331-335

*Chapter 331: The Calm Graduation Exam*

The graduation exam at the Ninja Academy wasn’t difficult—in fact, it was almost too easy. The content of the exam wasn’t a secret either; it was one of the three basic jutsu techniques: the Clone Technique, the Transformation Technique, or the Substitution Technique. The exam would randomly select one of these as the test.

The exam content was completely public.

Yet, even with such transparency, many students still failed the exam each year.

Difficulty, after all, is always relative.

For students from civilian backgrounds, without any ninja relatives, the academy was their only source of knowledge about ninja techniques. If they didn’t work hard during their time there… passing the exam wouldn’t be so easy.

The exam process was simple, too:

Each student’s name was called in order, and they went to the examination room one by one. If they passed, they’d receive a forehead protector on the spot, and the next day they’d return to school to find out who their teammates and supervising ninja would be. Once they passed their supervising ninja’s assessment, they’d officially become a Leaf Genin.

“Listen up! This year’s graduation exam will be the Clone Technique. Go to the next classroom in order when your name is called.”

At the podium,

Instructor Iruka repeated the exam instructions, emphasizing the rules.

He wasn’t worried his students wouldn’t pass; rather, he was concerned these geniuses might cause some unpredictable chaos. Geniuses, after all, often have peculiar personalities, doing things their own way and frequently causing surprises. Iruka had experienced this enough to know that teaching a group of geniuses was both a point of pride and an exhausting endeavor.

He glanced at the list in his hands and called out:

“First up, Shikamaru Nara!”

“Huh? I’m first? Well, that’s fine. The sooner I finish, the sooner I can rest.”

The pineapple-haired boy yawned, looking lazy, as if he hadn’t gotten enough sleep. He didn’t mind being called first; in fact, he was glad it meant he could finish sooner without having to keep an eye out for his turn, letting him relax.

He walked to the next room with Iruka.

As Iruka disappeared through the door, Ino Yamanaka, sitting in the second row, turned and whispered, “Fujika, Fujika, got any info?” It wasn’t just her; the other students around also looked over, focusing their attention on the Hokage’s sister.

Sakura Haruno was among them.

She knew exactly what “info” they were talking about.

Two days ago, Ino, through unknown means, had claimed to have gotten intel about the team assignments and supervising ninja for their graduating class. Naturally, a lot of students were curious about their future teammates and mentors, and so—

The critical task of obtaining the team assignment fell to the Hokage’s sister.

Sneak a peek at the team assignment list.

“I don’t know!”

Fujika pouted.

“I searched my brother’s office, but I couldn’t find any list like that. Ino, are you sure there’s really such a list? The graduation exam isn’t even over yet, so how could there be a team assignment list?” The girl questioned Ino’s intel.

“It’s absolutely real,”

the blonde, ponytailed girl insisted confidently.

“Then where’d you get this info?”

“The other day, while practicing my Mind Transfer Jutsu, I controlled a pigeon and overheard my dad chatting with Shikaku. They said the Hokage had already arranged our supervising Jonin, but before I could catch who it was, I was discovered.”

“But I searched my brother’s office and bedroom and couldn’t find any list!”

Fujika didn’t think Ino was lying, but she was telling the truth, too!

“Maybe, Fujika, your plans were discovered by your sensei long ago.”

Yakumo, who’d been listening for a while, interjected. “Fujika, stirring things up at home is one thing, but sneaking into your sensei’s office? After today’s exam, you’d better be careful when you get home. This time, no one might be able to speak up for you; your sensei is the Hokage now, and there are tons of secret documents in his office.”

While saying this,

she thought to herself that Fujika likely hadn’t even sneaked into the office. With her sensei’s genjutsu skills, Fujika had probably only stood at the door for a bit before heading home without realizing it, though she wouldn’t say this aloud.

It might do Fujika some good to be a little scared.

This girl’s courage was growing by the day.

“Really?

Fujika’s eyes went wide. “I didn’t see anything! Honestly, I was just looking for our team list and didn’t pay attention to anything else!” Hearing this, Yakumo became more certain Fujika had been tricked by a genjutsu.

“As for the teams, Ino, you’re definitely with Shikamaru and Choji.”

Hibari joined in.

“The Ino-Shika-Cho trio of the Leaf Village is famous even in the ninja world, and we’ve got you, Shikamaru, and Choji in our class. It’d be weird if you weren’t put together!”

Hibari’s reasoning was solid, and the others around nodded in agreement. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio was a well-known tradition.

“…”

Ino looked crestfallen.

She pouted.

Glancing at Choji Akimichi nearby, happily munching on chips, then at Sasuke by the window talking quietly with Naruto, her frustration grew even more. The difference was… staggering.

Sakura didn’t join in on the chatter. She listened while mulling over what had happened that morning. When she’d left her house, she encountered an Anbu wearing a mask. As she hesitated over whether to call for her parents, the Anbu told her that if she wanted to go to the Hidden Mist embassy, she could do so without worry.

Then,

the Anbu had disappeared.

But, despite the reassurance, she was still a little anxious.

The top-performing girl in her academic classes could vaguely sense the underlying issues behind this matter. Interacting with ninjas from other villages... could easily lead to being considered a spy, and the fate of spies was something every student at the ninja academy understood. The most crucial part of their cultural education was instilling a sense of loyalty to the village.

Even though the Anbu member said what he did that morning, it couldn’t completely dispel her unease. However, she didn’t regret her contact with her senior. If it hadn’t been for his guidance, she might never have had the chance to learn such a unique ninjutsu in her lifetime. The "Art of Foam" wasn't just a single technique but a series that included many applications. Even she could understand its value.

If this technique were in Konoha,

it might very well give rise to a new clan.

It was certainly not something a small clan ninja like herself—who was not much different from a civilian ninja—could access. Her parents were the kind of middle-ranking ninjas who had earned their positions through seniority and accomplishments, and they only knew basic C-rank ninjutsu. They couldn't offer her much meaningful help.

If she wanted to be as dazzling as Fujika, Yakumo, and Ino...

In her view,

the senior’s guidance was perhaps the only opportunity for her to stand on equal footing with Fujika and the others. Even if she had known from the start that he was a Mist ninja, she would not have given up such a chance.

The changes brought about by Shūgen were pervasive.

