Made in Heaven

One last time: time is about to accelerate!

Five years later, in Konoha's thirty-ninth year.

"Why are you suddenly applying for early graduation?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, looking at the three graduation applications in his hand.

The young man before him wore a snow-white, open-collared kimono, with a thick, pale-purple hemp rope tied around his waist. He had sharp brows and bright eyes, a fresh and handsome face, and a carefree smile that never seemed to leave his lips. With the Kusanagi Sword slung at his waist, he looked every bit the dashing, distinguished young man.

"Wherever Konoha's leaves dance, the fire burns strong. The fighting in the Land of Rain has been unceasing, and our comrades are dying every moment. I grew up under the village's protection. Now it's my turn to protect the village and my comrades," Genichi replied respectfully.

Genichi had originally been preparing for the Third Shinobi World War, which he expected to begin in ten years. But after receiving a secret message from his teacher, Orochimaru, on the front lines, he had no choice but to catch the last train of this Second Shinobi World War.

Over the past two years, the Second Shinobi World War had only grown more intense. Hatake Sakumo had killed the parents of Sasori of the Red Sands, earning the name White Fang throughout the Ninja World. Chiyo had unleashed her poisons, only for Tsunade to counter them. Hanzo of the Salamander had declared war on the Fire, Wind, and Earth countries all at once, expanding the conflict.

Konoha had fallen on hard times, but none of it affected Genichi. He continued to quietly attend the Academy, doing as he pleased and sticking to his training regimen.

One thing worth mentioning was that Nawaki had previously insisted on going to the battlefield. Tsunade and Uzumaki Mito hadn't opposed him. They were worried about his safety, of course, but figured that with Orochimaru looking after him, a little experience would be good for Nawaki's future.

Knowing what was going to happen, Genichi couldn't just stand by and let tragedy unfold. He had no choice but to play the villain.

"At your current level, you'd just be cannon fodder—a freshly graduated Genin who'd only get in the way on the front lines," Genichi said coldly. "Because of your special status, people would have to go out of their way to look after you, distracting the battlefield commanders."

"Damn it, I don't need special treatment! On the battlefield, I'll be an ordinary Genin. I'm going to protect my comrades and the village!" Nawaki, who had never been mocked like this before, flushed with anger.

"Ha." Genichi gave a cold laugh. "Then let's settle this with strength. Beat me, and I'll acknowledge you."

Thinking of his Senju Clan physique, his superb strength, his exceptional chakra reserves, and his skill with Earth Release and Water Release Ninjutsu, Nawaki was brimming with confidence.

"Then just watch what I can do!"

The invincible Nawaki charged in. The invincible Nawaki went down.

Genichi had secretly formed Hand Seals to create a Lightning Release: Lightning Clone, then used the Transformation Technique to hide nearby. When Nawaki charged in and was paralyzed by the clone, Genichi's real self stepped out and ended the fight with a single punch.

"If you can't spot a trap this simple, then no matter how strong you are, you'll only get yourself killed." Genichi formed the Seal of Reconciliation as if to himself.

Watching Nawaki's performance in actual combat, Tsunade could only shake her head. The idea of sending him to the battlefield was dropped.

Back in the Hokage's office.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked over the three files and continued to ponder.

Hyuga Hana: a Hyuga clan ninja with the Byakugan, serving as the team's scout. She also studied Medical Ninjutsu and was responsible for the team's support. On top of that, she was skilled in Gentle Fist and had decent survival skills.

Mikoto Uchiha: an Uchiha ninja with a two-Tomoe Sharingan, skilled in genjutsu and Uchiha-Style Kenjutsu. The Ninja Cat she had contracted could gather and relay intelligence.

And then there was the obvious core of the team: a powerful, well-rounded young man with no weaknesses, a disciple who had surpassed his master.

"Your team is well-balanced and strong enough to meet the requirements for early graduation. In principle, I can approve it." Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep drag on his pipe before continuing slowly. "But the situation in the Land of Rain is still chaotic, and your team's Jōnin instructor, Orochimaru, is serving as a front-line commander and can't spare the time. Genichi, you'll also have to take on the duty of Jōnin instructor."

"If you're determined to graduate early, then even with Orochimaru vouching for you personally, I'll have to test you against the standards for a Jōnin. So, do you still want to graduate early?"

"Yes. I stand by my decision, Lord Hokage." Genichi nodded confidently. Over the years, he had grown far beyond his original goal of graduating at the level of a Special Jōnin.

"Then follow me. Let this old man put you through your paces." As soon as he finished speaking, the Third Hokage used the Body Flicker Technique and headed for the training ground.

At his words, Genichi froze in place, watching the Third Hokage disappear into the distance. He was around forty-five or forty-six, still in the late prime of his ninja career.

I'm fighting Sukuna? Wait, no—I'm fighting the Third Hokage? Seriously?