The Sons Had All Graduated

"Clone Technique"

Two identical Shuyuan stood in the center of the classroom, making it difficult to tell them apart.

"Excellent, Shuyuan- kun, congratulations on your graduation. Here's your Forehead Protector."

Looking at his most outstanding student, Iruka felt a mix of reluctance and relief. Teaching these geniuses was no easy task, and now he could finally relinquish that responsibility, though he couldn't help feeling a little lost.

Another female teacher next to her took one from a tray full of Forehead Protector and handed it to Shuyuan.

Mizuki, who should have been here, had his past misdeeds uncovered by Mizuki when he took Katsuki three years ago. He used his power in the Anbu to make an example of Mizuki and threw him into prison.

He didn't like having such a troublemaker on his turf.

He was sentenced to a full five years in prison, and more than three years have passed so far. He still has more than a year left before he gets out.

Shuyuan bowed respectfully to the two teachers before stepping forward to receive the Forehead Protector, which she held in her hands and examined.

Graduation posed no risk to him, but when he actually held the Forehead Protector in his hands, his breathing became rapid.

The so-called Forehead Protector is a metal plate sewn onto a cloth strip, engraved with the symbol of the Konoha, an abstract pattern that combines leaves and swirls.

Such a Forehead Protector is very inexpensive to produce, but it is a symbol of becoming a ninja.

After thinking it over, Shuyuan chose the most orthodox method: tying the Forehead Protector to her forehead.

After saying goodbye to her two teachers, Shuyuan was caught red-handed by Naruto, who was waiting there, as soon as she stepped out of the teaching building.

"Shuyuan, you're so slow! Hurry up and go to the school gate to take pictures. Dad, Mom, and Aunt are all waiting!"

At the school gate.

The students who successfully graduated smiled as brightly as the rising sun, and took photos with their fathers and mothers at the school gate.

As for the students who failed the graduation exam, the lucky ones simply left this place of sorrow in despair, while the unlucky ones were kicked and punched by their own fathers, crying for their parents in a miserable state.

"Shuyuan, congratulations on your graduation."

Kushina walked over and patted Shuyuan's head with a bright smile.

"Here, this is a gift for you to celebrate your graduation."

The box was beautifully packaged and felt quite heavy; it was probably one of the ninja tools.

"Thank you, Auntie!"

Shuyuan accepted all the gifts without hesitation, and soon she had to take out a storage scroll to temporarily seal the gifts inside.

Naruto did something similar.

Everyone was there today; Katsuki, Otome, Minato, and Kushina were all present, and even Otoha and Nawaki came to give gifts to the kids.

In addition, Kuyue and Kakashi also came to celebrate Shuyuan's graduation.

This impressive lineup is astonishing; half of Konoha's top leaders have come to the Ninja Academy.

Shuyuan saw Sasuke's parents, and Itachi was also there.

"Katsuki, do you know how the classes are divided?" Katsuki and Minato stood under the shade of a tree, resting and chatting.

After taking a few photos themselves, the two of them lost interest, and now it was Kushina and Otome dragging the little ones around taking pictures.

The third son of the Otoha Family also graduated, and the whole family was taking photos in high spirits when Nawaki came over to give a gift and then left quickly.

Kuyue, on the other hand, was quite energetic, accompanying Otome and Kushina as they acted as photographers, while Kakashi followed behind like a sycophant, helping to serve tea, water, and fetch things.

"How can we know so quickly? The list of graduates isn't even finished yet. Once this is done, we'll send it to the Lord Hokage. As for the specific class assignments, that will all depend on the Lord Hokage's decision."

Katsuki shrugged.

"What? Minato, are you worried about Naruto?"

"Yes!" Minato didn't deny it, frankly expressing his worries, "Naruto is too impulsive. If no one restrains him, he'll inevitably put himself in dangerous situations."

Naruto's personality can be described as commendable courage, or as reckless and impulsive.

Having courage is not a bad thing. In the cruel and bloody crucible of the Shinobi World, there is no room for retreat. Unless you spend your whole life hiding in the village as an office worker, you can only move forward bravely.

However, excessive courage can be a headache. Naruto is just too bold; no matter who his opponent is, he dares to throw a punch.

"Well... Naruto and my sister have the same temperament!" Katsuki laughed, noticing the lingering worry in Minato's eyes. After a moment's thought, she said, "Minato, there's no need to worry too much about Naruto. Although he can be a bit reckless at times, he's definitely not stupid. That kid... is quite talented."

"Inner beauty? Katsuki, I never knew you could be so comforting." Minato chuckled softly.

"I'm not kidding you. You've been busy with Root matters and haven't paid much attention to Naruto, but I've been watching Naruto and Shuyuan Tenten at the Ninja Academy!"

Katsuki narrowed her eyes, looking at Naruto shouting and yelling from the top of the wall, and chuckled. "Naruto is quick-witted, and his ideas are truly imaginative and unconventional. When he sparred with Shuyuan, he always came up with unexpected moves. Give him some time, and he will definitely be one of the pillars of the village in the future."

Minato paused, then looked at his son who was being scolded by Kushina, who was pulling his ear.

He diligently taught Naruto, discerning Naruto strengths and weaknesses and choosing the most appropriate methods to guide him. However, his busy work schedule left him little time to witness Naruto's growth, and coupled with his sense of responsibility as a father, he inevitably became somewhat blinded by his own involvement.

"And another thing is that class assignments are supposed to be balanced. Naruto's strength means there are only two or three people who can team up with him. I really don't know what you're worried about! My sister isn't even worried!"

Katsuki her eyes at Minato.

The latter was taken aback upon hearing this, stared at his wife who was arguing with their son for a moment, then shook his head and burst into laughter.

It's true what they say, those involved are often blinded by their own perspective!

The Ninja Academy was bustling with activity. Inside the Hokage Building, Orochimaru, clutching the roster delivered by Nishiki, began his brain-racking work.

This year's batch of graduates is difficult to handle! The students from previous years weren't worth his time; he could arrange for one or two geniuses, and leave the rest to Rope Nawaki and his secretaries.

But this year is different.

There are a lot of geniuses this year, and they all seem to have connections to the powerful figures in the village. If this isn't handled properly, it could cause a lot of trouble.

"What a mess... such a mess."

Orochimaru grumbled and cursed, circling and drawing with his red pen. No matter how difficult it was, he had to find a solution; he wasn't one to back down from challenges.

"Who should I choose to mentor Jonin?"

Orochimaru took out a stack of file folders from the drawer; each file represented a candidate Jonin.

Given the troublesome nature of this year's graduates, Orochimaru had begun preparations well in advance, but when the time came, he still couldn't help but feel a headache.

"Asuma Sarutobi... Kurenai Yuhi Uchiha Shisui..."

Opening the file folder, Orochimaru carefully flipped through the records, Orochimaru fingers tracing the young face in the photograph. A plan slowly formed in his mind. (To be continued)