Thanks for the Graduation Gift, Classmates

After Orochimaru left, the three teams sized one another up.

When the school assigned teams, it always arranged students in combinations of a genius, an average ninja, and a dead last.

The others might not know them, but everyone had heard of Uchiha Ling, the Top of the Grade from the year above and the year above that.

Ten-year-old Sarutobi Miyagi and eleven-year-old Shimura Du were each the Top of the Grade in their respective years.

After Kakashi left, Uchiha Ling had also become the undisputed Top of the Grade, though he was somewhat lacking in Theory Class.

The Village had handed the Top of the Grade from all three years over to Orochimaru, displaying a casual disregard for whether the geniuses lived or died.

Sarutobi Miyagi swept his gaze over the others and said:

"Regardless of our age, we're all Genin after Early Graduation. From today onward, we're competitors.

"Teacher Orochimaru is Clan Head Hiruzen's disciple, and I'll carry on that connection. I will definitely become Teacher Orochimaru's disciple.

"Once we reach the front lines, we'll each carry out our own missions. Don't hold me back."

Sarutobi Miyagi was fairly forthright, stating his purpose directly.

Shimura Du frowned. "Sarutobi Miyagi, Teacher Orochimaru works in the Root of our Clan Head Danzo.

"To preserve the Hokage's dignity, Teacher Orochimaru had no choice but to take in a Genin from the Sarutobi Clan like you.

"Over the past six months, I've been able to see Teacher Orochimaru at Clan Head Danzo's place almost every month. I'm the disciple Teacher truly wants to choose. Don't get ahead of yourself."

Sarutobi Miyagi shot Shimura Du a sidelong glance, his expression turning ugly.

Seeing the two Top of the Grade students from the upper years grow increasingly heated, Dule Jiong turned to Uchiha Ling.