"Sarutobi Asuma, approved for graduation."
"Shimura Feng Bai, approved for graduation."
"Uchiha Obito, approved—uh, where is Uchiha Obito?"
"Ahem, Hatake Kakashi, approved for graduation."
Despite being an early graduation ceremony, Hiruzen still decided to preside personally, hosting the event in the auditorium and presenting graduation certificates and forehead protectors to all students.
Gazing with complex emotions at the joyful children before him, knowing that one day they would march to battlefields on his orders, a flicker of guilt stirred in Hiruzen's heart.
But when his eyes fell upon Asuma and Feng Bai among the crowd, his momentarily softened heart hardened once more.
Yes—even his and Danzo's children were part of this group. For Konoha, anyone could be sacrificed, himself included.
"I won the bet. Remember to treat me after team assignments."
Taking advantage of Hiruzen turning back toward the podium, Feng Bai nudged Asuma. Just yesterday, they'd wagered whether Obito would arrive punctually.
Since Feng Bai had bet first on Obito being late, Asuma was reluctantly forced to bet on his punctuality.
"Fine, fine. You've got more pocket money than me and you're still fleecing me."
Asuma glanced helplessly at Feng Bai, sighed, and reached into his wallet to gauge its thickness.
"Obito too—after everything I told him yesterday, he still managed to be late. No dango for him today."
Seeing Obito's certificate and forehead protector lying forlornly on the podium, Asuma finally felt genuine irritation toward the chronic latecomer.
"Everyone, please welcome the Third Hokage for his address."
As the two discussed methods to cure Obito's tardiness, a ninja stepped forward, using his booming voice to silence the murmurs below before respectfully stepping aside for the approaching Hiruzen.
"On this vibrant day of flourishing life and boundless potential, I won't waste everyone's time—just a few brief words. Since the First Hokage founded Konoha..."
"Starting from the First Hokage? That's what he calls 'a few brief words'?"
Asuma never missed an opportunity to critique his father, whispering to Feng Bai.
"Keep it down, or your dad will hear you."
Seeing Asuma making no effort to lower his voice, Feng Bai urgently whispered a reminder.
"So what if he hears? Is he going to leap down and beat me?"
Rather than quieting down, Asuma defiantly raised his head to meet Hiruzen's gaze directly.
Hiruzen paid no attention to his youngest son, focusing entirely on the other children—making Asuma feel even more neglected.
"After the First Hokage's passing, his brother, Lord Tobirama Senju, assumed the role of Second Hokage..."
Hiruzen spoke expansively for half an hour, leaving Feng Bai drowsy.
"I'm telling you, Obito is truly remarkable. Your dad's been talking this long, and he still hasn't shown even a shadow."
"Tell me about it. Whenever you ask, he claims he's helping elderly people. How many senior citizens could he possibly encounter in Konoha?" Asuma nodded in agreement.
"Since the outbreak of the Second Shinobi World War, the village has witnessed countless inheritors of the Will of Fire..." On stage, Hiruzen Sarutobi continued his address.
Another half hour passed before Hiruzen finally concluded his "brief remarks" and departed the podium with a smile.
As the instructor announced the ceremony's end and the new genin began dispersing, Obito burst into the auditorium, gasping for breath.
"Huff, huff, huff—did I... did I make it?"
Obito leaned against the wall, searching for familiar faces.
"You made it to jack squat. Here—your graduation certificate and forehead protector."
Feng Bai, who'd been crouching by the door waiting for Obito, rolled his eyes and approached, shoving the certificate and protector into Obito's arms.
"Seriously, I handled your enrollment paperwork, and now I'm delivering your graduation certificate. I've practically become your personal assistant."
"Hehe, I just encountered an elderly gentleman who couldn't carry his belongings, so I helped him home. I knew you'd be the best, Feng Bai—that you'd definitely help me with these things."
Obito clutched his forehead protector like a precious treasure while flashing a foolish grin to express his gratitude to Feng Bai.
"See? I told you—you've spoiled him rotten."
Kakashi nearby delivered his icy assessment.
"Kakashi, what are you doing here too?!" Hearing the familiar voice, Obito bristled again. He hadn't heard that Kakashi was also applying for early graduation.
"Moron, I submitted my application long before you did."
Kakashi, hands in pockets, regarded Obito with the look reserved for the mentally deficient, sending Obito into another frenzy.
"Alright, alright—team assignments are coming up. Maybe you two will end up on the same squad."
"Who wants to be on a team with this guy?!" ×2
"You know, these two actually have a certain synchronicity." Asuma studied both of them thoughtfully.
...
"Hyuga Karen, Shirakumo Hayama, Aranka—form Team Three!"
"Dokuraku Kai, Tokogane Kan, Hatake Kakashi—form Team Five!"
Hearing Kakashi wouldn't be on his team, Obito nearly leaped with joy: "Hah! Kakashi, looks like you won't get to witness my heroic battlefield exploits!"
"Hmph."
Kakashi snorted dismissively, ignored Obito, and glanced at Feng Bai: "I'll head over now."
"Yeah, go ahead. Get along well with your teammates."
Feng Bai waved him off.
"Damn Kakashi, actually ignoring me!"
Watching Kakashi interact with Feng Bai instead of acknowledging him, Obito felt thoroughly dejected.
[Wonder who I'll be teamed with. Will the old man directly intervene and stick me straight into Root?]
As the classroom steadily emptied, Feng Bai eyed the few remaining familiar faces, speculating about Danzo's intentions.
"Shimura Feng Bai, Sarutobi Asuma, Uchiha Obito—form Team Eleven!"
A familiar voice rang out. Feng Bai looked up in shock at the figure in the black coat standing at the doorway.
"Holy shit, it's Aburame Ryōma!"
...
"So, what do you think of the captain I selected for the two boys?"
When it came to parental matters, Danzo's tone was considerably warmer than usual.
"Ryōma is indeed an exceptional ninja. Whether in infiltration or solo combat capabilities, he ranks among the elite jōnin."
Hiruzen fully acknowledged Ryōma's abilities.
Seeing Hiruzen also recognize Ryōma's prowess, Danzo could barely suppress a smile. But remembering the team included a member of his most despised Uchiha clan, his expression immediately turned frigid:
"If only there weren't an Uchiha clan member among them."
Hiruzen completely ignored Danzo's complaints.
You despise the Uchiha ? Then I'll deliberately place one on your son's team, so he'll be with your boy every single day.
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