Orochimaru set down the notes he had been casually flipping through. His golden vertical pupils glanced at Jiraiya, his voice calm yet carrying its characteristic penetrating force:
"Placing your hopes in empty prayers is better replaced by spending that time on last-minute review or mental focus.
Probability always favors those who are prepared."
Uchiha Gen was much gentler by nature. Smiling, he took over and comforted him:
"Senior Brother Jiraiya, don't worry too much.
Everyone has seen your recent progress.
As long as you perform normally, you'll be fine.
We agreed to meet again at Konoha University."
Just then, two somewhat unexpected figures appeared at the classroom door, drawing everyone's attention.
Sharp-eyed, Jiraiya immediately called out:
"Huh? Junior Hiruko? Junior Sakumo? Isn't today the graduation class's exam? Why are you here?"
The newcomers were none other than the outstanding lower-year students—Hiruko and Hatake Sakumo.
Hiruko looked somewhat reserved, while Hatake Sakumo politely nodded.
Sakumo produced a special pass and explained:
"Senior Jiraiya, the school invited us to observe the graduation assessment.
This is the 'Honor Student Practical Observation' system, meant to help us gain experience."
Jiraiya scratched the back of his head, utterly baffled. "Huh? There's a system like that? How come I didn't know?"
Tsunade immediately gave him a look reserved for idiots:
"You white-haired fool, you must have been zoning out in class again or sneaking looks at trashy novels!
Mr. Fujiwara explained this rule in the very first general education class on the 'Konoha Development and Education Outline' after the reforms."
Uchiha Gen kindly brought Jiraiya up to speed, his tone clear and calm:
"Yes, Senior Brother Jiraiya.
After the education reforms, in order to encourage lower-year students and broaden our horizons, the school gives students with top overall grades the opportunity each year to observe important