Chapter 24: Graduation—Becoming a Genin

"A day-to-day life~ filled with memories~ and experiences~"

"Stories from the past~ reminiscing while moving forward~"

Without the system's outrageous options, life had become... mundane.

Obito spent his days goofing around with Guy in the woods, occasionally chatting with Kakashi, and—well—teasing little girls.

Yep, that's right.

Why study when you can play?

Time passed in the blink of an eye, and before he knew it, Obito was approaching graduation.

Over the past year, his progress in taijutsu and ninjutsu had been modest. Instead, he had devoted himself to genjutsu. After all, with his family's signature red-eye illness, wouldn't it be a waste not to?

Under the guidance of his uncle Kawa, Obito had mastered most of the Uchiha clan's genjutsu techniques.

He had learned Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Technique, Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique, Demonic Illusion: Mirror Heaven and Earth Change, and Genjutsu: Unknown Fire.

By now, his overall strength was on par with some chunin.

"I just wish this damned mission would complete already," Obito muttered under his breath.

"Obito! Rin is here to get you!" his grandmother called from outside.

"Coming!"

Obito sprang up like a carp flipping out of the water. He quickly dressed and dashed outside, scratching his head.

"Rin, what brings you here today?"

Rin was wearing a light purple dress and little red-brown boots. Her pale, slender legs gleamed in the sunlight, making Obito gulp.

No, no! Obito is not a perv! He's just... hungry! That's why he swallowed hard!

With her hands clasped behind her back, Rin tilted her head and smiled.

"Today is graduation day, silly. I was worried you'd be late, so I came to get you."

Obito, trying to sound confident, said, "Rin, you overthink things! How could I possibly be late for such an important day?"

Rin responded with a skeptical hum, but she didn't push further.

"Hurry up and eat something. We should get going."

Obito quickly shoveled some food into his mouth. "Mmmph! All set—let's go!"

Rin nodded, turning to Obito's grandmother. "We're heading out now, Grandma!"

"Goodbye, Grandma!"

"Take care, you two! Walk slowly!"

"Got it, Grandma!" Obito shouted without looking back.

The pink petals of cherry blossoms fluttered in the breeze, their gentle dance painting a scene both romantic and serene.

Walking beside Rin, Obito couldn't help but steal a glance. A stray lock of her hair swayed in the wind, framing her face as sunlight kissed her soft smile.

Obito imprinted this moment deep into his memory. Even years later, he would recall it vividly—this perfect spring day with Rin.

When they arrived at the academy, the auditorium was already filled with students.

The Third Hokage sat on the stage, his kind smile growing brighter as he gazed at the young faces before him. These children were the future of Konohagakure.

Once everyone was seated, Kisuke, a teacher standing beside the Hokage, cleared his throat and began reading from a prepared script.

"Esteemed Hokage-sama, dear students, good morning!

"Today marks one of the most important days of your lives—your graduation ceremony.

"Congratulations, everyone, on this incredible milestone!"

Obito, as if on cue, clapped enthusiastically, louder than anyone else.

"Bravo, Kisuke-sensei! Well said!"

Kisuke gave Obito an amused nod before continuing.

"Rin Nohara, Nagano, Shikaha Nara, Kurenai Yuhi, Shizune, Ayako Aburame, Obito Uchiha, and Asuma Sarutobi...

"Through unwavering effort and determination, you have all successfully completed your studies."

"I now announce that all listed students have met the graduation standards of Konohagakure Ninja Academy. Congratulations!"

Obito was the first to cheer again. "Woohoo! Nailed it, Kisuke-sensei!"

Kisuke coughed, waving a hand to quiet him. "Ahem. Alright, settle down. Let's keep it professional."

"Now, please come to the stage one by one to receive your forehead protectors from Hokage-sama."

Rin was the first to go. She bowed politely to the Third Hokage, who handed her the forehead protector with a warm smile.

"So, young lady, what are your plans now that you've graduated?"

"I want to become a medical ninja," Rin replied earnestly.

The Hokage nodded approvingly. "Excellent. You have the potential for it. Keep working hard. If you ever face difficulties, don't hesitate to come to me for help."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Rin said with a bow before stepping down.

Next came Nagano. With a smug grin, he declared, "I'm going to become a great jonin!"

The Hokage glanced at Kisuke, who leaned over and whispered, "His father is a chunin."

The Hokage chuckled and handed over the certificate. "Good luck, young man."

When it was Shikayu Nara's turn, he sighed dramatically. "Hokage-sama, can I just... not be a ninja?"

The Hokage burst into laughter. "Absolutely not. Next!"

One by one, the students went up and received their certificates. Finally, it was Obito's turn.

He bounded onto the stage with his usual enthusiasm.

"Ah, little Obito," the Hokage said fondly. "What do you plan to do after graduating?"

Obito's grin stretched wide. "I'm going to become Hokage! I'll root out all evil and protect the peace of Konohagakure!"

Kisuke's face froze for a moment, and the Hokage seemed momentarily stunned. But then he smiled.

"A fine goal, Obito. But becoming Hokage isn't easy. You'll need to work very hard. Here's your forehead protector."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama!" Obito said, beaming as he accepted it.

Down in the audience, Nagano scoffed. "Tch. Obito really has the nerve, huh?"

Shikayu nodded lazily. "Yep. Gutsy guy, that one."

Once everyone had received their certificates, Kisuke stepped forward again.

"From this moment on, you are officially ninja of Konohagakure. You will form three-person teams under a jonin leader and begin undertaking missions for the village."

Nagano cheered. "Yes! Finally!"

Shikaha groaned. "Ugh. What a drag."

Shikayu ignored the comments and read from the roster.

"Team 1: Nagano, Shikayu Nara, Ryoko Aburame.

Team 5: Obito Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, Rin Nohara."

Hearing his team, Obito exhaled in relief. The story hadn't changed after all—he was still with Kakashi and Rin.

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