Chapter 11: Graduation Ceremony

Several years had passed since the Uchiha massacre, and today marked Kirito's graduation from Ninja School. Sitting on Hokage Rock, he gazed over Konoha Village as the first rays of sunlight illuminated its streets.

It had been 11 years since he first arrived in this world. The initial thrill of stepping into a familiar, fictional universe had long since faded, replaced by an acceptance of his new reality.

When he first arrived, his thoughts were dominated by fears of the Fourth Ninja War, the Otsutsuki Clan, Madara, Obito, the Ten-Tails, and the Akatsuki. Now, his primary concern was the content of the graduation exam and whether he could pass with a perfect score.

"It's a bit humbling," he thought, "but at least I've managed to become the top student here—a height I never reached in my previous life."

For Kirito, today was more than a graduation; it was the culmination of years of hard work and a farewell to his life as a student. No more school after this—just missions and responsibility.

Just as he was preparing to leave, a familiar figure dashed toward Hokage Rock. A young boy with blond hair, whisker-like marks on his cheeks, and a mischievous grin clutched a bucket of paint as he ran.

"Naruto again."

Three years ago, Kirito had encountered Naruto for the first time on Hokage Rock. At the time, Naruto had been switching from graffiti on village walls to painting the Hokage faces. The two had struck up a conversation, and Naruto, eager for any form of companionship, quickly befriended Kirito. Their bond was lighthearted but genuine.

"Good morning, Kirito!" Naruto called out, his voice carrying through the crisp morning air.

"Morning," Kirito replied, amused. "Try not to get caught this time."

"Don't worry, I've already planned my escape route!" Naruto declared, rubbing his nose confidently.

"I've got my graduation exam today, so I'll leave you to it," Kirito said, standing and preparing to leap down the rockface. "If I pass, I'll treat you to ramen."

"Deal!" Naruto cheered, energized by the promise of food.

As Kirito disappeared into the distance, Naruto grinned to himself. "Okay, let's give them a masterpiece today."

The classroom was abuzz with chatter until the Chunin teacher stepped in. The students immediately quieted, brimming with a mix of excitement and nerves. The graduation exam was about to begin.

"This year's test is the substitution jutsu," the teacher announced. "When I call your name, go to the next room. Once you've completed the test, you're dismissed for the day."

The first name was called, and a nervous student followed the teacher out. Conversations resumed, this time centered on the exam and post-graduation plans.

Neji Hyuga approached Kirito, who was seated at the back of the room, idly playing with his miniature leopard companion.

"Kirito," Neji said, his voice serious. "Let's settle things after the exam. One last match."

"Sure," Kirito replied casually, scratching the little leopard's head.

The surrounding students, having overheard, began murmuring excitedly.

The anticipation for Kirito and Neji's showdown grew throughout the morning. The two were known as the strongest students in their year, and their matches were legendary. Neji had never won, but his determination to challenge Kirito was unwavering.

"Next, Kirito," the teacher called.

Leaving his seat, Kirito walked into the exam room with his companion perched on his shoulder. Inside, the setup was straightforward: two teachers sat at one end, while the other half of the room had been cleared for practical demonstrations.

"The task is the substitution jutsu," one of the teachers said. "Are you ready?"

"Yes."

Without warning, the teacher hurled a small black sphere at Kirito's chest. With a muffled pop, the sphere struck a wooden log that had appeared in Kirito's place. He now stood several feet away, calm and composed.

"Qualified," the teacher said. "Quick reaction time, seamless execution."

If only they knew I dont need to use any hand seals at all, Kirito mused. His control over chakra was so refined that he could bypass seals entirely for basic techniques like the substitution jutsu.

The teacher handed him a Konoha forehead protector. "Congratulations. From today on, you're officially a ninja of the Hidden Leaf."

"Thank you." Kirito accepted the forehead protector, examining it briefly before tying it around his head.

After leaving the exam room, Kirito made his way to the playground. Word had spread quickly, and a crowd of students—graduates and underclassmen alike—had gathered to witness his final duel with Neji.

Neji arrived shortly after, his own forehead protector gleaming in the sunlight. The tension in the air was palpable as the two Hyuga prodigies faced each other.

"Congratulations on graduating," Kirito said.

"Thank you." Neji inclined his head slightly. "Let's begin."

Both activated their Byakugan simultaneously, veins bulging around their eyes as their vision expanded to 360 degrees. Neji took the first move, launching forward with astonishing speed.

The clash was intense. Neji's soft fists lashed out in rapid succession, each strike aimed at critical chakra points. His speed had increased significantly since their last bout, and his technique was more refined than ever.

But Kirito remained a step ahead, deflecting every attack with precise movements. His defense was effortless, almost casual, as he slapped away Neji's strikes like they were mere nuisances.

As Neji's frustration mounted, he pushed himself harder, transitioning into the "Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms." The audience held their breath as the flurry of attacks intensified, creating a whirlwind of motion.

But even Neji's most advanced technique couldn't breach Kirito's defenses. With a final, decisive palm strike, Kirito countered, sending Neji flying backward.

The crowd erupted in murmurs. It was clear that while Neji had grown stronger, the gap between him and Kirito remained vast.

"You've improved a lot," Kirito said, helping Neji to his feet.

"But it's still not enough," Neji replied, smiling despite his defeat. "I'll keep training. One day, I'll surpass you."

"I look forward to it," Kirito said encouragingly, though he doubted Neji could ever truly catch up. Still, he admired his classmate's determination.

As the crowd dispersed, Neji delivered a final message. "The clan leader wants to see you this afternoon. Don't forget."

Kirito's expression darkened slightly as he nodded. It's finally time to settle things with the Hyuga Clan.

For years, he had avoided the issue of the caged bird seal. Now that he was officially a ninja, the clan wouldn't tolerate his defiance any longer. But Kirito was ready.

Bring it on.

(End of Chapter 11)