Chapter 51: Graduation

Inside the exam room of the Konoha Ninja Academy.

A relatively short figure launched an attack on his opponent.

"Oh! Using the technique I just used against me?"

At this moment, in the midst of the battle, the examiner, Mizutani Hiroshi, spoke for the first time. He was slightly surprised as the Uchiha student opposite him used the technique he had just demonstrated to launch an attack. 

However, he didn't slow down his actions, bringing his hands together to his chin and easily countering Tōshirō's attack by leveraging his height advantage.

"Leaf Hurricane!"

Not responding to the opponent's words, Tōshirō used his small, agile frame to jump to the head height of Mizutani Hiroshi. He launched a spinning low kick, but due to the height, the effect was almost identical to the 'Leaf Whirlwind' he had just used.

Mizutani Hiroshi raised his right arm to block the head-level attack, then took advantage of the momentum to grab Tōshirō's attacking right leg. Using his waist strength, he swung Tōshirō around three to four times before throwing him far away.

With a light spin, Tōshirō landed on the ground, his body's forward momentum carving a long mark on the ground.

At this moment, shuriken and kunai scattered around Mizutani Hiroshi were the remnants of their battle.

In the close-quarter combat with kunai, the opponent hadn't let him gain any advantage. Utilizing rich experience, the opponent had managed to cut his jacket several times. If it weren't for his keen senses, he might have been wounded.

"Alright! The assessment time is up, please form the Seal of Reconciliation."

Upon hearing these words, Tōshirō couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. During the battle, although he had held back on ninjutsu, genjutsu, strength, and speed, the opponent had given him a tough time in taijutsu and close-quarter kunai combat.

[Ninjas are indeed not a profession that can be easily mastered.]

Even though Mizutani Hiroshi was merely a veteran Chūnin from the village, his rich combat experience provided a vivid lesson.

Aside from the initial probing attacks, Mizutani Hiroshi had not demonstrated vastly superior speed or strength, but rather slightly stronger ones along with rich experience. He utilized basic Konoha taijutsu and the three Academy jutsu.

Afterwards, Tōshirō was placed in an empty classroom to wait. As time passed, one by one, students who had passed the assessment gathered there.

"Kakashi, you really are cold."

"…"

"What, don't you remember me? Not even a 'senpai'? That's really rude!"

"…"

In the classroom, Tōshirō idly teased Hatake Kakashi. Although Kakashi was already a Genin of Konoha, he was still just a five-and-a-half-year-old kid. Tōshirō found it amusing to tease the future Sixth Hokage.

"Kakashi, why do you wear a mask? I remember your face was quite pretty back then."

Kakashi, who had been glaring at the annoyance beside him with dead fish eyes, finally remembered who it was.

He recalled bumping into this guy on the street two or three years ago. Afterward, his father conversed with the guy, and his mother forced him to apologize, asking annoying questions.

"Hey! Really? Tōshirō, does this guy really have a pretty face under the mask?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha En couldn't sit still. He turned around, staring at Kakashi with wide, curious eyes, thoroughly inspecting his face. Even nearby students perked their ears with curious expressions. After all, as the youngest graduate present, Kakashi attracted a lot of attention.

"More than pretty! I'm telling you, under that mask of his…"

As he spoke, Tōshirō cupped his hands to En's ear, seeming mysterious.

"Shut up!"

No matter how low Kakashi's mood, seeing Tōshirō about to reveal his secret made him interrupt hastily, his eye twitching.

"Okay! If the person involved doesn't want it to be said, then forget it!"

Before Kakashi could breathe a sigh of relief, Tōshirō continued.

"But, it's truly your loss for not seeing Kakashi's exquisite face!"

"Really?"

"No way!"

"What amazing face? You're exaggerating!"

Hearing Tōshirō's comments and observing the curious gazes around him, even Kakashi, with his aloof demeanor, was left frustrated.

[How can a blabbermouth like him become a ninja?]

[As expected, my initial impression was right, this guy is highly annoying!]

Thinking this, Tōshirō smiled with his eyes closed, looking at the frustrated Kakashi.

He wasn't trying to annoy him intentionally, just thought Kakashi needed something besides sadness to focus on after his father's passing.

Not long after, once most had arrived, the classroom door opened. Entering first was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in his Hokage robe.

"First, congratulations to everyone for becoming official Konoha ninjas…"

"…"

"Remember, where the leaves dance, the fire burns. The fire's light will continue to illuminate the village and let the new leaves take root."

[No matter where you are, leaders always talk like this…]

Watching the Third Hokage give a long speech for over half an hour, Tōshirō couldn't help but mentally complain.

After an hour-long 'Sarutobi lecture,' the Third Hokage was satisfied seeing the enthusiastic new ninjas below.

Even Tōshirō had to join in and clap excitedly with everyone. He knew better than to express differing views on the 'Will of Fire' at such a moment. He had no issue playing along.

Not lingering, the Third Hokage smiled warmly at the students before turning to leave.

(End of Chapter)