For example, Naruto didn't have a crush on Sakura, but he and Sasuke had become best buddies. Meanwhile, Sakura and Ino didn’t fall for Sasuke's looks, even though Sasuke was still as unsmiling as ever. But he wasn’t the brooding boy burdened with deep-seated hatred; not smiling didn’t mean he couldn’t smile. If you were lucky, seeing Sasuke smile wasn’t something to be surprised about.

Haruno Sakura, Yamanaka Ino, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Fujika, Kurama Yakumo, and Tsuchigumo Hotaru formed a group among the girls in the class. Although not strictly separate from the boys, they mostly did their own thing.

Haruno Sakura remained strong-willed as ever, but her attitude toward romance had shifted. She was more interested in standing alongside Yakumo and Fujika, appreciating the same scenery. Besides, if she wanted to turn her faint feelings for Sasuke into something real, she'd need the confidence to back it up.

Sasuke was, after all, one of the top geniuses in the class!

"Fujika, after the exam, can I come with you to visit Lord Hokage?" Sakura suddenly made a surprising request.

"Huh? Sakura, do you like my brother's type?"

"Huh?"

Sakura was taken aback by the question.

She quickly shook her head, exasperated. "Lord Hokage is an elder... Fujika, don't overthink it. I want to see Lord Hokage because of something else. So, is it okay or not?"

"Sure!"

It was Yakumo who answered for Fujika.

"If you want to see our master, you don’t necessarily have to go with troublemaker Fujika. You could ask me or Hotaru too. After the graduation exams, we can head straight to the Hokage's office. During the day, he’s always there, though honestly, he’s often working late in the office even at night!"

"Yakumo, how am I a troublemaker?"

Fujika protested in dissatisfaction.

"Alright, Fujika, calm down. If you keep acting up, the teacher has given me permission to discipline you! If you don’t want to be stuck in a genjutsu for two hours, you’d better behave." Yakumo shot a commanding glance at Fujika, making the latter shrink back slightly.

She muttered under her breath, “What’s the big deal? Just because I haven’t awakened the third tomoe yet? We’ll see once I do!”

Ignoring Fujika’s grumbling, Yakumo turned to the clearly preoccupied Sakura. "Sakura, don’t overthink things now. Focus on the exam. We’ll leave for the Hokage’s office as soon as it’s over."

"I understand."

Sakura bit her lip, a hint of a smile appearing on her face.

At that moment—

"Hey, Haruno Sakura."

A weak, resentful voice came from the classroom door. Nara Shikamaru stood there looking dejected, and even five meters away, his gloomy aura could be felt. The reason for this state was simple: Iruka and another proctor had drafted him to call students over for the exam.

For someone as lazy as Shikamaru, this was practically torture, so it wasn’t surprising he looked so miserable.

"Sakura, it's your turn. Hurry up! After you finish, wait for us outside the building."

Yakumo urged, sounding as if she had no concerns about Sakura failing.

"Got it!"

Sakura took a deep breath, stood up, and walked to the adjacent classroom, which had been converted into an exam room. One of the examiners was their homeroom teacher, Iruka, while the other was one of the instructors responsible for practical training. If anyone thought having the homeroom teacher evaluate his own students would lead to bias, they were overthinking it.

Don’t forget, the graduation exam wasn’t the only evaluation.

If a supervising ninja was dissatisfied, they could send a student back. If too many were sent back, the homeroom teacher would be investigated. Besides, being a ninja was a dangerous profession where lives were at risk; lowering the standards to let unqualified individuals pass would be harmful.

Passing the exam was effortless for Sakura.

With her chakra control skills, impressive enough to earn recognition from the senior, performing the Transformation Technique was a breeze. She passed the exam with ease, taking the Konoha forehead protector from Iruka's hands. Without the burden on her mind, she might have been excited enough to jump for joy.

But unfortunately,

the matter of the senior weighed heavily on her,

and she couldn’t muster any enthusiasm.

Standing under a tree outside the school building, Sakura waited for about half an hour before finally seeing Yakumo, Fujika, and Hotaru emerge. The three were inseparable, always sticking together. Yakumo walked over first, "Sorry, Sakura, for making you wait so long! I didn’t expect to be called almost last. I’m really sorry."

"It’s no big deal."

Sakura shook her head, indicating it didn’t bother her.

"By the way, Sakura, do you want to let your parents know about going to the Hokage’s office?"

As they exited the school gates,

they saw a crowd outside, full of anxious parents who were eagerly waiting for the results. While the graduation exam focused on the students, it also affected others, and the parents were just as nervous.

Although being a ninja was a high-risk profession,

in the shinobi world, particularly in Konoha, it was undoubtedly a popular career. Even as a Genin, with some diligence and taking on extra missions, one could support a family. And if they managed to secure a position in one of the village departments, it was a dream come true for many.

So,

seeing the crowd, Yakumo instinctively asked.

"No need, my parents are working today and can’t come. What about your parents, Yakumo?"

"My father’s position makes it inconvenient for him to be here, and my mother isn’t in good health. I told her not to come. Also, becoming a ninja means we have to report to our master."

"Hurry up, Yakumo, Sakura!"

Fujika, already perched on top of the wall with Hotaru, waved energetically.

"..."

Yakumo sighed, exasperated.

This girl had way too much energy! Being the center of attention like this was really uncomfortable.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 332: "I Wonder if I Can Learn This?" 

Accompanying the privileged girls, they moved unhindered through the Hokage’s administrative building, bypassing every barrier without any prior appointments or notifications. They reached the Hokage’s office effortlessly. Just as Touka was about to push the door open, Yakumo struck her hand with a sharp hand chop, reprimanding her, “Have you forgotten the basic courtesy of knocking?” 

The thick, soundproof door muffled the conversations inside the Hokage’s office. The corridor was eerily silent, with only the four of them standing together, their shadows merging in the hallway.  

Haruno Sakura’s heartbeat raced slightly faster than usual. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm her nerves.  

Unlike the former Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who would often visit the Ninja Academy to passionately promote the Will of Fire, Rokudaime Hokage Sougen had no interest in such activities. Since his inauguration last year, he hadn’t set foot in the academy. Sakura’s only glimpse of him was during the Sixth Hokage’s inauguration ceremony, where she saw him from afar on the Hokage building rooftop, waving at the crowd below. 

Meeting the Hokage up close— 

This was definitely a first for her. 

“Sakura, relax. Master is very easy to talk to,” Yakumo reassured her, noticing that Sakura had calmed down slightly. Yakumo then knocked lightly on the door and announced, “Master, we’re coming in now!” 

