The Squad Leader
Minato Namikaze, standing tall and straight like a pine tree, bowed slightly and said in a calm tone, "Then, Lord Hokage, I'll take my leave."
Minato had no time to enjoy leisure time; a mountain of tasks and official duties awaited his careful review and processing.
Just as Minato was about to step out the door, Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to suddenly remember something important. He hurriedly called out to Minato, his voice tinged with thought, "By the way, Minato, what kind of mentor do you think we should find for these three?"
After all, the words have been spoken to this extent, and all of this is for the future of the village. Moreover, Koki, Shisui, and Hayate have already proven their extraordinary talent and strength with their outstanding performances.
Hiruzen Sarutobi certainly wouldn't forcibly take Koki and Shisui back to school just because they were from the Uchiha Clan.
In addition, it is essential to find them an excellent teacher to guide them in fully realizing their potential and contributing their utmost value to Konoha, so that their talents will not be wasted.
After much thought, he realized that there really weren't many ninjas who could teach even a few people.
There are hardly any Jonin in the village with the time, and even if there were, they probably wouldn't be willing to take on these two "geniuses" from the Uchiha Clan.
After all, the Uchiha Clan has always been a special presence in Konoha; their immense power inspires both awe and apprehension.
Upon hearing the Hokage's question, Minato immediately turned to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi. His eyes sparkled, as if they held the brilliance of stars, shimmering with anticipation.
"Lord Hokage, what do you think of me?"
"You?" Hiruzen Sarutobi was slightly surprised, his eyes filled with doubt as he looked Minato up and down.
"Yes, Lord Hokage. Obito, Kakashi, and Rin are already capable of handling things on their own; they are fully competent to complete missions independently. I have the time and energy to teach these three new students."
"It's possible." Hiruzen Sarutobi slightly, but his heart was filled with doubt.
He really couldn't understand why Minato was so happy. Was it simply because there were a few more students?
In the following days, news of Koki and Shisui graduating early swept through every corner of the ninja academy like Hayate. Although it wasn't as fast as the legendary ninja Kakashi's graduation, it completely solidified their title as the 'twin stars'.
Amidst the clamor, Shisui clearly couldn't stand the "stares" on the street and didn't ask Koki to go out with him for several days in a row. This allowed Koki to unexpectedly enjoy a few days of carefree, idyllic life.
Every day at home, I would guide Itachi's Ninjutsu training, watch Jiraiya's latest "masterpiece," help my mother cook, spar with Shisui, and spend the rest of my time looking forward to the school's class assignment ceremony, meeting my new team leader, and officially starting my ninja journey.
That's right, even though only three people graduated early, the school still held a proper class assignment ceremony. How formalistic!
Not long after, three days later, after breakfast, Koki and Shisui changed into matching blue jackets, put on Forehead Protector that marked their ninja identity, and set off for school.
"Look! That must be the legendary Uchiha, right? He's achieved so much at such a young age."
"I heard they've already graduated; they're truly geniuses among geniuses!"
"The Uchiha Clan are all so handsome! I love them!"
"Tch, what's so great about a brat from the Uchiha?"
"Exactly, he's the clan chief's son. He probably only graduated because of connections, right?"
Even on the street, Koki and Shisui attracted the attention of most people. Girls exchanged flirtatious glances and whispered among themselves, while boys looked them up and down with a hint of provocation.
Along the way, countless eyes were cast upon them, watching them with curiosity. Neither of them were the type to be stubborn, so they could only quicken their pace.
"It's alright, they're just here to watch the fun," Koki comforted Shisui, noticing her discomfort.
Having lived an extra lifetime, Koki was already used to such situations. He knew that soon people's attention would shift to other things, and who would keep staring at them for so long?
Fortunately, the class assignment ceremony didn't start until 9:00, and they arrived at the classroom at 8:30, so they weren't late.
The Koki stepped into the classroom, she caught sight of that solitary figure—a boy with a sword on his back sitting quietly in a corner.
He pulled Shisui down to sit next to Hayate, and said jokingly, "Gekko Hayate, you really did a great job keeping this a secret!"
It wasn't until the end of the assessment that Koki learned that Hayate had also joined the ranks of those graduating early.
In fact, on the day Koki made her decision, Hayate felt a strong impulse: to graduate early with Koki and Jonin together.
That night, Hayate resolutely visited his father, "Father, I want to apply for early graduation."
He knew his father's inner struggle. His own health had been a concern, and his father was filled with worries, yet he couldn't bear to refuse his son's plea.
In the end, the father sighed and reluctantly agreed to ask the Lord Hokage to try and secure this opportunity for his son.
Despite his poor physical condition, his Konoha Swordsmanship had reached a level of perfection. Coupled with his unique ability to Transparent Release, he was more than capable of using it for surprise attacks and reconnaissance, making it easy for him to handle the so-called 'graduation assessment'.
Fortunately, it wasn't too late, and he was able to be in the same class as Koki.
"Surprise? I think it's more of a shock. By the way, how are you feeling?"
"I feel much better after taking the medicine you brought."
The teacher was late, so Koki lay down on the table and started to dream. Shisui and Hayate sat quietly on either side of him.
After an unknown amount of time, a teacher dressed in a black, tight-fitting combat suit, covered by Jonin chainmail, entered the classroom and stood on the podium.
Shisui gently awakened the sleeping Koki.
"First of all, I congratulate you. From this day forward, you have become capable ninjas. However, you are still just Genin, and the real test has only just begun."
"You will be divided into teams of three, each assigned to a Jonin instructor, and will carry out various missions together."
"I wonder who the teacher is?" Koki muttered softly.
"Don't worry too much. 'When soldiers come, we'll meet them head-on; when water comes, we'll dam it.' That's the lesson you taught me. Relax, I've got you covered." Shisui gently Koki's hair, offering him comfort.
"Good!"
"Assemble at the training ground promptly at 8:00 AM tomorrow!"