Qiupu and the others, who knew Isho's character well, wore strange expressions. They were amazed by how frighteningly fast his strength had improved, but anyone who claimed he was diligent and hardworking had either been fooled by him or believed a rumor.
If it had been any other classmate, they would have been just like everyone else, thinking they simply weren't working hard enough.
Changyang remembered one time they'd arranged to go out, but because the place was a little too far away, Isho had refused without a second thought. No matter how much they tried to persuade him, he wouldn't budge, and in the end they had no choice but to give in and go somewhere else.
Whenever there was somewhere to sit and chat, Isho never seemed to stand around instead. Fortunately, he was funny and quick-witted. Without him, the others felt that most of the fun was gone.
That was close, that was close. This lousy mission is to blame. If I hadn't come across so many toxic motivational quotes in my past life, there's no way I could've made one up on the spot in such a short time.
Still, hearing one once in a while is beneficial. Hear them too often, and you'll end up like me when I was young and clueless—prone to anxiety and depression.
Lost in memories for a moment, Isho stood rooted to the spot, not feeling that he had done anything wrong. Even if this ninja world placed the greatest importance on talent and bloodlines, possessing either one would guarantee a future at least as a Jonin elite.
Most civilian ninjas, on the other hand, could only reach the level of a Chunin at best—unless they had the willpower to successfully train in the Eight Inner Gates, or got lucky enough to find Orochimaru and have him modify their bodies.
But if he could inspire his classmates to improve their strength even a little, they themselves would benefit the most.
They had to understand that this world never stayed peaceful for long. There were conflicts between the ninja villages, powerful organizations and hidden masterminds lurking in the shadows, and, in the end, the Ōtsutsuki Clan, the final boss.
"Being able to live a peaceful life is a happiness many people can only envy. The greater your abilities, the greater your responsibility. Any ninja with a conscience and a sense of responsibility like Naruto's will risk their lives and rush to the front when facing a powerful enemy, protecting their families and village."
After murmuring his thoughts for a while, Isho's resolve to grow stronger became even more intense. He only wished the system would give him more missions. Otherwise, he'd be tempted to bring out a Gundam and take out Danzo first...
"Lord Hokage... Is this kid really as lazy as you said? His words even made me feel fired up. His expression and tone didn't seem fake at all."
"Put in a little more time and effort, and surpass yourself. This boy has been through what I have. Burn with passion! This is youth!
"Youth means sweating it out, constantly challenging yourself, and never admitting defeat! Lord Hokage, please let me become this boy's Jonin leader! He's a young man who's been through what I have."
Kakashi looked puzzled, while Might Guy was moved to tears by the thought that he and Isho had something in common. Before the Third Hokage could answer, he eagerly tried to recruit Isho under his command.
"I forgot to tell you that Uchiha Isho usually trains for only about an hour a day, and sometimes just half an hour. He's very good at acting; even Chunin and ordinary Jonin can't see through his disguise. He's even managed to fool several Chunin instructors.
"So his goal may simply be to encourage the other students to become stronger. Although he was lying about his own efforts, the rest of what he said was quite right. It could greatly motivate the students to work hard."
"Nani?! He's that kind of student? Then how could he say those things, and how could he be so strong?!"
After hearing the Third Hokage's explanation, Might Guy froze for a few seconds, then asked in astonishment.
"Maybe he read it in a book or magazine. Guy, do you still want to be his Jonin leader?"
His close friend Kakashi immediately twisted the knife. Still, he was also full of curiosity about Uchiha Isho's strength.
It seemed he had just used his physical strength to perform the Body Flicker Technique. Could his Taijutsu be that strong despite training for such a short time?
The Third Hokage was now at a loss. He felt that Isho would be a poor fit for any class.
Isho's strength had surprised and pleased him, too. Anbu intelligence couldn't be wrong, and he couldn't help wondering if it had something to do with the body that had miraculously survived the clan's massacre.
However, there had been no sign of anything unusual over the years. When Isho was injured, he recovered at the same speed as an ordinary person.
Could it only manifest when he's facing death? Never mind. I'll decide what to do after the students pass the graduation exam.
Meanwhile, the combat assessment was drawing to a close. The students returned to the classroom and waited quietly.
"We'll now begin this exam. Today's test is the Transformation Technique. When your name is called, go to the classroom next door for your assessment."
"First, Xiongtaipingqian."
I wonder who my Jonin leader will be. I hope this doesn't disrupt the original arrangements and land me in Team Three.
Isho rested his cheek on his right hand and pondered. He didn't care which team he ended up in; what mattered was being with his friends. That way, he wouldn't be bored, and he could also look out for them and keep them from being killed.
After all, once he activated his epic experience card, Senju Hashirama's strength would be at the Super Kage level, and he'd have no rival in the ninja world at the moment.
"Next, Uchiha Isho."
Isho rose slowly and followed Kotetsu Hagane to the classroom next door at an unhurried pace.
The instructor for the graduation exam sat directly in front of them. Izumo Kamizuki, who had bandages stretching across his nose and both cheeks, was also a close partner of Kotetsu Hagane—and one of Konoha's future gate guards.
"Uchiha Isho, use the Transformation Technique to take on my appearance."
"Yes."
"Transformation!"
Isho had become so skilled at the Transformation Technique that even he didn't know how proficient he was. In less than half a second, he had transformed into Izumo Kamizuki, matching his height, clothes, and appearance perfectly.
After examining him for a few seconds, Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane both nodded. They gave Isho his Konoha Forehead Protector and told him to attend the graduation briefing at nine o'clock the next day.
As soon as he left the school building, he spotted Qiupu sitting on the steps at the edge of the grounds, head bowed. He gently stroked his Konoha Forehead Protector, joy plain on his face.
"Qiupu, congratulations on becoming a ninja who can stand on his own. If I remember right, you still haven't spent the money you saved this time. Shouldn't you treat us to ramen to celebrate?"
"We should definitely celebrate this special day for us. So I've decided—we're going for barbecue. Just you, me, and Changyang. I can't afford to treat anyone else."
At that, Isho's smile grew even brighter. He kept glancing toward the stairs. Only Tiancheng Changyang had yet to take the exam, but they both firmly believed he would pass soon.
The next morning, at around eight o'clock, in the classroom.
Isho wasn't at all surprised to be the last one there. Wasn't it better to sleep in and arrive just in time? Why rush over so early? It wasn't as if there were any reward for being the first one there.
There were only about twenty people left in the class. Clearly, even though the Three Basic Techniques were the easiest, some students still hadn't passed.
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