With that, she pushed open the unlocked, ajar door. 

The spacious office was well-lit by the warm spring sunlight streaming through the large windows. The room wasn’t as mysterious or intimidating as Sakura had imagined. Inside were a desk, a sofa, and bookshelves. The sunlight emphasized the dignified and commanding presence of the Hokage seated behind his desk. 

On the sofa in the lounge area, another guest had already arrived before them. A member of the Uchiha clan greeted the newcomers with a stiff smile and a nod before refocusing on his ongoing conversation. 

“Inahoe, the decision is final and cannot be changed,” Sougen stated firmly. 

“But, Clan Leader, I…” 

“No ‘buts.’ This is an order.” 

Sougen cut him off without giving him room to argue further. “Inahoe, instead of wasting time here, focus on planning how to handle the task at hand. It’s not as challenging as you think. Trust me, you’ll adapt quickly. That’s all—dismissed.” 

With this dismissal, Uchiha Inahoe, though visibly displeased, dared not argue further. Swallowing his frustration and anxiety, he bowed and left the office, making way for the arriving girls.  

Once the door closed, Sougen looked at the group. “Have you finished your exams?” 

He had already sensed their presence the moment they entered the Hokage building, thanks to his enhanced perception from activating the Rinnegan. Although not as precise as the sensory techniques of the Yamanaka clan, covering the Hokage building was well within his capabilities. 

“Yes, we’re all done. Everyone in our class passed,” Yakumo replied confidently. As the third-to-last to be tested, she knew it was impossible for her classmates, especially Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto, to fail. 

“Good job,” Sougen said with a brief acknowledgment before shifting his gaze to Sakura. “Haruno Sakura, may I call you Sakura?” 

“Huh? Yes, of course, Hokage-sama. I, uh…” Overwhelmed with nerves, Sakura stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence. Her frustration made her eyes well up with tears.  

How embarrassing! This was utterly humiliating. 

“Sakura, take your time. There’s no rush,” Yakumo stepped forward to comfort her friend.  

Sougen, though surprised by Sakura’s intense reaction, quickly pieced together the reason for her visit. It must be about her desire to study under Foam. Clearly, she valued this opportunity even more than he had anticipated. 

To ease her nerves, Sougen decided to speak first. “The Anbu this morning was sent by me. I’m aware of your situation. Rest assured, your experiences and encounters pose no issues. If you wish to visit the Kirigakure Embassy in the future, feel free to do so.”  

He initially thought sending an Anbu to inform her would suffice, but apparently, he had underestimated the weight of the matter in her eyes.  

For him, this was no big deal. 

For her, however, it was a potential crisis with dire implications—perhaps even accusations of espionage. 

“Y-Yes, Hokage-sama,” Sakura managed to reply succinctly.  

With the Hokage’s public assurance in front of witnesses, Sakura felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Any fears about her interactions with Foam leading to accusations were now put to rest.  

“Huh? That’s it? Brother, what kind of cryptic conversation was that?” Touka widened her eyes, her gaze shifting between Sougen and Sakura. Finally, she settled on Sakura. “The Kirigakure Embassy? Sakura, do you have some connection to the Mist Village? No wonder you wanted to see my brother.” 

Touka, Sougen’s younger sister, was no simple-minded brute. Though her impulsive nature often outpaced her reasoning, she was both talented and clever.  

“Yes, the situation is… complicated,” Sakura admitted, not denying it but sensing this wasn’t the right place for detailed explanations.  

“Then let’s find another place to talk,” Touka suggested eagerly, her curiosity piqued.  

Yakumo sighed, exasperated but unwilling to intervene since Sakura seemed open to sharing.  

At that moment, another voice broke the conversation.  

“Yakumo, Touka, you two go ahead. I need to talk to Master about something.” Quiet until now, Suzumebachi Hotaru finally spoke up. “Set a meeting place. I won’t take long to join you.” 

The girls widened their eyes in astonishment. Even Sougen paused briefly before frowning slightly, already guessing the underlying reason. 

"…Well, let’s just enjoy ourselves today since it’s graduation! Let’s grab some dango to celebrate. It’s been ages since I’ve had their yokan, and I’ve been craving it a little," Touka said, quickly deciding on a meeting spot without asking what Ying wanted to say. 

And then— 

She darted to Sougen's desk, extending her right hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world, giving a slight beckoning motion. Her intent was crystal clear, and Sougen's wallet underwent an involuntary "slimming exercise." Triumphantly, the girls who had just looted the Sixth Hokage left the Hokage building as swiftly as they had arrived. 

"Ying, are you thinking about returning to Mount Katsuragi?" Sougen carefully observed his young apprentice. At twelve years old, she still carried traces of childish innocence, but compared to the little girl in his memories, she had already undergone a dramatic transformation. 

"I am, after all, a member of the Tsuchigumo clan," Ying replied softly. 

"Your clan?"  

Sougen raised an eyebrow. In the ninja world, the word clan carried significant weight. Even in the era where the five great ninja villages coexisted, the sense of belonging to one’s clan remained strong among ninjas. The unity of the Uchiha clan in Konoha, for example, was second to none, barring the occasional mavericks. Most Uchihas were incredibly cohesive. 

However, 

Clans also had their darker sides. 

The Tsuchigumo clan… Hmph. Small shrine, strong winds; shallow pond, too many frogs.  

"Has someone contacted you?" Sougen asked. 

"I haven’t met anyone, but they found Tonbei."  

Tonbei was Ying’s attendant.  

Although Ying regarded the elderly Tonbei—who had once served both her grandfather and father—as a family elder, Tonbei stubbornly insisted on considering himself Ying’s servant, unmoved by anyone’s attempts to dissuade him. 

"…Don’t overthink it. Even if returning to the Tsuchigumo clan is necessary, it’s not now. You’re just a fresh graduate from the Ninja Academy. What can you do for the clan at this stage? The Tsuchigumo clan lost the forbidden jutsu Fury Hair Heaven long ago and is no longer the honey that attracts countless insects. The clan isn’t struggling enough to need your help." 

"But, Master, I…"  

"Returning to Mount Katsuragi isn’t up for discussion until you become a jonin! Until then, don’t even think about it," Sougen stated firmly. 

Returning without sufficient self-defense abilities wouldn’t be wise. Not even the name of the Sixth Hokage could deter ambitious lunatics. The ninja world had never been short of fools who overestimated themselves. Sougen, in his first year as Hokage, had already survived six assassination attempts. 

