Unlike before, this time there was no rejection or instability between the wind and fire. Instead, they blended together perfectly.
Propelled by the wind, the flames became more condensed in shape, and their temperature rose sharply. They even let out a faint hum!
"Wind-Flame Spiral... At the peak of C-rank, approaching B-rank."
Ling Xuan murmured to himself. This was the result of what he had learned today, applied for the first time.
He then tried to recall the contents of In-depth Analysis of Basic Sealing Techniques. Combining them with his hazy memories of witnessing the Nine-Tails' sealing, he began working out some simple, small-scale sealing arrays for restraint or defense.
While Ling Xuan immersed himself in a sea of knowledge and rapidly grew stronger, his presence was also bringing about subtle changes at the Ninja Academy.
Naruto Uzumaki, once the class's dead-last, trained even harder after witnessing Ling Xuan's strength and Hinata's comeback.
Sasuke Uchiha regarded Ling Xuan as his greatest rival. In addition to his usual intense training, he began thinking more about battle strategies and techniques instead of relying solely on his clan's prestige and his own talent.
After Hinata Hyuga received Ling Xuan's approval and his encouragement that she would grow stronger, she seemed like a different person.
She was still shy, but her eyes now held a confidence and radiance they had never shown before.
She began asking Iruka-sensei questions of her own accord and trained with greater focus and diligence. She even secretly practiced Gentle Fist in the woods, just so she could get a little closer to that figure.
Ino Yamanaka began treating Ling Xuan as an interesting challenge. She stopped focusing solely on Sasuke as she had in the past, and began watching Ling Xuan's every move, sometimes deliberately and sometimes not.
She tried to find a flaw in him, or perhaps she simply wanted to compete with him.
Ino Yamanaka even began seriously studying her clan's sensory techniques and mental attacks, all so that one day she could beat the seemingly calm yet unfathomably deep boy fair and square.
Chunin Toma's extra lessons with Ling Xuan continued, but they had long since evolved from one-sided instruction into discussions on nearly equal terms, sometimes even with Toma asking Ling Xuan for advice.
On several occasions, Ling Xuan's insights into a jutsu's chakra efficiency or the best way to optimize a tactical combination had enlightened the experienced Chunin.
This kid's theoretical knowledge seemed to have surpassed his own in some areas!
In his most recent report, Toma had explicitly told the Hokage that Ling Xuan's theoretical knowledge and ability to learn independently had already gone well beyond the scope of an ordinary Chunin's instruction.
Time flew by. Several more months passed after the comprehensive skill assessment that had drawn so much attention.
Spring arrived in Konoha, bringing new life to all things. The cherry blossoms at the Ninja Academy bloomed in a riot of color, heralding the end of this class's school years.
As the graduation exam drew nearer, the atmosphere at the Ninja Academy grew increasingly tense.
In class, Iruka-sensei repeatedly stressed the importance of the three techniques required for graduation—the Clone Technique, Transformation Technique, and Substitution Technique—as well as the mindset and qualities expected of a qualified ninja.
At last, the long-awaited day of the graduation exam arrived.
An air of solemnity and tension unlike anything on an ordinary day hung over the Ninja Academy's training ground.
Iruka-sensei stood on the raised platform with a stern expression. Beside him stood several unfamiliar Konoha Jonin and experienced Chunin. They would serve as the joint examiners for the graduation test, ensuring it was conducted fairly and with due authority.
"Students, today is the day we test what you've learned over the past several years!" Iruka's voice carried across the training ground.
"The graduation exam has three parts: a written test, a practical exam in Taijutsu and Shuriken, and finally—and most importantly—a ninjutsu test!"
"You must pass all three to receive Konoha's Genin Forehead Protector and become a true ninja! Is that clear?"
"Yes!"
The students answered loudly, though their voices could not conceal their nerves.
The first part was the written test.
The questions covered all sorts of topics, including the history of the Shinobi World, basic tactical theory, identification of ninja tools, map reading, and code deciphering.
For most would-be ninjas who relied on instinct and physical ability, this was undoubtedly a major hurdle.
In the classroom, some students scratched their heads in confusion, while others wrote furiously. And then there was Naruto Uzumaki, who had started drawing turtles on his test paper early on, earning a glare from the proctor.
Ling Xuan remained composed. After receiving the test, he swiftly scanned it. Under the Eye of Truth's analysis, every question and every answer choice was laid bare.
The questions might have seemed tricky and bizarre, but before his vast store of knowledge, they were as simple as child's play.
In less than half an hour, Ling Xuan set down his pen and turned in his test first, leaving the classroom full of envious and jealous stares.
The second part was a practical exam in Taijutsu and Shuriken.
On the spacious training ground, the students had to demonstrate basic Taijutsu sparring and throw Shuriken and kunai from different distances and under different conditions.
Sasuke Uchiha's performance was as dazzling as ever. His fluid, swift Taijutsu and the deadly accuracy of his Shuriken throws both displayed the talent and pride of the Uchiha Clan.
Ling Xuan, meanwhile, was more restrained. His Taijutsu movements were plain and unadorned, without any unnecessary flourishes.
Yet every punch and kick carried just the right amount of force and impeccable timing. He could easily deflect his opponent's attacks and counter with maximum efficiency.
At last came the most important third part: the ninjutsu test.
The students were called one by one into a closed examination room. Inside were only Iruka and two other Jonin examiners.
One of them was none other than Mizuki-sensei, who was always smiling and seemed to take special "care" of Naruto.
"Naruto Uzumaki!"
Naruto took a deep breath and nervously walked in. "Iruka-sensei, Mizuki-sensei, examiners!"
Iruka nodded. "Naruto, perform the Clone Technique. You need to create at least three effective clones."
"Yes!" Naruto quickly formed the Hand Seals, gathered all his strength, and shouted, "Clone Technique!"
Poof...
The result was still disappointing. Only one crooked, pallid "defective" clone appeared on the floor, looking as though it might drop dead at any moment.
Iruka sighed helplessly and shook his head.
Mizuki said regretfully from the side, "Oh, Naruto, still no luck? What a shame."
Naruto lowered his head in dejection, his eyes reddening.
After that, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and the others all completed the Clone Technique successfully. Some did better than others, and some were more polished than others, but they all met the minimum standard for graduation.
Hinata Hyuga also overcame her nerves. On her second try, she successfully created two somewhat translucent but reasonably stable clones, earning the examiners' approval. She was so excited that she nearly burst into tears.
"Next, Ling Xuan!"
When Ling Xuan calmly entered the examination room, all three examiners' eyes turned to him at once.
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