Ninja Academy, examination room.
In a bright and spacious classroom, dozens of young students sat around, feeling slightly nervous as they observed the seven or eight Chunin examiners seated at the front.
The graduation exam was a critical milestone for every student at the Ninja Academy. Passing meant becoming a respected and envied ninja while failing relegated one to the status of an ordinary civilian, far from the core of this world.
However, this basic D-rank ninjutsu test did not cause Yukigetsu any nervousness. He sat leisurely next to Ino, his head resting on his hand, enjoying the subtle fragrance of the young girl beside him, feeling utterly content.
On the other side, Sakura Haruno sat primly, playing the role of a perfect student. Her gaze was infatuated as she looked at Sasuke, but her face contorted in disgust whenever she glanced at Yukigetsu’s relaxed expression. Her inner voice screamed, “You arrogant jerk! Just wait until you fail the exam, I’ll see what you do then!”
As the exam progressed, students who passed were elated, while those who failed were dejected and tearful, presenting a fascinating spectrum of emotions for Yukigetsu to observe.
“Next, Sakura Haruno.”
Transformation Technique, Clone Technique, and Body Replacement Technique.
Poof, poof, poof.
Sakura stood in the center, flawlessly performing the three basic techniques, drawing the attention of everyone present and earning nods of approval from the examiners. She looked up proudly but saw that Yukigetsu wasn’t paying attention. Instead, he was chatting and laughing with Ino.
Her eye twitched, but she took a deep breath to suppress her anger and returned to her seat.
At that moment, the head examiner Iruka paused slightly, his expression changing as he called the next name: “Next, Naruto Uzumaki.”
After a moment of silence, there was still no response.
Iruka frowned and looked up to see Naruto still staring at Sakura’s swaying pink hair, hearts practically floating out of his eyes.
“Naru…to…Uzu…maki!”
“Huh?”
Naruto was startled and heard Iruka’s roar beside him: “Get to the exam!” With that, Iruka grabbed him and tossed him to the center of the room.
Thud.
Naruto landed flat on the floor, internally weeping: Iruka-sensei, I have pride too…
The other students couldn’t help but laugh.
Naruto got up awkwardly and started with the Body Replacement Technique, which he did fairly well. Then he moved on to the Transformation Technique, performing it adequately. Given that this was the graduation exam, he held back; otherwise, he might have used the Harem Technique, which would later shock even Kaguya Otsutsuki.
Finally, it was time for the Clone Technique…
Poof!
The atmosphere fell silent before erupting into laughter as students burst out:
“Ha ha ha, what is that?”
“That’s a clone?”
“What use is a clone like that?”
…
Yukigetsu looked at the limp, lifeless form on the floor, his mouth twitching.
Iruka’s face was covered in dark lines. “Clone Technique failed. Naruto Uzumaki does not…”
Before he could finish, Mizuki interrupted, pulling him aside and whispering, “Iruka-sensei, he did manage to create a clone. Let’s just let him pass.”
Naruto’s face, previously a picture of despair, lit up with hope as he looked at Iruka, eyes filled with anticipation.
However, Iruka sighed and closed his eyes. “Mizuki-sensei, others have created three clones. Naruto only made one…and it’s useless. He can’t pass!”
Naruto’s expression darkened instantly. He lowered his head, fists clenched.
Why…why did he treat me to ramen yesterday, but now this… why…
Yukigetsu glanced at Naruto, sitting despondently in the corner, frowning. Based on his memories, Naruto Uzumaki should be a significant character. How could he not even pass the graduation exam? Was it because of his own existence or some other twist of fate?
Yukigetsu pondered for a moment but couldn’t figure it out. Besides, he and Naruto had no real connection, so helping him wasn’t really his concern. Soon, he dismissed the thought as Iruka called the next name: “Sasuke Uchiha.”
A slight stir ran through the crowd. Even the Third Hokage, who had been watching through his crystal ball, shifted his attention from Naruto to Sasuke. After all, Sasuke was the last of the Uchiha clan and exceptionally talented, drawing the greatest attention from the start of school. Even Hyuga Neji from the previous class couldn’t compare in terms of reputation.
