Chapter 365: Oh, No!
"A Triple-Star Honorary Ninja is a title bestowed only upon the most elite. Achieving a historical discovery or creating a world-altering legacy is the absolute requirement for becoming a Triple-Star Ninja. You, Sasuke, and Tonbo-sensei—the three of you were dubbed Triple-Star Honorary Ninjas by the World Hunter Association because you saved the world. Honestly, there might never be another one, because saving the world is a pretty hard criteria to meet for a title."
After explaining the concept of the Honorary Ninja, Shikamaru sighed in admiration. The new framework Tonbo-sensei proposed was truly magnificent. He could already envision ninjas from all walks of life shining in their respective fields to earn these titles, effectively preventing a massive drop in mission resources due to the era of peace. He wasn't surprised at all that Naruto, Sasuke, and Tonbo received the top honors.
Naruto listened, his brow furrowed as if he were performing deep mental gymnastics. "I still don't get it..." he finally admitted.
Thud.
Shikamaru and the tutors nearly fell over. After all that thinking, he still didn't understand a thing!
"This honor is even more impressive than being Hokage. Do you get it now?" Shikamaru said, rubbing his temples.
"What?! A title more impressive than Hokage? Does that mean I don't have to study all this stuff anymore?" Naruto immediately caught the "key" point, pointing happily at the mountain of books behind him. This is great!
"No, you still have to study. This is just a title that increases your global influence. It doesn't grant specific administrative power, nor does it help the villagers live better lives on its own. Not only do you have to study, but you must study more, study better, and study constantly. Otherwise, you'll be an insult to the Triple-Star rank," Shikamaru said, instantly deducing Naruto's plan and dousing him with a bucket of ice water.
"What? Constantly study?! Then can I just... not have the Honorary Ninja title?" Naruto's jaw nearly hit the floor. He desperately wanted to decline the "honor."
"Too late for that. There are only a few Triple-Star Ninjas in existence; the news has likely spread across the entire world by now," Shikamaru laughed.
"Damn you Uncle Tonbo!"
A few days passed. Information regarding the "New Ninja Concepts" spread to every corner of the globe. Even remote places like the Land of Snow and the Land of Demons received the news.
In the Five Great Nations, the various branches of the Hunter Association serving as pilot programs were incredibly lively. Crowds of ninjas gathered before the gates. Anyone without an active village mission was leading the charge, wanting to be part of this historic moment.
Most importantly, receiving a rank of One-Star or higher meant being recognized as a ninja by every nation in the world, not just a single village. This was a global, modern breed of shinobi. As ninjas who lived on information, they knew the value of such a title. Obtaining a specific "Hunter" certification could bring immense value and the favor of international corporations—it was a source of endless resources.
Land of Lightning, Hunter Association Branch.
"What?! I can't even qualify as a One-Star Music Hunter? Impossible! Unbelievable! I'm the man who held a giant concert in the Hidden Cloud! No...!"
Inside the testing grounds, Killer Bee collapsed into a heap upon hearing the examiner's cold verdict, muttering to himself in shock.
The Eight-Tails roared with laughter inside him. "I told you your rapping was subpar! I said you wouldn't get a star-rank certification, but you wouldn't listen. This is hilarious!"
As a self-proclaimed rap expert, this reality was a massive blow to Bee. Looking like he had just lost his best friend, he dejectedly shuffled out of the Association's gates. Ignoring the bustling crowd of ninjas eager for their exams, he sat down gloomily at a restaurant across the street. He needed to eat his feelings.
Munch! Slurp!
Ordering a massive spread, Bee turned his grief into appetite.
"Yo, Bee! Did you pass? Hmph, the certification at this Association is totally unprofessional. I am a world-class music and rap celebrity, yet I only received a One-Star Music Hunter license. Not even Two-Stars! It's a total disgrace..."
A figure appeared at the restaurant. Seeing Bee, he immediately came over to complain, venting his frustration at the Association. He slammed his Music Hunter ID card onto the table in front of Bee.
Crack.
The sound of Bee's heart breaking echoed. He stared at the shining license, the single star upon it, and the "One-Star Music Hunter" title he so desperately craved. The person complaining was none other than his idol, Mr. Sabu.
Bee's hands began to tremble. "No... if even Mr. Sabu is only a One-Star, does that mean... I have no chance...?"
Bee's world grew even darker.
"Hey, Bee, did you pass? You must have, right? Your rap talent is decent. You passed, didn't you?" Mr. Sabu asked after finishing his rant.
Gulp!
Bee took a huge bite of food, shoving it down his throat. "I didn't pass. I'm an unlicensed ninja..." He was heartbroken.
"You didn't pass? I knew it! This Association is rigged! They definitely want us to bribe them. I've held so many concerts around the world; I'm all too familiar with how this works," Sabu concluded.
"I refuse to bribe! I will earn my Music Hunter certification fair and square, or else I'd be insulting music! I'd be insulting rap!" Bee slammed the table and shouted.
"Yoshi! Well said! We are noble Music Hunters; we would never stoop to such petty tricks," Mr. Sabu agreed, respecting Bee's principles.
Clack, clack, clack!
"Killer Bee-sensei? You didn't become a Star-rank Hunter either? How is that possible?" Omoi, Karui, and Samui walked up from behind. They found it hard to believe their teacher had failed.
Hearing his students' words felt like another dagger to Bee's heart. "What about you guys? Did you pass?" Bee quickly redirected the conversation before he died of embarrassment.
Omoi and Karui both looked dejected. "We applied for the Bounty Hunter certification. We were told we have to make 'outstanding contributions' to bounty missions starting from now to get a One-Star; our past records don't count."
Hearing that his students also failed made Bee feel significantly better. The Eight-Tails inside him was nearly dying of laughter.
"It seems different types of Hunters have different requirements," Samui said, showing all eight teeth in a smile. She held up her license to show the group. "I am a Lost History Hunter. I needed to provide evidence from various sources to fill in missing historical records to get a One-Star. I passed."
She had realized the trick early on when the Association was first formed and had immediately started her homework. If she had waited, other knowledgeable ninjas would have claimed the discoveries first.
"Oh, No...!" Even Samui had a license. Bee felt the strength leave his body; he couldn't even finish his lunch.
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