Graduation

The night passed without incident, and before long, dawn arrived the next day.

Today was the day their class graduated, and Kagura got up early to make himself breakfast.

What?

You want to know what ninjutsu he had drawn last night?

No rush. The answer would naturally be revealed in the coming chapters.

It had to be said that, as a resident of Konoha, Kagura was fortunate.

Because both his parents had died as ninja on the battlefield, he could receive a monthly living allowance as an orphan.

Though it was not much, it was enough to cover his daily needs.

Still maintaining his Huaxia dietary habits, he leisurely set off for school only after eating a bowl of Boiling Noodles he had made himself.

To celebrate the students' graduation, the Ninja Academy had also decorated its entrance with Ribbons and other ornaments today.

The graduation exam for Ninja Academy students had been completed a week earlier.

Unlike other schools, graduating from the Ninja Academy did not simply mean attending classes for a set number of years.

Only children who had achieved a certain level of proficiency in ninjutsu after training and had initially mastered the Three Body Technique

could graduate from the Ninja Academy and be granted the status of Genin.

Those who failed the exam either became Ordinary Persons or repeated a year at the Ninja Academy to continue studying.

Therefore, even among the Students graduating alongside Kagura and others, their ages varied.

Someone like Kagura, who graduated at the top of his class at only eight years old, had set a new record for the Ninja Academy.

Naturally, Kagura and the others did not need to attend class today. After arriving at school, everyone was gathered in the auditorium.

After listening to the speech of Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was about to become the Third Hokage, and receiving Konoha Headbands, their final day at the Ninja Academy came to an end.

Of course, it also signaled the birth of a new batch of Genin.

Once they were dismissed, the school became lively once more.

Only on this day were the children's parents allowed to enter the school.

Some Students held their newly received Konoha Headbands, excitedly telling their Parents something.

Other Parents proudly picked up their children, earnestly reminding them of the things they needed to watch out for after becoming Ninja.

Of course, just as had been mentioned before,

a considerable number of children in Konoha were War Orphans whose Parents had both died.

At that moment, Kagura was fiddling with the headband in his hand while chatting idly with Orochimaru, who was also alone.

In truth, after spending three years together, Orochimaru was vastly different from the Pervert Kagura had originally imagined him to be.

Orochimaru had not yet fallen into the abyss of darkness. Though he was usually somewhat quiet, he was generally a polite and good child.

Looking at Orochimaru's Fair Skin, Kagura said,

"So, the three of you were Assigned To the same class in the end, right?"

There was actually no need to ask. Kagura, who had long known the plot, naturally knew that the three would be placed in the same class after graduation.

Orochimaru nodded, then asked,

"Yes, that's right.

What about you, Kagura?

Which class were you Assigned To?

Do you know who you'll be teaming up with?"

Hearing his question, Kagura Shook Head to indicate that he did not know.

Seeing Kagura's response, Orochimaru continued in confusion,

"Hm?

You didn't ask the other Students?

Even if the Teacher hasn't notified you, as long as you know where to gather tomorrow, you should be able to roughly figure out who you'll be grouped with."

Hearing that, Kagura awkwardly scratched his head and said,

"Well, you know my relationship with those classmates...

So I didn't ask..."

At that, Orochimaru wisely fell silent.

Kagura's relationship with his classmates?

Including himself, most of the class had been beaten up by Kagura at least once.

How good could that relationship possibly be?

Fortunately, someone walked over to them, easing the awkwardness.

Two people approached them. One had a dazzling head of silver-white hair standing upright with vigor and wore a Combat Uniform similar to a Jonin's.

The other had Watermelon Head hair, thick brows, large eyes, and an indescribable Green Tracksuit.

They were Hatake Sakumo and Might Dai.

Yes, the future fathers of Kakashi and Guy, respectively.

That's right, these two were also Students from the same class as Kagura and the others.

Among the male classmates who had not yet been beaten by Kagura, they could be considered the only two.

So comparatively speaking, Kagura's relationship with them was not too bad.

Hatake Sakumo, already wearing his Konoha Headband on his forehead, walked up to Kagura and said with a cheerful smile,

"My score on this exam still couldn't compare to yours.

But I'll definitely become a Chunin before you do."

Looking at the hot-blooded silver-haired Youth before his eyes, who could have imagined that he was the father of Kakashi, who always wore Dead Fish Eyes?

Might Dai excitedly chimed in from the side,

"Haha, a man's life needs a Rival after all.

Don't worry, I'll definitely become a Chunin before either of you!"

Narrowing his eyes, Kagura Turned Head and glanced at the shiny-haired Watermelon Head, saying helplessly,

"But...

I remember you didn't graduate this time, did you?..."

Yes, although they were Students from the same class, Might Dai had not passed this assessment and had been held back.

Might Dai did not mind Kagura's jab.

Instead, he gave Kagura a thumbs-up, flashed teeth bright enough to gleam, and laughed loudly.

"Haha, it doesn't matter!

My Rival, wait for me to catch up to you on the road ahead!"

Sometimes, Kagura truly envied that inexplicable confidence.

After exchanging a few words, the two left.

At that moment, Tsunade walked over to them.

Behind her, a woman followed at an unhurried pace.

The woman had red hair tied into two Buns and wore a crown-like ornament on her head.

There was a Purple Diamond Mark on her forehead, talisman-like decorations hanging from her hair buns, and a White Kimono draped over her body.

She was Tsunade's grandmother, Senju Hashirama's wife, and Konoha's first Jinchuriki—Uzumaki Mito.

Seeing her approach, Kagura and Orochimaru hurriedly bowed.

Kagura sincerely respected this woman, who had upheld the belief of "loving the village, supporting and protecting those she loved"

and had spent her entire life protecting the village.

Though already over forty, Uzumaki Mito had retained her beautiful appearance. She smiled at them and said,

"Tsunade has troubled the two of you at school."

Before either of them could react, she tilted her head slightly, looked at Kagura, and continued,

"You're That Kid from the Uchiha clan's generation, the strongest one?"

Looking at the gentle woman before him, Kagura felt a wave of nervousness wash over him.

What a joke. She might look completely harmless, but she was the current Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Moreover, due to the effects of the Nine-Tails' Chakra, it was said that she possessed a keen sensitivity to malice.

Feeling Uzumaki Mito's scrutinizing gaze, Kagura Only Feel uncomfortable all over.

Fortunately, that sensation did not last long. Uzumaki Mito Smiled Slightly, and the atmosphere immediately softened.

She nodded and said,

"Don't be nervous.

Mm... I can tell you're a good child.

I believe the Uchiha's future can become even brighter in your hands."

Seeing Kagura at a loss for words, she said nothing further. Instead, she Turned Head and instructed Tsunade beside her,

"Spend some time with your friends today, but don't come home too late."

Tsunade, who normally looked like a little delinquent, was as obedient as a rabbit at that moment.

She lowered her head and obediently replied,

"Got it, Grandma."

As Uzumaki Mito left, the atmosphere among them relaxed once again.

Returning to her usual self, Tsunade raised her chin and said to Kagura,

"Idiot, have you thought about my invitation from yesterday?"

Faced with that question, Kagura was utterly confused.

"Wait, didn't I reject you very clearly yesterday?"

Hearing Kagura still refuse, Tsunade frowned.

As though she had thought of something, her furrowed brow smoothed out. She looked at Kagura with a mischievous smile and said,

"If you don't come,

I'll tell Grandma that you bullied me."

Nani?

You're being completely unreasonable!