Natsume graduated in just two and a half years because he was exceptionally talented.
With the help of Ena Uzumaki and the Wood Release potion, he was now in excellent physical condition. In terms of Chakra reserves alone, he was no worse than an average Jonin.
His only drawback at present was his lack of combat experience.
Since arriving in this world, Natsume had never engaged in a life - and - death battle, so naturally, he had no experience.
There was actually quite a significant gap between experienced and inexperienced Ninjas.
Take Itachi Uchiha for example. After graduating last year, he formed a team with two other disciples of Orochimaru, Anko Mitarashi and Yugao Uzuki.
The three of them had maintained a 100% mission completion rate so far and had even exceeded expectations in several A - rank missions.
They were now hailed as the strongest Genin team in Konoha and had quite a reputation.
Theoretically, Natsume could hold his own against Itachi Uchiha with his Sharingan activated, relying on his Wood Release. But in reality, it would probably be very difficult.
This was the advantage that experience brought.
Unless you're so strong that you can throw a brick through anything.
With Naruto Uzumaki's massive Chakra reserves, even the most experienced Ninja could be taken down in one move under the same conditions.
In any case, although Natsume was a Genin, his overall strength was no worse than that of a Chunin.
With a bit more training, he could become a Jonin.
This kind of progress could only be matched by a few like Itachi Uchiha.
"Congratulations on your graduation, Natsume."
Tsunade had been waiting outside the examination room. When she saw him come out wearing the Genin's Forehead Protector, she immediately smiled.
Although she knew it was inevitable for Natsume to pass the exam, as his 'adoptive mother', she still worried.
"I'm one step closer to becoming the Hokage!"
Natsume proudly pointed at his Forehead Protector with his thumb and said with high spirits.
He had long understood Tsunade's personality and knew that this would make her happy.
So alike, so incredibly alike.
Tsunade recalled how Nawaki had looked when he graduated from the Ninja Academy. The expression on his face was very similar to Natsume's right now.
It was as if time had repeated itself.
"Today is your graduation day. Sister has a gift for you."
"Great!"
Natsume looked at her expectantly. He loved gifts.
Tsunade smiled and took off the First Hokage's necklace. She placed it around his neck and put it on for him.
The necklace wasn't cold; instead, it was very warm.
Natsume remembered the legend of the First Hokage's necklace and couldn't help but shiver a little.
In the original story, everyone who had worn it had died, including Naruto Uzumaki.
But he was the protagonist, and he came back to life.
"This is a necklace my grandfather left for me. It contains his Wood Release Chakra, which will be very beneficial to you."
Tsunade stroked his head and explained.
Natsume had wanted to refuse at first, but the gift was just too good.
He remembered that in the early stages, this necklace could even suppress the Nine - Tailed Fox's Chakra, which meant that the Wood Release Chakra inside was no small amount.
For him, who is capable of using Wood Release, it was undoubtedly an excellent power bank.
As for the deadly curse, Natsume thought, 'I have cheat codes. What do I have to fear?'
"Lady Tsunade."
An Anbu Ninja suddenly appeared. "The Hokage wants to see you and Natsume."
Having her tender moment interrupted, Tsunade frowned and coldly asked, "Old man, what is it this time?"
"The Hokage-sama didn't tell me."
The Anbu Ninja sized her up and respectfully replied.
Tsunade waved her hand.
He immediately disappeared.
"Let's go," Tsunade said, taking Natsume's hand. "Let's see what this old man is up to."
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was startled by the suddenly opened door and quickly covered the crystal ball in front of him while patting the blush on his face.
"Ah, Tsunade," he calmly tapped his pipe and then asked, "When did you start not knocking on the door, just like Tanzo?"
"Come on, I'm in a hurry. Just tell me what you want," Tsunade plopped down on the sofa like a boss, showing no sign of her usual gentleness.
Hiruzen was used to her personality. He smiled at Natsume and said, "Today is my great - grandson's graduation. Of course, I have to meet him."
"Grandpa Hokage," Natsume greeted immediately.
"What a good boy," Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.
Over the past two and a half years, Natsume always got full marks in theory classes. He had a very deep understanding of the Will of Fire. In some aspects, even Hiruzen himself felt enlightened after reading his insights and thought that's exactly how it should be done. This left Hiruzen with a very good impression of Natsume.
When Itachi Uchiha graduated at the age of seven, Hiruzen's comment was that he could think from the perspective of the Hokage. If it were Natsume, Hiruzen thought he was the perfect inheritor of the Will of Fire, understanding everything thoroughly.
"Get to the point," Tsunade glared at him impatiently.
"Okay, okay. You've grown up and started to pick on your old teacher, huh?" Hiruzen pretended to sigh and then said, "Since Natsume has become a ninja, according to the tradition, we need to assign him teammates and a team - leader. I have some preliminary candidates..."
"No need," Tsunade interrupted him. "I'll be the team - leader, and his teammates will be Shizune and Kabuto Yakushi."
"But what about your hemophobia?"
Hiruzen knew about her hemophobia, which was why he planned to assign a trustworthy Jonin to Natsume.
"It's cured," Tsunade said, raising her head and slashing a cut on her hand with a kunai. Blood flowed out, but she showed no reaction.
Hiruzen was overjoyed.
A normal Tsunade would have a huge impact on Konoha.
During the battle with Sunagakure Village back then, she turned the tide. It was she who defeated Chiyo. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been that easy.
Oh!
This shows how important Tsunade is. In fact, just the title of the best medical ninja in the ninja world is enough. Previously, due to her hemophobia, she was unable to go to the battlefield, which was a great waste.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Hiruzen's tone was a bit reproachful, but mostly filled with joy.
Now, Konoha was starting to look like it did in its prime again. Among the older generation, he and Tanzo Shimura could still fight. Fugaku Uchiha, Hiashi Hyuga, Shibi Aburame, etc. were all there, and now the Sannin had fully returned.
Among the young generation, Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, Shisui Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha, etc., are gradually taking on more responsibilities.
Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt the pressure drop significantly.
The situation is really good.
"Since that's the case, you'll lead the team."
In his excitement, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't care about Natsume's issue. "However, I have to remind you that as ninjas, they must venture out. Shizune, Natsume, and Kabuto Yakushi are all talented kids. Protecting them might actually hold back their futures."
"I know."
Although Tsunade was reluctant, she understood that Hiruzen Sarutobi was right.
If another Great Ninja World War breaks out, and Natsume and the others participate without experience, they'll just be sitting ducks.
"The war between Konoha Village and Kumogakure is almost over. You can take them to gain some experience."
Hiruzen Sarutobi suggested again. "If you show up at the border, Kumogakure might reach a peace agreement earlier."
"So that's your real goal, old man."
Tsunade snorted softly but didn't refuse. "I'll make the arrangements. You don't need to worry."
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