments."
---
"Those who pass—"
---
"Will receive their Konoha headbands from the Academy principal."
---
---
With that—
The graduation exams officially came to an end.
---
But no one was in a hurry to leave.
Excitement filled the air.
Students gathered in groups, talking animatedly.
Reliving their battles.
Discussing their futures.
After a while—
Two figures approached Ren.
---
Asuma Sarutobi.
Hyūga Hizashi.
---
They stopped in front of him.
---
There was hesitation in their expressions.
Reluctance.
Pride.
---
Then—
Asuma spoke.
---
"…Congratulations."
---
Hizashi followed.
---
"You deserved first place."
---
There was no bitterness in their tone.
Only acknowledgment.
---
Then—
Asuma added firmly—
---
"But we won't stop here."
---
"We'll keep training."
---
"And next time—"
---
"We'll challenge you again."
---
---
Ren smiled faintly.
---
"Good."
---
"I'll be waiting."
Soon after—
Other classmates approached as well.
Shikaku.
Genma.
Ebisu.
---
One after another—
They offered their congratulations.
Some curious.
Some respectful.
Some competitive.
---
---
Eventually—
The crowd thinned.
---
Rin stepped closer.
Her eyes were bright.
---
"Today is a big day for you, Ren."
---
"Let's celebrate!"
---
"How about we all go eat yakiniku together?"
---
She glanced around.
---
"Kakashi is here too. It's a rare chance for everyone to gather."
---
---
Ren blinked.
---
Big day?
---
His mouth twitched slightly.
---
But—
He didn't object.
---
Kakashi sighed.
---
"…Fine."
---
---
And just like that—
A group of more than ten students—
Headed toward Yakiniku Q.
---
---
They pushed two tables together in the corner.
Ordered plate after plate of meat.
And began eating like they hadn't seen food in days.
---
The good news?
---
No one from the Akimichi Clan was present.
---
The bad news?
---
Everyone was starving.
---
Even Rin and Kurenai—
Who usually ate lightly—
Finished full plates.
---
As for Asuma—
And Might Guy—
---
They ate like a storm.
---
Four plates.
Five plates.
More.
---
Ren watched silently.
---
…Monsters.
---
---
When it came time to pay—
They split the bill.
---
A few students were short on money—
So Asuma and Shikaku covered the difference.
---
---
After the meal—
They stepped outside.
---
The night air was cool.
Refreshing.
---
Then—
Obito spoke.
---
"Hey… Rin…"
---
"Do you want to come over and play cards?"
---
"My house is big."
---
"If you get tired… you can stay over."
---
---
He quickly added—
---
"Ren and Kakashi too!"
---
---
Ren: "…"
---
Kakashi: "…"
---
---
It was painfully obvious—
Who Obito actually wanted to invite.
---
---
Rin smiled politely.
---
"Maybe next time, Obito."
---
"It's already late."
---
"Let's have a proper gathering after the graduation ceremony."
---
---
Obito's shoulders dropped slightly.
---
"…Alright."
---
---
And so—
Under the quiet night sky of Konoha—
---
The group slowly parted ways.
---
Each of them carrying—
Excitement.
Anticipation.
---
And the beginning—
Of their journey as true ninja.
The future had already begun to move.8
--------------------------------
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