Graduation

The remaining time was for self-study. The students began chatting at their desks (no teacher meant class was effectively over).

Until the bell rang, the students left their seats to gather, chat, and horse around. To be honest, they were quite excited; after all, the graduation exam was tomorrow.

Pass, and you become a Genin; fail, and you remain a civilian.

Well, perhaps those among them with less talent were feeling a bit anxious.

Ring-ring.

The bell for class rang, and the students returned to their seats, waiting for the next teacher to arrive.

The morning lessons were relatively dull, consisting mainly of reviewing ninja codes and basic theory.

For content he had already mastered, Ning Xue maintained a facade of focus, while his mind was actually elsewhere.

It was the same old problem: his spiritual energy far outweighed his physical energy, and his practice of chakra precision was stuck at a bottleneck. Without a sudden flash of insight, he simply couldn't break through; no matter how long he practiced, it was futile.

Thinking of that green-clad "watermelon," perhaps he could try adding some weights to his limbs to achieve the goal of training during his daily life.

As for his research into Ice Release, to be honest, it was quite difficult to practice in an environment like Konoha. Aside from the Ice Needles he had developed—a skill that didn't quite count as a ninjutsu—he only had the Ice Shield and Ice Wall Technique.

In Wind Release, he only knew how to coat his weapons, along with Wind Blade and Gale Palm.

As for Water Release, he only knew Water Wave. Well, if controlled properly, this skill was quite useful for washing dishes; think of it as a high-pressure water faucet.

In terms of physical arts, besides the Eight Trigrams Palm inherited from the Hyuga clan, he only knew the school's Three Basic Jutsu.

During the breaks between classes, he could clearly feel a subtle atmosphere of mixed excitement and tension permeating the classroom. Tomorrow was the graduation exam that would decide the fate of many.

Of course, this excluded those with high innate talent or the natural advantages brought by family bloodlines.

In truth, Ning Xue had always felt that it was truly difficult for civilian children to become ninjas. Even if they did, it was hard for them to make any breakthroughs throughout their entire lives.

Beyond the public ninjutsu found in the library, if one wanted to learn other techniques, they either had to find a master or pursue physical arts. But not everyone could walk the path of physical arts; after all, not everyone was Might Guy.

And among civilian ninjas, how many could turn from a pheasant into a phoenix?

Those from major clans or those with special bloodline limits didn't have to worry about such troubles. Because their bloodlines provided natural advantages, combined with their family's secret techniques, they could at least manage to become Chunin.

But then again, it wasn't entirely impossible for civilians. After all, when it came down to it, Minato Namikaze was also a civilian ninja.

Relying on talent and intellect, he mastered the Flying Thunder God and created the Rasengan. These two techniques made him famous throughout the ninja world.

Furthermore, he grew to become the Fourth Hokage, who shouldered the burden of the village.

Oh, right, there was also the element of inheritance.

A Jonin from a civilian background could pass on their life's worth of ninjutsu and secret techniques to the next generation, and by having the next generation learn and improve upon them, perhaps a new clan would form after a few generations.

Perhaps many small clans originated this way.

In short, there was still a way out for civilians in this world, though it required paying an equal price. After all, danger and opportunity always coexist.

Of course, if you lived in the Mist Village, then ignore what I just said.

The lunch bell rang, and the surrounding students took out their bento boxes, sitting together with their close friends to eat.

Ning Xue, however, left his seat and headed to the rooftop, even though he was the only one there.

As for whether he found the rooftop hot? Don't joke; he came with his own built-in air conditioning.

Although the midday sun was scorching, it had no effect on Ning Xue. He sat alone in the shade, quietly enjoying his simple bento.

The breeze on the rooftop carried a hint of stifling heat, but the temperature near him was subtly lower. This was the faint chill brought about by his circulation of Ice Release chakra—his own unique air conditioner.

While eating, he wondered if he should go to a blacksmith shop to have some lead weights custom-made to strap onto his body.

But he didn't seem to have that much money, and if he ordered too many... no, perhaps he couldn't handle that much right now anyway.

He would go take a look after school.

The afternoon class was practice for throwing Shuriken and Kunai. For Ning Xue, who possessed the Byakugan, this kind of fixed-target practice was effortless.

He even had the illusion that he could hit the target with his eyes closed. There was no other reason; he had practiced throwing needles every day, so his aim was naturally good.

Moreover, relying solely on muscle memory, he could hit the target with ease.

Still, he controlled his strength and precision, letting most of his Shuriken hit the edge of the bullseye, with only one or two occasionally hitting the center.