Of course, 

The closest any assassin got was 25 meters before being caught by the Anbu. Most were discovered before they could even plan their attacks. 

While Sougen could handle these persistent threats, his disciple might not. As a responsible master, he didn’t want to hear tragic news too soon. 

For now, keeping Ying in Konoha was the safest choice.  

"Yes, Master, I understand," Ying replied, nodding obediently.  

Privately, she breathed a sigh of relief. To be honest, she had little attachment to her clan. Having lived with her grandfather in the depths of Mount Katsuragi since she was a child, she had almost no interaction with most of her clansmen. Any hesitation she felt was due to her grandfather’s deep love for the clan.  

Learning that her clan had reached out had caused her internal conflict. Now that Sougen had made the decision for her, she no longer needed to worry. 

"Good. Now go find Touka and Yakumo. Tell Touka not to go overboard—tomorrow you need to report to the academy to confirm your team assignments and meet your instructor ninja. Miss that, and I’ll make sure you repeat a year at the academy. Don’t count on me pulling strings for you," Sougen warned. 

However, the girl showed no fear. Instead, her eyes lit up with excitement. "Master, are the team assignments finalized? Touka said she couldn’t find anything, but I feel like something’s off." 

"That’s none of your business. Now get out and go play with Yakumo and the others. Stop disturbing my work."  

Waving her away, Sougen gestured for her to leave. His attempts to establish a stern image as a teacher had largely failed, mostly because Yakumo and Ying used to be so obedient that he couldn’t help but go easy on them. Touka, however, had kept him busy with her antics. By now, sternness was futile. 

"Are we really on the same team, Master? Is our instructor ninja someone amazing?" Ying’s questions were endless. 

Sougen, exasperated, finally stood up, opened a window, and raised his hand. The next moment, the girl, standing three meters away, suddenly lifted off the ground, as if grabbed by an invisible hand. Flailing helplessly, she was sent flying out the window, landing in the bushes below. 

"Huh?"  

Ying, now sprawled in the bushes, let out a surprised cry but realized she was unharmed—the bushes had cushioned her fall. Standing up unscathed, she furrowed her brows, pondering her master’s technique. She hadn’t figured out how she had been sent flying. Was this a new jutsu of his? It seemed impressive! Could she learn it? 

Hopefully, it wasn’t another Sharingan-based technique. Those were impossible to master!  

(End of Chapter) 

Chapter 333: Graduation and Team Assignments

The next day.

The classroom at the ninja academy was bustling with excitement.

Young boys and girls tied their Konoha headbands—symbols of their new status as ninja—wherever they fancied. Some wore them around their arms like armbands, others tied them around their necks like chokers, and a few even used them as belts. The creativity on display was a testament to their youthful imagination, something that older generations couldn’t quite match.

Of course, most students still stuck to the traditional method of wearing the headband on their foreheads.

"From this day forward, you are all..." Iruka stood on the podium, his heartfelt words encouraging the students. Thankfully, they were more patient than usual today. After all, no one wanted to miss the announcement of their team assignments. Skipping class today would be akin to declaring a desire to dominate the next graduating class instead.

However, patience didn’t necessarily mean obedience.

While Iruka spoke, many students were quietly chatting among themselves.

Iruka, not one for long-winded speeches, relied on the sincerity of his emotions rather than elaborate rhetoric. Though his speaking style was simple, it carried a powerful earnestness that often resonated with others. Unfortunately, this group of twelve-year-olds was more focused on dreaming of their bright futures as ninja to truly appreciate their teacher’s care and concern.

It would take time—and perhaps maturity—for them to realize how lucky they were to have such a dedicated teacher.

"Now, I will announce your team assignments. Listen carefully," Iruka said, raising the clipboard he’d been holding. Clearing his throat, he began reading the names. "First, Team One: Kurama Yakumo, Uchiha Touka, and Tsuchigumo Hotaru."

As he deliberately stretched each name for clarity, the classroom erupted in chatter.

"Ah! Yakumo, Hotaru! We're on the same team! We're still together!"

Touka excitedly threw her arms around the two girls sitting beside her, her gesture of draping an arm over each shoulder giving her the air of a bandit leader staking her claim.

"With Sensei pulling strings, this was bound to happen," Yakumo muttered, though she made no attempt to remove Touka’s arm. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, betraying her true feelings.

"Mm-hmm, Touka, I know you're excited, but could you be a little gentler? You're hurting my shoulder!" Hotaru complained, her protests as soft and ineffective as Yakumo's.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere among the boys in the back of the classroom was vastly different. Their collective groans and exclamations—"No way!", "What a waste!", and "This has to be a bad dream!"—created a cacophony of despair.

Iruka couldn’t help but sympathize.

The academy had long been home to a certain rumor: students assigned to the same team upon graduation often ended up as couples. This urban legend, passed down from one generation to the next, wasn’t entirely baseless. The close bonds formed during missions often blossomed into something more, leaving one unfortunate teammate as the "third wheel."

Though this rumor was of little interest to students under ten, those over ten—who had begun developing crushes and feelings for the opposite sex—were far more invested in it. Konoha’s relatively liberal culture, with bookstores openly displaying age-appropriate sections, only fueled their curiosity about the mysterious world of relationships.

Given that most teams comprised two boys and one girl, the assignment of Yakumo, Touka, and Hotaru—a trio of talented and beautiful girls—was seen as a monumental "waste" of potential romantic pairings. The boys' last shreds of hope were dashed, leaving the classroom’s mood to plummet dramatically. For a brief moment, Iruka thought he could see a dark, swirling aura of resentment in the back of the room, but he dismissed it as a trick of the light.

"Ahem! Settle down. Next is Team Two..."

One by one, Iruka read out the teams. Some students cheered, while others groaned, but on the whole, the process went smoothly. While not everyone was as thrilled as Touka and her friends, there were no outright protests.

"And now... Team Seven."

Iruka paused, glancing at a certain blond-haired boy before continuing. Taking a deep breath, he announced, "Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto... and Haruno Sakura." His gaze shifted to the pink-haired girl as he read her name, a flicker of doubt crossing his face.

To be honest, Iruka wasn’t entirely convinced by this combination. In his opinion, the best matches for Sasuke and Naruto—two prodigiously talented boys—were Yakumo, Hotaru, or even Shikamaru. These students had the potential to keep up with the two and complement their strengths. As for Touka, well, putting two Uchiha in one team seemed excessive.

