Chapter 29: The Academy Graduation Exam
Next day Hiruzen personally paid a visit to the academy.
"It has been five years since someone applied for early graduation. Previously, Kakashi Hatake graduated from the academy only after four months of his time in the academy. Now, Izuna-kun you want to graduate eight months from your admission to the academy. Do you think you are ready for graduation?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama! I think I am ready for graduation. I have full confidence in clearing the Academy Graduation Exam."
"Good! Having confidence is one thing but overconfidence can lead to failure. Now we will start your graduation exam."
Hiruzen nods as he turns to Principal and speaks,
"Satsuki-san! Is the preparation for the exam ready? If they are ready then let's proceed with the exam."
"Yes, Hokage Sama! Everything is ready. We can proceed with the exam."
Principal Satsuki turn towards Izuna as he continues,
"The exam will be conducted in two stages, the written test and the practical test. For the written test, you will be assessed in the complete syllabus taught throughout the entire academy course. Usually, the passing marks are around fifty-percent of the overall score. But for you, it is set at eighty-percent of the overall score.
The second phase of the graduation exam consists of performing the E-Rank Clone Technique. But in your case, it has been changed to any C-rank technique which you have mastered except the Fireball Technique of the Uchiha Clan. Now your written test will start in the next five minutes and will last for an hour."
A Chunnin instructor leads me to the examination hall. After I am seated, the Chunnin takes out a question paper as he points toward the wall clock.
"Your time starts now and exactly after one hour, the answer sheet will be confiscated irrespective of any matter. Now start!"
I begin to read the question paper. It was easy, way too easy. All its consist of is some elementary mathematics, Ninja world geography, hand-seals, and some question related to Ninja Tactics. I pick up my pen and start to write in a flurry. The instructor is surprised to see my speed.
Meanwhile, In a nearby room,
Hiruzen takes out his crystal ball and starts to infuse chakra in it as he sways his hands over the ball. The crystal ball lights up and the scene of Izuna writing his test paper appears on the crystal ball.
I sense a gaze over me. But I ignore it without even flinching.
'I guess that pervert is spying on me again.'
Hiruzen checks the answer sheet of Izuna and is surprised to see one-third of the answer-sheet filled within just five minutes.
"The kid had completed the hardest part of the examination in just five minutes. Unbelievable!"
Hiruzen stares at Izuna with wide-eyes as he can't believe the kid solved so many difficult mathematics problems in a few minutes.
After completing the Mathematics part, I move on to geography problems. There is a map of the shinobi world and some important places names were written on the paper. I have to mark all of the places on the map accurately. I check the names of the places once again as I start to ponder about these places.
I have read many geography books with many important landmarks in Uchiha Library. I start to mark all of the places slowly as I take my time to recall and mark them. After ten minutes I proceed to the next section with hand signs and Ninja tactics. I slowly wrote the answers in the next fifteen minutes.
I stand up from my place as I call the Chunnin instructor. The chunnin instructor frowns as he questions,
"What's the matter? Do you need a bathroom break or something?"
"I have completed the test paper and I want to submit it."
"You what?" the chunnin is perplexed as he looks at the Wall clock.
"Only half an hour of the time has passed. Are you sure, you have completed the test paper? You still have another half hour to write the paper."
"No! that would be too long. I have already finished answering all the questions. There is no point in stalling for more time."
Izuna replies as he hands over the answer sheet to Chunnin. The chunnin takes the answer sheet with a stunned expression as he points in the direction of Training Ground.
"After you exit this hall, turn left and walk forward leaving two rooms in between, the third hall is the training hall where your next exam will be conducted."
I start to whistle as I slowly walk toward the training hall. The chunnin looks at my departing back as he mutters,
"Even though, this Uchiha kids is so arrogant. But damn! he looks cool."
The chunnin admits that Izuna looks cool. He just flips the answer sheet to check what that Uchiha kid has done. The Chunnin is stunned to see the answer sheet as he frantically skims through the answer sheet,
"Correct!... this is also correct… this is correct too. Damn! What a monster?"
All of the answers in the sheet are correct. The Chunnin picks up the sheet as he starts to run toward Hokage's room. Izuna reaches the training hall as he is welcomed by a Chunnin.
"Are you Izuna Uchiha? The kid who wants to take the practical exam."
I nod my head to him as I reply, "Yes, I am Izuna Uchiha."
"Come inside the training hall, the next phase of the exam wills starts now."
I stand in front of the Chunnin as he continues,
"For this phase, you need to perform a C-rank jutsu to clear the exam. Tell us when you are ready."
Without speaking anything I immediately make some hand signs,
"Shadow Clone Jutsu"
A clone with similar in appearance to me appears in front of the examiner. The chunnin jaw-drops at this development as he stares at me with wide-eyes.
"Have I passed?"
There is no response from the Chunnin. I put some emphasis on my words as I shout,
"HAVE I PASSED?"
