Graduation Exam, Pulling Out All the Stops!

Winter gave way to spring.

On May 12th, Konoha Year 42, more than a dozen students led by Asuma submitted applications for graduation.

Sarutobi Hiruzen approved them that very day and scheduled the Graduation Exam for the following day.

The next day.

The written theory exam was held in the morning.

Even Uchiha Obito, the class's dead last, passed smoothly with Rin's help.

That afternoon, a large number of students gathered outside the academy.

Since they were graduating early, the exam had been set up on short notice by the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. It was completely different from what Asuma had known, where only the Three Basic Ninjutsu would be tested.

As the first student to pass emerged, Asuma and the others learned that this Graduation Exam included a combat test in addition to the Three Basic Ninjutsu.

Their opponents would be veteran Chūnin from the village.

Of course, more importantly—

Not only were the Ninja Academy teachers present for this exam, but the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and numerous Jōnin were also watching.

The moment that news spread, the crowd erupted.

At eight or nine years old, everyone wanted to show what they could do in front of others—especially before the highly respected Third Hokage.

"This time, I'll definitely succeed!"

Uchiha Obito declared loudly.

This was already his third Graduation Exam.

"Yeah, Obito, you can definitely do it!"

Rin immediately offered her encouragement.

Asuma smiled when he heard that. "Obito, as long as nothing unexpected happens, you'll definitely pass!"

The moment he said that, Yūhi Kurenai and the others could not help laughing.

Uchiha Obito looked awkward.

The first time he applied for the Graduation Exam, he really had failed to properly master even the Three Basic Ninjutsu due to his lack of ability.

But the second time, he had been defeated by diarrhea.

"Hmph, I absolutely won't have any problems this time!"

Pushing up his goggles, Uchiha Obito gritted his teeth and swore.

Just then, Yūhi Kurenai's name was called.

Asuma smiled at Yūhi Kurenai. "Go on. Relax—you'll definitely pass!"

Yūhi Kurenai nodded and strode forward confidently.

Less than ten minutes later, Yūhi Kurenai emerged wearing a ninja forehead protector.

After that, Rin, Shizune, Uchiha Obito, and the others took the exam one after another and graduated without issue.

Though they had not trained as crazily as Asuma, they had still been greatly influenced by him. The Graduation Exam was no challenge at all.

Three thirty in the afternoon.

Asuma finally heard his name. After exchanging a look with Yūhi Kurenai, he entered the examination grounds under countless gazes.

The examination grounds were inside a round tower, and the space was extremely vast.

After entering, Asuma first saw his teacher, Nishikawa Masato, as well as an unfamiliar middle-aged man.

Then he saw his father, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and his older brother, Sarutobi Shinya, in the viewing area, along with Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Hatake Sakumo, Namikaze Minato, and many other familiar and unfamiliar ninja seated on either side.

What a lineup!

Asuma looked calm on the surface, but inwardly, he was overjoyed.

This is absolutely the perfect chance to farm some charm points!

Looking at Asuma, the most outstanding student he had taught since becoming an instructor, Nishikawa Masato introduced him warmly. "Asuma, this is veteran Chūnin Kazuki. He'll be your opponent for the combat test later!"

Asuma immediately bowed. "Senior Kazuki!"

Kazuki smiled and nodded. "No need to be nervous. Just bring out all of your strength."

"I heard from Masato that your strength is no longer inferior to his!"

Asuma looked modest. "Teacher Masato flatters me. I'll have to ask for your guidance later, Senior!"

Look at those manners!

Just as expected of the Third Hokage's son!

And apparently, he was as outstanding as Lord Shinya!

Kazuki secretly praised him.

Nishikawa Masato ended the small talk and said, "Asuma, first comes the Three Basic Ninjutsu test. Start with the Clone Technique, then the Transformation Technique, and finally the Substitution Technique!"

"Yes, Teacher!"

Asuma nodded.