While the idea of pairing weaker students with stronger ones had merit, it often led to frustration when the weaker teammates couldn’t keep up, ultimately fracturing the team. Such outcomes weren’t mere pessimistic conjecture—they had occurred in the past, sometimes with tragic consequences.

Still, Iruka had no choice but to trust the assignments. He could only hope this team would find its balance.

Often, it’s the weaker ones who push themselves too hard, leading to a bloodstained curtain falling on their story’s finale.

Iruka, the caring and considerate teacher, knew the details of every student he had ever taught like the back of his hand. He was particularly familiar with Haruno Sakura, a girl who excelled in academic studies but ranked average in practical training. Because he understood her situation well, he felt that assigning Sakura to a team with Sasuke and Naruto—two geniuses he himself couldn’t confidently beat—was an irresponsible decision.

Unfortunately,

he didn’t even have time to raise objections after receiving the grouping list this morning.

“Haruno Sakura…”

Sasuke, sitting by the window, instinctively turned his head, searching for the corresponding person. He saw the pink-haired girl with a surprised look on her face. The name did ring a bell; if he remembered correctly, she often hung out with Yakumo, Touka, and their little group.

As for the early days,

when Touka was ostracized by classmates simply for talking to Naruto—that was ancient history.

With age, class changes, and the shifting tides in the village, everything had undergone a complete transformation.

“Sakura? Her academic scores are really high!” Naruto commented casually. He was so close to Sasuke that they always sat together in class.

“But her practical training scores are just average.”

“So what? The fact that the two of us are in the same team is already awesome, isn’t it? Did you really think anyone like Yakumo would team up with us?”

“What about Shikamaru?”

Sasuke glanced at Nara Shikamaru, whose name hadn’t been called yet. But seeing Akimichi Chōji sitting beside him, he sighed. “I’m asking for too much. Naruto, you’re right; Haruno Sakura’s already a decent teammate.”

Scoring at the top in difficult academic exams—even if she wasn’t as brilliant as Shikamaru—meant she could at least contribute some ideas during missions in the future.

As Naruto and Sasuke whispered to each other,

Haruno Sakura’s mind was also in turmoil.

Teaming up with Sasuke and Naruto, the two geniuses of the class? It felt like a dream. In the ninja academy, even if you were first in academics, your rank didn’t carry as much weight as being tenth in practical training.

Sakura never expected to team up with someone like Sasuke or Naruto. After all, she had only been practicing the Bubble Technique under a senior’s guidance for a little over a month. That short amount of time hadn’t brought a dramatic improvement in her abilities. She believed she would eventually catch up to Yakumo and Touka through hard work.

But now,

she had been mentally prepared to team up with two other equally average classmates.

And yet,

she ended up winning what seemed like a lottery prize, whether a blessing or a curse.

Her emotions felt surreal.

“Team 7…” Sakura muttered softly. Pinching her thigh hard, she felt the sharp pain and realized this was no dream. Her feelings weren’t joy, but instead, an oppressive pressure, especially as she noticed Sasuke and Naruto looking at her.

From all around her came envious and jealous gazes. If looks could kill, she’d likely have been riddled with holes by now, pierced by the fiery stares of her female classmates.

Unfortunately,

she had no time to worry about those searing glances. The weight of potentially holding back Sasuke and Naruto bore down on her once again—a feeling she hadn’t experienced since discovering her mentor was a ninja from the Mist two days ago.

“Team 8: Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino, and Hyūga Hinata.”

This grouping wasn’t due to Sougen intentionally recreating something but more of an inevitable alignment. Hyūga Hiashi, Aburame Shibi, and Inuzuka Hana had already approached Sougen, ensuring their children would form a team together, even deciding on their jōnin instructor in advance.

Sougen had no objections.

His focus was on his sister and his own disciples. As long as his plans for them weren’t disrupted, he didn’t care how others managed their teams.

“Team 9…” Iruka announced loudly. “Team 10: Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chōji, and Yamanaka Ino.” Seeing these three names, he immediately thought of the renowned “Ino-Shika-Chō” trio—a name that preceded even the Legendary Sannin as Konoha’s most formidable combination.

In a class with the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans—especially their clan leaders’ children—it was inevitable they’d form a team upon graduation. This was an unchangeable fact.

Soon,

all the names in the class were called.

Sixty students had been split into twenty teams.

“...Ahem, the team assignments are now complete. Is there anyone whose name wasn’t called?” Iruka asked, glancing around. Seeing no hands raised, he continued, “Since there are no objections, we’ll now announce your jōnin instructors.”

He picked up another list.

“Team 1: Your jōnin instructor is Uchiha Chihaya,” Iruka announced.

Surprisingly,

the girls Yakumo, Touka, and Hotaru showed no signs of joy upon hearing this Uchiha’s name. Iruka was puzzled—weren’t all Uchihas supposed to know each other? From their expressions, it seemed Touka didn’t recognize Chihaya.

But according to rumors, Uchiha Chihaya was said to be one of the Hokage’s trusted subordinates, so how could she not know Touka, the Hokage’s sister?

Iruka wasn’t entirely wrong.

Touka and the others were indeed familiar with “Sister Chihaya”—and had received plenty of her scolding.

Back when their mentor brought them to the front lines against the Mist, Chihaya had overseen Touka’s training. The girls had suffered countless beatings under her guidance.

Even when Yakumo wasn’t at full health, she hadn’t escaped Chihaya’s harsh training.

Later, when Yakumo recovered, she, Touka, and Hotaru had trained under various instructors while their mentor remained busy. Among them, Chihaya had been the strictest, especially in teaching them Uchiha-style kenjutsu and taijutsu.

The girls frequently limped to the hospital in masks after her lessons, only taking them off once they looked presentable again.

“Team 2: Your jōnin instructor is…”

Unaware of the girls’ complex emotions, Iruka continued reading the list, working his way down to Team 7.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 334: Guiding Ninja, Confirmed!*

Uchiha Chisaya sat atop a wall, meticulously polishing her beloved blade, Kusanagi Sword: Vacuum Blade. Although this legendary weapon, untouched by time even after a thousand years, would never rust even if submerged in water for a century, Chisaya had long grown accustomed to this habit of cleaning it whenever she had a moment of idleness.

The blade's pristine edge reflected a cold, steely gleam.

The spring sunlight bouncing off the sword made Kakashi Hatake, who was walking toward her, instinctively squint his eyes.

