Graduation

A year had rolled by since Neji and others had embraced the milestone of graduation, paving the way for Ryomaru and his classmates, including Hinata, to grace the threshold of the academy. Excitement buzzed in the air, the students congregating outside the academy building, faces beaming with anticipation.

Hanabi's feet barely touched the ground, a bubble of exhilaration, while Temari maintained a composed demeanor. Already a graduate before setting foot in Konoha, Temari's initial visits were solely to accompany Ryomaru to school, later she became close friends with others.

The air was alive with animated chatter amongst the students; Ryomaru, Temari, Hinata, Hanabi, Ino, Sakura, Choji, Shino, and Kiba, their faces lit with the promise of the day.

"Can you believe it's finally our turn to graduate?" Hanabi's voice was a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"I know, it seems like only yesterday we were just starting," Hinata replied, a soft smile dancing on her lips.

"Ryomaru, are you excited?" Hanabi asked tentatively, her eyes meeting his briefly before looking away.

"Excitement is an understatement, Hanabi," Ryomaru responded with a warm smile, making Hanabi's cheeks flush a soft pink.

Soon, Iruka emerged, his presence immediately damping the excited chatter, "Settle down, everyone. It's time we begin the practical exams." He announced, a stern yet encouraging look in his eyes. "The results of your written tests are in. Congratulations, Ryomaru. Full marks, as always."

A sheepish smile crossed Ryomaru's face as he met Iruka's gaze. "Thanks, Iruka-Sensei." The congratulatory murmurs were briefly interrupted by an annoyed jab from Hanabi, her cheeks tinted pink. The students were then led inside, each entering one at a time.

Ryomaru, being a guest, was first. Inside, he faced Iruka, Mizuki, and another Chunin. The tension was palpable as Iruka began, "Ryomaru, you're to demonstrate three Academy Jutsu."

Ryomaru nodded attentively, his eyes flickering with determination. With a swift motion, he created a Shadow Clone, an advanced version of the regular clone. The clone morphed into Mizuki, while Ryomaru himself took the form of Iruka using Henge. The room transformed into a battlefield as they began to engage, Kawarimi being utilized frequently by both.

"Very impressive," Iruka noted, his eyebrows raised in appreciation as he observed the swift and precise movements. The intensity of the duel captivated the evaluators, every jutsu executed seamlessly.

Mizuki watched with a sharp eye, noticing the control and focus Ryomaru maintained, "The precision is remarkable. It's like watching Iruka-Sensei and myself."

The third Chunin nodded in agreement, fascinated by the immaculate transformation and battle techniques. "Such advanced control at this age is rare," he muttered, his eyes never leaving the battling forms.

Ryomaru could feel the energies around him, his concentration unwavering. The duel was intense, each move echoing through the silent room, only broken by the collision of jutsus. The transformed figures moved with incredible speed and precision, their faces concentrated and serious.

Suddenly, with a final decisive move, it ended. Ryomaru and his clone reverted to their original forms, breathing heavily but eyes shining with satisfaction.

"Remarkable, Ryomaru," Iruka praised genuinely, his eyes meeting the blue orbs of the young ninja. "Your understanding and execution of the jutsus are exemplary."

Iruka then spoke, a hint of a smile in his voice, "Raikage-sama sent over a forehead protector not long ago, and it's with Hokage-sama. You can visit him anytime to retrieve it."

Ryomaru nodded respectfully, a mixture of gratefulness and accomplishment in his eyes. "Thank you, Iruka-Sensei, for all your guidance over the years."

Iruka's eyes softened, and with a nod, he ushered him out. One by one, the others followed suit, each emerging with a Konoha forehead protector. Ino chose to wrap hers around her waist, Sakura wore hers proudly on her head, Hinata gracefully adorned it like a choker around her neck, while Temari, wearing hers for years, displayed it prominently like Hinata. Hanabi was observed holding hers in her hand, her gaze meeting Ryomaru's.

"Where's yours?" She inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.

"I have to collect it from Hokage-sama. Want to come along?" Ryomaru responded with a smile.

Hanabi's face lit up, and she enthusiastically nodded. "Let's go!"

Ryomaru decided to playfully probe her, "Aren't you going to wear yours first?"

A blush crept on Hanabi's cheeks. "I...I am not sure how to wear it yet," she confessed, averting her gaze.

Ryomaru chuckled lightly, the sound warming the surrounding air. "Hah, I plan to wear it on my arm," he shared casually.

Hanabi's eyes sparkled with realization. "Hmm, I was contemplating the same," she muttered as she fumbled to wrap it up. Ryomaru, with a playful roll of his eyes, approached her and assisted.

Amidst casual chatter about potential team formations, Ryomaru, Hanabi, Hinata, and Temari strolled toward the Hokage Tower. Hanabi harbored thoughts of future missions, hoping Ryomaru could join despite his student exchange status. Temari, her thoughts carried by the Sand Village's wind, was more composed, expecting to be paired with Ryomaru due to their similar statuses.

As they neared the room housing Sarutobi, the Hokage, the sisters, Hanabi and Hinata, hesitated outside, exchanging uncertain glances. Ryomaru playfully nudged them forward, his smile softening their disapproving looks. He had faith in Sarutobi's welcoming nature and the power of shared tea to ease any tensions.

"Don't worry, Sarutobi is quite hospitable. It's just a tea meeting," Ryomaru reassured with a hint of teasing in his voice as the door closed gently behind them.

Indeed, Sarutobi greeted them with warmth, his eyes twinkling. "Ah, Ryomaru! And friends! Welcome! Join us for some tea."

A soothing warmth enveloped the room, the scent of freshly brewed tea blending with the comforting presence of the Hokage. The sisters exchanged a brief glance, their initial hesitation melting away like the steam rising from their teacups.

The Hokage then smiled warmly, lighting the room with his gentle demeanor, "So, what brings you young ones here today?"

With a teasing glint in his ice-blue eyes, Ryomaru cast a mischievous smile towards Hanabi, "Hanabi-chan was hoping to get a sneak peek at the team assignments."

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