"Shikamaru only got fourth? That's a little surprising. Then third place should be Shino Aburame, the 'Undefeated Legend' of Shippuden!
Still, it would make sense no matter which of the two took third or fourth."
Soji glanced at Shikamaru, who still looked lazy even after going onstage, then shook his head and muttered.
Soji thought highly of Shikamaru.
He was a classic superbrain!
The kind whose intelligence far surpassed his actual strength.
After fighting Hidan once, he had buried him alive in their second encounter. There weren't many people in the entire Ninja World capable of such a feat of defeating the strong while weak.
Anyone who underestimated Shikamaru because of that perpetually lazy expression on his face would definitely suffer for it in the end!
The original story had proven that time and again.
Looking at Shikamaru, who looked almost exactly like Shikaku Nara had as a child, Soji felt deeply moved.
It could be said that on graduation day, every student wore a smile. Only Shikamaru's expression looked no different from usual.
As expected of a little old man, huh?
Finally, after Shikamaru received his reward and stepped down, it was time for the most exciting top three!
After all, regardless of the rankings, the top three generally received different treatment from everyone else.
Moreover, word had long spread through the Ninja Academy that the top two spots had yet to be decided. Third place was currently the highest confirmed ranking!
Under everyone's expectant gazes, Itachi slowly announced the name of the third-ranked graduate.
Of course, quite a few people already knew that Naruto and Sasuke were the top two. By process of elimination, the identity of third place was obvious.
At this point, only three graduates had yet to have their names called.
Other than Naruto and