Chapter 51: Graduation

-----------

This high quality machine translation is powered by: https:// geriatrictranslations.com/

Special Permission was given to upload the novel on WebNovel.

Geriatric Translations can be supported on patreon (https://www. patreon.com/geriatricvibes) where additional chapters can be enjoyed. 

You can also join the Geriatric Translations Community on Discord to connect with other readers: https:// discord.gg/NSWvfN7vua

-----------

"Shadow Leaf Dance!"

Inside the Konoha Ninja Academy's examination room.

A relatively small figure launched an attack on the opponent.

"Oh! Using the technique I just used to counter me?"

At this moment, in this match, the examiner 'Mizutani Masahito' spoke for the first time. He was slightly surprised that the Uchiha examinee was using the technique he had just used to attack him.

However, he did not slow down his movements. He brought his hands together under his chin, using his height advantage to easily block Fuyu Shirou's attack.

"Konoha Gale!"

Without responding to the other's words, he used his small and agile build to his advantage. He pushed off with one leg, jumping to a height level with 'Mizutani Masahito's head.

He launched a spinning low kick, but due to the height difference, the effect was similar to the 'Leaf Whirlwind' he had just used.

Raising his right arm to block the attack aimed at his head, 'Mizutani Masahito' seized Fuyu Shirou's right leg firmly. Using his waist strength, he spun Fuyu Shirou around three or four times before throwing him far away.

Fuyu Shirou nimbly turned, landing on his feet and sliding forward, leaving a long trail on the ground.

At this moment, the arena was scattered with a large circle of shurikens and kunai, the remnants of the battle between him and his opponent.

Even in close combat with kunai, the opponent did not give him any advantage. Using his rich experience, he managed to slash through his coat several times. If not for his keen senses, he might have been bleeding by now.

"Alright! The examination time is up; both sides make the seal of reconciliation!"

Upon hearing this, Fuyu Shirou couldn't help but sigh in relief. During the battle, although he had held back in terms of ninjutsu, genjutsu, strength, and speed, the opponent had given him a hard time in taijutsu and close combat with kunai.

[Being a ninja is not a profession that can be easily mastered.]

This was just an old chunin from Konoha Village. Even so, he had given him a vivid lesson with his rich combat experience!

During the battle, except for the initial few probing moves, 'Mizutani Masahito' did not show any significant superiority in strength or speed.

Instead, he used slightly superior strength and speed, along with his rich experience, to suppress him. The techniques he used were the basic Konoha taijutsu and the three transformation techniques taught at the ninja school.

Next, he was assigned to an empty classroom to wait. As time passed, one by one, the students who passed the examination gathered here.

"Kakashi, you're really cold, aren't you!"

"..."

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

"..."

In the classroom, Fuyu Shirou was idly teasing Kakashi. Although Kakashi was already a genin of Konoha Village, he was still just a five-and-a-half-year-old kid. Teasing the future Sixth Hokage was something he enjoyed doing.

"By the way, Kakashi, why do you cover your face with a mask? I remember your face was quite handsome back then."

Kakashi, with his deadpan eyes, glared at the annoying guy beside him. Finally, he remembered who this person was.

He recalled that a few years ago, he had bumped into this person while playing on the street. After that, his father had talked with the person, and his mother had forced him to apologize.

He had also asked some annoying questions.

"Eh! Really? Fuyu Shirou, does this guy have a really handsome face under his mask?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha En couldn't sit still. She turned around, her big, black eyes wide with disbelief, examining Kakashi's face.

The little girl had also graduated successfully and was sitting beside Fuyu Shirou with a smile. She was clearly very happy to have graduated early and become a ninja.

Even the students in the nearby seats perked up their ears, looking at Kakashi with curious and inquisitive expressions. After all, as the youngest graduate in the room, he was very eye-catching.

"Not just handsome! Let me tell you, under this guy's mask..."

As he spoke, he cupped his hands and leaned close to Uchiha En's ear, looking mysterious.

"Shut up!"

Even if he was in a low mood, seeing Fuyu Shirou about to reveal his secret, he couldn't help but twitch his eyes and interrupt.

"Alright then! If the person doesn't want to say it, it's fine!"

Before he could breathe a sigh of relief, he heard Fuyu Shirou say, "But, not seeing Kakashi's beautiful face is really your loss!"

"Really?"

"You're lying, right?"

"What beautiful face? You're exaggerating!"

Hearing Fuyu Shirou's words and seeing the curious and inquisitive looks from everyone around, even someone as aloof as Kakashi was momentarily speechless.

[How did such a talkative guy become a ninja?]

[Indeed, my initial feeling was right; this guy is really annoying!]

Unaware of Kakashi's thoughts, Fuyu Shirou smiled with his eyes squinted, looking at the speechless Kakashi.

He wasn't intentionally teasing him; he just felt that at this moment, Kakashi needed some emotions other than sadness to avoid being consumed by the pain of his father's death.

Not much time passed before the classroom was nearly full. The door opened, and the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing his Hokage robe, walked in.

"First of all, I congratulate you all on becoming official Konoha ninjas..."

"..."

"In short, where the leaves flutter, the fire burns, and the fire will continue to illuminate the village, allowing new leaves to take root and sprout."

[No matter where, leaders always speak like this...]

Seeing the Third Hokage droning on for over half an hour, Fuyu Shirou couldn't help but grumble inwardly.

After over an hour of 'monkey tutoring,' the Third Hokage looked at the enthusiastic new ninjas and felt satisfied.

Even Fuyu Shirou had to join in, clapping excitedly with everyone else. He wouldn't be so stubborn as to express different views on the 'Will of Fire' or play the fool in front of the leadership...

Without lingering, the Third Hokage gave the students a warm smile and then turned to leave.

(End of Chapter)