Ninja Academy Graduation

This brilliant offensive won rounds of applause.

But only Namikaze Minato, caught in the thick of it, knew how grueling it truly was.

Minato felt as though all his attacks were striking empty air, or being neutralized by his opponent in a way that looked thrilling but was actually effortless.

Uchiha Ling was like a bottomless lake; no matter how much force he poured in, it only stirred up ripples, unable to shake the foundation at all.

Uchiha Ling did not even actively use any ninjutsu, relying solely on taijutsu and shuriken to stifle every one of his offensives.

Finally, in the moment they brushed past each other after a high-speed exchange, Uchiha Ling seemed to foresee the future, side-stepping half a step early and flicking his finger against a specific spot on Namikaze Minato's wrist.

Namikaze Minato felt his entire arm go numb, and the kunai slipped from his hand.

At the same time, Uchiha Ling's other hand had somehow pressed against his back, delivering a gentle push.

Namikaze Minato stumbled forward several steps before steadying himself. He turned back to look at Uchiha Ling, who stood quietly in place without even a hint of disorder in his breathing, and a bitter yet admiring smile appeared on his face.

He had lost, and lost without any suspense. The other party might not have even used his full strength.

"Winner, Uchiha Ling!" the examiner announced loudly.

After a brief silence, the arena erupted in enthusiastic exclamations and discussions.

Namikaze Minato's supporters felt it was unbelievable, while many more were shocked by the overwhelming strength Uchiha Ling had displayed.

[Unwillingness from Namikaze Minato +30]
[Excitement from Uchiha Ling's fan girl +60]
[Excitement from Uzumaki Kushina +40]
[From...]

Off the stage, Uzumaki Kushina punched the air fiercely.

"Well done, Ling!"

The clamor and shock of the Konoha Ninja Academy graduation exam had not yet fully subsided, and the astonishing record of Uchiha Ling fighting to a draw with a Special Jonin was still being talked about in every corner of the village.

Inside the Hokage Building, smoke curled in the air.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his large desk, his fingers tapping the desktop unconsciously as his gaze swept over his three disciples.

The now-renowned "Sannin" of Konoha had just returned from a long-term border patrol mission; they were travel-worn, yet each carried their own distinct presence.

Jiraiya leaned carelessly against the window, curiously observing the bustling streets below the Hokage Building, seemingly indifferent to the upcoming conversation.

Orochimaru stood quietly in the shadows, his golden snake-like pupils deep and unfathomable, a faint, indifferent arc—as if he found everything interesting yet meaningless—hanging at the corners of his mouth.

Tsunade stood before the desk with her arms crossed, her brows slightly furrowed, revealing a touch of impatience; she was clearly more concerned with finishing the meeting quickly to try her luck at the village's casinos.

"I called you here regarding the arrangements for this year's graduates."

Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke, his voice steady yet tinged with a trace of fatigue.

"This year has produced several outstanding seedlings. Their potential is immense, and they require the best instructors to guide them so they can grow to their maximum capacity and become the pillars that support Konoha in the future."

Jiraiya turned his head, his interest piqued: "Oh? To make you look so solemn, old man, it seems these aren't just ordinary brats."

"They are more than just 'not bad'."

Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his pipe, took a puff, and slowly exhaled the smoke.

"Uchiha Ling, first overall in the graduation exam. According to the report from the Anbu, his current level is no weaker than a Jonin!

The second-place graduate, Namikaze Minato, also possesses strength surpassing that of an average Chunin."

A single sentence caused the somewhat relaxed atmosphere in the office to instantly freeze.

The playful smile on Jiraiya's face faded, replaced by genuine surprise: "They have the strength of a Chunin and a Jonin just after graduating?"

Tsunade also lowered her arms, her expression turning serious: "Uchiha? Already has the strength of a Jonin? Old man, are you sure the Anbu report is accurate?"

"Numerous Jonin on the scene witnessed it together. That child has unimaginable insight and practical combat skills, especially his use of the Sharingan; it is not at all like a novice," Hiruzen Sarutobi said firmly. "The other one, Namikaze Minato, had scores only second to Uchiha Ling. His talent and temperament are both top-tier; he is a rare genius."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept slowly over his three disciples: "I hope that each of you can lead a squad and personally instruct them. Especially Uchiha Ling and Namikaze Minato; they need the best guidance."

There was a moment of silence.

Orochimaru was the first to let out a low, magnetic laugh, breaking the stillness: "Heh... interesting seedlings. However, I must refuse, Teacher Hiruzen."

His voice was smooth and cold. "I have no interest in leading brats in games of house. It is a waste of time and meaningless. With that energy, I would rather conduct a few more experiments."

His refusal was crisp and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation. Ever since Senju Nawaki died in the Second Great Ninja War, Orochimaru had not taken on any disciples.

Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to have anticipated this result and did not show much surprise, though a trace of imperceptible disappointment flickered deep in his eyes. He turned his gaze toward Jiraiya.

Jiraiya scratched his long, white, spiky hair, a conflicted look on his face. He looked at the Third Hokage, then subconsciously glanced at Tsunade beside him, and finally smacked his lips:

"Fine, fine. Since this guy Orochimaru is slipping away, someone has to pick up the slack. Old man, I'll take that kid Namikaze Minato! The name sounds promising; who knows, maybe he has something to do with the Child of Prophecy!"

He chose Minato partly because he truly admired his talent, and partly, perhaps, because he didn't want to take on the more troublesome Uchiha Ling or Uzumaki Kushina.

After all, Kushina was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and Uchiha Ling... an Uchiha with such close ties to the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—just thinking about it felt like a massive bundle of trouble.

Now, everyone's eyes were fixed on Tsunade.

Tsunade's brows immediately furrowed tightly, her face etched with reluctance: "Are you kidding me! Why am I the one left with the two most troublesome ones? One is an Uchiha, and an exaggerated brat at that, and the other is Uzumaki Kushina, the Nine-Tails jinchuriki! You bastard Jiraiya, you sure know how to pick!"

Tsunade glared daggers at Jiraiya.

Jiraiya immediately shrank his neck and gave a sheepish laugh: "Come on, come on, Tsunade, the capable should do more! Look, you're the strongest, you're the granddaughter of the First Hokage, and you're the most brilliant medical ninja—teaching them is the most fitting choice! Especially that little Uzumaki girl, you're somewhat related to her, aren't you? Wasn't your grandmother also from the Uzumaki Clan? Isn't it just perfect for you to mentor her?"

"Don't give me that!" Tsunade retorted irritably, though Jiraiya's words had indeed struck a few key points.