The next moment, amid puffs of smoke, seven or eight Nishikawa Masatos and Kazukis appeared.

"Amazing!"

"He used the Clone Technique and Transformation Technique almost simultaneously. So fast—I didn't even see you form Hand Seals, Asuma!"

Nishikawa Masato instantly turned into an Asuma fanboy, then turned to Kazuki beside him and asked, "Senior Kazuki, did you notice Asuma's Hand Seals?"

"Masato, I'm over here!"

Kazuki's helpless voice sounded out.

Nishikawa Masato's body stiffened. He slowly turned around to stare blankly at another Kazuki. "Senior Kazuki?"

Kazuki nodded.

"He even completed the Substitution Technique without me noticing!"

Nishikawa Masato's eyes widened.

That was way too fast!

In the spectator stands.

The onlookers were equally astonished.

One Jōnin praised, "What incredible Three Basic Ninjutsu. Even I can't perform them to that degree in such a short time!"

The others beside him all nodded in agreement.

Being Jōnin did not mean their mastery of the Three Basic Ninjutsu had reached Jōnin level.

A strange glint appeared in Orochimaru's eyes.

Jiraiya, beside him, laughed. "Old man, Asuma's surpassed you!"

Sarutobi Shinya looked proud.

Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke. Surprise flickered in his eyes before he revealed a satisfied smile. "The Three Basic Ninjutsu are only the most basic ninjutsu!"

Jiraiya immediately seized on that and shouted, "Hey, old man, don't underestimate any ninjutsu! You're the one who taught us that!"

Charm +2!

Asuma was quite satisfied. He then dispelled the ninjutsu and asked with a smile, "Teacher Masato, is that enough?"

Nishikawa Masato came back to his senses and immediately nodded. "Of course!"

He steadied himself, gave Asuma three perfect scores of ten, and then said, "Next is the combat test, Asuma!"

With that, Nishikawa Masato leaped backward.

Asuma and Kazuki stood facing each other.

Kazuki had lost his earlier ease. That display of the Three Basic Ninjutsu alone was enough to make him take Asuma seriously.

Once Nishikawa Masato, having retreated, confirmed that they were both ready, he immediately shouted, "Begin!"

Boom!

The instant Nishikawa Masato's words fell, the floor exploded.

"So fast!"

Watching Asuma shoot toward him, Kazuki's pupils contracted sharply as he casually flung out three shuriken.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Sparks flew as all three shuriken were knocked away. Immediately afterward, three shuriken flew toward Kazuki.

Kazuki blocked them with a Kunai as well, just as Asuma closed in.

Amid the clash of metal and a burst of sparks, their Kunai collided.

At the instant their bodies crossed, Kazuki's eyes suddenly widened, and a flicker of terror appeared on his face.

But that terror vanished at once with the eruption of powerful Chakra. Kazuki cried out, "Hell Viewing Technique!"

He crossed his arms in front of himself. With a bang, Asuma sent him flying with a rear kick.

"What tremendous strength!"

Kazuki groaned, his arms numb and nearly devoid of feeling.

Yet Asuma could not help praising him inwardly.

As expected of a veteran Chūnin—he had broken free of Asuma's Genjutsu in an instant.

Sure enough, the level 3 Hell Viewing Technique still was not strong enough.

However, Asuma's movements did not pause in the slightest because of his admiration.

The instant he twisted his foot and turned, he had already completed the Shadow Clone Technique.

Then the original and his Shadow Clone unleashed ninjutsu one after the other.

Fire Style: Flame Bullet!

Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!

Boom!

Wind fed fire, and the originally dark-red Flame Bullet immediately transformed into a massive Flame Bullet. The blazing projectile was three stories tall as it swept toward Kazuki.

Kazuki's expression changed drastically.

Was this really something a student who had not even graduated could do?

Was this worthy of the Third Hokage's second son?

This was far too terrifying!