"Senior Kakashi."

"Chisaya, you're here early!" Kakashi greeted her casually.

"I had nothing to do at home. If I practiced my swordsmanship, I might lose track of time, so I thought it best to come early and wait," Chisaya replied earnestly. Her serious demeanor made Kakashi feel a little uneasy, almost itchy under his skin.

He let out a couple of awkward chuckles before quickly changing the subject. "So, Chisaya, you're going to be a guiding ninja this year too?"

"Yes, I'll be in charge of Touka, Yakumo, and Hotaru. From now on, I'll be leading their missions."

"Ah, makes sense," Kakashi nodded knowingly.

Those three young kunoichi were well-known. One was the Hokage’s younger sister, and the other two were the Hokage's disciples. Naturally, someone dependable and trusted was needed to guide them, and Uchiha Chisaya was undoubtedly one of the Hokage's most reliable confidants.

"By the way, Senior Kakashi, you're early today! It doesn’t quite match your nickname, Always Late Kakashi."

Chisaya looked at him with curiosity.

"Always Late Kakashi" was one of Kakashi’s nicknames, just like "Cold-Blooded Kakashi." This particular moniker arose during his time in the Konoha-Kirigakure Joint Rogue Ninja Tracking Division, where his chronic lateness was so bad that his bonuses were docked into negative figures. Eventually, the nickname spread through the department like wildfire.

Incidentally, Chisaya, also a member of this division, had heard of the nickname herself.

Kakashi blinked and gave an awkward laugh. This was exactly why he had tried to steer the conversation away. He knew the straightforward Chisaya, with her sincere nature and lack of concern for saving face, would bring it up without hesitation.

Unfortunately, his tactic didn’t work. He still ended up feeling embarrassed.

Luckily, no one else was around.

"Ahem, since I'll be guiding students, it wouldn’t be right to keep showing up late," Kakashi cleared his throat, attempting to justify himself and correct his image.

"That makes sense," Chisaya nodded earnestly.

Kakashi was left speechless by her bluntness.

The conversation trailed off. Kakashi glanced at the sky. It was still early. He had left home around 8:30 AM, so it was probably only around 9 now. It seemed they would have to wait a while longer before meeting their prospective students.

Just then, another figure approached the ninja school wall.

The person wore the dark green vest of a jonin and an inner shirt bearing the Uchiha clan's iconic fan crest. It was another jonin from the Uchiha clan.

"Senior Inaho," Chisaya greeted. She remained perched on the wall, not bothering to move, merely curious about this clan member she wasn’t particularly familiar with. "Senior Inaho, are you also a guiding ninja this year?"

"...Yes. And I see you and Kakashi are in the same boat?"

"That's right."

"Indeed," Kakashi chimed in.

Uchiha Inaho was also someone Kakashi knew. The Uchiha clan had become much more active in Konoha, no longer confined to the Police Force. Inaho, known for his unique Four-Sword Style, was among the prominent members of the clan.

"Guiding ninja, huh..." Inaho sighed deeply. His voice sounded heavy, and his expression was equally solemn.

"This is my first time leading students... It’s a bit nerve-wracking," he admitted, clearly troubled. The task of guiding newly graduated genin was an assignment from the Hokage himself. Yet Inaho had little confidence in his ability to be a qualified mentor.

Compared to handling children, he felt it might be easier to face the Fourth Raikage in combat!

But alas, the Hokage's orders were absolute.

He dared not, and would not, disobey. Reluctantly, he had made his way here.

"If they don’t listen, just beat them," Chisaya suggested without hesitation.

"Uh... that’s a bit extreme, don’t you think? In the end, ensuring their safety during missions should be enough. As for the rest... I guess we can take it as it comes," Kakashi interjected.

He was reminded of his own teacher. Although he had never been a guiding ninja himself, he once was a student. Back then, following the death of his father, Kakashi had been a particularly difficult and closed-off child.

Thinking about his behavior in those days made him want to cover his face in embarrassment. Yet, at the same time, he cherished the warm, precious memories of that period.

But as Kakashi thought of what the Hokage had recently told him, a heavy feeling settled in his chest.

"Ensuring their safety, huh?" he murmured, lost in thought.

Uchiha Inoka nodded lightly, carefully considering Kakashi’s suggestion. As for Uchiha Chizuru’s input… it was enough to just listen and not take it too seriously. While Inoka wasn’t particularly skilled in navigating social complexities, compared to the famously straightforward Chizuru, Kakashi seemed far more reliable.

"Indeed! Safety. The kids we’re assigned to mentor shouldn’t require hand-holding. Ensuring their safety should be our top priority—and our baseline responsibility," Kakashi stated earnestly. He understood that not all mentors in the program were jōnin.

For this round, about 230 mentors were required.

Even for a major village like Konoha, it was impossible to assign so many jōnin exclusively as mentors.

The number of jōnin acting as mentors would depend on the quality of each graduating class. Most mentors would be special jōnin. While the gap between a special jōnin and a full-fledged jōnin seemed small, crossing that gap was an insurmountable barrier for many.

On average, only one in ten special jōnin would successfully advance to jōnin. This statistic included elite clans like the Uchiha and Hyūga. Excluding such clans, the success rate for smaller clans and civilian ninjas was much lower.

The reason the ninja world adhered to a bloodline-centric worldview had deep, practical foundations.

---

While the jōnin outside the academy discussed how to mentor their "kids," inside, those same "kids" were eagerly learning the names of their assigned mentors. Iruka read out the list class by class. When he reached Team 7, he announced the name: "Hatake Kakashi."

"Hatake Kakashi?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow. He had heard that name before.

His brother had mentioned Kakashi several times, and even his father acknowledged him. If Sasuke remembered correctly, Kakashi was the only non-Uchiha to possess a Sharingan legally. He had even been Itachi’s superior at one point—a strong individual his brother respected.

“Ah! Our mentor is Kakashi-nii-san?” Naruto exclaimed excitedly.

Due to Sōgen’s intervention, Naruto already knew his true heritage and had met Kakashi and Jiraiya in advance. With their guidance, the pain of his early childhood didn’t turn him into a bitter force against Konoha. Instead, his talents flourished, paving the way for a bright future. He was like a budding flower destined to add new beauty to Konoha’s garden.

Naruto’s familiarity with Kakashi stemmed from the latter’s role as the Fourth Hokage’s student. Kakashi treated Naruto like a younger brother, which earned him the affectionate title of "Kakashi-nii-san."

