Hayato's Jonin Instructor

"Can you tell me why?" Kurenai's voice carried a trace of sobbing as she fixed her gaze tightly on Hayato, her eyes filled with sincerity and reluctance.

Hayato sighed softly and said frankly, "It's simple. I can't learn anything more at the Ninja Academy. I need new challenges and new opportunities to grow."

Of course, that was only part of the reason. The deeper reason was that he needed to complete missions as soon as possible, but he could not share that secret with Kurenai.

Kurenai spoke again, her voice trembling slightly. "Then... when are you leaving?"

Hayato lowered his head slightly and said softly, "This afternoon. Once I pass the graduation exam, I'll officially graduate. Starting tomorrow, I won't be coming to school anymore."

Although it had mostly been his Shadow Clones attending recently, weren't his Shadow Clones still him?

Kurenai's heart sank. She realized that this moment had truly arrived.

Yet she still forced a smile and asked, "So you came specifically to say goodbye to me today?"

Hayato nodded, flicked Kurenai's forehead, and smiled. "Yeah. I thought that before leaving, I should say goodbye to the important people in my life."

Kurenai froze from the flick, then quickly reacted and snapped, "I told you, flicking my forehead will..."

However, she suddenly realized what Hayato had just said, and a warm current surged through her heart.

Was she someone important to him?

Kurenai looked at Hayato, her eyes full of determination. "Don't worry. I'll definitely catch up to you soon. Then we'll fight side by side again!"

Seeing Kurenai regain her spirit, Hayato smiled as well.

He patted Kurenai on the shoulder and said, "Then I'll go scout the road ahead for you first. By then, I'll be your senior."

"In your dreams. We'll always be classmates from the same year. That can't be changed," Kurenai protested.

Trying to take advantage of me? Not a chance.

The two smiled at each other and returned to the classroom.

Time flew by, and soon it was afternoon.

Shuichi came to the classroom door and called out loudly, "Hayato!"

Hayato slowly rose to his feet. The surrounding students all looked over curiously and began whispering among themselves.

"Looks like Shuichi-sensei found out Hayato skipped class this morning. He's going to get scolded."

They all thought Shuichi had learned that Hayato had not attended class today, and they guessed what punishment he would receive.

Kurenai, the only one who knew the truth, did not speak up to refute them. She merely watched Hayato walk forward in silence, her hands unconsciously clenching tightly.

Her resolve grew firmer once more. I'll work hard. I'll make sure to stand by your side as soon as possible.

Hayato reached the classroom door and turned back to glance at his classmates.

Shuichi did not urge him, merely waiting quietly to the side.

"Everyone, I think I'll be leaving for a while," Hayato said with a smile. Then he walked out, casually waving an arm.

Shuichi cast a meaningful glance at everyone in the classroom, then shook his head, pulled the door shut, and followed Hayato.

The two arrived at an office, where several ninja wearing forehead protectors stood inside.

These people were the examiners responsible for the graduation exam.

For Hayato, the graduation exam was not difficult.

With his outstanding strength and skill, he passed the exam with ease.

Shuichi handed Hayato a Konoha ninja forehead protector and a graduation certificate, smiling as he said, "Hayato, congratulations. You've graduated!"

Hayato solemnly accepted the forehead protector and certificate with both hands. Smiling, he said, "Thank you, Shuichi-sensei. I'll keep working hard!"

Afterward, Hayato went to the administrative office in the Hokage Building and had a ninja identification photo taken. This photo would become the starting point of his ninja career.

That evening, Hayato's ninja application form appeared on Hiruzen's desk.

Hiruzen silently looked at the document, his heart filled with emotion.

"The youngest Genin in Konoha's history..." Hiruzen murmured.

Hiruzen frowned slightly as he considered whom to assign as Hayato's Jonin instructor.

He knew Hayato's potential and talent well, but he also knew that Hayato was still young and needed more tempering and growth.

After some careful consideration, he had the Anbu summon someone to the Hokage Building.

Meanwhile, Hayato returned home.

Meanwhile, Hayato returned home. When he told his parents that he had already graduated, Misaki's voice instantly rose several octaves.

"What? You said you've already graduated?" She stared at Hayato in shock.

Hayato covered one ear halfway and spoke quietly. "Mm, that's right."

"Why? Why didn't you discuss something this important with us?" Misaki clearly had no intention of letting Hayato off and continued questioning him.

Shota, standing beside her, was equally stunned and echoed Misaki's words. "Yeah, Hayato. You should have discussed this with us first."

"I did tell you. Didn't I mention it last time?"

At that, Misaki and Shota exchanged looks.

"Did you?"

"Did he?"

"Last time, didn't I tell you that the Hokage said I was already able to graduate?" Hayato's voice grew weaker and weaker toward the end.

Misaki and Shota looked at each other, both recalling that such a conversation had indeed happened.

But at the time, they thought Hayato had merely been talking. They had not expected him to actually do it.

"But I remember you said you wanted to take some more time to settle yourself first."

Hayato spread his hands helplessly. "I did settle."

Seriously, it had only been two months. This was what he called settling down?

But since the matter was already settled, Shota did not criticize him too harshly.

He comforted Misaki beside him, then looked at Hayato and said, "Hayato must have his reasons for doing this. We should support him."

Although Misaki was still worried, she nodded and reminded him, "Be careful. Don't push yourself too hard."

Listening to his parents' words, Hayato felt warmth well up in his heart.

He knew he had made the right choice, and he had also gained his family's understanding and support.

"Don't worry, Dad, Mom."

Hayato was already thankful it had not turned into a two-on-one beating. Fortunately, he had prepared them in advance.

That way, his parents had not been caught completely off guard.

With the matter laid out in the open, the family began a warm dinner together.

However, on the other side of the Hokage Building, Sakumo stared at Hiruzen before him with a look of surprise.

"So, Lord Hokage, you want to assign Hayato to my team?"

Hiruzen puffed out a cloud of smoke. Seeing Sakumo's reaction, he said softly, "Sakumo, that child Hayato possesses excellent ninja talent and ability.

But he is still too young and needs an experienced Jonin to guide him. After giving it much thought, you are the most suitable choice."

Although Sakumo had never served as a Jonin instructor before, he understood that this was Hiruzen's trust and expectation.

So he nodded and said, "I understand, Lord Hokage. Then what about the other two team members?"

A Jonin instructor team had always consisted of one Jonin instructor and three Genin.

But in Hiruzen's conversation with him just now, he had only mentioned Hayato and had said nothing about the other two members.

Hiruzen coughed lightly and spoke somewhat awkwardly.

"For the time being, your team will carry out missions with only you and Hayato."

"Huh?"

What was this situation?

Everyone else had four-person teams, but his had become a two-person team.

"The situation is somewhat special. We'll fill out your team's roster after some time," Hiruzen explained.

The truth was that it was not graduation season. Hayato had graduated alone, so he had no classmates from the same year.

Moreover, Hiruzen had only learned of this matter today. He simply had not had time to make proper arrangements.

Although Sakumo was somewhat taken aback, he still accepted the arrangement. He knew it was Hiruzen's decision and Konoha's need.

"I understand!"

The next morning, sunlight bathed the land.

Hayato arrived at the Hokage's office and received his ninja identification from Hiruzen. It already bore Konoha's official seal.

With this proof, he had officially become a Genin.

He carefully examined the document, and the ninja number printed on it made the corners of his lips rise.

"Haha. What a coincidence!"

His ninja identification number was: 009527