"Yes…yes, you have passed…you have passed the exam. The goal was to perform a C-rank jutsu but you performed the B-rank Shadow Clone Jutsu. So, you have passed the exam. Now go to Hokage-sama office to get your Academy Graduation Certificate together with your forehead protector."
I nod to him as I start to walk toward the Hokage's office. The Hokage office is right beside the academy and it didn't take me too long to arrive at Hokage's office.
I knocked at the Hokage's Office door and waited for the response.
"Come in."
An old grumpy voice came from inside as I turned the knob and entered inside.
"Name: Izuna Uchiha
Age: 5 years and 10 month
Congratulations!, you have passed your Academy Graduation exam. You are a Ninja now."
Hiruzen closes the document and hands over a brand new leaf forehead protector with the blue cloth to me.
"This is your Forehead protector, a symbol of Will of Fire and prestige of Konoha. Handle it carefully and don't lose it. Now go to the room beside this room for a photo for your Graduation Certificate and Ninja Id. You will be assigned to a team tomorrow. The specific details could be found on the notice board. Now good luck towards your Ninja Journey."
"Thank you, Grandpa Hokage"
I smile at Hiruzen as I walk out of the Office. After the photo session was over. I take out my ninja certificate and decides to wait for Shisui to tease him with my Ninja certificate. My Ninja Registration number is '011223'.
After waiting for a while, the entrance of the academy bustled with kids running from the academy as the classes were over. Shisui walks out of the academy as he moves towards over usual meeting place. He notices me and starts to walk towards me, but his footsteps stop as he stares at my forehead or to be precise at my forehead protector. He points at me as he stutters,
"Nii…nii-san! What is this?"
"Oh! It is nothing but a fancy headwear. I just cleared the academy Graduation exam and now I am a true ninja."
I reply with a straight face as a small noticeable grin appears on my face. Shisui's eyes watered as he starts to hit me with his tiny fists.
"Uwah! You are a cheater nii-san. You promised me that both of us will become a ninja at the same time. But…but you broke your promise and graduated early. This is not fair…Uwah!"
"There…there!" I gently rubbed Shisui's forehead as I start to console him.
"Don't worry Shisui, work hard and you will be able to graduate early too. Now Aren't I amazing…I am amazing right, Shisui… Haha"
Shisui tears up again and he almost burst up.
"Shisui let's go to your favorite restaurant today. I am sure father and mother will throw a big party tonight."
And as I expected both mother and father were very happy to see me pass the exam and become a Ninja. Both of them threw a large party at Akimichi's restaurant as I like their meat dishes.
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Chapter 30: My New Team and First Mission
Early in the next morning, I start to prepare all my ninja tools and equipment as I will be assigned to a Team today.
I wore my leaf protector around my forehead. A seal with kanji symbol 'Storage' is imprinted on a metal bracer as I wore it on my left hand. The pair of bracers is a gift from Kushina when I asked her to make me a storage space. This pair of metal bracer is one of the items from the Uzumaki clan heritage and Kushina gave it to me as she said,
"This pair of metal bracer was eating dust in our Uzumaki compound. I thought that you will like them, so big-sister brought them for you. Now give me a hug for this gift."
I happily accepted this generous gift with a begrudging expression as I was squeezed in her embrace. These bracers are very handy as I can use them to store my Ninja tools. The left hand's bracer stores my shurikens whereas I store my kunais in right hands bracer as it would be easy to summon them in a fight. I wear fingerless gloves with metal plating on backhand similar to Kakashi. This ninja gear seemed practical to me.
I arrived at the entrance of the academy. I am supposed to meet my new team here today. I have graduated during the ongoing session of the academy so there were no new graduates to be paired with. I will join an existing team that has a vacancy for now.
I waits for an hour near the academy. Two genins arrived to meet me as one of them spoke,
"Follow us we will meet with Sensei."
I nod to them and start to follow them. There is no interaction between us. None of them introduced themselves and I also never bothered with them. I can feel some repulsion from their behavior. I can pretty much guess their reason but I paid no heed to it.
The genins lead me to the bridge on the Naka River. The Jounin sensed our presence and looked towards us. He smiled at us as he waved,
"So, You two have already met your new teammate. Guess I will introduce myself first.
I am Tendo Onikuma from the Onikuma clan and I will be your Jounin Team Leader. Now all three of you introduce yourselves to each other."
"I am Izuna Uchiha. I just graduated from the academy. Nice to meet you all. Please take care of me in the future."
I introduced myself to the team, whether they like it or not I am a part of their team. After all, they will be ones who will have my back during a mission. Both of them snorted but still replied,
"I am Ryo Aoki. I am not from any clan. My father is a small shopkeeper and he sells clothes."
"I am Takeru Hoga. I am an orphan and I am not from any clan."
