After the final exams ended, a rare vacation began.
It wasn't long—less than a month. School would resume in March, and Class 1-A would officially become Class 2-A.
As Natsuki walked toward Konoha Hospital, he examined his new template.
The Shiba Tatsuya template had three abilities—or rather, three types of magic.
Weight-Type Magic: Water Spider was the least useful.
As a ninja, he could already use chakra to walk or run on water.
But the other two abilities were genuinely valuable.
Weight-Type Magic: Gravity Mitigation was very similar to Tsuchikage Onoki's Earth Release: Light-Weight Rock Technique.
The enhanced version of that technique—Earth Release: Ultra-Light-Weight Rock Technique—could grant the user free flight.
Gravity Mitigation probably couldn't reach that level, but simply increasing his own speed was already excellent.
The unlock condition was completing tree climbing training.
Tree climbing was designed to improve chakra control.
Yakushi Nonou had already finished it. He hadn't.
Non-Systematic Magic: Phantom Blow reminded Natsuki of Yin Release ninjutsu.
The Yamanaka clan possessed similar techniques—mental shockwaves that attacked or controlled targets.
Its unlock condition was trickier: first place in a final exam.
He could take first in the practical combat exam, but he'd never topped the theory rankings. He'd have to grind through practice questions.
Fortunately, the next final exam was four months away.
"Natsuki!"
A sudden voice called out.
He looked up instinctively and saw Tsunade and Nawaki.
They had just exited Konoha Hospital. The one calling him was Nawaki.
"Lady Tsunade."
Natsuki stepped forward and greeted them. "Nawaki-senpai."
"What was your ranking in the finals?"
Nawaki grinned broadly. "I got first place, you know!"
"Not as impressive as you, Senpai. I only got second."
Natsuki smiled.
"Second place isn't bad."
Nawaki clapped him on the shoulder. "Minato really is outstanding—even I've heard his name."
"Minato defeated you?"
Tsunade sounded surprised.
She had sparred with Natsuki before. She knew his kenjutsu was exceptional—powerful by any peer's standard.
Namikaze Minato was a genius, yes. But his background was ordinary. He had no way to learn ninjutsu or kenjutsu in advance.
For him to still defeat Natsuki under those circumstances... that was truly extraordinary.
Nawaki glanced at his sister.
What's that about?
Does she think Natsuki is stronger than Minato?
And since when were they so familiar?
"I got first place in the practical combat exam."
Natsuki clarified.
"I see."
Tsunade understood.
"What?!"
Nawaki's jaw dropped. "You actually beat Minato?"
"I was lucky enough to create a couple of kenjutsu techniques."
Natsuki said modestly.
"...?"
Nawaki's face filled with confusion.
'Lucky enough to create kenjutsu techniques'?
Is that even something a person says?
"You created two kenjutsu techniques?"
Now Tsunade was the one looking astonished.
When Natsuki had previously mentioned wanting to create ninjutsu with Senju Tobirama as his goal, she hadn't taken it seriously.
"Let's spar right now!"
Nawaki's excitement ignited. "Come on—fight me!"
"Nawaki, it's mealtime. That's not appropriate."
Tsunade snapped back to reality. "You two can spar at the training ground near Konoha Hospital tomorrow. I'll referee."
She was genuinely curious about what kind of kenjutsu Natsuki had created.
"I have no objections."
Natsuki agreed without hesitation.
Win or lose, this sparring match would bring him closer to both Nawaki and Tsunade. Pure profit.
"Then it's settled!"
Nawaki said happily.
"Natsuki, go get Nonou. My treat—let's eat together."
Tsunade thought for a moment before speaking.
She had previously invited Yakushi Nonou to join her for a meal, but Nonou had said she wanted to wait for Natsuki.
Now that she'd run into him, she might as well treat them both.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."
Natsuki naturally wouldn't refuse.
He walked into Konoha Hospital and soon found the room where the medical ninja training class was held.
"Natsuki."
The other students had already left. Only Yakushi Nonou remained.
"Lady Tsunade is treating us to a meal."
Natsuki reached out and pinched her cheek.
"Mm."
Nonou nodded, then asked, "How did your final exam go?"
"First in practical combat. Third in theory."
Natsuki replied.
Nonou blinked.
But thinking about Natsuki's usual performance, it made perfect sense.
"I want to get first place in the medical training class too."
Nonou said, her expression serious.
"When's your exam?"
Natsuki looked at her determined little face and smiled.
"Next month."
"I'll definitely be there."
Natsuki nodded.
The two left the hospital and met up with Tsunade and Nawaki.
Meanwhile, at Root Headquarters beneath Konoha Village.
Shimura Danzo examined the intelligence report in his hand—and couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.
He hadn't expected Natsuki to possess such talent in kenjutsu.
No wonder they had overlooked him during the assessment at the Konoha Orphanage.
"In my name, inform Hiruzen that I want Natsuki to join Root."
Danzo set down the report and spoke casually.
The Ninja Academy fell directly under Sarutobi Hiruzen's authority.
If Danzo wanted Natsuki, he had to give proper notice first.
He was confident Hiruzen would agree.
After all, even when Danzo had requested geniuses from ninja clans like the Yamanaka, Hiruzen had handed them over.
This was the unspoken understanding between old partners.
As long as it didn't endanger Konoha, Danzo could do as he pleased.
"Yes, Lord Danzo!"
The Root ninja before him stood, turned, and departed.
Shimura Danzo didn't have to wait long.
About ten minutes later, he received Sarutobi Hiruzen's reply.
"What? He refused?"
Danzo shot to his feet. After a moment's hesitation, he strode toward the Hokage's office.
"Why are you here?"
Seeing him, Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned. "I already said Natsuki will not join Root."
If it were only Natsuki, he might have agreed.
But Natsuki was closely bonded with Yakushi Nonou—and she was far too valuable to lose.
"Natsuki is an orphan from the Konoha Orphanage."
Danzo got straight to the point. "Root is currently short-staffed. He's a perfect fit."
"Is the Konoha Orphanage named Shimura?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen asked coldly.
Danzo froze.
What kind of attitude is this?
He's just a kenjutsu genius. Is this reaction really necessary?
Besides—hasn't our understanding always been that the orphanage falls under my purview?
Danzo wanted to argue—but ultimately held his tongue.
The current Sarutobi Hiruzen was in his prime. The undisputed God of Shinobi.
"And Nonou as well."
Sarutobi Hiruzen added. "Stop targeting her."
Danzo's fists clenched involuntarily.
Damn it.
You'll regret this.
I should be Hokage!