After being repeatedly reported by locals living near the woods, Shiki and Lee moved their training location outside the borders of Konoha Village.
Because of years of their cultivation, this small grove had become completely barren.
Everything seemed to go back to normal—Shiki continued training daily with Lee in grueling routines no ordinary person could imagine enduring.
Of course, Shiki did not reach the same level of intensity as Lee's training.
His focus had partially shifted toward mastering Medical Ninjutsu.
In the classroom, the red-haired boy sat with sunlight illuminating his face. Yet his eyes remained fixed on the intricate surgical techniques described in the book.
It seemed like an incredibly peaceful scene.
"Shiki! This must be the third time I've reminded you today that what I'm saying is extremely important! You're still reading those nonsense books! Do you really think I won't confiscate them?"
Iruka slammed his hand on the desk, glaring fiercely at Shiki.
Shiki slightly furrowed his brows before shifting his gaze to Iruka.
Truthfully, Iruka had warned him beforehand that today's lesson was significant and demanded full attention during class.
But honestly, the ninja academy graduation exam was such a snooze-fest.
He felt helpless inside.
Even without being here, he already knew the test content would revolve around [Clone Jutsu].
Sure, things might have changed slightly since his arrival in this world,
but surely, it would still test one of the Three Ninja Arts.
If he couldn't pass such a simple exam, then there'd truly be no point in becoming a ninja anyway.
Still, seeing Iruka growing visibly angry, he shut the book.
Only then did Iruka withdraw his furious glare and continued, "As I just explained, the final exam may include questions about these skills. Now let me explain its significance—it determines whether you can wear the forehead protector bearing Konoha's emblem and officially become a real ninja. That's why I hope all of you take it seriously. Especially that red-haired kid who keeps reading unrelated books during class even after multiple warnings!"
Shiki replied with resignation, "Iruka-sensei, I suggest you skip that long scolding phrase and just call me 'Shiki Uzumaki.' Considering everyone in the class already knows me quite well and we maintain a good rapport, you could even simply say 'Shiki.'"
For a moment, Iruka froze at Shiki's words before retorting, "Don't get cheeky with me. If you fail this exam, I'll make sure you regret it."
Fine.
Shiki fell silent again; when exactly that happened, he wasn't sure, but somehow graduation day from the ninja academy had already arrived.
Looking out the window at the swing swaying in the breeze, he felt unexpectedly sentimental.
Sunlight glinted off its frame, as if holding countless memories within it. Was it laughter from other children? Or Naruto's pain? Or perhaps...his own?
Enough of this fake nostalgia.
He knew perfectly well he'd never actually sat on that swing himself.
Rather, the desk right in front of him—the very one he'd leaned over for five or six years—was what stirred true sentimentality.
Shiki's thoughts began to wander.
Who would be his supervising ninja?
Following the standard team configuration of two boys and one girl, he probably wouldn't replace Sakura and become a member of Kakashi's team.
As for Ino–Shika–Cho, he had even less chance. That bond formed across generations with naturally complementary abilities was something an outsider like him couldn't possibly replace.
Looks like he would probably have to join a team led by a ninja who didn't appear in the original story.
But who could that be?
Suddenly, a flash of sword light crossed his mind, making Shiki shudder involuntarily.
Hayate Gekko and Seiji Ito popped into his mind.
A pang of regret hit him—he recalled that Hayate Gekko had never officially been a jonin in the original plot.
As for Seiji Ito, there wasn't even any record of him.
His swordsmanship talent likely faded into mediocrity due to lack of guidance.
After all, swordsmanship wasn't like other disciplines—one couldn't truly master advanced techniques without proper instruction.
Self-teaching made progress extremely difficult.
Thinking about it, Shiki couldn't help but sigh. Another regret.
Chapter 76: Yuuma Akimoto
The school bell rang, finally snapping Shiki out of his thoughts.
Groups of children were chatting about the graduation exam.
"There are actually two retakes for the graduation exam! That makes things feel more reassuring now."
"Don't think like that—we should aim to pass on the first try. Don't rely on retakes."
Huh?
Retakes?
Since when did such a thing exist?
Naruto stood up on the desk, shouting loudly, "I'm definitely going to pass on my first try!"
Many students in the class wore expressions of dislike.
He's obviously the bottom of the class and still acting so cocky.
But Naruto's words got Shiki thinking deeply.
Wasn't it that Naruto failed the exam three times before Mizuki tricked him into stealing the Scroll of Seals?
Shiki clicked his tongue. If that's the case, then the familiar storyline might really begin soon. After all, his memories of watching Naruto long ago were already quite blurry.
After being here for so long, he'd forgotten many details.
Sometimes only when people connected to those events appeared before him would he get reminded of these memories.
So, should he interfere in this event?
That was what Shiki contemplated.
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