There is no further greeting or cheering. The atmosphere becomes awkward. To ease some tension, Tendo claps his hands as he speaks,
"Now, now don't be so tense. Izuna-kun will have to complete his first mission and it is a tradition in Village that the first mission will be assigned by Hokage-sama himself for any new ninja. Izuna-kun you go and visit Hokage-Sama's office. We will catch up with you, I have somethings to talk with the two of them.
"Ok! Tendo Sensei! I will be right at Hokage-Sama's office.'
I start to dash towards the Hokage's office as I jump over roofs and vanish from their vision.
"We can't accept him Tendo Sensei. It has been two weeks since Haru passed away in the mission. How can the Hokage office be so cruel to replace him just like that without even our consent? And that too with a kid who barely left even the borders of his Clan. I am sorry sensei, we can't take care of a pampered Clan Kid."
Both of genins start to complain to Tendo. Tendo holds his head in frustration as he rebukes them,
"Listen! Ryo and Takeru, both of are you a ninja now? Both of you should have known that casualties will occur during a mission before you become a ninja. The job of a ninja is dangerous and full of blood and murder and also the world won't wait for you to get over your grief. You have to continue taking missions and fulfill your duty as a ninja.
The Hokage-sama had already given you two weeks to overcome your grief and now after two weeks, you should be ready for more missions. As for your third teammate Izuna Uchiha, he is a member of powerful Uchiha clan and his abilities are personally approved by Hokage-sama. So, you don't have to worry about him holding you back."
"Tendo Sensei! You are a jounin right. You could have saved Haru if you tried. You are also at fault for Haru's death."
This time Tendo is pissed at their remark as he snaps at them,
"I am your Jounin Instructor and Team Leader, not your nanny who will tend to your every need and will always protect you. It was Haru's fault for ignoring my orders and triggering a trap and blowing himself up. Now quit bitching around and prepare for your new mission. I don't want to hear any more complaints from both of you. If you complained even once then both of you will be retired as a Ninja. Now move on towards the Hokage office."
Tendo is angry at these kids,
'Do you think being a ninja is like playing house? You want to get all the praise you want for a successful mission and blame others for your failure.'
I entered the Hokage's office as I knocked on the door. The usual grumpy face of Hokage appeared in my vision as he spoke,
"Oh! It is your Izuna-kun. So, you have already met your team and are ready for your first mission. Come with me to the Mission room, I will personally choose a mission for you. Since it is your first mission after graduation, it won't be too hard. I will give you the simplest D-Rank mission for you to experience."
We entered inside the mission room and I see a receptionist frantically trying to appease a woman.
A corpulent woman with dark brown hairs separated in three poofs is jumping around in the room. She wore pink-lipstick, pink-nail polish, and purple eyeshadow. There are many gold rings with various gemstones in her fingers.
The woman is crying buckets of tears as she blows her nose in a white handkerchief with gold lining. She notices Hiruzen as she jumps towards him,
"Hokage-sama, Hokage-sama…. My poor Tora is lost again. Poor kitty, how will she survive in this world without my love and affection. Hokage-sama you should hurry up and send some ninjas to find my poor Tora."
Hiruzen sweatdrops at the woman enthusiasm, as he convinces her,
"Don't worry Madam Shijimi, we will find your cat soon."
"Yes, Hokage-sama! If it is your promise then I can breathe in relief."
I recognize the woman from the anime. I forgot her name from the anime but I remembered that this woman has a literal immortal cat that likes to run away from home.
'Like come on! Her cat lived longer than poor Asuma in the anime. Also, this cat is the source of income for all of the genins of the village. So, I won't complain but seriously this will be my first mission.'
As if right on Cue, Hiruzen pulled a picture from his pocket and handed it to me.
"This is the portrait of Madam Shijimi's cat Tora. I always keep this picture with me as her cat usually runs away almost every day. Madam Shijimi is the wife of Fire Daimyo."
I grab the picture of the cat and begin to memorize its features.
The cat has brown fur with a black line running down its forehead with three lines going across it. It has amber color eyes and a red ribbon is tied on her right ear.
The receptionist jots down my name on a sheet of paper together with my Ninja registration Id as she issues the D-rank mission 'Search For Tora the Cat' to me.
In the meantime, Tendo Sensei and my two other teammates arrive in the room. Tendo Sensei takes the paper with mission details on it as he orders us to move out.
This mission is one hell of a pain in the ass. That cat is agile like a leopard and quick-witted like a fox.
'Fuck! This fucking cat is more useful than my two useless teammates if I train it like a ninja.'
I curse in my mind to my two useless teammates who contributed almost nothing in the capture of this Cat.
The Fat lady grabs the cat and nearly squeezes the life out of the cat as she strangles the cat in a hug.
"Don't leave me again, my dear Tora-chan."
'Serves you right! You darn cat!'
I murmured to myself as I can't bring myself to pity that cat.
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