On the training grounds, shouts, the blasts of ninjutsu, and the thud-thud of kunai embedding themselves in targets rang out without end.
Meanwhile, the theory examination hall was filled with the scratch of pen tips across paper and the silence of concentrated thought.
As the widely acknowledged top three of their class, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Uchiha Gen performed as steadily and brilliantly as ever.
Tsunade received nearly perfect evaluations in the medical emergency simulations and taijutsu tests;
Orochimaru's written theory answers were as rigorous as a textbook, while his ninjutsu practice displayed precise, efficient creativity;
Uchiha Gen demonstrated well-rounded capabilities in Genjutsu combat, fine chakra control, and team cooperation exercises.
The three of them practically crushed every assessment, finishing all the tests early and receiving unquestionable "excellent" ratings.
They did not leave immediately. Instead, as though by mutual agreement, they gathered at the edge of the ninjutsu practical examination grounds.
Their gazes fell upon the Haku-haired figure in the arena, who was engaged in his final fierce battle against a practice puppet—Jiraiya.
Jiraiya's usual goofy grin was gone, replaced by a rare expression of complete concentration.
He evaded the puppet's tricky Wind Release attack, then closed in with a seemingly clumsy yet ingenious sliding step. His hand seals were more than twice as fast as usual:
"Ninja Art: Wild Lion's Mane Jutsu!"
His signature Haku-colored hair suddenly grew explosively, turning into living Haku-colored pythons that not only entangled the puppet's attacking arm, but also surged upward and tightly bound its core joints.
At the same time, chakra erupted beneath his feet. A crisp, powerful side kick struck the puppet's exposed energy core, revealed by its restraints.
"Bang!"
The light in the practice puppet's eyes went out, and it stood rigidly still.
The examiner nodded and recorded the score in his