Boom, boom, boom…
Under the blue sky and white clouds, amidst the silent crowd, only two boys continued their slow exchange of blows in the arena. One punch, one kick, falling down, getting up, and fighting again…
“Lord Third, please make them stop. They shouldn’t continue fighting like this,” Kurenai Yūhi said, blinking her crimson eyes with some reluctance.
The Third Hokage bit his pipe and slowly shook his head, saying, “This is what being a ninja is about… They are already qualified ninjas.”
Kakashi and Asuma didn’t speak but nodded in agreement. A ninja must have their own beliefs and work tirelessly for them. These two children had already achieved that; they were indeed qualified ninjas.
“…Why…why won’t you fall…” Sasuke panted heavily, his arms hanging limp. Watching Yukigetsu slowly approach him step by step, he couldn’t help but ask.
“Because…I’m…a revenger… I can’t stop here…” Yukigetsu didn’t pause, raising his trembling right fist slowly.
A revenger… He’s like me, striving desperately to kill someone…
Sasuke suddenly smirked, a difficult smile under the blue sky and white clouds. He looked up at the sky, and no one knew what he was thinking at that moment.
The next moment, he slowly raised his right hand, saying, “I surrender!”
A stunned silence fell over the crowd.
In the A-class group, Sakura Haruno stared blankly at the boy she had always liked. He had lowered his once proudly lifted head. He was so proud, so cool, yet even he couldn’t defeat Yukigetsu? Then, what was she, who had always mocked and hated Yukigetsu? No wonder he never looked at her directly, no wonder…
Among the crowd, Hinata Hyuga was also in a daze. Seeing Sasuke surrender made her very happy, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit inferior. He was so excellent, while she was just a shy and timid girl. She didn’t know if she was worthy of his affection. To always stand by his side, she had to work harder too!
The little girl, in Yukigetsu’s eyes, at this moment, also started to have a girl’s thoughts and goals…
Ignoring the crowd’s various thoughts, Yukigetsu lowered his right fist and frowned, “Sasuke, I don’t want to win the match like this.”
Sasuke closed his eyes and smiled, “No, I’m truly exhausted. Do you think everyone can recover quickly like a freak…”
Yukigetsu’s mouth twitched, “…”
“Hey…Yukigetsu, I have the blood of the Uchiha clan. One day, I will surpass you.” Sasuke opened his eyes again and extended his right hand.
Yukigetsu was momentarily stunned, then extended his hand and laughed freely, “Alright, I’ll be waiting for you!”
You have the blood of the Uchiha, and I have the blood of the Senju. But I also have the most miraculous Spirit Art. From the moment I surpassed you, you’ll never have the chance to catch up to me again.
However, this proud guy actually acknowledged me, how rare…
The two clasped hands, forming the Seal of Reconciliation!
The match’s result was now completely decided. The audience didn’t cheer but spontaneously began to applaud. This match had been too exciting—Sasuke’s overwhelming strength, Yukigetsu’s unexpected reversal, Sasuke’s awakening, and the final struggle. It was a rollercoaster that left people in awe.
Especially Yukigetsu, an unknown name before today, had profoundly impacted everyone. They hadn’t seen such an excellent young man in a long time!
At that moment, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, walked up with a kind smile and said, “All the graduating children, come up here.”
With his words, the students from Classes A and B stepped up. Yukigetsu and Sasuke also walked up with difficulty, but neither needed assistance. Yukigetsu was stimulating his recovery ability, and Sasuke’s competitiveness was likely still at play…
Yukigetsu stood at the forefront in front of the Third Hokage. No one stood beside him, for this moment of glory belonged to the top student.
The Third Hokage smiled faintly at him, then scanned the young faces of the boys and girls in front of him. He said softly, “Today, you graduate and will continue your lives as ninjas in this world. What I want to tell you is…”
He paused slightly, then continued, “You only live once. You don’t have to force yourself to choose a path you don’t like. It’s okay to live freely or even die freely. However, no matter which path you choose, don’t forget to protect those you cherish.”
Hearing this, Yukigetsu suddenly looked up, meeting Kakashi’s dead-fish eyes behind the Hokage. They both rolled their eyes simultaneously, looking up at the sky. Kurenai and Asuma noticed this and couldn’t help but chuckle.
The Third Hokage didn’t see Yukigetsu’s expression. Standing on the high platform, he gazed deeply, saying, “Konoha produces many ninjas every year. They fight and sacrifice to protect the village and their loved ones. Even without blood relations, the people of the village are like family to me.”
His gaze fell on the children before him, especially on Yukigetsu, “I always believe that where leaves dance, the fire burns. The shadow of the fire will shine on the village, and new leaves will sprout. When you want to protect those most precious to you, that’s when a ninja’s true strength emerges…”
“You are the new leaves sprouting. But I hope you all will become burning flames, illuminating this village. That way, even if this old pillar falls one day, there will be someone to inherit my will and protect this village…”
“Lord Hokage…” the crowd exclaimed.
The Third Hokage waved his hand slowly, “The future of Konoha is in your hands. Now, I want to announce one final thing…”
Everyone looked on curiously, even Kakashi and the others were puzzled. The Third Hokage hadn’t told them this beforehand.
“Ninjas who complete B-rank missions during the Genin stage and achieve first place in the Chunin Exams will be exceptionally promoted to Special Jonin!”
The crowd was in an uproar. The titles of Genin, Chunin, and Jonin had strict rules, and Konoha had never had an exceptional promotion. Everyone was shocked by this news, as it meant a particularly young Jonin would emerge in peaceful times!
The Third Hokage ignored the reactions of others, his gaze fixed on Yukigetsu, eyes deep.
“I hope that person…will become the future… the light of Konoha!”
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