Uchiha Sasuke was naturally the focus of this lesson. Relying on the superior bloodline of the Uchiha, his movements were fluid and precise, each throw drawing low gasps of admiration from the girls.

(Lament the unfortunate fate of not having a Sharingan.)

Naruto, on the other hand, remained clumsy, nearly injuring a classmate nearby while using a Kunai.

This drew quite a few complaints from the surrounding students, but despite that, his Shuriken accuracy was unexpectedly high.

Perhaps Naruto had more talent for Shuriken than for Kunai?

After school, he didn't immediately go to work at Ichiraku Ramen. Instead, he turned and went to a nearby blacksmith shop. After making inquiries, he went to a ninja tool shop to buy a pair of iron-lead weights for his legs.

Only then did he head to Ichiraku Ramen. Teuchi saw him and greeted him warmly.

"Oh, Ning Xue-kun, you're here! You look in good spirits today!"

"Yes, Teuchi-san, sorry for the trouble." Ning Xue nodded slightly, put on his apron, and began skillfully washing the pile of bowls and chopsticks.

While working, he listened to the customers chatting.

These guests were perhaps parents of the children, or teachers employed at the school.

Their topics mostly revolved around tomorrow's graduation exam, speculating on what this year's test questions might be and which student had the best hope of taking first place.

"I heard that this year's chief examiner is Mizuki."

"Eh? Is that so? I hope it won't be too difficult... I'm really afraid that brat won't pass."

"Sigh, who do you think will take first place among this year's batch?"

"Hmm... how about this? That child from the Uchiha clan will definitely be fine, right?"

"It seems that demon fox Naruto is also graduating this year."

"Huh? You're kidding, right? Then I truly hope he doesn't graduate."

Hearing Naruto's name, Ning Xue's movements as he wiped the dishes paused slightly. He recalled that Sexy Jutsu from the morning.

"...The ninja world's version of a honey trap." After a moment of silence, he could only mutter this retort under his breath before continuing his work.

However, that evening, two people arrived—both within reason, yet unexpected.

Naruto and Iruka.

Ning Xue didn't say anything; he simply greeted the two of them and continued working.

Iruka and Naruto didn't mind, as they were already used to it.

The two sat on the chairs. Iruka ordered the food, while Naruto took off his Goggles and began to chatter incessantly.

"Naruto, why would you go and scribble all over a place like that?"

"You should know what kind of person the Hokage is."

"That goes without saying," Naruto replied without looking up while slurping his noodles.

"Simply put, it's the person who inherits the name of Hokage. They must be the strongest ninja in the village."

"Especially the Fourth Hokage, who seems to be the hero who protected the village from the demon fox, right?"

"Then why?" Iruka was somewhat puzzled. My dear, this kid's tone actually seemed quite respectful toward them.

"Because one day, I will inherit the title of Hokage."

"And, I will surpass all the Hokage of previous generations!"

Naruto held the bowl in his hands, speaking with seriousness and confidence.

"And then, I will make everyone in the village acknowledge my strength."

These words left Iruka looking stunned, but Naruto immediately changed his tone, his expression shifting in an instant.

"But... Teacher, I have a request," Naruto said, fawning over Iruka.

Iruka was confused by Naruto's sudden change in demeanor and asked, "Do you want another bowl?"

"No, that's not it. It's just... could you give me the Forehead Protector?" Naruto asked, rubbing his hands together with an expectant look on his face.

"Oh, this," Iruka realized, feeling a mix of amusement and helplessness, but then he said, "No." His tone was serious. "This is the proof that you have been recognized as an independent ninja after graduating from school."

"Wait until tomorrow."

Hearing this firm refusal, Naruto was instantly disappointed, then shouted loudly, "Stingy! Another bowl!!!"

Hearing this, Ning Xue came out to take a look. After collecting their bowls, Uncle Teuchi brought two more over to them.

The day of the graduation exam in the 64th year of Konoha.

The atmosphere in the classroom was more solemn than any other day. Even the students who were usually the most boisterous were much quieter today. The air was filled with tension and anticipation.

Iruka walked into the classroom and announced loudly, "Now, the graduation exam begins."

"Those who are called, come to the next classroom."

"And now, I will announce the subject for this graduation exam..."

"Clone Jutsu!!"

Hearing that the exam subject was the Clone Jutsu, some were happy while others were miserable.

"Ah?! Why is it the Clone Jutsu again?"

"Great! I've practiced this for a long time!"

