The spectacular offensive drew waves of cheers.
But only Namikaze Minato, caught up in the fight, knew how exhausting it was.
Minato felt as though every attack he launched either struck empty air or was deflected by his opponent in a way that looked perilous but was actually effortless.
Uchiha Ling was like a lake with no visible bottom. No matter how much force Minato poured in, it only stirred the faintest ripples and couldn't shake him at his core.
Uchiha Ling hadn't even used a single ninjutsu. Relying solely on Taijutsu and Shuriken, he had snuffed out every one of Minato's attacks.
Finally, in a fleeting moment as they passed each other after a high-speed exchange, Uchiha Ling seemed to foresee the future. He turned aside half a step early and lightly brushed a spot on the wrist of Minato's Kunai hand.
Minato's entire arm went numb, and the Kunai slipped from his hand.
At the same time, Uchiha Ling's other hand had somehow already come to rest against the small of Minato's back. A gentle push followed.
Minato stumbled forward several steps before regaining his balance. He turned and looked at Uchiha Ling, who stood quietly where he was, not even breathing hard. A bitter yet admiring smile appeared on Minato's face.
He had lost, and there had never been any doubt about it. His opponent might not even have been giving it his all.
"Winner: Uchiha Ling!" the examiner announced loudly.
After a brief silence, the spectators burst into excited exclamations and discussion.
Minato's supporters found it hard to believe, while many others were stunned by the overwhelming strength Uchiha Ling had displayed.
[Minato's frustration +30]
[Excitement from a fan of Uchiha Ling +60]
[Kushina's excitement +40]
[From...]
Down below, Kushina gave a fierce punch to the air.
"Way to go, Ling!"
The commotion and shock of the Konoha Ninja Academy's graduation exams had yet to die down. People throughout the village were still talking about Uchiha Ling's astonishing record of fighting a Special Jōnin to a draw.
Smoke curled through the Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind the wide desk, his fingers tapping absently against its surface as he looked over the three disciples before him.
Konoha's now-renowned Sannin had just returned from a lengthy border patrol mission. They were travel-worn, but each had a distinct presence.
Jiraiya leaned casually against the window, curiously watching the bustling streets below the Hokage Building. He seemed not particularly concerned about the conversation to come.
Orochimaru stood quietly in the shadows, his golden, snake-like eyes inscrutable. A faint smile played on his lips, as if he found everything amusing yet remained indifferent to it all.
Tsunade stood before the desk with her arms crossed and her brows slightly furrowed, looking impatient. She was clearly more eager to wrap up the meeting and try her luck at the village casino.
"I called you here to discuss the arrangements for this year's graduates."
Hiruzen finally spoke, his steady voice touched with weariness.
"This class has produced several outstanding young shinobi. They have tremendous potential and need the best instructors to guide them so they can grow to their fullest and become pillars of Konoha."
Jiraiya turned around, interested. "Oh? If you're being this serious about it, old man, they must be no ordinary brats."
"'Outstanding' doesn't begin to cover it."
Hiruzen picked up his pipe, took a puff, and slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"Uchiha Ling ranked first overall in the graduation exams. According to the report from Anbu, he's already on par with a jōnin!
"Second overall was Minato, who's also surpassed the level of an ordinary Chunin."
The words instantly tightened the mood in the office, which had been rather relaxed.
The grin faded from Jiraiya's face, replaced by genuine surprise. "They've already reached Chunin and jōnin level, and they've only just graduated?"
Tsunade lowered her arms, her expression growing more serious. "An Uchiha with jōnin-level strength? Old man, are you sure Anbu's report is reliable?"
"Numerous jōnin witnessed it firsthand. The boy has extraordinary perception and combat skills. His use of the Sharingan, in particular, is nothing like a beginner's."
Hiruzen spoke with certainty. "As for Minato, he ranked just below Uchiha Ling. His talent and character are both outstanding. He's a rare genius."
Hiruzen slowly looked from one disciple to the next. "I want each of you to lead a squad and personally train its members. Uchiha Ling and Minato, especially, need the best guidance."
A brief silence fell.
Orochimaru broke it with a low, resonant chuckle. "Heh... promising young saplings. But I'm afraid I'll have to decline, Teacher Sarutobi."
His voice was smooth and cold. "I have no interest in playing house with a bunch of brats. It's a waste of time and utterly pointless. I'd rather spend that energy conducting a few more experiments."
His refusal was decisive, leaving no room for negotiation. After Senju Nawaki died in the Second Great Ninja War, Orochimaru had never taken on another student.
Hiruzen seemed to have expected this. He showed little surprise, though a trace of disappointment flickered deep in his eyes. He turned to Jiraiya.
Jiraiya scratched his spiky white hair, looking conflicted. He glanced at the Third Hokage, then instinctively at Tsunade beside him, before clicking his tongue.
"Fine, fine. Since Orochimaru's bailed, someone's got to take up the slack. Old man, I'll take Minato! That name sounds promising. Maybe he's connected to the Child of Destiny!"
He chose Minato partly because he admired the boy's talent, but perhaps also because he didn't want to deal with the more troublesome Uchiha Ling or Uzumaki Kushina.
After all, Kushina was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and Uchiha Ling... An Uchiha who was so close to the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki sounded like a massive bundle of trouble.
Now all eyes turned to Tsunade.
Tsunade's brow immediately furrowed, her reluctance plain on her face. "Are you kidding me? Why am I left with the two biggest headaches? One's an Uchiha, and an absurdly gifted brat at that. The other is Uzumaki Kushina, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki! Jiraiya, you bastard, you sure know how to pick!"
Tsunade glared at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya immediately hunched his shoulders and grinned sheepishly. "Come on, Tsunade, the more capable you are, the more you take on! You're the strongest, the First's granddaughter, and the best medical ninja. Who could be more suited to training them? Especially that little Uzumaki girl—you're practically related, right? Your grandmother was from the Uzumaki Clan, too. Aren't you the perfect person to guide her?"
"Save it!" Tsunade retorted irritably, though Jiraiya had touched on a few valid points.
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