Yukigetsu watched Sasuke walk to the center with his hands in his pockets, each step deliberate, and couldn’t help but smirk. Next to him, Ino muttered, “Such a show-off…”
Poof.
Yukigetsu chuckled, catching Sasuke’s eye. Sasuke frowned, and then his lips moved. Though subtle, Yukigetsu made out the word: “Trash.”
Yukigetsu’s smile faded, and his brows furrowed slightly. He had never taken his conflict with Sasuke seriously, considering it a childish rivalry. However, Sasuke’s persistent arrogance was starting to irritate him. It seemed he couldn’t hold back in their upcoming challenge…
Poof, poof…
While Yukigetsu was lost in thought, Sasuke had begun his performance. With swift hand signs, five clones appeared around him. Without waiting for the audience to marvel, he transformed into Iruka, and when the clones attacked, he used the Body Replacement Technique with a log.
Smooth and elegant, Sasuke’s performance stood out in stark contrast to others, drawing praise from the Chunin examiners. Iruka smiled and nodded. “Sasuke Uchiha, excellent.”
Sakura’s eyes turned to hearts as she watched, her expression dreamy. Sasuke, maintaining a cool demeanor, walked back with his hands in his pockets, making several girls blush.
Such a show-off…
This was the common sentiment among the boys present.
“Next, Yukigetsu.”
Iruka’s eyes flashed with an indescribable light as he called the next name.
After Sasuke’s perfect performance, the crowd didn’t react much to Yukigetsu’s turn, except for a certain old man in the Hokage’s office…
“Yukigetsu…”
Ino called out worriedly. Despite Yukigetsu’s assurances about overcoming his chakra issues, she couldn’t help but worry, knowing how significant this moment was for his future.
Yukigetsu gave Ino a deep look, realizing that at some point, this usually tough girl had become tender and caring towards him, touching his heart.
Almost unconsciously, Yukigetsu extended his pale hand and brushed her smooth cheek under Ino’s surprised gaze with the back of his hand, softly reassuring her, “Don’t worry about me.”
In the next moment, Ino, instead of shyly covering her face like most girls, held Yukigetsu’s hand and softly responded, “Okay,” looking very docile.
The scene was incredibly sappy. Ignoring the boys who secretly admired Ino and now had their hearts shattered, the other onlookers were internally screaming: Show-offs must die, show-offs must die…
Sakura’s face turned dark, her teeth gritted. Shameless, they were too shameless, flaunting their affection in front of his fiancée, a clear provocation, an insult…
She seemed to have forgotten that she had not acknowledged the engagement herself and had now fully embraced the role.
Sasuke glanced disdainfully. He had always focused solely on training, ignoring the girls who followed him. Seeing Yukigetsu’s behavior made him look down on him even more, questioning if he had overestimated him.
Yukigetsu, walking to the center, could sense everyone’s emotions. His mouth twitched, realizing that his simple act of caring for Ino was being grossly misinterpreted. He couldn’t understand how these kids comprehended what liking someone meant. Moreover, he would have to be a scumbag to have romantic feelings for a twelve-year-old. In his home country, kids this age were just starting elementary school…
He scanned the crowd, noting everyone’s expressions: Sakura’s gritted teeth, Sasuke’s disdain, Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji’s concerned looks, and…
Wait.
Yukigetsu paused momentarily, then continued walking, though his mind flashed back to Hinata Hyuga’s anxious and worried face. He didn’t understand. Though they had interacted, they had never spoken. Why did she look so concerned…?
Never mind, no use dwelling on it.
Yukigetsu shook his head, deciding that Sakura needed a lesson. But hitting her wasn’t an option, nor was scolding her satisfying. How should he handle it?
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and then his eyes lit up…
Become a Patron read up to 40 chapter ahead public release ^_^
Please join Discord Server so we can talk ^_^
