Ch-22 Graduated from Ninja Academy

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In the morning, an ANBU ninja approached Jiryoku and informed him that his request for early graduation had been approved. His match with the Genin ninja was scheduled for noon in the Konoha training ground. After informing the ANBU ninja left.

Jiryoku got ready for the match but decided to complete his training before it. With that thought in mind, he headed to the training area where he usually train. Around 11:00 A.M., when Jiryoku just finished his training, Ino came running and stood in front of Jiryoku.

"You applied for early graduation today?" Ino asked.

"Yes, to be precise, I applied for graduation yesterday, and it got approved for today. In one hour, I'll have my match with the Genin," Jiryoku replied.

Ino didn't know what to say. She was unsure how to persuade him not to leave the ninja academy because it was her father who had warned, "If Jiryoku leaves the ninja academy, he will surely die." Although her father hadn't revealed the exact reason, she knew that if he said it, there must be a good reason for it.

Timidly, she asked, "Why don't you reconsider and not graduate from the ninja academy? The academy offers valuable training, and there's still so much you can learn."

"No need. This is something I decided a long time ago, so you don't have to interfere in my decision," Jiryoku responded firmly before leaving for the training ground.

As Jiryoku left, Ino followed closely behind him. They arrived at the Konoha training ground. From Jiryoku's Observation Haki, he was able to distinguish a few individuals present— the Third Hokage, the Hyuga elder, and his class teacher.

Jiryoku noticed that Hiruzen's chakra was significantly weaker compared to yesterday. He concluded that it must be a Shadow Clone of Hiruzen since, as the Hokage, he likely had important matters to attend to instead of being present at this particular event.

The Hyuga elder stepped forward and introduced himself, saying, "I am the Hyuga Elder and the person appointed by the Hokage-Sama to be the referee for this match." He looked towards Hokage Hiruzen, who simply nodded in response.

The Hyuga elder continued, "Now, I would like to call Jiryoku and Saimaru for the match."

Jiryoku positioned himself opposite Saimaru, who also stood ready to attack at any moment. At this point, Jiryoku spoke, "Since you are the senior, please make the first move." Saimaru nodded in response and immediately launched an attack with his shurikens. However, Jiryoku's swordsmanship skills allowed him to easily deflect the projectiles.

Witnessing Jiryoku's mastery of swordsmanship, everyone present was astonished. It was uncommon for a blind individual to possess such honed sword skills.

Realizing that his shurikens were ineffective, Saimaru abandoned their use and opted for a ninjutsu instead. He performed the technique "Earth Release: Tearing Earth Turning Palm." As Saimaru activated the jutsu, the ground beneath Jiryoku's feet started to shift towards the center.

However, Jiryoku swiftly employed the Shave technique, instantly evading the moving ground and reappearing behind Saimaru. With a precise strike, Jiryoku cut through Saimaru's body. Yet, to Jiryoku's expectation, Saimaru's body transformed into a wooden substitute, indicating that he had used the Wood Substitution technique to dodge the attack.

Saimaru retaliated by employing the "Earth Release: Ground Spike" technique. As the spikes were about to impale Jiryoku, he vanished and reappeared beside the Genin, delivering a powerful kick that sent him crashing to the ground. The impact was so strong that the Genin was unable to stand up. Jiryoku remained calm and composed as he stated, "You lose."

As if to confirm Jiryoku's victory, the Hyuga Elder spoke, "I announce that Jiryoku is the winner of this match."

"Yay!" shouted Ino from the sidelines. Although she couldn't persuade Jiryoku to reconsider, she was overjoyed to see him win so easily. Everyone present joined in by applauding Jiryoku's victory.

Hiruzen stepped forward and handed Jiryoku the forehead protector of Konoha village. He spoke about the Will of Fire and congratulated Jiryoku on graduating from the Ninja Academy. Jiryoku replied to Hiruzen's remarks with a perfunctory response.

"Jiryoku, you will be assigned to a team tomorrow. Since you graduated early, you'll have to join an existing team," Hiruzen informed him.

"I will certainly adjust with my teammates," Jiryoku replied.

After nodding, Hiruzen left, and the Hyuga Elder cast a deep gaze at Jiryoku before departing as well. Jiryoku's class teacher then approached him and said, "Although I haven't taught you much, I wish you success in your future."

"Thank you for your well wishes," Jiryoku responded.

After the teacher left, Ino embraced Jiryoku and exclaimed, "You are awesome!" Ino was so delighted that if she were stronger than Jiryoku, she would have lifted him up and danced around in celebration.

After a few moments, Ino regained her composure and covered her face in embarrassment. Jiryoku remained unfazed, his expression calm as ever. Without wasting any time, Jiryoku began walking away. Observing Jiryoku's departure, Ino couldn't help but ask, "Where are you going?"

"Ichiraku Ramen Shop," Jiryoku replied, continuing on his way.

"Wait, I'm coming too," Ino exclaimed, quickly following behind Jiryoku.

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