“Not bad!” Sasuke nodded, clearly satisfied. Having such a strong mentor was excellent fortune.

Sakura, however, was the only one in Team 7 unfamiliar with Kakashi’s reputation. Kakashi wasn’t as widely renowned as his father, the White Fang, and the village’s abundance of talent often overshadowed him. It didn’t help that many prominent figures, including the current Hokage and Uchiha Itachi, outshone him despite being younger.

“Hatake Kakashi…” Sakura repeated the name softly. She didn’t know its significance, but judging from Sasuke and Naruto’s reactions, their mentor was likely a formidable ninja.

"Next is Team 8, mentored by... Yūhi Kurenai," Iruka continued.

Team 8’s members reacted calmly. The shy Hinata practically shrank into her seat, wishing to disappear. Shino hid his emotions behind dark glasses and a high-collared jacket, while Kiba appeared unfazed, likely having heard some advance information.

Iruka didn’t comment on this, as such rules were universal. In the ninja world, strength naturally brought privilege.

Only a small fraction of graduates would be mentored directly by jōnin, a fact that everyone understood and accepted.

“Team 9…” Iruka’s tone stretched, drawing attention.

At this moment, Shikamaru, Ino, and Chōji perked up. Even Chōji stopped munching on chips, though his hand remained in the bag.

"Mentor: Uchiha Inoka."

Hearing the name, Ino and Chōji turned to Shikamaru, who sighed in relief. Noticing their gazes, he shrugged lazily, though his expression showed some helpless satisfaction.

“This is good,” Shikamaru remarked. After a pause, he added, “For us, this is an excellent mentor.”

The Ino–Shika–Chō trio traditionally served under the Sarutobi clan, a partnership symbolized by their earthen rings. However, with the decline of the Sarutobi clan following successive wars, their influence had waned.

Though some agreements still existed between their clans and the Uchiha, whether the Uchiha would honor these deals was uncertain. Fortunately, Shikamaru’s team was assigned an Uchiha mentor, indicating a continuation of their alliance.

Ino and Chōji didn’t grasp the political nuances but trusted Shikamaru’s judgment. Reassured by his usual nonchalance, they relaxed—Ino went to chat with Sakura, and Chōji resumed eating chips.

Meanwhile, Iruka continued announcing the remaining mentor assignments. After finishing, he addressed the students.

"Now that you know your mentors, if you have any questions, speak up."

When no one responded after five seconds, he nodded. “Good. Wait here quietly; your mentors will be here shortly.”

With that, Iruka left to submit the finalized lists, his duties far from over for the day.

*Chapter 335: A Trivial Conspiracy and the Jonin Test*

*Hidden Leaf Village.*

In an inn named Chitoseya.

"Creaaak!"

A young man, bent over a desk writing, looked up at the sound of the door opening. He saw a man with streaks of crimson red in his hair step in.

The young man asked, “Benten, how did it go? What did Tombi say? When is Tsuchigumo Hotaru returning to Katsuragi Mountain?”

“Boss, Tombi rejected my request,” Benten replied.

“Rejected? Why? Did he see through your disguise?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Then why?”

The young man, with short purple hair and pitch-black eyes, frowned deeply.

“Tombi said Lady Hotaru’s master doesn’t allow her to return to Katsuragi Mountain right now. He claims that Hotaru, as a mere genin, would serve no purpose back there. He’s only allowing her to return once she achieves the rank of jonin.”

As he said this, Benten gulped repeatedly, trying to suppress the fear rising in his chest.

After all, Tsuchigumo Hotaru’s master was none other than the Sixth Hokage!

And if their current schemes were exposed, the consequences... He didn’t even dare to imagine. Just thinking about it made him feel paralyzed with fear. If he couldn’t muster the courage to step out, his boss, Shirou, would surely deal with him personally.

“Damn it!”

This outcome had caught Shirou off guard. Was the Sixth Hokage really treating that blonde-haired girl as a genuine disciple? Shirou had assumed that the Hokage only took her in for the sake of the Tsuchigumo clan’s forbidden technique. After all, following Tombi’s assassination by Kazuma, the technique Rage Hair Heaven had been stolen. He thought Hotaru had lost her value, reduced to being an insignificant, invisible figure in the Hidden Leaf.

But now it seemed he had miscalculated.

The young man got up and began pacing the room.

“Boss, maybe we should try another approach...” Benten suggested cautiously.

Unfortunately—

“There’s no other way!” Shirou shot back. “The method to extract the Rage Hair Heaven technique was exclusively held by Tombi’s lineage. Although that old man is dead, his skills would’ve ensured that he left behind the knowledge. Katsuragi Mountain has already been searched thoroughly with no findings. The only possible place it could be is with Tsuchigumo Hotaru!”

“But this is the Hidden Leaf, Boss. If we make a move here...”

“Then we wait until Hotaru leaves the village.”

Ideally, they’d strike once Hotaru returned to Katsuragi Mountain. But since that wasn’t possible, they’d settle for a less optimal scenario. Shirou knew attacking within the Hidden Leaf was risky, and he wasn’t arrogant enough to think he could take on the entire village alone. However, once he obtained the Rage Hair Heaven technique, who knew what could happen? Dominating the ninja world might not be out of reach!

Clearing his throat, Shirou tempered his ambitions for now.

“According to the intelligence we’ve gathered, it won’t be long before Hotaru graduates from the ninja academy and becomes an official ninja. With the Leaf’s protocols, genin are almost always sent on missions, not stuck in offices.

“As soon as Hotaru leaves the village, we strike, secure the technique, and retreat. The Hidden Leaf won’t be able to stop us. Once we reclaim the stolen technique from Kazuma, what’s a little Leaf Village to us?”

Benten scratched his head nervously.

Was it really that simple?

Still, as long as they didn’t act within the village, it might not be too much of an issue.

In a shadowy corner of the room, neither of the two noticed a small, jet-black mouse crouching motionlessly. Equipped with a transmitter, it silently relayed their conversation word-for-word to a secret room not far from Chitoseya.

The masked members of the Anbu didn’t immediately storm the inn to apprehend the conspirators.

Instead, they documented the conversation and soon placed a detailed report on Sougen’s desk.

“Exposed identities? So, these people aren’t actually from the Tsuchigumo clan, huh?” Sougen skimmed the report, chuckling. “Interesting. Impersonating the Tsuchigumo clan to scam me? These folks have guts!”

