Several dozen days later.
Today was the Ninja Academy graduation exam.
This exam was very special: it tested not only theoretical knowledge, but also Three Body Techniques, Kunai throwing, and even a real-combat challenge—far more difficult than previous Academy tests.
"Tian Yuan, please demonstrate Clone Technique in combat." the ninja teacher said.
"Of course." Tian Yuan nodded, formed seals, and fluidly performed Clone Technique. Beside him appeared a living-looking duplicate—so lifelike no one could tell real from clone.
"Excellent. You pass." the teacher smiled in approval.
Over these past days, Tian Yuan had excelled at the Academy. As its top student, he already demonstrated elite Genin ability—and his Genin strength was enough to dominate the Academy. Even Gengetsu Hayate, who had once challenged him, never reappeared for a rematch. Hayate did participate in the exams but kept his distance.
Back among the students, Anko waved at Tian Yuan. "I won't give up, Tian Yuan." She stepped to the front as her name was called. After witnessing Tian Yuan's power, Anko had spent every spare moment training to graduate alongside him next year—and now she was giving it her all.
"Tian Yuan, I'm sorry. I won't graduate with you." Umino Iruka said sadly; his strength still lagged behind some.
"Iruka, don't worry—as long as you never stop growing." Tian Yuan encouraged him.
"Of course. I'll become a true Konoha ninja and protect everyone." Iruka smiled brightly.
Watching Anko take her test, Tian Yuan recalled how treasure chests had appeared over the past days—mostly Common or Standard, some useful, some worthless. He'd also completed tasks to earn Honor Points, saving them for a High-Definition fragment draw to increase his chance of rare gains. But those signals lay in dangerous strongholds—he'd nearly died exploring Root headquarters once.
Still, he had gained useful minor skills: basic medical ninjutsu, faster seal formation, even one-handed seals—small improvements, but growth nonetheless.
"Perhaps I should get out more." A spark lit in his eyes. Once graduated, he could take real missions outside Konoha.
"Tian Yuan, I passed!" Mitarashi Anko pumped her fist and ran up to him.
"Congratulations, Anko." Tian Yuan smiled.
"Of course—I won't fall behind you." Anko grinned.
One by one, the students completed their Three Body Techniques, Kunai throws, and taijutsu tests. By afternoon, all had passed or withdrawn if unprepared—no one knew why the exam seemed unusually rigorous this year.
On a vacant field at the Ninja Academy, a small platform had been erected for the final combat trials.
"Look! Look! That's Lord Hokage!" Anko whispered urgently to Tian Yuan.
Standing before the platform in Hokage robes and straw hat was the Third Hokage. Beside him were the Konoha Sannin: Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. No one expected these Konoha dignitaries to attend a simple Academy exam—they were the village's highest powers, rarely seen in public.
"Not only Lord Hokage, but Jiraiya-sama, Orochimaru-sama, and Tsunade-sama are here!" Anko nearly squealed. "Tian Yuan, why aren't you excited?"
"Well… I am excited." Tian Yuan nodded—having already met Jiraiya and Tsunade, he found it harder to thrill.
"Hmph." Anko sensed his half-heartedness. "Look at Orochimaru-sama—isn't he so cool?"
"Orochimaru is… cool." Tian Yuan shivered at the sight of Orochimaru's haunted eyes. At this hour, Orochimaru must be in the midst of his experiments—best avoid his attention.
"Students, for this live-combat test the school will appoint a Chunin opponent. If you hold out for three minutes, you will officially become Konoha Genin." a ninja teacher announced from the platform.
Then now, let the match begin." The ninja instructor announced, and the practical test started according to the previous order.
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