The graduation exams were never limited to just one class.
This year, three classes were set to graduate from the Konoha Ninja Academy.
After Ren's intense battle concluded, the field had been left in a chaotic mess—cracked stone, shattered ground, and scorch marks scattered everywhere. Naturally, it couldn't remain like that for long.
Kakashi and Oki-sensei stepped forward together.
With practiced ease, they formed hand seals and activated Earth Release techniques, raising chunks of earth and smoothing out the damaged terrain. The ground quickly reformed, cracks sealing shut as if the earlier battle had never happened.
However…
While repairing the high platform, Kakashi seemed to get… distracted.
Or perhaps bored.
With an almost casual flick of Chakra, he carved several dog heads into the side of the platform—each one resembling his ninken. The carvings were surprisingly detailed, far more intricate than necessary for "repairs."
It was clear that Kakashi had far too much Chakra to spare.
Ren, watching from the side, couldn't help but twitch slightly.
What a waste…
---
Once the field had been restored, the remaining two classes began their matches one after another.
Compared to Ren's earlier fight, however, these battles felt… underwhelming.
They lacked coordination.
They lacked tactics.
Most of all, they lacked impact.
Students rushed forward with wild punches, clumsy kicks, and unrefined techniques. It was less like a ninja exam and more like a playground scuffle.
Even Obito, who had just finished his own match, crossed his arms and muttered, "This is boring…"
Ren didn't disagree.
The difference between an elite class and an ordinary class was painfully obvious.
---
After all three classes completed their exams, the instructors gathered together to calculate the results.
Meanwhile, the students scattered across the playground, sitting in small groups.
Some were excited.
Some were nervous.
Others—like Obito—were already beginning to panic.
Ren sat calmly beside Rin, leaning back slightly as he reviewed his performance in his mind.
Every movement.
Every decision.
Every moment of hesitation—or precision.
He replayed the battle like a strategist analyzing a war.
There's still room for improvement…
Even after securing victory, Ren didn't allow himself to relax.
---
Nearly forty minutes passed before Oki-sensei finally stood up.
The chatter gradually died down.
All eyes turned toward him.
It was time.
"After combining the results from the written exams, daily performance, and today's combat evaluation…"
He paused briefly, letting the tension build.
"Ren has achieved the highest score in all categories, ranking first overall."
A ripple of shock spread through the crowd.
"Second place goes to Nara Shikaku."
"Third place… Kurenai Yuhi."
---
"Huh?!"
Kurenai blinked in disbelief.
"I… I'm third?!"
She looked genuinely stunned, as if she had misheard.
Before she could process it further—
"Ren! You did it!"
Rin was the first to react, clapping her hands enthusiastically with a bright smile.
Her joy was completely genuine.
---
"Wait! What about me?!"
Obito suddenly jumped to his feet, waving his arms wildly.
"What's my rank?! Don't skip me!"
Kakashi, standing nearby, glanced at him lazily before speaking.
"Ren's written score ranked first in the grade. His practical performance was also excellent. In today's match, he acted as the core of the defense and defeated three opponents through tactical execution. His first-place ranking is unquestionable."
Then Kakashi continued calmly,
"Nara Shikaku demonstrated strong leadership and strategic planning. Although his team failed, it was due to a difference in strength—not poor judgment."
"As for Kurenai, she displayed solid fundamentals in both taijutsu and genjutsu. She was the only defender still standing on the platform when the exam ended. Her final round score was second only to Ren, placing her third overall."
Then—
Kakashi turned his gaze toward Obito.
"As for you…"
Obito stiffened.
"You ranked tenth in practical performance, second-to-last in written exams, and twenty-fifth overall."
---
"…What?"
Obito froze.
"…How is that possible…?"
His shoulders slumped as if all his energy had been drained.
Compared to his usual performance, twenty-fifth place wasn't terrible—it was actually slightly above average.
But to Obito…
Who dreamed of becoming Hokage—
It was devastating.
---
Ren glanced at him silently.
Second-to-last in written exams…
Then who ranked last?
That question briefly crossed his mind.
---
Not far away, two other figures stood quietly, their expressions far less cheerful.
