Applying for Promotion to Junior Ninja

In the days that followed, Yuhi Shinku rediscovered the meaning of "genius" every day, and the three of them learned all kinds of Ninjutsu in no time.

"Teacher," a Genin approached Yuhi Shinku, his voice trembling, "They—have they really only been training for a month?"

"Um."

"A month ago, they didn't even know the Three Bodies Technique."

"Um."

"Now—" The Genin looked at the arena.

Kakashi was surrounded and attacked by three Genin, yet he still managed to gain the upper hand.

Uchiha Toru stood still, and the six balls of fire he spewed from his mouth flew precisely towards the six targets, hitting them all.

Shin-chan and Shiro are playing around, but it's impossible to tell them apart.

The Genin's throat was a little dry. "They're stronger than all of us now."

Yuhi Shinku didn't say anything, but opened her notebook.

Kakashi Hatake, excellent in all subjects.

He masters Ninjutsu extremely quickly, has a solid foundation in Taijutsu, and possesses tactical awareness far exceeding that of his peers. His only problem is that he has a somewhat aloof personality and is not very willing to cooperate with others.

Uchiha Toru received excellent grades in all subjects.

He has outstanding insight and analytical skills, and executes tactics very calmly. His only problem is that he lacks independent judgment and is easily swayed by Shin-chan.

Shin Nohara.

Yuhi Shinku stared at the name, her pen hovering over the paper for a long time.

Excellent in all subjects.

His tactical understanding is unclear, and he basically doesn't follow tactics, but his opponents are often even more disorganized than he is.

Yuhi Shinku wrote four words in the comments section, "Unable to comment."

He closed his notebook, looked at the three people on the Training Ground, and suddenly remembered what the Third Hokage had said that day.

"Don't treat them like ordinary students; teach them as much as you can."

He didn't understand the meaning of that sentence at the time.

Now he understands.

The Third Hokage meant that these people didn't need to be taught step by step.

They learned too quickly.

In just under a month, he surpassed those Genin who had trained for several years.

As her Yuhi Shinku felt she no longer had enough to teach.

They're almost ready to carry out their actual missions.

Yuhi Shinku thought for a long time, then stood up and walked towards the Hokage.

Hokage Building.

Yuhi Shinku stood in the Third Hokage's office, her tone respectful.

"Third Hokage."

The Third Hokage put down his pipe. "What is it?"

"Regarding those three children," Yuhi Shinku said, "They have already reached the level of Genin."

The Third Hokage looked at him without saying a word.

"Kakashi Hatake's Ninjutsu and Taijutsu have reached the level of Genin; Uchiha Toru's Fire Style are unmatched among his peers; Shin Nohara..."

Yuhi Shinku paused for a moment.

"How is he?" the Third Hokage asked.

Yuhi Shinku was silent for a moment. "He learns everything quickly, and his Chakra reserves are much greater than his peers. Even if he doesn't train properly, his strength far surpasses that of an ordinary Genin."

"Looks like it's still the same as always." The Third Hokage shook his head with a smile.

Yuhi Shinku took a deep breath. "I want to apply for them to participate in the Genin Exams."

Do you think they're ready?

Yuhi Shinku opened her mouth.

He wanted to say he was ready.

But then a picture suddenly flashed through my mind.

Shin-chan transforms into Shiro, lies on the grass, and sleeps soundly with his belly up.

He opened his mouth again.

Another image flashed through my mind.

Shin-chan, imitating Kakashi, said he wanted to find Pretty Big Sister to hang out with.

Yuhi Shinku shut her mouth, unable to utter the words "ready."

The Third Hokage looked at his expression and shook his head. "It seems not."

Yuhi Shinku took a deep breath. "Third Hokage, their abilities in Ninjutsu and combat have indeed reached the standard of Genin, but—"

"But?"

Yuhi Shinku thought for a moment and said, "I can't use any standard to measure Shin Nohara."

The Third Hokage smiled.

I understand what you mean.

The Third Hokage stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the village outside.

"Alright then," the Third Hokage said, "I plan to hold a public Genin promotion ceremony at the Ninja Academy."

Yuhi Shinku paused for a moment, then asked, "Publicly?"

"Yes," the Third Hokage said, "Let the children at the Ninja Academy see that someone went from knowing nothing to becoming Genin in just a few months."

The Third Hokage stood with his hands behind his back, a meaningful smile on his face.

"Those kids always say it's too hard, they can't learn it, they don't have enough time. Let them see what a genius is."

"Won't this damage their confidence?" Yuhi Shinku hesitated.

"No." The Third Hokage shook his head. "Some people give up when they see the gap, while others work even harder. We need to see which of these kids are the latter."

Yuhi Shinku nodded.

"In addition," the Third Hokage said, "I will invite some clan leaders to attend the ceremony."

Yuhi Shinku looked up at him.

"Hyuga, Inuzuka, Aburame, Yamanaka, Nara, Akimichi— " the Third Hokage counted them off one by one, "Let them see for themselves."

Yuhi Shinku understood.

The Third Hokage didn't just want to inspire the students of the Ninja Academy.

He wanted to showcase these three people to the entire Konoha.

Let the clan leaders of those ninja clans see that Konoha's education allows geniuses to unleash their talents.

Let everyone see that Konoha's future will not be worse than its past.

"Go and make preparations," the Third Hokage said. "It will be held at the Ninja Academy in three days."

"Yes."

Then, Yuhi Shinku relayed the message to the three of them.

"Three days later, the Genin promotion ceremony will be held at the Ninja Academy."

"All three of you will participate," said Yuhi Shinku, looking at them. "The entire school will be watching, and several ninja clan leaders will also be there."

"Can I not go?" Shin-chan asked, raising his hand.

"Can't."

Shin-chan's face fell. "Teacher, I'm not ready yet."

What did you not prepare for?

Shin-chan remembered what Hiroshi had said: once he became Genin, they could pay off the mortgage together.

But...

He looked at his hands; these hands couldn't even afford Chocolate Stick, how could he possibly pay his mortgage?

"Teacher," Shin-chan looked up, his expression serious, "Genin have to pay their mortgages?"

Yuhi Shinku was stunned for a moment. "What?"

"A mortgage," Shin-chan said, "That kind of money you have to pay off for a very, very long time."

Yuhi Shinku was silent for three seconds. "No need."

"Real?"

"Real."

Shin-chan breathed a sigh of relief, "Teacher."

"What's wrong now?"

"Do Genin) have to wear those green vests?"

"Um."

"So ugly."

Yuhi Shinku took a deep breath. "Three days from now, Ninja Academy, eight o'clock in the morning. Don't be late."

"But...

"No buts," Yuhi Shinku interrupted him. "Is there any other question?"

Kakashi and Uchiha Toru shook their heads.

Shin-chan still didn't give up. "But teacher, I'm really not ready."

What did you not prepare for?

Shin-chan thought for a moment and said, "I think I'm still too young."