Graduation Application, Approved!!

As Hikaru opened his mouth, his teacher raised a hand to interrupt him, looking at him and smiling, "Your application was only rejected by the Hokage, it's not invalid. The Hokage has already notified me, and your application has been approved. You'll be training with Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya in the advanced class."

"But which squad you'll be assigned to isn't up to me. Everything depends on the Hokage's decision."

The teacher looked at Hikaru, a hint of regret in his tone.

The standard squad formation now was three members, including a support ninja. Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya, who were already key figures under observation, would likely be placed together.

This would leave Hikaru as the odd one out, potentially assigned to a different squad. Even with his talent and strength, students from the lower and advanced classes being grouped together would surely lead to exclusion.

The teacher wasn't worried about Hikaru's ability to adapt, but rather that if Hikaru, with his calm demeanor, was placed with the advanced students, it could cause conflict within the squad.

How could children who graduated past the age of ten compare to Hikaru?

The teacher was precisely worried that these advanced students, due to their pride, might cause trouble for Hikaru, only to be slapped back by him, leading to embarrassment and disharmony within the squad.

Hikaru had no idea what his teacher was thinking. He let out a sigh of relief, as long as he could graduate smoothly. As for whether he'd be grouped with the advanced students, Hikaru wasn't worried about those issues.

He was worried that the Third Hokage would reject his application again and not allow him to graduate early.

"Thank you, teacher."

He saw the kindness his teacher showed him, but at this moment, all Hikaru could say was thank you.

"Hahaha... Go on, kid. Once you pass your assessment and become a true ninja, I'll be honored too. I'll treat you all to yakiniku then!!"

Standing up and walking to Hikaru's side, the teacher clapped Hikaru on the shoulder with a laugh, telling him not to feel burdened. This was all part of his duty, and he promised to treat them to yakiniku if they passed the assessment.

"En."

Hikaru smiled and nodded, saying, "I think Jiraiya and Tsunade will be very happy when they hear this."

When it came to food, Hikaru was a bit of a glutton, and Tsunade and Jiraiya were similar. Only Orochimaru had little interest in such things; as long as he wasn't hungry, that was enough. Orochimaru cared only about his own interests.

Reading, studying ninjutsu, no matter what kind of ninjutsu it was, whether it was advanced or not, if it existed, it would capture Orochimaru's attention. Books and scrolls held far more appeal for Orochimaru than delicious food.

"Hahaha, of course. Hurry up and get ready. The official notice will come down tomorrow, so you don't need to come to class for the next few days. Prepare yourself well."

The teacher laughed heartily, pleased. The thought of Jiraiya and Tsunade looking like food-loving gluttons made him want to laugh.

Of course, Jiraiya would ask for some sake!

"En."

Hikaru turned and left the office. Not having to attend class for the next few days was great. He could finally rest. He had been in the ninja world for half a year, and Hikaru had spent most of his time training for strength, rarely taking breaks. It would be nice to relax and rest. As for the assessment, Hikaru wasn't worried.

"Is it the bell test?"

Thinking of the Konoha graduation assessment, Hikaru's lips curved slightly.

To cultivate tacit understanding and trust among ninja, this aspect had always been emphasized since school, even in graduation assessments and future missions.

Unfortunately, no matter how good the tacit understanding and trust were, they would lose all meaning as the gap in strength widened.

"How did it go!!!"

Tsunade and Jiraiya, who had come to the school with Hikaru, were waiting in the hallway. Seeing Hikaru emerge from the office, they immediately crowded around him.

His application had been approved, and Hikaru was in a good mood. He was finally leaving this ninja school, which was essentially a cradle, and heading out into the world!!!

To witness the cruelty among ninja.

Of course, it was also Hikaru's first step towards becoming stronger.

"The Hokage has approved it. I will be taking the assessment with you all. However, as for which squad I'll be assigned to, that's unknown. Everything depends on the Hokage's decision."