After his earlier conversation with Hotaru, Sougen had instructed the Anbu to investigate.

His suspicion was that the Tsuchigumo clan might have hit hard times and used roundabout means to seek help from him as Hokage. But the Anbu tracked Benten to his accomplices and observed their suspicious behavior.

This led to the report now in Sougen’s hands.

“Need me to handle it?”

Shisui, seated in the guest area with a tea cup in hand, offered.

“No need.”

Sougen quickly declined. “A few petty thieves aren’t worth troubling the Anbu captain. For now, let your team keep them under surveillance. Once their identities are clear, send someone to Katsuragi Mountain. Even if they aren’t genuine emissaries of the Tsuchigumo clan, they’re likely connected somehow.”

“You’re planning to turn this into a test for your disciple?”

“Depends on the situation,” Sougen replied with a sly grin.

Sougen gave a vague answer.

"We’ll see when the time comes."

He repeated himself.

Perhaps he was overthinking it, but this matter... it might just have something to do with that Uchiha Obito guy. Back when Hiruko launched his attack, Yakumo, Naruto, and the others were ambushed. Even Homma, that sneaky rat, took aim at the young ninjas.

Unfortunately, they underestimated Yakumo and her team's abilities at first.

Later, reinforcements led by Uchiha Lanshan arrived, preventing Homma from succeeding. However, the incident served as a cautionary tale, and Sougen knew better than to let his guard down again.

Shisui didn’t bother wasting words. Since Sougen already had it under control, he didn’t need to intervene. After all, those were Sougen's students—his responsibility. Shisui had plenty of other tasks demanding his attention. Besides...

It seemed Sougen had grown even stronger.

---

In the shadows, conspiracies were brewing, while under the sun, the unknowing young girls were undergoing trials. Familiarity with their instructor didn’t grant them any privileges; if anything, it made things harder.

Even the composed Yakumo couldn’t muster a smile.

Looking at the familiar, striking face before them, their hearts felt as heavy as lead, making it hard to breathe.

Shortly after Iruka left the classroom, one instructor after another arrived to pick up their students. Uchiha Chihaya, Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Inoka, Kurenai Yuhi... one by one, the mentors made their appearances.

Team One left the Ninja Academy with Uchiha Chihaya. They made a turn and arrived at a nearby training ground. Whether it was pre-arranged or coincidental, the training ground was deserted when the four of them arrived.

"Self-introductions aren’t necessary," Uchiha Chihaya said coldly, standing before the girls. "You already know my personality. So let’s skip the chatter. Show me what you’ve learned over the past two years. If I’m not satisfied, I won’t hesitate to send you back to the Academy. That was the condition I agreed upon with the Hokage when I accepted this assignment."

"Now, come at me with everything you’ve got! If you’re not coming, I’ll attack instead."

She unleashed an intense bloodlust without any restraint.

Though it lacked true killing intent, the sheer aura honed from countless battles was enough to make an average genin freeze in fear.

But these girls weren’t ordinary genin. Having survived Hiruko’s attack on Konoha, they weren’t rookies unfamiliar with danger.

At most, their faces turned pale, but that didn’t stop them from moving.

"Touka, Hotaru," Yakumo called out.

Without needing detailed instructions, the trio moved in perfect sync.

It was simple. This was a battle.

Talking was pointless in front of Uchiha Chihaya. They had learned through countless bruising sessions that hesitation only invited worse punishment. The solution? Swing blades, throw punches, and fight with everything they had.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Fire Jutsu!"

"Binding Style: Wind!"

Touka and Hotaru’s combination left no room for error. Wind fed fire, amplifying the flames into head-sized fireballs. Nearly twenty blazing orbs covered a wide area in an impressive offensive display.

An attack like this could overwhelm most mid-level chunin.

But their opponent was Uchiha Chihaya—a top-tier jonin. And more importantly, she bore the Uchiha name. Playing with fire techniques in front of her was ambitious, if not naïve.

Chihaya drew her famed blade, *Grasscutter: True Vacuum Blade*, and swung.

The gust generated by her swing howled, scattering the approaching fireballs to the sides.

"Your teamwork has improved a lot!"

"But—"

As she spoke, Chihaya swung her blade again. A slicing wind blade surged toward the girls, narrowly missing them but slicing through stray strands of hair.

"It’s still not enough!"

Her words were firm and unyielding.

Chihaya looked at the trio with a hint of disappointment. "With your skills, you could easily pass the test with any other instructor. But unfortunately, I’m not one to cut corners. You don’t meet my—"

"Don’t write us off so quickly, Chihaya-sensei."

A calm voice interrupted her.

"Though we’ve never showcased our clan's kekkei genkai while training with you, we’re not so weak as to need to hold back against the Uchiha," Yakumo said.

Her voice reached Chihaya’s ears.

But something was off—Yakumo wasn’t speaking. She stood pale-faced, seemingly frozen in fear from Chihaya’s last strike.

"Genjutsu?"

Chihaya activated her Sharingan, her crimson eyes glowing with three tomoe.

Suddenly, the sensory world around her felt... surreal. The wind’s howl, the warmth of the air, the subtle floral scent—all were vividly real yet unmistakably fabricated.

"Five senses manipulation?" she murmured.

This was her first encounter with such a flawless genjutsu.

The sensation left her impressed, but she remained composed. Her Sharingan discerned the faint outline of the truth amidst the illusion.

"…You pass," Chihaya finally said. She sheathed her blade, conceding.

It wasn’t worth risking harm to the girls in an attempt to shatter their illusions. Forcing her to activate her Sharingan was proof enough of their competence.

"Really? We passed?" Yakumo asked cautiously.

"I don’t lie," Chihaya confirmed, her tone firm.

The girls erupted in cheers, relief and joy washing over them.

"Yakumo, your clan's kekkei genkai is incredible!" Touka exclaimed.

Yakumo and Hotaru instinctively glanced at Chihaya, fearing her reaction.

However, they underestimated her pride.

Chihaya wasn’t one to feel slighted by such comments. Instead, she acknowledged the truth: the Kurama clan’s kekkei genkai was indeed formidable, and Yakumo’s talent was undeniable.

But her pride as an Uchiha demanded more.

"This won’t do," Chihaya thought.

She needed to grow stronger. The path to unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan loomed tantalizingly close. Perhaps the barrier lay in her own overly controlled emotions.

"I must find a way to surpass this plateau," she resolved, her determination solidified.