Graduation Means Immediate Deployment to a Busy Battlefield

With a deep breath, Yoshino Shoda announced in a booming voice, "Due to the escalating war, by the Hokage's decree, students in the fourth, fifth, and sixth years of the Ninja Academy will graduate early!"

The classroom erupted like a bomb. Students jumped up excitedly, their cheers and discussions creating a cacophony.

Some waved their fists in excitement, others stared with disbelief, and some embraced each other in their joy.

"Quiet! Quiet!" Yoshino Shoda raised his voice, trying to restore order. Once the noise subsided slightly, he continued, "I know you're all excited, but this early graduation also means greater responsibility. The battlefield is no game; a single mistake can cost a life. I hope you all take this seriously, remain vigilant at all times, protect yourselves on the battlefield, and protect your comrades!" He lectured like a doting father, his tone filled with concern.

However, the students were already lost in the joy of early graduation and paid no heed to his words.

They dreamed of becoming independent ninjas, achieving great deeds, and making a name for themselves.

Hayate Gekko, sitting in a corner, frowned, his face etched with worry.

He murmured, "War... early graduation... are we really ready?" He recalled how many classmates had performed poorly in practical combat classes. Such skill levels on the battlefield would likely only lead to sending their lives away in vain.

Haotian gently patted his shoulder and comforted him, "Don't worry, Hayate. We'll be assigned to Three-Man Squads, led by a Jonin to carry out missions. Konoha's ninja squad system is very well-established; it can maximize each person's strengths and compensate for their weaknesses. We'll be fine."

Hayate Gekko still looked worried. "But..."

"Trust me," Haotian smiled confidently, "we will all survive."

Yoshino Shoda raised his voice again, "Now, I announce..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over every student in the classroom, and slowly began, "The Three-Man Squad roster..."

Yoshino Shoda adjusted his glasses, a flash of light glinting off the lenses. "First Squad: Hayate Gekko, Morino Iruki, Kamiya Yuuto, led by Jonin, Ebisu." The students whose names were called rose one after another, their faces beaming with excitement.

Some cheered wildly, while others excitedly high-fived their teammates.

"Second Squad: Yamashiro Aoba, Shiranui Genma, Yamanaka Ino, led by Jonin, Yuuhi Kurenai." The atmosphere in the classroom grew tense. Some students, whose names had not yet been called, began to fidget restlessly in their seats, their fingers tapping unconsciously on the desks.

"Third Squad: Uchiha Mei, Shiranui Haotian..." Yoshino Shoda paused. The classroom fell silent, all eyes focused on him.

"Due to the number of students, the Third Squad still needs one more member and a leading Jonin." Uchiha Mei crossed her arms, her expression stern. Haotian clenched his fists, his knuckles turning slightly white.

Some looked at them with envy, while others whispered, speculating who their teammate and Jonin would be.

Just then, the classroom door opened, and a tall ninja wearing sunglasses and a black form-fitting suit walked in.

He exuded a calm yet powerful aura, making it difficult for anyone to look directly at him.

"Aburame Shimbi." Yoshino Shoda nodded to the newcomer, acknowledging his presence.

"Uchiha Mei, Shiranui Haotian, follow me." Aburame Shimbi's voice was deep and hoarse, like the grinding of sand, sending a chill down their spines.

He turned and walked out without a moment's hesitation.

Mei and Haotian quickly rose and followed him.

Along the way, Aburame Shimbi remained silent, merely observing the two behind him.

He noticed Mei's steps were light and steady, her gaze sharp and full of confidence. Haotian, on the other hand, seemed a bit reserved, his eyes darting, as if deep in thought.

The three arrived at a secluded training ground.

Tall trees formed a canopy, dividing the sunlight into dappled spots that fell upon the training ground.

The air was filled with the fragrance of earth and grass, occasionally mingled with a faint scent of blood.

"This will be where you train for the foreseeable future," Aburame Shimbi stopped and turned around. His eyes behind the sunglasses were as sharp as a hawk's. "On the battlefield, only absolute strength can guarantee your survival. I expect you to take the upcoming training seriously and not disappoint me."

"Yes!" Mei and Haotian replied in unison, their voices filled with determination.

Suddenly, a figure burst from the trees, accompanied by a deafening roar: "Youth! Burn!" Might Guy struck an exaggerated pose, his dark green bodysuit accentuating his well-developed muscles. His thick eyebrows seemed to fly towards his hairline, and he grinned, revealing a mouth full of gleaming teeth.

"Youth! Burn!" he roared, as if releasing all the energy in his body.

The sound waves made the leaves rustle, and the air filled with a strong smell of sweat, mixed with an unknown herbal scent, causing Uchiha Mei to frown involuntarily. Her delicate nose twitched slightly, like a kitten catching a strange odor.