Chapter 63: Lava Release - Dodai

Chapter 63: Lava Release - Dodai

"Tonari, good morning."

"Tonari, morning."

"Tonari..."

As Tonari entered the school after enjoying breakfast at Ichiraku Ramen, numerous students greeted him warmly, most with big smiles on their faces.

Especially those who had witnessed his "legendary" battles firsthand.

They were ecstatic—this troublesome little monster was finally graduating!

The general sentiment was unanimous: Finally, our physical well-being is safe! Let him go wreak havoc elsewhere. We're just kids, the precious seedlings of Konoha. We can't handle such torment!

Tonari responded with a cheerful smile and polite nods, exuding the aura of a leader acknowledging his subordinates.

Beside him, Kushina felt an overwhelming sense of regret for ever befriending him.

Sure, after that incident, no one dared to mock or provoke her anymore.

But the lingering gazes and silent stares made her feel uneasy—like she had been roped into Tonari's strange antics and labeled a partner-in-crime. Perhaps people now believed she shared his... eccentric talents.

---

"Tonari, you seem pretty popular at school," Minato said with a chuckle. He had accompanied Tonari and Kushina to witness their graduation exams.

"Ha! What can I say? It's the curse of being too handsome. Can't help it—haha!" Tonari laughed heartily, scratching his head as if bashful.

Kushina, walking on his other side, shot him a look that screamed idiot.

If Minato ever learned about Tonari's infamous nickname, The Flower Destroyer, he might not laugh so easily.

---

"You two better do your best today. I heard the Hokage himself will be watching. Show them what you're made of and ace that graduation exam!" Minato encouraged them as he made his way toward the observation stands.

Both Tonari and Kushina nodded in acknowledgment.

---

The graduation exam wasn't limited to just one class, and numerous students from other graduating classes had also gathered. Many of their families were present, alongside other villagers and shinobi who came to observe this public event.

The timing of the exam wasn't random—just after the Second Shinobi World War. While Konoha hadn't emerged as the outright victor, this was a chance to showcase their younger generation's potential, reassuring the village's populace.

Among the participants, several had already reached genin-level strength, including Kushina. These were students who had previously applied for early graduation but were denied by the Third Hokage.

---

As Tonari and Kushina stepped onto the polished training field alongside the other graduating students, Chūnin instructor Nakae Ichida stood waiting at the center.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat with a report in hand. This detailed document contained information on every student, compiled through years of assessments and evaluations. It gave a clear picture of each student's growth trajectory and potential.

One report stood out for its brevity: Tonari's.

From early notes stating "decent taijutsu, average chakra control" to more recent assessments of "excellent taijutsu, proficient chakra manipulation," Tonari's rapid progress was undeniable.

Every field of study—whether taijutsu, chakra control, ninja tools, or basic jutsu—was marked excellent. Even The Will of Fire, a mandatory course, bore the same grade.

---

Sarutobi set the report down and smiled as he turned to his two students, Orochimaru and Tsunade.

"Shall we go see how this little protégé of yours performs?" he asked, standing from his chair.

Orochimaru, leaning against the wall, merely smiled, while Tsunade crossed her arms and sighed.

"Don't lump me in. I never wanted to teach that brat. If not for Orochimaru owing me a favor, I wouldn't have wasted my time," she grumbled.

Hiruzen chuckled, unfazed by her sharp tone, and led the way to the academy.

---

"This year's exam consists of three rounds," Ichida announced to the gathered students. "The first is a ninja tools proficiency test. The second is a demonstration of the Transformation, Substitution, and Clone Jutsu. The final round will be a combat evaluation."

The crowd buzzed with excitement, but Ichida's attention zeroed in on one particular student—Tonari.

Even standing in the back, his small stature made him conspicuous. While he had grown over the past half-year, his younger age and slower development meant he still looked out of place among his peers.

---

In the observation stands, a shinobi wearing the Hidden Cloud forehead protector scoffed.

"What's this? That tiny kid's participating? Is Konoha so desperate they're sending children to fill spots?"

The speaker, a Cloud shinobi named Gitai, was openly mocking.

"Gitai, mind your words," reprimanded Dodai, the leader of the Cloud delegation and their Lava Release expert.

He turned to Sarutobi with a polite smile. "My apologies, Lord Hokage. Kids can be careless with their words."

---

Orochimaru's golden, slit-pupil eyes narrowed, and Tsunade's gaze turned icy.

While Dodai's words sounded apologetic, there was no effort to refute Gitai's mockery. It was a veiled insult, masked as courtesy.

Sarutobi, however, merely chuckled.

"No need to worry, Dodai-san. Children will be children. Perhaps we should let them spar later? It'll be a good opportunity for our younger generation to learn from each other."

Dodai's polite smile didn't waver. "Ah, but isn't that unfair? Our youths are already full-fledged genin, while yours are still students. It wouldn't reflect well on us."

Sarutobi waved dismissively. "They'll all be genin soon enough. Besides, a little experience never hurts."

---

Orochimaru suddenly interjected, his voice dripping with intrigue. "Speaking of experience, Dodai-san, I've heard your Lava Release is quite formidable. Perhaps we could arrange a demonstration—just you and me?"

Dodai didn't flinch under the Sannin's piercing gaze. He smiled faintly. "If one of the Legendary Sannin wishes to spar, how could I refuse?"

Satisfied, Orochimaru grinned before closing his eyes, retreating into silence.

Sarutobi didn't intervene. If the Hidden Cloud sought to test Konoha's mettle, they would soon learn the village's strength was alive and well.

---

Author's Note:

Fun fact—there's a new Easter Egg feature! I've included a picture of my cat in it because why not? Feel free to check it out and drop a like.

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