Asuma Sarutobi.
Hyūga Hizashi.
Both of them looked… frustrated.
Under normal circumstances, their strength would have easily secured them a top ranking.
But today—
They had faced Ren.
And lost.
Worse—
They had been taken down together in a three-versus-one battle.
Their defeat had become the stepping stone for Ren's first-place victory.
Because of that, their rankings dropped significantly, pushing them out of the top positions.
They could only grit their teeth in silence.
After all—
Ren had defeated them fairly.
There was nothing to argue.
---
Meanwhile, Rin and Kurenai approached Ren.
"Congratulations," Kurenai said with a soft smile.
Her tone carried genuine gratitude.
Because she knew—
Without Ren holding off Asuma and Hizashi, she would never have placed third.
Breaking into the top five would have already been a challenge.
Ren nodded lightly.
"You earned it."
---
At that moment—
A new presence entered the field.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
At the edge of the playground stood a familiar figure.
Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The Third Hokage.
---
"It's Hokage-sama!"
"He's here in person?!"
The students quickly stood up, straightening themselves in respect.
Even Ren rose to his feet, assisted slightly by Rin.
No matter what he personally thought—
This man was the Hokage.
Respect had to be shown.
---
Hiruzen smiled warmly, raising a hand.
"There's no need to be so formal. Sit, sit."
His voice was calm, carrying a reassuring authority.
"I've already heard about your performances from Oki and Kakashi. You all did very well."
He looked around at the students, his gaze gentle.
"Seeing such youthful energy… makes me feel twenty years younger."
Laughter broke out across the field.
The tension eased immediately.
---
Hiruzen didn't mention that he had been watching from afar the entire time.
Instead, he walked slowly—deliberately—toward Ren.
Then he stopped.
"Ren," he said with a faint smile, "congratulations on taking first place."
---
The surrounding students instantly grew quiet.
Their gazes filled with envy.
Even Asuma couldn't help but look over.
Because everyone knew—
The Hokage had promised a special reward for the top performer.
And now—
It was time.
---
"I made a promise," Hiruzen continued, "that outstanding students would receive a reward."
He looked directly at Ren.
"So tell me—what do you want?"
"Ninjutsu, secret techniques, ninja tools… anything within reason."
"If you're unsure, you may also ask for guidance."
"I will personally assist you."
---
The weight of his words settled heavily over the field.
This wasn't just a reward.
This was recognition—from the Hokage himself.
---
Ren didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he fell into thought.
He had considered this moment long before today.
First… it must be ninjutsu.
That much was certain.
But—
He couldn't choose recklessly.
---
First constraint: legitimacy.
If he asked for something too advanced—like a forbidden technique—
It would raise suspicion.
The ANBU would be investigating him by tomorrow.
---
Second constraint: status.
As a newly graduated genin, choosing something beyond his level would be… unnatural.
C-Rank ninjutsu was the most appropriate choice.
Anything higher would make him stand out too much.
---
After a brief pause, Ren spoke.
"Hokage-sama… do you have any recommendations?"
---
Hiruzen smiled slightly.
A wise choice.
"Your chakra affinities are Fire and Water, correct?"
Ren nodded.
---
"In that case," Hiruzen continued,
"For someone at your stage, it is not advisable to develop both simultaneously."
"Water Release requires large chakra reserves and often depends on terrain. It is difficult to maximize its effectiveness."
"So I suggest—focus on Fire Release as your primary path."
"Use Water Release as support."
---
He paused, then continued with specific options:
"If you seek offensive techniques—"
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique."
"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique."
---
"If you prefer defense—"
"Fire Release: Great Fire Wall Technique."
"Or Water Release: Water Wall Technique."
"And if you wish to strengthen your close combat—"
"Konoha-Style Taijutsu and Konoha Swordsmanship are also excellent choices."
The options were clear.
Balanced.
Practical.
And carefully tailored.
Ren lowered his gaze slightly.
His mind began to calculate.
Not just strength.
Not just utility.
But—
Future growth.
The decision he made now—
Would shape his entire path as a ninja.
And Ren intended to choose… wisely
--------------------------------
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