The graduation exam of the Ninja Academy officially began.
This was the first graduation exam since the reforms. Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, Advisors Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, along with many jōnin, were all present.
It could be called the grandest graduation ceremony ever.
A high platform for the examination had already been built on the school training field.
Principal Hatake Sakumo walked in with a serious expression, leading the group of teachers. He then slowly stepped forward, gazing at the students who were about to be tested.
"This is the first graduation exam after the reform. I hope all of you give it your all and showcase your unique talents!"
"The examination begins now!"
"Examiner, take your place!"
At his command—
Gekko Chizan used a Body Flicker Technique and appeared directly on the central high platform.
Everyone approved of his role as the examiner—after all, he was one of the few jōnin-level teachers at the academy.
Moreover, the requirements of this exam were tailored to each individual's situation, so only one examiner had been assigned. This approach was expected to yield much better results.
"Yo, so many familiar faces. I hope you all show the strength to stand on your own."
"First up, Might Guy!"
The youthful hot-blooded boy couldn't wait any longer. With a leap, he landed on the platform.
"Chizan-sensei! I'll definitely graduate this time!"
"Come on, then!"
As soon as the words fell, Might Guy launched an attack.
Thanks to Chen-san's training in recent days, his speed had improved significantly.
A flurry of close-range strikes flowed seamlessly—so much so that even Gekko Chizan couldn't help but be impressed. Guy was already beginning to shine.
"Leaf Whirlwind!"
Two sweeping kicks powered by wind lashed out one after another. Gekko Chizan smiled slightly and dodged with a flash.
The two sharp sounds of breaking air rang out, astonishing the crowd. Just generating such a sound from a kick technique alone spoke volumes of Guy's strength and speed.
Down below, Chen-san smiled faintly, very satisfied with Guy's performance.
"All right, no need to continue. You pass."
"I don't think anyone would object."
Just as Guy was about to continue attacking, Chizan announced his success.
Guy cheered joyfully and wanted to rush over and give Chizan a hug, but Chizan stopped him.
"Off you go—others still need to be tested!"
Then he tossed Guy off the platform with one hand.
"Next, Asuma."
Oh? The son of a high official, huh? Better treat this one properly.
Watching Asuma leap onto the platform, Chizan showed a sly grin.
Down below, Pakura saw that grin and immediately started praying for Asuma.
She knew exactly what it meant—Chizan was about to start laying traps.
Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze also shifted as he saw his son step onto the platform.
"Hiruzen, your son should be ready to graduate too, right?"
"Well, let's see. If his skills aren't up to par, he should study a few more years."
Mitokado Homura quipped as Asuma took the stage.
Sarutobi Hiruzen kept his eyes on Chizan's grin, feeling that something wasn't quite right. He said nothing further and just focused on watching his son's performance.
"Come on, Asuma. Show me what you've got."
Hmph, brat. Disrespect your teacher, will you? Let's see how I deal with you.
As a true method actor, Gekko Chizan had already made up his mind.
"Heh!"
Asuma didn't waste words—he lunged in with his fists, launching a barrage of attacks straight at Chizan's face.
That made Chizan's face instantly darken.
Kid's got guts—going straight for the face? You don't hit a man in the face, damn it.
Fine, I was gonna give you some dignity. You're the one throwing it away.
Dodging to the side, Chizan grabbed Asuma's collar and tossed him off.
Asuma quickly adjusted midair and landed steadily. Then he began to form hand seals.
But... those seals looked awfully simple. Didn't look like Sarutobi Clan's signature Fire Release techniques...
"Fire Release: Flame Bullet!"
Several fireballs the size of fists shot out instantly. Everyone, including Chizan and the audience, could practically hear the caw of a crow echo in their minds.
The Sarutobi Clan was known for their mastery of Fire Release... and these puny fireballs were seriously underwhelming.
Even the Uchiha's Phoenix Fire Jutsu produced much larger fireballs than this.
"Ah…"
Chizan let out a weary sigh—purely for effect.
Then he vanished from in front of Asuma.
The little fireballs soared off the testing platform.
"Where is he?! Where did he go?!"
Asuma panicked as Chizan disappeared from view, looking all around in confusion.
Down below, Sarutobi Hiruzen's face went black.
Forget the pitiful fireballs—his son was completely flustered just because the opponent vanished!
What a disgrace!
As for Chizan, he hadn't actually disappeared. He'd simply moved behind Asuma.
Quietly, he formed the Tiger Seal with both hands.
Everyone watching was startled—Tiger Seal? Fire Release? Wasn't that a bit too much for a student?
Only Pakura, Uchiha Obito, Hatake Sakumo, and Sarutobi Hiruzen themselves were covering their faces.
They couldn't bear to watch. That shameless bastard was actually pulling out that jutsu—Thousand Years of Death.
"Asuma, behind you!"
Kurenai Yuhi couldn't take it anymore and immediately called out.
Just as Asuma began to turn—
Chizan moved.
"Kid, go home and train some more. Konoha Style Taijutsu Secret Technique—"
"Thousand Years of Death!"
As the Tiger Seal jabbed forward—
A cute little flower blossomed.
"Aaaargh!!!!"
A figure was launched into the air with a scream of agony.
As everyone saw Asuma clutching his butt and soaring into the air, they froze in place.
All that echoed in their minds was the same phrase: So... the Tiger Seal can be used like that? Wait, was that jutsu even serious?
Gekko Chizan blew on his hands as if smoke was rising from them.
Just then, a system notification suddenly rang out.
[Ding! Host has used Thousand Years of Death to successfully pain-strike more than three times. Long-term mission activated: Let the ninja world know the fear of the Thousand Years of Death!]
[Every time you use Thousand Years of Death to inflict pain a certain number of times, you will receive corresponding rewards!]
Wow, this was great news. Chizan originally thought Thousand Years of Death was just for messing around—
But now, it looked like this would become his official combat technique!
Kill! One by one! All of them get the Thousand Years of Death!
He started laughing—Gekko Chizan began laughing.
But to everyone watching, that smile looked disturbingly sinister.
Hatake Sakumo saw that smile and couldn't help but quietly take half a step back. He felt this little brat was plotting something shady—and it definitely involved him.
"Next, Uchiha Obito!"
Gekko Chizan looked cheerfully at Obito as he stepped onto the platform.
That grin made Obito feel totally uncomfortable.
"Chizan-sensei, could you... not smile like that?"
"Seeing that smile, I don't even want to fight anymore…"
Obito's words upon stepping up sent the crowd into an uproar.
Mainly because Chizan's smile right now was way too creepy.
Evil Naruto smirk mode activated.
Thousand Years of Death—this jutsu only appeared a few times in the anime. Man, man, man~ Kishimoto, you really didn't understand the true glory of Naruto.
Don't worry. The essence of the Thousand Years of Death will now be embodied by the protagonist!
Gotta make a glove that blocks scent... hahaha...
...
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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