Bab 28: Rewards
The concept of "early graduation assessment" resonated with Aizen, prompting him to recall the details of this Academy process. Essentially, it was a chance for exceptional students to accelerate their Genin qualification by bypassing the standard six-year curriculum. Those confident in their skills could attempt this special assessment for early graduation.
However, the early graduation assessment was significantly more challenging than the standard graduation exam, designed to identify and eliminate overly confident students lacking the necessary strength. While Aizen's current abilities were sufficient to pass, his priorities lay elsewhere. "Thanks, but I'll have to decline early graduation for now," Aizen replied with a polite shake of his head. "I'm more interested in furthering my studies in medical ninjutsu. You and the others should definitely consider it."
Internally, Aizen scoffed. With the Second Shinobi World War in full swing, why abandon the relative safety of Konohagakure to become mere cannon fodder? Remaining undercover and biding his time was a far more strategic approach. Aizen wasn't about to squander his advantage. "That's a wise decision, Aizen," Uchiha Fugaku replied with a hint of disappointment, though he seemed to understand.
"Your focus on becoming a top-notch medical ninja is commendable. There's no need to rush graduation." Over the past two years, Aizen had meticulously crafted his persona, successfully deceiving those around him. Namikaze Minato, Uchiha Fugaku, and Senju Nawaki were prime examples of his masterful manipulation. "Looks like I'll be a solo Genin after graduation," Uchiha Fugaku sighed, a contemplative frown creasing his brow. Aizen's surprise was evident. "But can't you team up with Minato?" he inquired.
Building team cohesion quickly was crucial for newly formed Genin squads. Ideally, teammates were classmates who had already established a rapport. While Senju Nawaki likely wouldn't be placed on the same team as Uchiha Fugaku due to their clan affiliations, Minato, being a fellow prodigy, could've been a natural choice. After all, exceptional talent often comes with certain privileges. "Don't even get me started on Minato," Uchiha Fugaku grumbled, his tone laced with bitterness.
"The guy forgets his friends like yesterday's bento. Don't count on him." Aizen's gaze drifted in the opposite direction, where a flash of golden hair caught his eye. And beside it, a fiery red mane. The two were having lunch together, an unmistakable aura of budding affection clinging to them. "Minato used to eat lunch with me," Uchiha Fugaku muttered around a mouthful of food, his voice heavy with discontent. "But today, he's practically glued to Uzumaki Kushina. It's bizarre – yesterday, she couldn't stand the sight of him."
The drastic shift in Kushina's attitude towards Minato piqued Aizen's curiosity. It was an unexpected development. The mention of "yesterday" triggered a memory in Aizen. It was just yesterday that Cloud Shinobi met his end at Aizen's hands. After disposing of the body discreetly, Aizen had meticulously used Water Style and Earth Style jutsu to erase any lingering battle scars from the scene. While confident in his handiwork, the incident with Cloud Shinobi served as a cautionary tale.
Aizen didn't underestimate the potential for complications. Thankfully, the secluded training ground rarely saw any visitors – a near-abandoned ghost town. With time, especially under the relentless assault of wind, sun, and rain, any remaining traces would likely vanish without a whisker – not even the legendary "God of Shinobi" himself could sniff them out. Of course, if anything is discovered, now he has been called to Anbu for tea.
Nothing has happened until now, indicating that this matter has come to an end...
So far, the coast was clear. This chapter seemed to be closed. "To make matters worse," Uchiha Fugaku grumbled, stuffing his face with food, "during our talk about early graduation, Minato had the audacity to declare he'd be placed on a team with Uzumaki Kushina. Unbelievable!" Aizen chuckled inwardly. Placing the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails on a team with Uchiha prodigies? A recipe for disaster if the unthinkable happened – a scenario where the Nine-Tails was compromised.
Furthermore, Kushina, the jinchūriki in question, was pushing for early graduation after barely starting at the Academy. This sudden shift could very well be Minato's influence – a lovesick girl seeking to be close to her crush. However, the Nine-Tails was no trifling matter. After graduation, Minato would inevitably be assigned missions outside the village. Konohagakure's leadership wouldn't readily approve of such a risky pairing.
Uzumaki Kushina's initial reluctance to integrate with Konohagakure presented a challenge for the village leadership. Jinchūriki suitable for the Nine-Tails was scarce, and finding a suitable mentor was paramount. Elite Jonin wouldn't suffice; only someone of near-Kage caliber would be qualified. This, in a way, played into Namikaze Minato's hands. Perhaps it wasn't just his talent that paved the way for his eventual Hokage appointment, as the original work suggests.
His feelings for Kushina might have also played a role. Some might consider it a form of nepotism, but such was the political landscape. Aizen's mind churned, dissecting these intricate dynamics. A sly smile played on his lips as he observed Minato. Perhaps it was the combined attention of Aizen and Uchiha Fugaku, or maybe Minato noticed Aizen's unsettling gaze, but upon finishing their lunch, both he and Kushina approached them. "Hey, Minato, Fugaku, what were you guys discussing?" Minato inquired, his greeting laced with a hint of awkwardness. Uzumaki Kushina offered a shy greeting to both Aizen and Fugaku, a blush creeping across her cheeks.
"About what else?" Uchiha Fugaku replied, the last bite of rice disappearing into his mouth. "Apparently, you two abandoned me to form a team." He shot a pointed look at Minato and Kushina, a hint of amusement in his eyes. This sent a wave of crimson flushing over Minato's face.
However, to spare Kushina any further embarrassment, he quickly changed the subject. "Aizen," he addressed Aizen, "Fugaku mentioned early graduation. Are you considering it?" Aizen shook his head in response. Unfazed, Minato offered a mysterious smile. "Don't be so quick to decline, Aizen. I have some inside information. Apparently, passing the early graduation exam this time comes with a special reward!"
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