Graduation Application Approved!!

Before Hiko could speak, Teacher raised a hand to cut him off. Smiling at him, he said, "Your application was only rejected by Lord Hokage; it wasn't invalidated. Lord Hokage has informed me that your application has been approved. You'll take the exam with Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, alongside the Advanced Class students."

"However, what team you'll be assigned to isn't something I can decide. Everything has to be decided by Lord Hokage."

Teacher looked at Hiko, his tone carrying a trace of regret.

The standard team now consisted of three people, including one support ninja. Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya had originally been key subjects of observation, so they would most likely be assigned together.

That would leave Hiko as the odd one out, assigned to another team. Even with Hiko's talent and strength, if a student from the lower class was placed with Advanced Class students, he would inevitably be excluded.

Teacher wasn't worried about Hiko's ability to adapt. He was worried that if Hiko was placed with Advanced Class students and remained as indifferent as ever, conflicts would arise within the team.

How could a group of children who had only graduated after turning ten possibly compare to Hiko?

Teacher was more concerned that these Advanced Class children would let their pride get the better of them and pick on Hiko, only to get slapped across the face by him. Then, feeling humiliated, they would make the team discordant.

Hiko had no idea what Teacher was thinking. He inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he could graduate smoothly, that was enough. As for whether he would be assigned with Advanced Class students, Hiko wasn't worried about that.

What he had feared was that the Third Hokage would reject his application again and refuse to let him graduate early.

"Thank you, Teacher."

Hiko had seen all the kindness Teacher had shown him, but at this moment, all he could say was thank you.

"Hahaha... Go on, kid. Once you pass the assessment and become real ninjas, I'll be proud too. When the time comes, I'll treat you to barbecue!!"

Teacher stood and walked over to Hiko, laughing as he patted Hiko on the shoulder. He told him not to feel any pressure, that this was simply what a teacher should do, and promised to treat them to barbecue as long as they passed the assessment.

"Mm."

Hiko nodded with a smile. "I'm sure Jiraiya and Tsunade will be thrilled when they hear."

When it came to food, Hiko was rather greedy, and Tsunade and Jiraiya were about the same. Only Orochimaru had no interest in any of it. As long as he didn't go hungry, that was enough. The only thing Orochimaru cared about was his own interests.

Reading and learning Ninjutsu—no matter what kind of Ninjutsu it was, or whether it was advanced Ninjutsu, as long as it existed, it could draw Orochimaru's attention. Books and scrolls appealed to Orochimaru far more than delicious food.

"Hahaha, definitely. Go get ready. The news will come tomorrow. Don't come to class for the next few days. Prepare properly."

Teacher laughed with satisfaction. Just imagining Jiraiya and Tsunade looking like a pair of foodies made him want to laugh.

Of course, Jiraiya would ask for some alcohol too!

"Mm."

Hiko turned and left the office. Not having to attend class for the next few days couldn't have been better. He could finally get some rest. Since coming to the Hokage World over half a year ago, Hiko had spent most of his time training for strength and had rarely had time to rest. Relaxing for a while wasn't bad. As for the assessment, Hiko had never worried about it.

"Is it... grabbing bells?"

Thinking of Konoha's graduation assessment, Hiko's lips curled upward slightly.

To cultivate coordination and trust between ninjas, this had always been emphasized from their days at the academy. Even graduation assessments and future missions were no exception.

Unfortunately, no matter how good the coordination and trust were, they would lose all meaning as the gap in strength widened.

"How did it go!!!"

Tsunade and Jiraiya, who had come to the academy with Hiko, were waiting in the hallway. The moment they saw Hiko emerge from the office, they immediately rushed over.

His application had been approved, and Hiko was in a good mood. He was finally going to leave this Ninja Academy, which was basically a nursery, and begin stepping into the world!!!

To witness the cruelty between ninjas.

And, of course, to take his first step toward becoming strong.

"Lord Hokage has approved it. I'll take the assessment with you, but what team I'll be assigned to is unknown. Everything has to be decided by Lord Hokage."