To prepare for the Dragon Blood's sudden and overwhelming effects,
Yayoi had even created a batch of Uzumaki Gene Fluid.
The Uzumaki Clan were distant relatives of the Senju Clan, and their genes were remarkably similar. Even the special gene sequences buried deep within their cells bore a striking resemblance to the Senju genes Yayoi had studied.
However, differences in their structures did exist. Those differences defined the two clans; otherwise, the Uzumaki would have changed their name to Senju long ago.
With his experience making Uchiha Gene Fluid, he quickly produced a batch of Uzumaki Gene Fluid as a precaution.
If the Uchiha bloodline couldn't suppress the Dragon Blood, he would inject the Uzumaki Gene Fluid instead.
The year's efforts had clearly paid off in spades.
"Let's go."
After gathering the important documents in his room, Yayoi stepped outside. The first thing he saw was Yan's gentle smile.
"Today's the graduation ceremony. We can't be late."
Yan took Yayoi's hand, opened the door, and led him toward the Ninja Academy.
It was the end of March.
This was the graduation ceremony for the sixth-year students, a day that belonged to their class.
The classroom, usually noisy and bustling, was now utterly silent.
None of the children present made a sound. They simply sat quietly in their seats.
Sixth year. Twelve years old.
In this world, where children matured early, they had already grown up. Besides, everyone in this class was an elite.
They knew that what came next would determine their fate—especially whether they lived or died.
Of course, not everyone was worried.
Some had simply been swept up in the solemn atmosphere and fallen quiet without thinking. The smiles on their faces made it clear they didn't understand the cruelty of war.
Footsteps sounded in the corridor, and Teacher Utsugi walked into the classroom.
Looking at the familiar room and his students, he seemed proud of them, yet a little sad.
He wondered how many of these students would survive, and how many would die on the battlefield.
"I'm here to announce the team assignments issued by the Hokage."
At once, Yayoi noticed several students straighten up without thinking.
"Team One: Hyuga Raikou, Ginkawa Shuichi, and Kimura Hasugi. Their Jonin instructor will be Igawa Keimei."
When Yayoi heard Hyuga Raikou's name, he saw him relax at the news that they'd have a Jonin instructor.
That was only natural. Jonin were a scarce resource, all the more precious when the battlefield was claiming so many lives.
Konoha had already been at war with Sunagakure for two years.
Leaving aside supplies and the losses among Genin and Chunin, the number of Ninja had already fallen by thirty percent.
And Jonin, the village's high-level combat force, were even more valuable. Teams that might once have been assigned a Jonin leader could now only expect a Chunin.
Besides, with a Jonin leading a team, its members had a much better chance of surviving an encounter with danger.
The teacher continued calling out names and assigning Jonin instructors. Some students looked heartbroken, some were downcast, and others struggled to contain their excitement.
Then he called Yayoi's name.
"Team Ten: Uesugi Yayoi, Uchiha Yan, and Hyuga Rin."
Hearing that the three of them had been assigned to the same team, Rin's eyes lit with delight, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly.
The gesture was so subtle that no one else noticed.
"This is unexpected. I wonder who our Jonin leader will be."
"Your Jonin leader will be Hatake Sakumo."
When Teacher Utsugi read the name, his eyes widened in disbelief.
Some people might not recognize Hatake Sakumo's name, but Konoha White Fang was widely regarded as the strongest person beneath the Hokage.
That name carried enormous weight.
With his White Fang blade, he had struck such fear into the enemy that they trembled at the mere mention of him.
No one had expected him to lead a few youngsters this year.
"Congratulations! Starting today, you're Genin!"
At Teacher Suzuki's congratulations, thunderous applause and cheers erupted through the room.
Yayoi, of course, thought they were noisy.
Having Hatake Sakumo as their Jonin instructor was good news for ordinary Ninja, even for those from the major clans. For their team, though, it was a mixed blessing.
The upside was that Hatake Sakumo was a master swordsman. Both Yan and Rin could learn from him.
Here, swordsmanship and kenjutsu went hand in hand, and he was Konoha's greatest master of the blade.
There was no question about his skill. His swordsmanship had been forged in the blood of his enemies.
Yayoi himself could also learn a great deal about combat and Ninja techniques from him.
The downside was that if they ever found themselves unable to win a mission, the three of them would have a hard time escaping.
Konoha was short on fighting strength. It couldn't leave a strategic asset like Hatake Sakumo at home.
And if they followed Hatake Sakumo, they would certainly be sent on dangerous missions too.
If they happened to face a pair of Kage-level fighters or get surrounded by a force of Ninja, then even with the three of them being as strong as Jonin, they wouldn't be able to escape.
Yayoi might be able to break through and flee if he went all out, but even then, there was a high chance they'd be surrounded and killed.
Ninja techniques were endlessly varied. One technique designed to counter them would be enough to finish them off.
All in all, the assignment came with both risks and rewards.
The advantage was that they would grow faster. The disadvantage was that they might die without even leaving a body behind.
Still, their team was very well balanced.
Yayoi was a medical Ninja, while Yan was a traditional Uchiha, skilled in Ninja techniques and Genjutsu.
Rin's Byakugan gave her the ability to scout over great distances. She was also an assassin with Twin Swords, whose abilities Yayoi had enhanced.
She could wield both blades, activate the Heaven-Returning Sword Dance, and mow down the enemy.
With Yan's Genjutsu and Ninja techniques supporting her, Rin could quickly dominate the battlefield and cut down her opponents.
If even their whole team couldn't overcome an enemy, then it would probably have to be someone at Kage Level.
At that point, all they could do was hope for a show from Hatake Sakumo.
And since they'd been assigned a strategic Ninja like Hatake Sakumo, Yayoi suspected someone might have pulled strings behind the scenes.
It might have been his teacher, Tsunade, or the Hokage, who had considered his abilities and wanted to make the best use of him.
"It's so lucky that I got assigned to the same team as you, Yayoi-kun."
Yan applauded along with the other students, but her eyes stayed on Yayoi.
"Hadn't you already heard the news?"
"But hearing a little news isn't the same as hearing the teacher announce it."
Yan was as gentle as ever.
"The team's first meeting is tomorrow. We don't have classes this afternoon, so let's celebrate. I'll treat you to a meal," Yayoi suggested.
Over the years, he'd never had a chance to spend his own money. Now seemed like a good time to celebrate the formation of their team.
"Yeah, I agree." Yan raised her fair little hand.
"What about you, Rin?" Yayoi asked, looking at her.
"I'm not going today. After graduation, I have to return to my clan to have the Caged Bird seal placed on me."
Rin wasn't sad. She spoke as if she weren't the one about to have the Caged Bird seal placed on her. The grim duty born of the Branch Family's tragedy didn't seem to move her.
In an utterly calm voice, Rin described the miserable fate that awaited her.
She felt no resentment or unease, because she knew he would save her.
It was their bargain, and their promise.
Rin looked at Yayoi, her pure white eyes filled with trust and relief.
Thanks to Shouchi Jifeng Taqianxing for the vote.
Thanks to Liushi Fanghuanian for the two votes.
Thanks to Dadao Linghuang for the two votes.
Thanks to Book Friend 20180820161910013 for the vote.
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