Genin Exam

A year is neither short nor long. Over this past year, the students in the preparatory class have each experienced their own growth. Yet, those two figures have remained like two towering peaks piercing the clouds, pressing down heavily upon them all...

Today is a day of immense importance for these children.

The first stage of the 73rd Konoha Genin Qualification Exam is being held in the largest training ground of the Ninja Academy.

The atmosphere in the arena is far from the relaxed air of a graduation test; the air feels solidified, permeated with a tangible, suffocating tension. The judging panel is no longer occupied solely by school teachers; there are also examiners from the Anbu, the Jonin squad, and the Mission Assignment Office. Their gazes, sharp as hawks, scrutinize every examinee on the field.

Kakashi Sakuya and Lian stand in the line of examinees, surrounded by their classmates: Kazamatsuri Yamanaka, whose palms are sweating with nerves; Chiba Akimichi, who is trying his best to maintain a composed expression; Shikano Nara, who remains as lazy as ever but keeps his eyes focused; and not far away, Nadeshiko Haku, standing tall with a cold, clear expression.

Naruto Uzumaki is not present at this basic examination, but everyone knows that the final results will inevitably be reported to him.

The chief examiner is Shino Aburame. He pushes up his sunglasses, his voice steady and devoid of emotion, yet carrying a natural authority that no one dares to slight: "The first stage of the Genin Qualification Exam begins now. Assessment criteria: Application of the Three Basic Techniques. This is not a simple test of form transformation, but an evaluation of your proficiency in basic ninjutsu, your adaptability, and your performance under pressure."

He pauses, then continues: "Format: One-on-one duels. The examiners will randomly assign the techniques to be used by both parties. One side must use the Transformation Technique to attack, while the other must use the Substitution Technique to evade, followed immediately by the Clone Technique to create a distraction and complete a counterattack or defense. This will cycle until one side makes a clear error. Examiners will grade based on seal-weaving speed, stability of form, tactical application, and timing. You do not need to defeat your opponent to pass; demonstrating the application of these techniques in a full, fluid, and precise manner is also a standard for passing."

As the rules are announced, a low murmur ripples through the children. This is much harder than their usual practice! Not only must they be fast, but they must also switch flexibly during combat, all while being assigned specific techniques!

The exam proceeds in groups. Some fumble their seals due to nerves, creating distorted transformations; some are a beat too slow with their Substitution Technique and are lightly "hit"; others fail to produce enough clones and are instantly seen through.

"Next group, Lian, versus, Chiba Akimichi."

Lian takes a deep breath and steps forward. Chiba puffs out his chubby cheeks, trying his best to look fierce.

"Lian, use the Clone Technique. Chiba Akimichi, use the Transformation Technique."

Shino commands.

Lian weaves seals rapidly: "Clone Technique!" Instantly, three identical "Lians" appear in the arena, scattering in unison.

Chiba also weaves seals immediately, and with a poof, he transforms into a giant... shuriken? It's just that the edges of this shuriken look round and even a bit cute. It wobbles as it hacks toward one of the "Lians."

The targeted clone disappears with a poof. At the same time, the other two Lians weave seals simultaneously. "Substitution Technique!" One of the Lians is instantly replaced by a wooden log, while his real body appears on the flank. "Transformation Technique!" The Lian on the flank transforms into an agile black cat, landing lightly and assuming a pouncing posture.

The entire process is fluid and natural. Although Chiba's transformation was comical, Lian's response was textbook. His movements were swift and his logic clear. The examiners record notes on their papers one after another.

"Pass. Next group..."

Soon, it is Sakuya's turn. "Kakashi Sakuya, versus, Nadeshiko Haku."

The atmosphere off the field tightens slightly. This is the first official duel between these two acknowledged "monster" newcomers.

The two walk into the center of the field. Haku's icy blue eyes burn with intense fighting spirit, while Sakuya's deep purple pupils remain calm and ripple-free.

"Kakashi Sakuya, use the Substitution Technique. Nadeshiko Haku, use the Clone Technique."

Haku's seal-weaving speed is astonishingly fast, almost impossible to track. "Clone Technique!" Four lifelike Hakus appear instantly, rushing toward Sakuya from four directions simultaneously. Their movements are uniform and carry immense pressure.

Sakuya stands his ground, appearing as if he has no time to react. Just as the hand-blade of the first "Haku" is about to strike him—Poof! With a soft sound, the body being struck turns into a wooden log. His real body appears like a ghost in the blind spot behind the four Hakus, completely unharmed. "Transformation Technique," he whispers, instantly turning into a tough rope that sweeps across the ground toward the Hakus' lower bodies!

This change of tactics catches everyone by surprise! Instead of using the Clone Technique to distract, he uses the Transformation Technique directly to counterattack!

The four Hakus react with incredible speed, leaping backward simultaneously to dodge. But the moment they land, three of them disappear with a poof—they were clones after all! Haku's real body had already woven seals the moment she leaped! "Substitution Technique!" In mid-air, Haku's real body swaps with an inconspicuous pebble on the ground, avoiding the sweep of the rope. At the same time, the Haku at the pebble's position has already finished weaving seals. "Clone Technique!" Another Haku appears, striking from the air!

The offense and defense switch several times in the blink of an eye! Their speed in weaving seals, the stability of their technique forms, and their ability to adapt on the spot far exceed all previous examinees, causing even some examiners to nod in silent approval.

The students watching are dumbfounded. Shikano opens his eyes slightly: "These two..."

Finally, Shino intervenes: "That is enough. Pass."

Sakuya and Haku stop simultaneously and dispel their techniques. Haku breathes slightly, her eyes shining even brighter as she looks at Sakuya—it is the excitement of encountering a well-matched opponent. Sakuya merely glances at her indifferently before turning to walk back to the line.

The exam continues. With the high-level demonstration from Sakuya and Haku, the following students seem inspired and perform to the best of their abilities.

When the last student finishes the assessment, Shino Aburame confers in low tones with the other examiners for a moment.

Finally, he steps forward, facing all the nervous and uneasy examinees. "I announce that the first stage of the 73rd Konoha Genin Qualification Exam, the Three Basic Techniques application test..." He pauses, his gaze sweeping over every young face. "Everyone—passed!"

"Yeah!" After a brief silence, a massive cheer erupts in the training ground! The children jump up in excitement, high-fiving and hugging each other; some even weep with joy. Even the usually lazy Shikano reveals a look of relief. Chiba is so happy he nearly pulls out snacks to celebrate.

Sakuya and Lian stand in the cheering crowd, looking somewhat out of place. The corners of Lian's mouth lift slightly, revealing a hint of ease. Sakuya remains expressionless, but as he looks at his excited classmates—especially Himawari Uzumaki, who is smiling brilliantly because she passed the exam—a trace of imperceptible warmth seems to melt deep within his ice-cold eyes.

When the ninja headband engraved with the Konoha symbol is placed in his hand, he grips the metal plate tightly. He looks forward with a steady gaze. He knows that only now has he truly, genuinely stepped onto the path of a ninja!

And what truly matters is the Chunin Exam one year from now!