"Next, Hatake Kakashi, please step forward for your assessment!"
The exam continued.
Kakashi's opponent was also a Chunin.
Unlike Akira, he didn't win so effortlessly. After dozens of exchanges, he finally managed to defeat his opponent and pass.
It couldn't be helped—his opponent's combat experience was far richer. While Kakashi's raw ability was slightly superior, he lost ground in experience.
Fortunately, the result was what mattered.
"Congratulations on passing the graduation assessment! From today onward, you are Genin of Konoha! Take good care of your forehead protectors."
Hiruzen Sarutobi personally handed Akira and Kakashi their headbands. Then he added solemnly, "Remember this: wherever the leaves dance, the fire burns on. I hope you will contribute greatly to the village in the future."
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
Akira and Kakashi replied seriously as they accepted the headbands.
Of course, what they actually thought was another matter entirely.
As for the so-called Will of Fire—Akira felt the Third Hokage wasn't exactly in a position to preach it.
"Very good!"
Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction. At least Hatake Sakumo hadn't instilled any resentment toward the village in these two children. That alone reassured him.
"I've already assigned your Jonin instructor. Head to Training Ground Three—you'll meet them there. Learn well under your teacher and grow quickly. The village needs you."
After some more formalities, Hiruzen hurried off.
He was overwhelmed with work—after all, the Third Great Ninja War was about to begin.
"Not bad, not bad! Tsunade, Sakumo—you've got yourselves a great disciple."
Jiraiya, who hadn't departed yet, watched Akira's performance with envy.
Especially Tsunade—this disciple was practically a jackpot.
"But compared to Minato, still lacking! Heh!"
Jiraiya added smugly.
Taking Minato Namikaze as a student was his proudest achievement.
"Keep bragging."
Tsunade crossed her arms and scoffed. "Minato wasn't nearly this strong at Akira's age. Surpassing him is only a matter of time—just wait and see."
"And besides, Minato being strong is because of his talent. What does that have to do with you? You barely taught him anything."
She hated it when Jiraiya showed off like this.
Big deal.
Now she had Akira.
With his talent and growth rate, surpassing Minato was inevitable.
"What do you mean it has nothing to do with me?!"
Jiraiya jumped in protest. "If I didn't teach him, then who did?!"
He turned to Minato. "Tell her, Minato!"
Minato smiled gently. "Sensei did teach me many things. I've always been grateful. Without your guidance, I wouldn't be who I am today."
He had to give his teacher face.
And more importantly, Jiraiya had indeed used his own merits to help him obtain the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Without that, someone of Minato's age and rank would never have gained access to such a forbidden technique.
"Hah! Hear that?!"
Jiraiya puffed up proudly—
Only to realize Tsunade had already walked away toward Akira, completely ignoring him.
Jiraiya: "..."
"So, who do you think our instructor will be? Could it be my father?"
On the way to Training Ground Three, Kakashi walked beside Akira and asked.
"Unlikely."
Akira shook his head. "Didn't he say he's being deployed to the eastern front near the Land of Water to guard against Kirigakure? No way he has time to teach us. Probably an elite Jonin."
Honestly, Akira would've preferred Sakumo—or even Tsunade.
But during wartime, that was impossible.
"Yeah…"
Kakashi nodded reluctantly.
He still wished it was his father.
Before long, they arrived at Training Ground Three.
From afar, Akira saw a tall figure standing at the center, back turned toward them.
"This is…"
As they got closer, Akira's eyes sharpened.
"This is… Kurenai's father—Kurenai Yuhi's dad… Shinku Yuhi."
"…I'm doomed."
He wailed internally.
At that moment, Yuhi Shinku turned around and swept his gaze over Akira and Kakashi.
Akira could clearly feel the hostility in his eyes.
"As expected…"
He had known Shinku didn't like him.
After all—
He was "stealing" his daughter.
"Hello, Uncle Shinku."
Even though he felt uneasy, Akira still bowed politely.
"Sensei."
Kakashi also greeted respectfully.
Then he nudged Akira with his elbow and whispered, "You know him?"
"Yeah. Kurenai's father."
Akira replied quietly.
Kakashi instantly understood.
No wonder the guy was staring at Akira like that.
"So this is what retribution looks like…"
Kakashi thought with some amusement.
Not that he was being disloyal—but Akira and Kurenai had made him endure enough "couple moments" already.
Now it was payback.
"Hmm."
Shinku nodded in approval.
At least these two geniuses weren't lacking in manners.
He had been slightly worried they might be hard to handle—but it seemed unnecessary.
"Although Akira already knows me, I'll introduce myself anyway. I am Yuhi Shinku, an elite Jonin of Konoha. I specialize in genjutsu and am proficient in swordsmanship. I hope we'll get along well."
He forced a slight smile.
"Now, introduce yourselves. Your strengths, hobbies, and dreams."
Akira spoke first:
"My name is Akira. I specialize in swordsmanship, Lightning Release ninjutsu, taijutsu, and medical ninjutsu. My hobbies are food and training. As for my dream… world peace."
Shinku and Kakashi both twitched at the corners of their mouths.
World peace? Seriously?
Kakashi felt Akira's real dream was to become a lazy freeloader.
Sure, he trained hard—but deep down, he was lazy and hated trouble.
Meanwhile, Shinku was more surprised by Akira's skill set.
Swordsmanship. Lightning Release. Taijutsu. Medical ninjutsu.
"That's… quite a lot."
He thought with a hint of amusement.
"This kid… is interesting."
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