The morning sun rose slowly over the tall walls of the Ancient Masters Village. Golden light spread across the rooftops, the training grounds, and the quiet streets.
For most people in the village, it was just another ordinary day.
But for the ten teams who had passed the academy examination, today marked the beginning of a completely new life.
Today, they would officially become ninjas of the village.
Kaelen woke up early. He sat on the edge of his bed for a moment, remembering everything that had happened in the past few months—the academy lessons, the difficult training, the exam, and the long journey that brought him here from his small town.
His dream had finally begun to take shape.
After getting ready, he stepped outside the dormitory building.
The academy courtyard was already filled with the other successful students. The ten teams had been asked to gather in front of the Village Administration Building, a large stone structure located at the center of the Ancient Masters Village.
Kaelen soon spotted Allan waiting near the entrance.
"Kaelen!" Allan called out.
Kaelen walked over.
"Looks like everyone is already here," Kaelen said while looking around.
Allan nodded.
The other teams stood nearby.
Ryuzen and Darek were standing confidently near one of the pillars.
Kaito and Sora quietly observed everything around them.
Mira and Ren were discussing something while checking their equipment.
Taro and Akira were stretching like they were about to start training.
The remaining teams stood together, waiting.
They were the ten teams who survived the exam out of more than a thousand students.
Suddenly, the large wooden doors of the administration building opened.
A tall official wearing formal village robes stepped forward.
"Please follow me," he said calmly.
The students walked inside.
The interior of the building was impressive. The hallways were wide and built from polished stone. Large banners hung from the walls, each one displaying the ancient symbol of the Ancient Masters Village.
After walking through several corridors, the group entered a large chamber.
Inside the room stood a long table covered with several boxes and scrolls.
The official turned toward them.
"My name is Administrator Helron," he said.
"I represent the Village Administration."
He looked at each team carefully before continuing.
"You ten teams have successfully passed the academy examination. From this moment onward, you are no longer students."
"You are now official ninjas of the Ancient Masters Village."
Some students smiled proudly.
But Helron raised his hand.
"However, you must understand something very important."
"All of you are starting at the E Rank."
The room became quiet.
"E Rank is the lowest ninja rank in the village system," Helron explained.
"It means you are still beginners."
"But every great ninja started exactly where you are standing today."
He opened one of the boxes on the table.
"Now you will receive your official ninja equipment."
One by one, each team stepped forward.
When Kaelen and Allan's turn arrived, they walked to the table.
Helron handed them several items.
The first item was a dark ninja uniform.
"This is your official uniform," Helron explained. "It is designed for speed, movement, and durability during missions."
Next, he handed them a mission scroll.
"This scroll will be used to receive mission information and record your completed missions."
After that came a small pouch.
Inside were several tools:
• Throwing knives
• Smoke bombs
• Basic medical bandages
• A small emergency signal flare
"These tools are basic equipment for E-Rank ninjas," Helron said.
Finally, he handed them a small wooden badge engraved with the symbol of the Ancient Masters Village.
"This badge shows your ninja rank."
"When you complete missions successfully, the village administration will evaluate your performance."
"If you prove your abilities, your rank will increase."
After every team received their equipment, Helron continued speaking.
"There is another important thing you must know."
"You will no longer live in the academy dormitories."
The students looked surprised.
Helron pointed toward another building visible through the large window.
"That building is the Junior Ninja Residence."
"Each team will receive a private room there."
"The room will serve as your base for preparing missions, resting, and storing your equipment."
Allan whispered to Kaelen.
"A private room? That sounds nice."
Kaelen nodded.
This made them feel more like real ninjas.
Helron continued explaining.
"As official ninjas, you will also receive payment for every mission you complete."
Some students immediately became interested.
"The amount of money depends on the rank of the mission," Helron said.
He raised his hand and explained the system.
"E-Rank missions will give a small payment. These missions are usually simple tasks such as delivering supplies or helping villagers."
"D-Rank missions give higher payment and involve slightly more danger."
"C-Rank missions involve real combat situations."
"B-Rank and A-Rank missions are extremely dangerous and only given to experienced ninjas."
He paused for a moment.
"And finally, S-Rank missions are the most dangerous tasks in the ninja world."
The students listened with excitement.
Helron walked toward a large board hanging on the wall.
"This is the Mission Board."
"When the village receives a request, it will appear here."
"Your team can accept the mission from the administration desk."
"After completing the mission, you will report back here."
"If the mission is successful, you will receive your salary and promotion points."
He looked at the students seriously.
"Complete enough missions, and you will be promoted to D Rank."
"Then C Rank."
"Then B Rank."
"And eventually…"
"A Rank."
"Very few ninjas ever reach S Rank."
The room fell silent.
Every student imagined that future.
Helron folded his hands behind his back.
"Your journey begins today."
"You may now collect the keys to your new rooms and prepare yourselves."
"Tomorrow morning, the first missions will appear on the mission board."
The meeting ended.
The students slowly left the administration building.
Outside, the sunlight filled the courtyard.
Kaelen looked down at the uniform, badge, and equipment in his hands.
Just a few months ago, he had arrived here as a boy from a small town with nothing but a dream.
Now he had a ninja uniform, a mission scroll, and his own room.
Allan smiled.
"Looks like we're really ninjas now."
Kaelen nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"But this is only the beginning."
Far above the rooftops of the Ancient Masters Village, the wind moved quietly through the sky.
And somewhere beyond the village walls, the world was waiting for its newest ninjas.
If you like Kaelen's journey, please add this story to your library. Your support helps me continue!"