Chapter 6 Graduation Award Options
Graduation Exam at the Ninja Academy
The difficulty level of exams in peaceful times
Not exactly something that requires much effort.
After arriving at the school and receiving his exam number, Sasuke quietly waited for the exam to begin.
Although it was called a graduation exam, it was actually just a simple evaluation.
It consisted of performing the three basic jutsu, kunai throwing, and checking fundamental abilities like stamina and speed.
As long as you met the minimum requirements, you passed and graduated.
This kind of exam posed no difficulty whatsoever.
However, today, our "Child of Destiny," Uzumaki Naruto, somehow managed to fail the test,
becoming the only person who didn't graduate.
Sitting in the classroom waiting for his turn, Sasuke noticed Naruto sitting ahead of him.
Naruto looked unusually energized, as if he had been injected with adrenaline.
Sensing Sasuke's gaze, Naruto turned to look in his direction.
Sasuke quickly averted his eyes and pretended to rest with them closed.
Although it wasn't yet time for the infamous first kiss scene during team assignments,
Sasuke had no intention of reenacting it prematurely with this goofball, Naruto.
Noticing Sasuke sitting motionless in his seat, eyes closed, trying to "play it cool," Naruto frowned in irritation.
His displeasure was simple to understand Sakura, sitting nearby, was staring at Sasuke with starry-eyed admiration.
And it wasn't just Sakura; Ino and several other girls were also smitten, quietly whispering among themselves:
- "Doesn't Sasuke-kun look a bit different today?"
- "Yeah, he seems even more handsome than before!"
- "And his expression doesn't look as cold as it usually does!"
- "Really? I think Sasuke-kun still gives off that untouchable vibe!"
Hearing their words, Sasuke was somewhat surprised.
From his perspective, nothing about his appearance had changed.
Yet somehow, these girls had picked up on subtle differences.
Could it really be attributed to the famed sixth sense of women?
Sigh. Best not to draw any more attention.
The truth was that the current Sasuke and the old Sasuke were worlds apart internally.
Even if his appearance remained unchanged and his clothing the same,
a person's mental state could still reveal itself especially through their eyes.
Thankfully, today was the graduation exam.
Although Sasuke was hard to ignore, the main focus was still on passing the test.
As the exam progressed, the number of students in the classroom steadily dwindled.
Before long, it was Sasuke's turn.
---
A Simple Test
The kunai-throwing portion was a breeze.
Sasuke's precision and fluid movements even caused the instructor recording scores to pause in surprise.
"It's only been a few days, but it seems like the Uchiha kid has gotten stronger again!"
"His throwing technique is sharper, and the speed of his kunai has clearly improved!"
"Pass!"
Of course, it was just kunai-throwing nothing to be overly impressed about.
The next test evaluated stamina and speed.
For a ninja, having physical endurance comparable to that of an ordinary person was unacceptable.
As expected, Sasuke passed the speed test flawlessly.
The stamina test also went smoothly, with no setbacks.
In the jutsu evaluation, Sasuke's execution of the Clone Jutsu was similarly clean and precise.
---
Walking out of the academy, Sasuke already had his forehead protector in hand.
"This ninja exam was way too easy," he muttered, casually stuffing the forehead protector into his pocket as he prepared to leave.
At that moment, Sasuke noticed Naruto sitting under a tree on a swing near the school gates,
a look of loneliness etched on his face.
Naruto was the only student who hadn't graduated.
While Naruto's Clone Jutsu was abysmal, the boy wasn't completely without chakra.
Even someone like Rock Lee, who couldn't perform any ninjutsu, had managed to graduate.
Considering Naruto's background and his possession of chakra,
he should have been able to pass.
"Perhaps this is all just part of a staged act," Sasuke thought to himself but decided not to interfere.
The identity of the Uchiha clan already made him a sensitive figure in Konoha.
It was better to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Without giving the matter much thought, Sasuke turned and walked toward home.
---
As Naruto watched Sasuke's retreating figure, he couldn't help but notice something others missed.
Everyone else only saw Sasuke's aloof demeanor.
Even after passing the graduation exam, Sasuke didn't crack a smile, maintaining his unapproachable aura.
But Naruto noticed something different.
While other students celebrated with their friends or family,
Sasuke had no one to congratulate him.
Even after graduating, there was no one to say, "Well done."
---
Midway home, Sasuke came to a halt.
*[Congratulations, Host! You have successfully attained the rank of Genin.]*
*[Becoming a ninja is the first step toward godhood.]*
*[An encouragement reward is available. Please choose one of the following options:]*
*[1. Ninjutsu]*
*[2. Taijutsu]*
*[3. Chakra]*
Each option represented a different developmental path:
Ninjutsu encompassed techniques like elemental jutsu and genjutsu,
Taijutsu was the foundation of physical combat,
and Chakra could enhance aptitude or potential.
Ninjutsu or Taijutsu… or Chakra?
The three options gave Sasuke pause.
Currently, his weaknesses were in Taijutsu and Chakra.
Logically, he should choose one of these to address his shortcomings.
However, as a newly-minted Genin, still considered "weak" by the system,
it might make more sense to focus on his strongest area,
maximizing his combat potential as quickly as possible.
Other abilities could be developed gradually over time.
For now, prioritizing his greatest strength seemed like a sound strategy.
---
"I choose Ninjutsu!"
*[Are you sure you want to select Ninjutsu as your reward? Yes/No]*
"Yes!"
Once his decision was made, Sasuke had no regrets.
With his innate talent, improving in ninjutsu was his greatest strength.
By selecting this reward, he could significantly raise his potential.
*[Congratulations, Host! You have earned one opportunity to use the Ninjutsu Laboratory.]*
*[The Ninjutsu Laboratory assists the host in developing techniques. Based on the host's current strength and talent, the success rate varies for each technique. Please explore it yourself to learn more.]*
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