"Ah, how unfortunate, this is the ninjutsu I'm least skilled at!!"

Ning Xue understood in his heart. The Clone Jutsu? That's fine.

The core essence of this technique is to create a physical entity identical to oneself, capable of confusing the senses.

This was not difficult for him.

He sat quietly in his seat, watching as his classmates were called out one by one, only to return in high spirits.

"Uchiha Sasuke!" Iruka called out from the doorway of the adjacent classroom.

Sasuke stood up with a cool expression, hands tucked into his pockets as he walked out. It wasn't long before he returned, a brand-new Konoha Forehead Protector already tied around his forehead, a hint of imperceptible pride on his face. The girls immediately let out a small cheer.

"Haruno Sakura, pass!"

"Yamanaka Ino, pass!"

"Nara Shikamaru, pass!"

"Akimichi Choji, pass!"

"Aburame Shino, pass!"

"Inuzuka Kiba, pass!"

"Hyuga Hinata, pass!"

Hinata blushed, whispering that it was wonderful, though her gaze drifted involuntarily toward a certain someone, as if she were worried about him.

Name after name was called, but to everyone's surprise, not a single person had failed.

"Hyuga Ningxue."

Upon hearing his name, Ningxue rose calmly and walked toward the next room.

Inside the room were only Iruka and another ninja, Mizuki.

Mizuki wore a gentle smile, but Ningxue keenly sensed a hint of malice hidden behind it.

"Ningxue, begin," Iruka said, his eyes filled with encouragement.

Ningxue nodded, his hands moving slowly and precisely to form the hand seals.

"Clone Jutsu!"

Poof! After a light puff of white smoke, three people identical to Ningxue stood on either side of him.

In truth, he could have produced more, but there was no need; passing was enough.

Iruka examined them carefully and nodded with satisfaction.

"Hyuga Ningxue, pass!"

Ningxue gave a slight nod, then took the Konoha Forehead Protector that Iruka handed him.

It felt cold to the touch.

Feeling the unique texture of the metal, he did not put it on immediately like the other children in their excitement; instead, he calmly tucked it away and turned to leave the examination room.

Returning to the classroom, he sat back in his seat in silence and placed the forehead protector into his ninja tool pouch.

The children around him were all wearing their protectors, their faces flushed with excitement as they shared their joy with their peers.

"Uzumaki Naruto!"

Hearing his name, Naruto swallowed nervously, clenched his fists, and walked out with the air of someone heading to their doom.

Once in the exam room, Iruka gave Naruto some words of encouragement and told him to begin.

Standing in the exam room, Naruto muttered to himself, trying to psych himself up.

"It's okay, I'll just give it a try."

Then, taking a deep breath, he shouted, "Clone Jutsu!!"

With a poof, the smoke cleared, but there were no clones as the examiners had expected.

Instead, there was... a half-baked clone with a somewhat gray, washed-out appearance?

Iruka stared at it, his face covered in black lines, before coldly delivering the verdict: "Fail!!!"

Mizuki spoke up afterward, offering Naruto a way to save face.

He then told Naruto to return to the classroom and called for the next student.

After school, Ningxue watched the heartwarming interactions between parents and children around him without much emotion; he simply shouldered his bag and headed toward home.

Upon arriving home, he opened the door and said, "Mother, I'm home."

Hearing Ningxue's voice, Hyuga Yuki, who was sitting on the tatami mat, looked toward the door.

Her complexion remained somewhat pale, but upon seeing her son return, she managed a gentle smile.

"Ningxue, you're back. How... how was the exam?" Her voice carried a hint of imperceptible tension.

Ningxue walked over to his mother, took the brand-new Konoha Forehead Protector from his bag, and calmly held it out before her.

"I passed."

Hyuga Yuki's eyes instantly welled up with tears, yet a trace of complexity flickered within them.

After a moment of silence, she said with gratification.

"Ning Xue, you are amazing; you have become a ninja."

"If your father knew, he would be proud of you too," Hyuga Yuki said softly, though her voice grew quieter with each word, and tears began to stream down her face uncontrollably.

Seeing his mother weep, Ning Xue did not know how to comfort her, so he simply stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Under the warmth of his hold, Hyuga Yuki wiped away her tears, struggling to steady her emotions as she urged him.

"Mm... Ning Xue, you have grown up. Be careful... you must be careful."

Hearing his mother's instructions, Ning Xue lowered his gaze, his eyes turning deep and earnest as he spoke from an angle where she could not see his face.

"I will, I promise..."